SUMMER PLANTING IN OKLAHOMA: SELECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR A THRIVING GARDEN
Oklahoma summers can be both a blessing and a challenge for gardeners. With long sunny days, high heat, and occasional drought conditions, it’s easy to assume summer isn’t the best time to plant. But with the right strategies, installing plants during the summer can lead to vibrant, healthy landscapes that last all year.
Here’s how you can make summer planting in Oklahoma successful—whether you’re a home gardener, a landscape professional, or a nursery customer.
Why Plant in Summer?
Most people think of spring and fall as ideal planting seasons—and they are. But summer planting has its perks:
• Nurseries are fully stocked with colorful annuals, perennials, and even heat-tolerant shrubs.
• Warm soil temperatures encourage rapid root development.
• Immediate visual impact—many summer-blooming plants are at their peak!
You just need to be smart about plant selection and care.
Best Plants to Install in Oklahoma Summers
Focus on species that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and ideally native to the region.
Perennials:
• Coneflowers (Echinacea)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
• Russian Sage
• Yarrow
• Coreopsis
Shrubs:
• Vitex (Chaste Tree)
• Texas Sage
• Butterfly Bush
• Dwarf Nandina
Ornamental Grasses:
• Little Bluestem
• Mexican Feather Grass
• Purple Fountain Grass
Annuals (great for color pops):
• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Lantana
• Vinca
Native plants thrive with less water and attract pollinators, making them both eco-friendly and low-maintenance.
Tips for Planting Success in Summer
1. Plant in the Early Morning or Late Afternoon
Avoid the midday heat when installing new plants. Mornings are best for giving roots a chance to settle before the hottest part of the day.
2. Prep the Soil Thoroughly
Loosen compacted soil and mix in compost or peat to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
3. Water Wisely—but Deeply
Newly planted specimens need consistent moisture, but avoid shallow watering. Instead, soak deeply at the base to encourage roots to grow down where it’s cooler.
4. Mulch is Your Best Friend
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
5. Provide Temporary Shade if Needed
For delicate plants, consider shade cloth or a light row cover during the hottest part of the day for the first couple of weeks.
6. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Oklahoma weather can shift quickly. If high temps or storms are on the way, plan your planting around them to give your plants the best start.
Avoid These Summer Planting Mistakes
• Skipping mulch
• Planting during a heatwave
• Overwatering (watch for soggy soil)
• Choosing stressed or root-bound nursery plants
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the Oklahoma heat stop you from enhancing your garden or landscape in the summer! With the right plant choices and a few key care techniques, your summer installations can thrive—even in tough conditions.
Whether you’re refreshing your flower beds, adding pollinator plants, or helping a client with a landscape makeover, summer can still be a season of growth—just Oklahoma-style.
Need help choosing the right plants for your space? Visit our nursery for expert advice, locally grown plants, and all the tools you need to grow a resilient, beautiful garden—year-round.