What Flowers Can You Safely Plant in June Without Wasting Money?

You can absolutely plant flowers in June — but choosing the right varieties is key to getting blooms that thrive, not just survive. Annuals like zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, and sunflowers love the heat, while perennials in containers can still establish if watered well. Avoid cool-season flowers and late-start seeds that won’t mature before frost in Northeast Ohio.

Introduction

June hits, the garden centers are stocked, and your flower beds are begging for color — but is it too late to plant?

Not at all.

In fact, June is a fantastic time to add flowers to your landscape, as long as you pick heat-tolerant varieties and avoid ones that need a long runway to bloom. This guide breaks down:

• The best flowers to plant in June in the Cleveland area

• What to avoid so you don’t waste time or money

• How to get the most out of a late start

• Tips for planting during summer heat

Know Your Zone: Cleveland’s June Growing Conditions

Cleveland sits in USDA Zone 6a–6b, with:

• Average last frost: early to mid-May

• First frost: mid-October

• Growing season remaining in June: ~100–120 days

That’s still plenty of time for annuals, potted perennials, and fast-growing flowers to thrive — especially with the long daylight and warm soil of early summer.

Best Annual Flowers to Plant in June

Annuals are your fastest payoff — they grow quickly, bloom heavily, and die with frost. Here are some June-friendly champs:

🌼 1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a go-to flower for June planting in Northeast Ohio, especially for gardeners who want fast results without constant maintenance. These tough, sun-loving annuals thrive in hot, dry conditions and bloom quickly—typically within 30 to 45 days from seed. That means even if you’re starting late, you’ll still enjoy vibrant color well into summer and fall.

Incorporate marigolds along garden borders, vegetable beds, or entryways to add a splash of gold, orange, or bi-color contrast. They’re not just pretty—they also pull their weight in the garden. Many varieties help repel aphids, nematodes, and even deer, making them a natural companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

If you’re planting in June, use nursery starts or direct-sow seeds in well-drained soil and full sun. They do especially well in raised beds and container gardens—ideal for patios or porches that get at least 6–8 hours of sun. Deadheading isn’t strictly necessary, but pinching off spent blooms will keep them fuller and more floriferous.

Marigolds are a smart choice if you’re looking for low-effort, high-impact color that can handle Northeast Ohio’s unpredictable early summer weather. Whether tucked among herbs, flanking your mailbox, or filling an empty patch in your front bed, they’re hard to beat for versatility and charm.

🌸 2. Zinnias

Zinnias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to plant in June, especially if you’re aiming for bold, cheerful color with minimal fuss. These sun-loving annuals thrive in the heat and germinate quickly from seed, often blooming within 6 to 8 weeks. Even if your beds sat empty through spring, it’s not too late—June is actually a perfect time to sow zinnias directly outdoors in Northeast Ohio.

For the biggest impact, plant zinnias in full sun and well-drained soil. They do best in open areas where air can circulate, which helps prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with zinnias in humid conditions. Try mixing a few different varieties—like short ‘Thumbelina’ types for containers and edging, or tall ‘Benary’s Giant’ cultivars for the back of borders or cutting gardens.

Zinnias are also a pollinator favorite. Their bold, daisy-like blooms attract butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects, making them a perfect choice for eco-friendly gardeners. Place them near your vegetable garden to encourage pollination, or interplant them with herbs and veggies to add structure and color.

Want fresh flowers on your table all summer? Zinnias are built for cutting. Just snip long stems when the blooms are fully open—doing so encourages the plant to produce more. If you’re planting in June, sow in successive batches every 2–3 weeks through mid-July to extend your bloom season well into fall.

Whether you’re filling in gaps in a border, designing a pollinator patch, or building a low-cost cutting garden, zinnias planted in June are a high-reward choice that brings joy fast.

🌻 3. Sunflowers

Few flowers bring instant summer joy like sunflowers, and June is still a fantastic time to plant them in Northeast Ohio. While early spring plantings can lead to towering giants by mid-summer, sunflowers planted in June will still produce gorgeous blooms by August or September—perfect for filling in garden gaps or creating a bold, late-season statement.

