The end of the growing season doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to planting flowers. In fact, August offers a wonderful opportunity to add a splash of color and beauty to your garden. So, what are the best flowers to plant this month? Let’s dive in and uncover the possibilities.
Key Takeaways
Annuals That Thrive in August
While some annuals may have already reached their peak earlier in the season, there are still plenty of options to fill those gaps and create a vibrant late-summer garden. Here are some annual flowers you can plant in August:
- Marigolds (Tagetes): These popular annual flowers come in various sizes and colors, such as orange, yellow, and red. They are not only easy to grow but can also withstand heat and drought.
- Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): If you’re looking for a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, zinnias are an excellent choice. They thrive in warm weather and bring a burst of beauty to your garden.
- Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Delicate and airy, cosmos produce daisy-like blossoms in shades of pink, white, and lavender. These sun-loving flowers add a touch of elegance to your summer garden.
Include these flowers in your planting for a late-summer garden that can withstand higher temperatures while still exuding vibrancy and charm.
Plant quick-growing cosmos for late-summer blooms.
In addition to the aforementioned annuals, consider the following options:
- Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These easy-to-grow and impressive annual flowers bring a cheerful and vibrant feel to your garden. Plant them in early August for fall blooms.
- Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum): Quick-growing and available in shades of orange, red, and yellow, nasturtiums boast attractive round leaves and can tolerate heat well.
- Celosia (Celosia argentea): Also known as cockscomb, celosia is a unique annual flower with velvety, flame-shaped blooms. They come in vibrant colors like red, orange, and yellow, adding an exotic touch to your garden.
Fall Favorites: Annuals for Cooler Temperatures
As August transitions into fall, take advantage of the milder temperatures to plant flowers that thrive during this time. These flowers will not only extend the beauty of your garden but also attract butterflies and other pollinators. Here are some options:
- Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana): These popular flowers deliver colorful blooms well into the fall. With a range of colors and charming “faces” on their petals, pansies prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost.
- Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.): Classic fall flowers, chrysanthemums come in various colors and forms, from daisy-like to pompom-shaped blooms. Their sturdy nature adds vibrant colors to your garden in the fall.
- Asters (Aster spp.): These beautiful daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white at the end of summer and into fall. Asters thrive in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Now is the time to add some color to your fall garden by planting asters.
Perennials and Shrubs for Stellar Fall Blooms
August is the perfect time to exercise caution when planting perennials and shrubs. Keep the plantings moist and shaded, and if possible, plant towards the end of the month. Consider the following options:
- Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), Asters (Aster spp.), Montauk Daisies, and Japanese Anemones: These stunning fall bloomers benefit from being planted in August as it allows them to establish robust root systems before winter.
- Fall-Flowering Crocus: Plant these now for blooms in a month or so.
- Peonies: Bury their “eyes” no more than an inch or two beneath the soil surface at the end of August.
Additionally, August presents an excellent opportunity to divide and replant various perennial plants, stimulating new growth before winter arrives. Consider dividing and replanting columbine, bleeding heart, coral bells, daylilies, hardy geraniums, hosta, bearded iris, oriental poppy, ornamental grasses, garden phlox, and speedwell this month.
Sowing Flower Seeds for Summer and Fall Appeal
To ensure a beautiful and productive garden during the summer and fall, sow flower seeds directly in August. Choose varieties that will mature before the first fall frost. Some great options include:
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Calendula
For blooms next spring, sow seeds of poppies, bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus), and sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) where you desire their vibrant display.
To enhance your gardening experience and kick stress to the curb, download my FREE gardening checklist for August. It’s a bonus for joining my newsletter.
So, don’t miss the opportunity to revitalize your garden this August. Plant these wonderful flowers and enjoy a burst of color and beauty that will transform your outdoor space into a stunning sanctuary. Remember, one click to explore the variety of blooms at the Ames Farm Center.
