Colorful, healthy summer annuals are a hallmark of vibrant commercial landscapes. They enhance curb appeal, draw attention to entryways, and offer seasonal beauty that makes a strong impression on clients, tenants, and visitors. For Utah-based businesses, choosing the right summer annuals is essential—not only for aesthetics but also for surviving the region’s unique climate conditions. At OneSource Property Maintenance, we specialize in helping commercial properties thrive through strategic seasonal plantings. Here’s our guide to top-performing summer annuals for Utah businesses.

Why Summer Annuals Matter for Commercial Landscapes

Annual flowers play a crucial role in commercial landscape design. Unlike perennials, which return year after year, annuals grow quickly, bloom profusely, and deliver vibrant color throughout a single season. For businesses, this means:

  • Immediate visual impact
  • Seasonal flexibility and customization
  • Opportunities to refresh landscape designs each year

When thoughtfully selected and properly maintained, summer annuals can create an inviting atmosphere that elevates a property’s appearance and brand image.

Choosing the Right Annuals for Utah’s Climate

Utah’s climate presents several challenges for summer plantings, including:

  • High daytime temperatures and strong sunlight
  • Low humidity and drying winds
  • Varying elevations with different microclimates
  • Limited rainfall and water restrictions

To succeed, annuals must be heat-tolerant, drought-resilient, and capable of thriving in full sun. At OneSource, we evaluate local growing conditions and sun exposure to select the right plants for each site.

Top Summer Annuals for Utah Commercial Properties

1. Petunias
Petunias are a staple in commercial landscapes thanks to their variety of colors, prolific blooms, and ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions. They’re ideal for mass plantings, hanging baskets, and border beds. Varieties like ‘Wave’ petunias spread rapidly and provide dense, colorful coverage.

2. Marigolds
Bright, cheerful marigolds hold up well to Utah’s heat and dry conditions. Available in shades of orange, yellow, and gold, they’re excellent for edging walkways and filling flower beds. French and African marigolds both perform well, with the latter producing larger blooms.

3. Zinnias
Known for their bold colors and upright growth, zinnias are sun-loving annuals that require minimal care. They come in various heights, making them suitable for layered planting designs or as a focal point in a mixed bed.

4. Lantana
Lantanas thrive in hot, dry weather and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their clustered blooms come in multi-color patterns and offer long-lasting vibrancy. They’re ideal for sunny borders and raised planters.

5. Vinca (Periwinkle)
With glossy leaves and delicate flowers, vincas handle heat and drought better than many traditional bedding plants. They’re resistant to most pests and diseases and are great for large-scale installations in high-visibility areas.

6. Celosia
Celosia’s unique, plume-like blooms add texture and color variation to flower beds. Heat-tolerant and drought-resilient, they come in vivid reds, yellows, and purples, making them popular for statement plantings.

7. Salvia
A pollinator favorite, salvias bloom throughout the summer and add vertical interest to landscapes. They are available in blues, purples, and reds, and perform well in both beds and containers.

8. Sweet Potato Vine
While technically a foliage plant, sweet potato vine is valued for its trailing habit and bright green or deep purple leaves. It’s perfect for cascading over the edges of planters or softening hardscape lines.

9. Geraniums
A classic summer annual, geraniums tolerate Utah’s dry air and produce vibrant blooms in red, pink, and white. They’re ideal for containers, entry accents, and sunny focal areas.

10. Dusty Miller
This silver-leafed annual offers stunning contrast in color beds. Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, it pairs beautifully with brighter bloomers and adds texture to any planting scheme.

Best Practices for Annual Flower Success

To get the most from your summer annuals, consider the following:

  • Soil Preparation: Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
  • Consistent Watering: Use drip irrigation or smart controllers to ensure efficient, even moisture.
  • Regular Deadheading: Removing spent blooms encourages continuous flowering.
  • Fertilization: Apply slow-release or liquid fertilizers to support vigorous growth.
  • Mulching: Mulch flower beds to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.

At OneSource, we manage all aspects of seasonal flower care, from selection and design to installation and ongoing maintenance.

How OneSource Delivers Seasonal Color with Impact

We understand that seasonal flowers are a key part of your property’s image. That’s why we offer:

  • Customized flower plans tailored to your property’s architecture and brand colors
  • Professional installation with attention to spacing, symmetry, and design flow
  • Ongoing care to ensure maximum bloom and plant health throughout the season
  • Mid-season refreshes or rotation plans to extend floral impact into fall

Our goal is to create cohesive, eye-catching landscapes that align with your goals and reflect the professionalism of your business.

Schedule Your Summer Flower Installation

Now is the time to plan and install your summer color. With the right plant selection and expert care, your property can stand out and thrive in Utah’s summer conditions.

Call OneSource today at (801) 599-0319 or contact us now to schedule your seasonal flower consultation. Let us bring color, beauty, and precision to your commercial landscape this summer.