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Plan Now for Nonstop Summer Color: Top Proven Winners Picks
Apr
If you want a landscape that stays vibrant from early summer through fall, the key is planning now—and choosing plants that are bred to perform. At Ultimate Nursery, we rely on Proven Winners® varieties because they’re known for consistent blooms, strong growth, and season-long color.
Whether you’re refreshing containers, borders, or your entire yard, here are some top Proven Winners picks that deliver nonstop summer impact.
🌸 Sun-Loving Annuals That Keep Going
If your space gets full sun, these are your go-to performers:
- Supertunia® Petunias – One of the most reliable annuals on the market. These spill beautifully from containers and bloom continuously without deadheading.
- Superbells® Calibrachoa – Smaller, petunia-like flowers that pack a punch in hanging baskets and window boxes.
- Superbena® Verbena – Heat-tolerant and long-blooming, perfect for garden beds and pollinator-friendly spaces.
These varieties are built to handle heat, humidity, and heavy blooming—ideal for Tennessee summers.
🌿 Colorful Foliage for Added Interest
Flowers aren’t the only way to create color. Foliage adds depth and contrast:
- ColorBlaze® Coleus – Bold, vibrant leaves in reds, greens, and purples. Great for both sun and shade.
- Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine – Fast-growing trailing foliage that fills space quickly in containers or beds.
Mixing foliage with flowering plants gives your garden a more layered, professional look.
🌺 Perennials That Come Back Strong
For long-term investment and recurring color, Proven Winners perennials are hard to beat:
- ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage – Airy blue-purple blooms that thrive in heat and drought.
- Rockin’® Salvia – Tall, vibrant spikes that attract pollinators all summer.
- ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ Catmint – Compact, fragrant, and extremely long blooming.
These options return year after year, giving you more value and less replanting.
🌼 Design Tips for Nonstop Color
To keep your garden looking fresh all season:
- Layer bloom times – Combine early, mid, and late-season bloomers
- Use containers strategically – Swap or refresh plants easily
- Feed regularly – High-performance plants need consistent nutrients
- Water deeply, not frequently – Encourages stronger root systems
Planning now ensures your garden doesn’t fade halfway through summer.
At Ultimate Nursery, we’re here to help you build a garden that thrives—not just survives. Stop by to explore our Proven Winners selection and get expert advice tailored to your space.
And don’t forget to download our app for deals, tips, and a $5 off $25 purchase with code welcome:
https://apjl.app/ultimatenursery
FAQ: Planning for Summer Color
When should I plant Proven Winners annuals?
After your last frost date in spring. In Zone 6b, that’s typically late April to early May.
Do these plants really bloom all summer?
Yes—most Proven Winners varieties are bred for continuous blooming with minimal maintenance, especially when fertilized regularly.
Do I need to deadhead these plants?
Many Proven Winners annuals (like Supertunia®) are self-cleaning, meaning no deadheading is required.
Can I mix annuals and perennials together?
Yes, and it’s recommended. Annuals provide instant color, while perennials offer long-term structure and return each year.
What’s the best fertilizer to use?
A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every 1–2 weeks works well for heavy bloomers.
For the best results, start early, choose proven performers, and build a garden designed for continuous color.