6 Best Late-Summer Blooming Perennials

By Richard "Woodie" Buller, GGD co-founder with 35+ years in horticulture

Published On: Aug 5, 2022
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When you think of the typical timeline for plentiful blooms and a landscape full of color, your first thought is probably that spring is the optimal time for gardening. However, some of our favorite perennials don’t make their debut till late summer!

If you’ve caught the gardening bug, but feel like you’re late to the planting game, think again! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite late-summer-blooming perennials that are hardy to the elements and will have your summer yard exploding with life and color year after year!

Echinacea

Echinacea, more commonly known as ‘Purple Coneflowers’, are North American native perennials, loved for their wide range of colors and impressive hardiness to a wide range of environmental conditions. Colorful blooms sit atop tall, thick stems against refreshing green foliage that makes for an unreal addition to the garden.

Coneflowers are notably fast-growing and reach a mature height between two and four feet tall. The iconic bloomers flower from midsummer through to fall’s first frost! The gorgeous garden plants get their name from the raised, cone-like centers that attract a range of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to songbirds and every pollinator in between.

These long-blooming, easy-to-grow perennials come in a range of colors from the classic purple of the Magnus Echinacea to a more unique and bold lime of the Green Jewel Echinacea.

Echinacea is the perfect summer planting option for garden novices and experts alike. Boasting a laidback care regimen and strong tolerance to drought, Coneflowers will be your new favorite feature of the garden.

Rudbeckia

Next on our list of best summer perennials is the classic and beautiful Rudbeckia. Better known by their nickname, the Black-Eyed Susan, these late-summer bloomers bring effortless golden warmth and beauty to a landscape.

These easy-to-care-for plants are a true garden staple. Golden petals contrast with dark centers and sit atop tall stems for a magnificent show of color. Rudbeckia is a US native wildflower that easily tolerates full sun and doesn’t mind a little acidity in its soil. The daisy-like flowers work magically when planted en masse and make fantastic additions to cut-flower arrangements.

Once planted, your bright yellow Rudbeckia blooms need little attention to flourish, aside from deadheading. Once established, the golden bloomers will be drought-resistant and handle hot temperatures and high humidity with ease.

 

Delosperma

Delosperma, also known as ‘Ice Plants,’ is one of the most underrated late-summer perennial plants around. Producing little fireworks of vibrant colors, this groundbreaking species is the first of its kind to be designated as cold-hardy!

Delosperma is a popular option for groundcover, as it has a fast growth rate and deer-resistant evergreen foliage. Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, these plants have a significantly long blooming period, and they require little water and attention to thrive.

 

Allium

These funky spherical bloomers look to have hopped straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. If you are in search of a late-summer flower that adds interest and unique appeal to the garden, then the Allium is the plant for you.

Pushing out blooms from mid-summer to early fall, you will surely be in for a treat and a show when you plant allium in the yard.

Also known as ‘ornamental onions,’ these purple plants are a perfect option for attracting pollinators to the yard. Alliums work beautifully in a wide range of garden projects and look especially stunning when planted in mixed borders and flower beds. Because of their unique look, Alliums are also great as focal points in the landscape!

 

Sedum

It doesn’t get much better than the Sedum! This perennial plant has thick, bright green succulent foliage and an abundance of clusters of star-shaped flowers. The thick stems bring beauty and also help store water, allowing the hardy landscape plants to handle extended periods of drought with ease.

Growing well in just about any soil medium, the Sedum plant is an ideal option for areas of the yard where many plants fail to thrive. Additionally, Sedum easily attracts butterflies and provides interest and color to a late-season landscape.

A fan-favorite Sedum variety to grow in late summer is the Sedum Autumn Joy. Blooming a plethora of pink flower heads from summer through to early fall, the reliable perennial will bring you an extended season of color and happiness.

 

Hardy Hibiscus

Last but certainly not least on our list of favorite end-of-season bloomers is the Hardy Hibiscus. These are truly show stoppers in a landscape. Producing gigantic tropical flowers bigger than your head, you will not be disappointed by the Hardy Hibiscus.

As a favorite nectar source for both butterflies and hummingbirds, your yard will transform into a wildlife oasis when you plant these bombshells. If you’re looking to go out of the summer garden season with a bang, these late-summer bloomers will get the job done.

The Hardy Hibiscus is a great option for wet areas of the garden, as it enjoys moist soil more than the typical summer perennial.

One of our favorites is Summerific Perfect Storm, with huge white blooms splashed with deep pink at the center. It's right at home along a border, a pond edge, or any spot that stays on the damp side.

How to Keep Late-Summer Blooms Coming

• Deadhead. Snip spent flowers so the plant puts its energy into new blooms instead of seed.
• Feed lightly. A balanced fertilizer in early to midsummer supports the next round of flowers. Stop by late summer so you're not pushing soft growth into fall.
• Check the light. A perennial that leafs out but won't bloom is often asking for more sun.
• Watch the rain gauge. After a dry stretch, give plants a deep drink, especially anything planted this year.

Grow Your Summer Garden With Convenience

With the craziness of vacations, back-to-school shopping, and just the everyday hustle and bustle that comes with life, finding the time to make it to your local garden center can seem impossible.

We cut out the middleman to make life easier for you! Have your summer perennials shipped straight to your door and garden with ease when you shop with Garden Goods Direct!