• The Mexican zinnia cultivar blooms during the hottest part of the year.citron et zinnia image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
  
  For some gardeners, knowing precisely the blooming periods of their plants is part of the garden design process. Some time their gardens so that they get a full four seasons of bloom and interest. This is done by planting flowers that bloom spring, summer and fall, with garden plants of winter interest as well. Spring and summer flowers are crucial for those who seek color and fragrance as accompaniments to their outdoor entertaining. Such flowers are ideal for adorning patios and decks, where most outdoor entertaining occurs.
  
  

Fragrant Verbena (Abronia fragrans)

• Fragrant verbena is also known as snowball. It grows from 8 inches to just over 3 feet high, and just as wide. It has ball-like clusters of flowers on hairy stems. Flowers can be white, green, pink or lavender and bloom from spring to summer. This plant prefers partial shade and dry sandy soils. Fragrant verbena can be propagated by seed sown in the fall.
  
  

Indian Mallow (Abutilon fruticosu)

• Indian mallow is also known as the Texas Indian mallow. It grows 1 to 3 feet high with hairy leaves and orange-yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Indian mallow should be planted in a sunny location with dry well-drained soil; it is tolerant of heat. Propagate by seed after the last frost of the season.
  
  

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

• The Madagascar periwinkle is also known as the rose periwinkle. It is a fast-growing drought-tolerant perennial that is typically grown as an annual. It grows 2 to 3 feet high and the same in width. Flowers are usually rose-pink in color and tubular, blooming most of the summer. It prefers poor, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Propagate by seed or cuttings.
  
  

Mexican Zinnia (Zinnia haageana)

• Mexican zinnia is also known as orange zinnia and is an annual from the aster/daisy family. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is drought-tolerant. It grows 2 feet high and 12 inches wide. Flowers are daisylike and come in a multitude of colors, blooming in late spring and all through summer until first frost. It prefers to grow in full sun, in any soil. Propagate by seed.