Sunflowers thrive in full sun and average soil, and they’re surprisingly tolerant of heat, drought, and poor conditions once established. For best results, direct sow seeds—sunflowers don’t transplant well due to their deep taproots. Simply scratch a small trench, drop seeds every 6–12 inches, and cover lightly with soil. Water consistently until they sprout, which usually happens in under 10 days.

To use sunflowers effectively in your landscape, consider what you want from them:

• Tall varieties (like ‘Mammoth’ or ‘American Giant’) make dramatic backdrops or living privacy screens.

• Dwarf types (like ‘Teddy Bear’ or ‘Sunspot’) are ideal for containers, small beds, or along fences.

• Branching varieties (like ‘Autumn Beauty’ or ‘Lemon Queen’) provide multiple blooms per plant—great for pollinators and cut flower arrangements.

Sunflowers also double as a wildlife magnet. Bees and butterflies love the blooms, and birds (especially goldfinches) will snack on the seed heads later in the season. If you’d like to save seeds, allow the heads to fully dry on the stem and then snip and store them—or leave them up for the birds to enjoy through early fall.

Whether you’re creating a kid-friendly garden, filling a sunny corner, or building out a pollinator path, sunflowers planted in June are an easy win—and one of the few flowers that make everyone stop and smile.

🌺 4. Cosmos

Cosmos are the unsung heroes of the summer flower garden—easy to grow, elegantly delicate, and ideal for June planting. These heat-tolerant annuals don’t mind a late start, and they’ll bloom profusely from mid-to-late summer right up until the first frost if planted now. Their feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms add a soft, whimsical feel that complements both formal and cottage-style gardens.

For best results, direct sow cosmos seeds in full sun—they don’t transplant well, and they actually prefer leaner soil. Skip the fertilizer; too-rich soil can make them tall and floppy with fewer flowers. You’ll start seeing blooms within 7–9 weeks, especially if you choose early-flowering varieties like ‘Sensation’ or ‘Sonata’.

Cosmos are incredibly versatile. Use them to:

• Soften the edges of a veggie bed

• Fill in wide open borders

• Add vertical interest with taller varieties like ‘Double Click’ or ‘Purity’

• Attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hoverflies

If you’re planting in June, try staggered sowing every 2–3 weeks through early July to keep fresh blooms coming. Deadheading encourages even more flowers, but many gardeners let them go to seed in late summer to encourage natural reseeding next year.

Cosmos are also fantastic for cut flower arrangements—they’re long-lasting in a vase and look great mixed with zinnias or sunflowers. Whether you’re planting a quick-blooming patch or a pollinator-friendly filler, cosmos are an effortless way to add height, movement, and color to your garden all summer long

🌼 5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are the secret weapon of the summer garden—beautiful, edible, and incredibly easy to grow in June. Their round, lily pad-like leaves and bright blooms spill gracefully from containers or crawl along the edge of beds, making them a perfect choice for borders, hanging baskets, and companion planting near vegetables.

These flowers thrive in full sun and poorer soils, and they don’t need fertilizer—in fact, rich soil can cause more leaf growth than blooms. Direct sow them in June and you’ll have flowers by mid-July, with continuous growth into fall. They come in both bushy (mounding) and trailing (vining) types, so choose based on where you’re planting. Trailing types can climb a trellis or spill over retaining walls for dramatic effect.

Beyond the garden, nasturtiums are a chef’s favorite, adding a peppery bite to salads and stunning visuals to plated dishes. You’ve probably seen them featured by local growers like The Itsy Bitsy Veggie Co., who harvest them for sale to restaurants and grocery stores throughout Northeast Ohio. They’re a favorite among foodies and farmers alike for being both ornamental and edible.

Plant nasturtiums near squash, cucumbers, or brassicas to help deter aphids and squash bugs, or use them as a living mulch under taller crops. And don’t forget—you can eat both the leaves and flowers. Just rinse and toss them fresh into salads, or use the blossoms to garnish charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or summer drinks.

Whether you’re after color, pest control, or homegrown gourmet flair, nasturtiums are a June garden addition that overdelivers.

