Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and a vibrant display of nature’s beauty. Gardens burst into life with colorful petals, each flower telling its own story. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply enjoy the sight of blossoms, knowing the names of these summer flowers in English can deepen your appreciation.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Standing tall with golden-yellow petals, the sunflower is a summer icon. Its name comes from its tendency to turn toward the sun, a phenomenon called heliotropism. Sunflowers symbolize adoration and loyalty, making them a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Known for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms, hibiscus flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. These tropical beauties thrive in warm climates and are often used in teas and skincare products. The word "hibiscus" originates from the Greek name for mallow.

Lavender (Lavandula)

With its soothing fragrance and delicate purple spikes, lavender is a summer staple. This aromatic herb is prized for its calming properties and is commonly used in essential oils, sachets, and culinary dishes. The name "lavender" comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash," reflecting its historical use in baths.

Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigolds dazzle with their bright orange and yellow hues. These hardy flowers bloom throughout summer and are often planted to repel garden pests. The name "marigold" is derived from "Mary’s gold," a reference to the Virgin Mary in Christian traditions.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are cheerful, daisy-like flowers available in a spectrum of colors. They are easy to grow and attract butterflies, making them a popular choice for summer gardens. The flower was named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.

Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

Dahlias are known for their intricate, layered petals and come in nearly every color imaginable. Native to Mexico, these flowers were named in honor of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. They bloom from midsummer until the first frost.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos flowers have delicate, feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms in pink, white, and crimson. The name "cosmos" comes from the Greek word for "harmony," reflecting the flower’s balanced appearance. These low-maintenance blooms thrive in hot weather.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

Morning glories unfurl their trumpet-shaped flowers at dawn, displaying shades of blue, purple, and pink. The name perfectly captures their habit of blooming in the early hours. These fast-growing vines are a charming addition to summer trellises.

Petunia (Petunia × atkinsiana)

Petunias are versatile summer flowers with velvety petals in vibrant colors. They bloom profusely and are often used in hanging baskets and garden beds. The name "petunia" is derived from the indigenous South American word for tobacco, a related plant.

Geranium (Pelargonium)

Geraniums are hardy, sun-loving plants with clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. Often grown in pots, they are a classic choice for summer decor. The name comes from the Greek geranos, meaning "crane," due to the shape of their seed pods.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

These golden-yellow flowers with dark centers are a symbol of summer meadows. Black-eyed Susans are drought-resistant and attract pollinators. The name honors Swedish botanist Olaus Rudbeck.

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers feature striking purple petals surrounding a spiky central cone. They are valued for their medicinal properties and ability to thrive in hot conditions. The name "echinacea" comes from the Greek word for "hedgehog," referring to the spiky seed head.

Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantanas produce clusters of tiny, multicolored flowers that change hues as they mature. These heat-tolerant plants are a magnet for butterflies. The name "lantana" is derived from the Latin word for "flexible," referencing their woody stems.

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)

Bougainvilleas are known for their papery, brightly colored bracts that surround tiny white flowers. These vigorous climbers flourish in summer heat. The plant was named after French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies bloom for just one day, but each plant produces multiple flowers throughout summer. Their name comes from the Greek words hemera (day) and kallos (beauty). These low-maintenance perennials come in a variety of colors.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)

Gladiolus flowers grow on tall spikes, displaying a range of hues from pastels to deep reds. The name means "little sword" in Latin, referring to their sword-shaped leaves. These striking blooms are often used in floral arrangements.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

Also called tickseed, coreopsis flowers have sunny yellow or red petals with a daisy-like appearance. They are drought-resistant and bloom all summer. The name comes from the Greek words koris (bug) and opsis (resembling), due to the shape of their seeds.

Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Phlox produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These summer bloomers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The name "phlox" is Greek for "flame," reflecting their vibrant colors.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm, or bergamot, has tubular red, pink, or purple flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves are used in herbal teas. The name honors Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow features flat clusters of tiny white, yellow, or pink flowers. It is drought-tolerant and has medicinal uses. The genus name Achillea refers to the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used the plant to heal wounds.

Summer flowers bring joy, color, and fragrance to gardens, balconies, and wild landscapes. Learning their English names connects us more deeply to nature’s seasonal rhythms. Whether you’re planting a garden or simply admiring blooms on a walk, these flowers remind us of summer’s fleeting beauty.