As summer starts to wind down, you might think it’s too late to add new plants to your garden. Surprisingly, August is a perfect time to plant perennials that will thrive for many seasons to come.
These plants will not only survive the upcoming autumn but will also flourish year after year with minimal maintenance.
By choosing the right perennials, you can enjoy a vibrant and colorful garden from late summer into the next growing season.
Dive in and explore how you can make the most of your garden space this August with some reliable and beautiful perennials.
1. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone adds elegance to any garden with its dainty white or pink flowers.
You can plant these perennials in partially shaded spots. They thrive best in well-drained soil.
By August, you’ll enjoy their beautiful blooms that attract butterflies.
Their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for busy gardeners.
2. Black-Eyed Susan
Plant Black-Eyed Susan in August for bright, yellow blooms that can last until frost. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Once established, they’re low maintenance and drought-tolerant. They can add a cheerful touch to your garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant them in clusters for the best visual impact!
3. Echinacea Purpurea
Echinacea Purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, is a vibrant and resilient perennial. You can plant it in August for a splash of color that returns each year.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it low-maintenance. Bees and butterflies love the nectar-rich flowers, adding life to your garden.
4. Hellebore
Hellebore, also known as Lenten rose, flourishes in shady spots. Its flowers bloom in late winter to early spring.
You’ll appreciate its low-maintenance nature. This perennial is resistant to pests and deer.
Try planting it in well-drained soil. Ensure it gets occasional watering. You’ll love the elegant blooms it brings to your garden.
5. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a great choice for your garden. It thrives in poor soil and requires minimal water.
You’ll love its succulent leaves and bright flowers that bloom from late summer to fall.
Sedum attracts butterflies, adding beauty and life to your garden. Choose from a variety of colors and shapes to suit your space.
6. Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy thrives in full sun. This perennial blooms from early summer to fall, offering bright white petals with yellow centers.
You’ll love how easy it is to care for Shasta Daisies. They need well-drained soil but tolerate diverse soil types. Deadheading encourages more blooms.
These daisies attract butterflies and are perfect for borders or as cut flowers in arrangements.
7. Salvia
Salvia is an excellent choice for August planting. Known for vibrant blue, red, or purple flowers, it attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden.
The plant’s aromatic foliage also adds a pleasant scent to your garden space.
8. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a dazzling addition to your garden. Its bright yellow flowers can bring a cheerful splash of color.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it a perfect low-maintenance option.
You’ll enjoy that it attracts butterflies, adding even more life to your garden space.
9. Astilbe
Astilbe is a delightful choice for your August planting.
Its feathery plumes add a burst of color and texture to any garden.
Astilbe thrives in shady areas, making it perfect for spots with less sunlight.
With proper care, you’ll enjoy its blooms year after year.
10. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, adds a splash of color to your garden with its vibrant foliage.
You can find varieties in shades of green, purple, and even silver. It’s perfect for adding texture to garden beds and borders.
When you plant Heuchera in August, make sure it gets partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering helps it thrive.
11. Hosta
Hostas are perfect for shaded areas in your garden. They have lush, broad leaves and come in a variety of greens, blues, and variegated patterns.
You’ll love their low-maintenance nature. Just make sure to provide plenty of water and mulch to keep the soil moist.
Hostas can brighten even the darkest corners of your landscape with their elegant foliage.
12. Phlox Paniculata
Phlox paniculata, often known as garden phlox, brings vibrant color to your August garden.
These perennials produce clusters of fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, lavender, and red.
Plant them in full sun to enjoy their cheerful blossoms.
They also attract butterflies, adding lively visitors to your garden.
13. Daylily
Daylilies are a fantastic choice for your garden in August. These hardy perennials are known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. You’ll find them in various colors, making them a versatile option.
They thrive in well-drained soil and need minimal care once established. Plant them in a sunny spot to enjoy beautiful blooms next summer.
14. Bergenia
Bergenia offers year-round appeal with its large, glossy leaves and vibrant flowers.
Plant it in a shaded or partially shaded spot in your garden.
You’ll love how easy it is to maintain, requiring minimal care once established.
15. Baptisia
Baptisia, also known as false indigo, is a hardy perennial plant with beautiful, pea-like flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
You’ll love its tall spikes of blue, white, or yellow blossoms. Plus, it’s resistant to pests and deer.
Once established, Baptisia requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Benefits of Planting Perennials in August
Planting perennials in August allows you to enjoy an extended blooming season and helps establish strong roots before winter. These benefits are essential for a thriving garden.
Extended Blooming Season
When you plant perennials in August, many varieties can continue to bloom well into the fall. This provides your garden with vibrant colors during a time when other plants may be fading.
This extended blooming season means you get more enjoyment from your garden. Perennials like asters, sedum, and goldenrod are particularly known for their late-season blooms.
Caring tips: Watering regularly and adding mulch will keep the plants healthy. Fertilizing can also help. Note that some perennials may need deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.
Establishing Strong Roots
August’s warm soil temperatures make it an ideal time for perennials to develop strong root systems. Strong roots are crucial for the plants to survive harsh winter conditions and come back robust in the spring.
This root establishment helps improve plant stability, nutrient uptake, and resistance to drought and pests. It’s important to choose perennials suited to your region for best results.
Preparation tips: Add compost to the soil to provide necessary nutrients. Water the plants deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth. Integrate a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy root development.