Perennials You Can Still Plant in June (from Pots)

If you’re planting in June and want to make a long-term investment, consider picking up perennials in pots from your local garden center or nursery. While they may cost more upfront than a seed packet, these plants are already established and ready to thrive. And if you plant them now, they’ll settle in during summer and reward you for years to come—no replanting required (unless you want to).

This is especially smart in June because many nurseries start discounting potted perennials to make room for summer inventory. You can score mature plants for a fraction of spring prices.

Here are a few standout perennials to look for that handle June planting well in Northeast Ohio:

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are a staple in sunny gardens for good reason—they’re cheerful, reliable, and bloom for weeks on end. With bright golden petals and dark centers, they add vibrant contrast to any landscape and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies all season long. While they’re often grown in the ground, Black-eyed Susans also perform well in containers, making them a great option for small-space gardeners or renters.

To grow one successfully in a pot, choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide, with good drainage holes. Fill it with a high-quality outdoor potting mix that drains well but retains some moisture. Place the pot in full sun, ideally where it will receive at least 6–8 hours of direct light per day—more sun equals more blooms. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let it sit soggy; soggy roots lead to rot.

These hardy perennials bloom from mid-summer through fall and need only basic care: deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming, and cut the plant back to a few inches above soil level after frost. In containers, Black-eyed Susans will need more frequent watering than in-ground plantings and may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. If you overwinter the pot outdoors in Northeast Ohio, insulate it or move it to a protected area so the roots don’t freeze solid. With a little attention, these easy-care perennials will brighten your porch or patio for years.

2. Coreopsis

Coreopsis, often called tickseed, is a bright and cheerful bloomer that thrives in full sun and blooms heavily from early summer through fall. Its daisy-like flowers—usually in shades of yellow, but also red, pink, or bi-color depending on the variety—are beloved by pollinators and add a light, airy feel to containers. It’s also one of the few perennials that tolerates heat and poor soil without losing steam.

For containers, choose a pot that’s at least 10–12 inches deep and wide, with excellent drainage. Coreopsis doesn’t like soggy roots, so use a gritty, well-draining potting mix, and avoid overwatering. Place the pot where it will get at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, but watering once or twice a week during dry spells will keep blooms coming. Dwarf varieties like Coreopsis ‘Nana’ or ‘Zagreb’ are particularly well-suited to pots.

Deadheading spent blooms will encourage even more flowers and help the plant maintain a neat shape. While coreopsis doesn’t require much feeding, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth in container settings. In Northeast Ohio, potted coreopsis can overwinter outdoors if insulated well, or you can move the pot to a protected location. With minimal care, this low-fuss perennial will reward you with months of sunny color in even the smallest garden spaces.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are bold, reliable, and built to thrive in Northeast Ohio summers. Known for their large daisy-like blooms with raised centers, echinacea comes in a wide range of colors—from classic purple to orange, white, and even green varieties. They’re a favorite among pollinators, especially butterflies and bees, and make excellent cut flowers too. Their upright structure and long bloom time (from mid-summer into fall) make them a standout in both in-ground and container plantings.

To grow coneflowers in pots, choose a container that’s at least 14–16 inches wide and 12+ inches deep, as these perennials develop a substantial root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure your pot has drainage holes. Coneflowers crave full sun (6–8 hours daily) and are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they’ll bloom more consistently with regular deep watering during dry stretches. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy—echinacea prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.

Coneflowers benefit from deadheading, though many gardeners leave the seed heads intact later in the season to feed birds (especially finches) and add winter interest. If you want them to return next year, overwinter the container in a sheltered area or mulch heavily around the base to protect the roots from hard freezes. With their long stems, wildlife value, and rugged nature, coneflowers are one of the best perennials for container gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant with high visual impact.

4. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a powerhouse perennial that brings both beauty and biodiversity to your space. Its firework-like blooms in shades of red, pink, lavender, and purple are magnets for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It also carries a light herbal fragrance (it’s in the mint family), and makes a great addition to pollinator-friendly garden beds or porch displays. Blooming typically from mid to late summer, bee balm adds color, height, and motion to any container garden.

