In Atlanta, summer doesn’t just arrive—it makes a statement. With long days, high humidity, bursts of warm rain, and intense sunshine, this is the season when landscapes can truly flourish or quickly falter. The key? Strategic planting and smart design choices.

At Outdoor Makeover, we specialize in crafting custom outdoor environments that aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to thrive in Georgia’s unique climate. If you’re ready to refresh your beds, add seasonal impact, or finally create the vibrant garden you’ve envisioned, now is the time. Late spring through early summer is ideal for establishing a landscape that looks lush all season—and performs well beyond it.

Here’s what to plant now to ensure your landscape stays vibrant, low-maintenance, and heat-resilient all summer long.

Why Late Spring and Early Summer Are the Perfect Planting Window

While early spring gets most of the buzz, late spring and early summer are incredibly effective times to plant in Atlanta. The soil is warm, air temperatures are consistent, and there’s still enough time for new plants to establish before the heat peaks in July and August.

Planting now means:

Lush growth through summer and into fall
Stronger, deeper root systems for drought resistance
Colorful, low-maintenance displays in your most visible spaces
Fewer issues with cold damage or transplant shock

This is a great season to introduce heat-tolerant perennials, vibrant summer annuals, bold texture plants, and architectural shrubs that will become long-term anchors in your landscape.

1. Heat-Loving Perennials: Plant Once, Enjoy for Years

Perennials are an essential part of every landscape we design. These plants return year after year, offering lasting beauty and reducing the need for seasonal replanting. When chosen strategically, they can bloom continuously throughout summer—even during long hot stretches.

Our Go-To Summer Perennials for Atlanta:

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Sunny yellow petals, great for pollinators, and thrives in full sun.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Drought-tolerant, colorful, and loved by bees and butterflies.
Salvia
Striking purple or blue blooms with high heat tolerance and long-lasting color.
Coreopsis
Low-maintenance and consistent blooms in golden and warm-toned shades.
Russian Sage
Delicate lavender blooms with silvery foliage that shines in dry, sunny areas.

We layer perennials in groups of three to five for bold impact and staggered bloom times—ensuring your beds are always in motion.

2. Bold, Summer-Ready Annuals: Seasonal Color That Pops

Annuals are a favorite for homeowners who love immediate visual payoff. These plants provide bold, saturated color and can be swapped out seasonally to refresh your landscape’s look.

Annuals That Excel in Heat:

Lantana
Tough, colorful, and nearly drought-proof once established.
Zinnias
Excellent for cutting gardens, full sun, and continuous bloomers.
Begonias
Great for partial sun or shade, with an array of colors and sizes.
Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Cascading blooms ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and border accents.
Petunias
Classic garden annuals that flourish with consistent deadheading.

In our designs, we often place annuals in strategic visual zones: front entrances, containers, and patios—anywhere you want high impact and seasonal flexibility.

3. Ornamental Grasses & Texture Plants: Add Depth, Contrast & Movement

Don’t underestimate the power of plants with dynamic texture and motion. Ornamental grasses and bold foliage plants are heat-tolerant workhorses that soften hardscapes and add elegance to any garden.

Summer-Strong Texture Favorites:

Muhly Grass
Airy, cloud-like blooms in pink or purple late in the season.
Fountain Grass
Graceful, arching tufts that provide year-round texture.
Elephant Ears (Colocasia or Alocasia)
Tropical leaves that make a dramatic statement in shaded or semi-shaded zones.
Hostas (for shady areas)
Lush green or variegated leaves ideal for under-tree plantings and shaded paths.

These plants are often used to anchor beds, soften borders, and create contrast behind brighter blooms. They also require little upkeep—making them ideal for busy homeowners.

4. Shrubs That Withstand Heat and Deliver Multi-Season Interest

Shrubs serve as the architectural framework of the landscape—adding height, structure, privacy, and color. In the Atlanta climate, certain varieties thrive despite high temperatures and shifting moisture levels.

Shrubs We Recommend Planting Now:

Hydrangeas
Especially reblooming varieties like Endless Summer or Limelight—perfect for shady spots.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Tall, colorful, fragrant, and a favorite of pollinators.
Abelia
Graceful arching branches covered in soft blooms—great for borders and mid-sized beds.
Crape Myrtle
Iconic in the South. They bloom all summer, add fall foliage color, and have stunning bark in winter.
Boxwood
A classic evergreen shrub for structure, hedging, and symmetry in garden design.

We design with a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs to create a layered, four-season look—so your yard never feels empty, even in winter.

5. Color in Containers: Versatile, Portable Design Statements

Container gardens are an excellent way to add color, texture, and height to areas that may not work well for in-ground planting—such as patios, decks, stair landings, or poolside areas.

Container Planting Ideas for Summer:

Combine thrillers (tall focal plants like ornamental grass), fillers (like begonias or calibrachoa), and spillers (trailing plants such as sweet potato vine).
Choose high-quality ceramic or stone containers that can withstand heat and UV exposure.
Use moisture-retaining soil and smart irrigation drips or self-watering inserts for low maintenance.

We custom-design container combinations that coordinate with your home’s architecture and the overall landscape palette—ensuring a cohesive, intentional aesthetic.

6. Smart Irrigation: Keep Your Plants Thriving Through Heatwaves

The best summer landscape in the world won’t perform without proper hydration. As temperatures climb, irrigation becomes critical—especially for newly planted beds.

Why Smart Irrigation Matters:

Automatically adjusts watering based on weather and soil conditions.
Minimizes water waste, keeping your landscape eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Delivers consistent moisture, promoting deeper roots and plant resilience.
Supports even watering across zones, from turf to beds to containers.

At Outdoor Makeover, we install custom irrigation systems tailored to your landscape layout and plant selection—giving you full confidence even during the driest weeks of summer.

Design Tips for Summer Landscaping That Lasts

To ensure your summer landscape stays vibrant and inviting all season long, we recommend:

Plant in layers: Combine perennials, annuals, grasses, and shrubs for continuous interest.
Choose native or adapted plants: They perform better with less maintenance.
Mulch thoroughly: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize wisely: Use slow-release options to feed plants consistently.
Refresh edges and hardscapes: Clean lines, borders, and pavers can make plants stand out.

We bring together these design principles with your home’s unique style, needs, and environment to create an outdoor space that grows with you.

Let Your Landscape Shine This Summer

At Outdoor Makeover, our mission is simple: to seamlessly craft outdoor lifestyles and stories for Atlanta families. That means more than planting pretty flowers. It means designing resilient, beautiful, and livable outdoor environments that perform season after season—and become a natural extension of your home.

From expertly curated planting plans to full landscape transformations, we combine artistry with strategy to bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and built to thrive.

Ready to Refresh Your Landscape for Summer?

Let’s design a garden that feels as good as it looks—and flourishes through even the hottest Georgia days. Whether you’re dreaming of bold flower beds, elegant textures, or a more curated seasonal layout, our award-winning team is here to make it happen.

📞 Call us at 404-301-8340
💬 Or schedule your consultation online at our Contact Us page

Let’s bring your landscape to life—vibrant, enduring, and stunning all summer long.

Summer-Ready Landscaping: What to Plant Now for a Thriving Yard