The 10 Best Plants that Thrive in August
As summer begins to wind down, gardeners across the United States might think it's too late to plant new additions to their gardens. However, August is a perfect time for late summer planting, providing an opportunity to extend the growing season and enjoy vibrant blooms and fresh produce well into the fall.
Our online garden center offers a diverse selection of plants that can be successfully planted in August across different regions of the U.S. In this blog, we will highlight some of the best options, along with planting tips and care instructions to ensure your garden thrives.
Why Plant in Late Summer?
Before we dive into the ten best plants to incorporate into your August garden, we first
want to share with you the various benefits late summer planting has to offer you!
They say early bird gets the worm...but late summer planting offers several advantages:
- Extended Bloom Time: Many plants continue to bloom or reach their peak during the cooler fall months.
- Optimal Soil Conditions: Warm soil temperatures promote root growth.
- Reduced Pest Pressure: Many pests decline as the summer heat wanes.
- Reduced Water needs: For savvy gardeners, planting now can lead to a bountiful fall color that doesn't require daily watering. The plants will have many months to develop a robust root system by next summer.
Best Plants for Late Summer Planting
Now that you know all the benefits you can reap from late summer planting, it's time to dive into the best options for the garden this time of year.
1. Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Description: Echinacea are hardy perennials with daisy-like flowers in vibrant colors such as pink, purple, and white. These long-blooming plants readily attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden all summer long and into the fall.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly until established, then reduce watering as coneflowers are drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
2. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
- Description: A the harbinger of fall, it's no wonder why mums are such a sought after annual in the early weeks of autumn. These are popular fall flowers with dense, vibrant blooms in various colors, including yellow, white, and red.
- Planting Tips: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant mums about 18 inches apart.
- Care Instructions: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Pinch back in early summer to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Description: Sedum are succulent perennials with fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. Known for their heat and drought tolerance.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Space plants according to variety size.
- Care Instructions: Sedums require minimal watering once established. Prune back in early spring to maintain shape.
4. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
- Description: Rudbeckia are sun-loving perennials with bright yellow flowers and dark centers. Blooms from late summer into fall.
- Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly until established. Deadhead to prolong blooming.
5. Panicum (Switchgrass)
- Description: Panicum is a type of ornamental grass that adds height and movement to landscapes. This majestic addition to gardens provides visual interest throughout fall and winter.
- Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first growing season. Cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring.
6. Aster
- Description: Aster are perennials with star-shaped flowers in colors like purple, pink, and white. These vibrant perennials bloom in late summer and into the fall for a gorgeous pop of color to start off the season.
- Planting Tips: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Space plants 1-3 feet apart depending on the variety.
- Care Instructions: Keep soil consistently moist. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
7. Kale
- Description: Ornamental Kale is a Leafy green vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. This hardy annual can be planted well into the fall.
- Planting Tips: Transplant into well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture. The colors get more vivid as the temperatures cool.
8. Hydrangea
- Description: Hydrangeas are shrubs with large, showy flower clusters in colors ranging from blue to pink to white. These bold bloomers bring interest in late summer through to the fall even as the flowers die off, as their spent blooms dry for a unique textural display for the fall.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Depending on the variety, space plants 3-10 feet apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
9. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
- Description: Heuchera are perennials with colorful foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers. These low-growing, mound forming plants are ideal for adding texture to garden beds.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil in partial shade. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart.
- Care Instructions: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
10. Lavandula (Lavender)
- Description: Lavender is a popular aromatic perennial with silvery foliage and purple flowers. This sweet purple bloomer attracts pollinators and is drought-tolerant.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained, sandy soil with full sun exposure. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart.
- Care Instructions: Water sparingly once established. Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Planting Tips for Success
If you're feeling inspired to dive into planting this late summer into the fall, we have some expert tips to ensure a smooth process!
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Consider adding leaf compost or a balanced fertilizer when planting.
- Water Wisely: Keep the soil consistently moist until plants are established. Use mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Monitor for Pests: Late summer can still bring pest activity. Look for common pests and treat as necessary.
- Provide Support: To prevent flopping, use stakes or plant supports for taller plants or those with heavy blooms.
Conclusion
Late summer planting is a rewarding endeavor that can breathe new life into your garden and extend its beauty well into the fall. Lucky for you, we offer a wide variety of plants that are perfect for August planting across different regions of the United States.
Following the planting tips and care instructions, you can ensure your garden remains vibrant and healthy as the seasons change. Visit our online store today to explore our selection and get started on your late summer planting journey!