Tennessee’s humid subtropical climate can be tricky for some plants, but certain flowers truly shine here. I’ve spent time experimenting in my own garden, and the blooms that thrive in this heat and humidity are simply stunning.
These beauties don’t just survive—they add color, life, and a touch of charm to any yard. With the right choices, your garden can stay vibrant all season long.
Let’s explore the flowers that flourish best in Tennessee’s warm, humid weather.
1. Coneflower
Native to Tennessee soil, these vibrant daisy-like blooms attract butterflies all summer long. Their sturdy stems stand tall through summer storms that frequently sweep across the state.
Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil for best results. Many Tennessee gardeners appreciate how drought-tolerant they become once established, making them perfect for those hot, dry August days.
2. Black-Eyed Susan
Cheerful golden petals surround distinctive dark centers, creating a sunny splash in any Tennessee garden. These hardy natives laugh at humidity while providing weeks of brilliant color from June through September.
Growing wild along Tennessee roadsides, they’re equally at home in cultivated gardens. Their drought resistance makes them ideal for those stretches when summer rains decide to take a vacation.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Unlike their fussier cousins, these native hydrangeas embrace Tennessee’s climate with open arms. Large, cone-shaped white blooms gradually turn pink then russet as summer progresses into fall.
What makes them special for Tennessee gardens is their impressive drought tolerance once established. The distinctive oak-shaped leaves turn stunning burgundy in autumn, offering multi-season interest in your landscape.
4. Butterfly Bush
True to its name, this flowering shrub transforms Tennessee gardens into butterfly havens. The fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters bloom from summer through fall in purple, pink, or white.
Many Tennessee gardeners position these near patios to enjoy the constant butterfly parade. Fast-growing and heat-tolerant, they thrive with minimal care while providing maximum beauty throughout the growing season.
5. Daylily
Few plants handle Tennessee’s summer heat with more grace than these garden workhorses. Available in countless colors beyond the familiar orange roadside varieties, they bloom reliably even during the most challenging weather.
Across Tennessee, they flourish in both full sun and partial shade. Their ability to suppress weeds makes them perfect for low-maintenance gardens, while their drought tolerance ensures they’ll survive those occasional dry spells.
6. Lantana
Summer heat that wilts other plants only makes lantana bloom more profusely in Tennessee gardens. The multi-colored flower clusters change hues as they age, creating a kaleidoscope effect that lasts for months.
Butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist these nectar-rich blooms. Throughout Tennessee, gardeners appreciate how lantana thrives in hot, humid conditions while most other plants struggle to survive the August heat.
7. Crepe Myrtle
Often called the ‘lilac of the South,’ these small trees paint Tennessee landscapes with vibrant summer color when little else is blooming. Their peeling bark adds winter interest after the spectacular flower show ends.
Tennessee’s long, hot summers provide perfect conditions for abundant blooming. Available in sizes from dwarf to tree-form and colors from white to deep purple, there’s a crepe myrtle for every garden space in the Volunteer State.
8. Rose of Sharon
When summer heat has faded other blooms, Rose of Sharon steps into the spotlight in Tennessee gardens. These hibiscus relatives produce hollyhock-like flowers in white, pink, lavender, or blue from July through September.
Throughout Tennessee, they thrive in both urban and rural settings. Their ability to bloom during the hottest months makes them invaluable for maintaining garden color when many other flowering plants have called it quits.
9. Bee Balm
Sporting quirky, spiky flowers that resemble exploding fireworks, bee balm brings vibrant color to Tennessee gardens. Hummingbirds zoom in from across the neighborhood when these start blooming in midsummer.
Native to eastern North America, they’re perfectly adapted to Tennessee’s climate. Their fragrant foliage adds sensory appeal, while their ability to spread creates generous clumps that can be divided and shared with fellow Tennessee gardeners.
10. Salvia
Spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers attract pollinators while standing up to Tennessee’s summer heat. Unlike many flowering plants, salvias keep blooming through dry spells without missing a beat.
Many Tennessee gardeners prize their deer-resistant qualities as much as their beauty. Both annual and perennial varieties thrive in the state’s climate, offering options for different garden needs and design preferences.
11. Gaillardia
Commonly called blanket flower, these daisy-like blooms feature fiery red and yellow colors that brighten Tennessee gardens from early summer until frost. Their heat tolerance is legendary among experienced gardeners.
Even in Tennessee’s clay soils, they perform beautifully with minimal fuss. The cheerful blooms keep coming without deadheading, making them perfect for busy gardeners who want maximum color with minimum maintenance.
12. Agastache
Sometimes called hyssop or hummingbird mint, these aromatic perennials produce spikes of tubular flowers that Tennessee hummingbirds find irresistible. Their anise-scented foliage remains fragrant even during drought.
Throughout Tennessee gardens, they thrive in hot, sunny locations. Once established, they laugh at drought while continuing to produce their colorful blooms, making them ideal for that challenging full-sun spot in your yard.
13. Rudbeckia
Beyond the familiar Black-Eyed Susan, the Rudbeckia family offers many stunning varieties perfect for Tennessee gardens. Their golden blooms create sunshine even on cloudy days from midsummer through early fall.
Native to Tennessee and surrounding states, they’re naturally adapted to local conditions. Their disease resistance and low maintenance requirements make them favorites for both novice and experienced gardeners throughout the Volunteer State.
14. Coreopsis
Affectionately called tickseed, these cheerful daisy-like flowers brighten Tennessee gardens with gold, yellow, or bicolor blooms. Their fine-textured foliage creates an airy, informal look perfect for cottage gardens.
Many Tennessee gardeners appreciate how they self-seed politely without becoming invasive. Their extended blooming period from early summer through fall ensures months of color with minimal maintenance in the state’s humid climate.