Summer Stars: 5 Native Perennials That Shine All Season Long
Summer in the Mid-Atlantic can be hot, humid, and occasionally accented with deer and drought. But designing with the the right combination of native perennials will create a landscape that doesn’t just survive, but thrives. These five native perennials are your landscape’s best defense against summer burnout bringing bold color, beautiful texture, and serious pollinator appeal from early summer well into fall.
They’re low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant, which is perfect for landscapes along the Main Line of Philadelphia and at the beach.
Here are our top picks for keeping your garden gorgeous all summer long:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Color: Lavender-pink petals with bold orange-brown centers
Why We Love It: A magnet for pollinators, this classic native blooms from early summer into fall with very little care.
Deer-Resistant: Yes
Drought-Tolerant: Yes
Let the seed heads stand in fall to feed goldfinches and add structure to your winter garden.
2. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’)
Color: Vivid violet-purple flower spikes
Why We Love It: Bold vertical structure, compact size, and non-stop pollinator traffic make this a summer MVP.
Deer-Resistant: Yes
Drought-Tolerant: Yes
Works beautifully in sunny borders and native pollinator plantings.
3. Switchgrass ‘Shenandoah’ (Panicum virgatum)
Color: Green blades tipped with burgundy, deepening through fall
Why We Love It: A native ornamental grass that brings year-round interest and movement to the garden.
Deer-Resistant: Yes
Drought-Tolerant: Yes
Adds vertical drama and pairs beautifully with late-summer bloomers.
4. Golden Fleece Goldenrod (Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’)
Color: Golden sprays from August to October
Why We Love It: Compact, pollinator-friendly, and totally non-invasive. A late-summer color burst!
Deer-Resistant: Yes
Drought-Tolerant: Yes
A must-have for supporting bees and butterflies in the fall garden.
5. Amsonia ‘Grande’ (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Color: Pale blue flowers in spring; lush green foliage all summer
Why We Love It: Beautiful spring blooms, but the show continues with full, willowy foliage that stays lush through summer and glows gold in fall.
Deer-Resistant: Yes
Drought-Tolerant: Yes
A native design secret weapon: elegant, low-maintenance, and always fresh-looking.
Why Use Native Perennials?
Planting native species helps:
Reduce water and maintenance needs
Support local wildlife and pollinators
Keep your garden looking great through heat, drought, and deer pressure
These perennials are proven performers for Main Line and Beach gardens and thrive in our climate.
Ready for a Native Garden That Thrives in Summer?
At Union Landscape Design, we specialize in native-focused, sustainable landscapes that look beautiful while working with nature—not against it. Whether you’re creating a pollinator paradise, a family-friendly backyard, or a front yard refresh, we’ll design a garden that shines through the seasons.
Let’s design something wild, beautiful, and built to last. Contact us today to get started.