You don’t need to be a plant expert—or even that attentive—to succeed with bee balm in a pot. I’ve had the same bee balm growing in a container on my front steps for five years straight. I rarely water it, never fertilize it, and honestly forget it exists for most of the season… yet every year it comes back strong, full of blooms, and buzzing with bees. It’s the kind of plant that thrives in spite of you, not because of you.

For best results, give bee balm a deep container at least 12–14 inches wide, and place it in full sun to part shade. It appreciates regular watering during long dry spells, but it’s fairly forgiving if you skip a few days. While newer cultivars are bred to resist powdery mildew, giving your pot a spot with decent airflow will help keep foliage looking good. You can deadhead for a second wave of blooms, or just let the plant go wild—it’ll still reward you with color and pollinators, no matter how much (or little) effort you put in.

5. Russian Sage

Russian Sage is a striking, drought-tolerant perennial known for its silvery-gray foliage and long, airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It brings a soft, hazy texture to the garden and blooms from midsummer through early fall—perfect timing for filling out containers planted in June. While it looks delicate, this plant is incredibly tough and thrives in hot, dry conditions once established.

In containers, Russian Sage needs a large pot—ideally 16 inches or more in width and depth—to accommodate its woody base and sprawling growth habit. It performs best in full sun with well-draining, sandy or gritty soil. Good drainage is non-negotiable; soggy conditions will quickly lead to root rot. Once it’s settled in, Russian Sage is practically hands-off. Water it regularly for the first few weeks after planting, then cut back to occasional deep watering during dry spells. Overwatering is one of the only ways to mess this plant up.

As it matures, Russian Sage can reach 3–4 feet tall, even in a pot, so place it where it has space to shine—either as a focal point in a large container or as a backdrop to smaller flowering plants like coreopsis or catmint. You can prune it back to a few inches in early spring to keep its shape compact and promote dense new growth. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that thrives in heat and keeps blooming even when others fade, Russian Sage is a container-friendly winner.

What NOT to Plant in June (Save Your Money)

Skip these in Northeast Ohio unless you’re okay with poor results:

• Cool-season flowers like pansies, violas, and snapdragons — they’ll bolt or fizzle fast in the heat

• Bare-root perennials — they’ll struggle to establish in hot soil

• Slow-maturing annuals from seed (like petunias or lobelia) — unless you’re transplanting nursery-grown starts

• Shallow-rooted seedlings without regular water access — they often dry out or fail to thrive

Planting Tips for June Success

Water deeply and regularly

Young plants need daily water at first — aim for early morning or late evening.

Mulch to retain moisture

A 1–2″ layer of shredded bark or leaf mulch helps protect roots and reduce watering needs.

Give new plants afternoon shade

If possible, plant on a cloudy day or use row covers to reduce transplant shock.

Fertilize lightly

Too much nitrogen early on can stress new plants — choose a balanced or bloom-focused feed.

Watch for early summer pests

Japanese beetles, aphids, and slugs ramp up in June — inspect leaves regularly and act early.

Cleveland-Area Notes

Our lake effect humidity can be both helpful and harmful:

• It helps prevent plants from drying too quickly

• But it can also boost fungal problems — space plants well and avoid watering foliage

If your garden gets full sun, choose zinnias, marigolds, and coneflowers. For part shade, go with nasturtiums, impatiens, or bee balm.

FAQ: June Flower Planting

Is it too late to plant flowers in June in Ohio?
No! June is great for heat-tolerant annuals and potted perennials. Just be sure to water regularly and mulch well.

Can I still plant seeds in June?
Yes — fast-growers like zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers will bloom by mid to late summer when planted now.

Should I avoid planting anything in full sun in June?
Not necessarily. Just choose heat-loving varieties and water them deeply during the first few weeks.

Do I need to fertilize flowers planted in June?
Yes, but go light. Use a slow-release or balanced fertilizer after plants are established (7–10 days post-planting).

What flowers grow best in Cleveland’s summer heat?
Try marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, coreopsis, and black-eyed Susans for reliable summer color.

If you are still reading at the 3,100 word marker you should check out my plant book, Know the Natives. If you made it this far, you will love the book!!

Still have questions, you can always reach out!</p>

Last Updated: 6/26/25