As summer heat gradually gives way to cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to think about adding color to your garden with fall-blooming flowers. August is an ideal month to start preparing and planting these vibrant blooms to ensure a stunning floral display come autumn.
By planning and planting these flowers now, you’ll set the stage for a beautiful garden that bursts with color when many other plants are fading.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, this guide will help you choose the best fall-blooming flowers to start in August for a thriving, eye-catching garden.
1. Aster
Asters bring a splash of color to your autumn garden with their vibrant blooms.
Starting them in August gives them ample time to establish before fall.
They thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots, making them a delightful addition to your garden.
2. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, brighten up your fall garden in vibrant colors. Start them in August to ensure a full bloom come autumn.
These hardy flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from daisy-like to pompom forms. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
Regular watering helps them flourish, making your garden vivid and lively.
3. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ offers a burst of pink blooms that gradually turn to a beautiful bronze as the season progresses. You’ll love how easy it is to care for, thriving in both sun and partial shade.
This versatile plant attracts butterflies, adding life and color to your garden. Plant in well-drained soil, and you’re all set.
4. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone adds a touch of grace to fall gardens. These flowers bloom beautifully in late summer and continue into the fall.
They prefer partial shade but can tolerate some sun. Make sure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter.
Their delicate white, pink, or lavender flowers are ideal for borders or containers.
5. Toad Lily
Toad Lily blooms in late summer and fall, bringing a unique touch to your garden. Its exotic, orchid-like flowers come in various spotted patterns. You can plant it in shady areas, as it thrives in partial to full shade.
Ensure the soil is rich and well-draining to keep your Toad Lily healthy. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. This flower adds an unexpected charm, making mid to late summer gardens truly stand out.
6. Russian Sage
Russian Sage adds a lovely pop of purple to your fall garden.
This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Regular watering helps establish these plants, but once settled, they are drought-tolerant.
You can enjoy its delicate, aromatic leaves and tall, airy spikes of flowers from late summer through fall.
7. Goldenrod
Goldenrod brightens up gardens with its clusters of yellow flowers. It’s a hardy plant that doesn’t require much care.
Plant it in well-drained soil and a sunny spot. By doing so, you ensure vibrant blooms come fall.
You’ll find that it’s a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies.
8. Crocus
You’ll love the crocus for its vibrant colors and delicate petals. These small flowers come in shades of purple, yellow, and white, offering a beautiful contrast to the autumn landscape. Plant crocus bulbs in well-drained soil and ensure they get enough sunlight for optimal growth. Crocuses are perfect for adding pops of color to your garden.
9. Turtlehead
Turtlehead blooms in late summer to fall, brightening your garden with its unique, snapdragon-like flowers. These blooms can be pink, white, or purple, adding a pop of color just when many plants are winding down.
Plant Turtlehead in a spot that gets partial shade. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil. This plant is also deer-resistant, making it a fantastic low-maintenance choice.
10. Blue Mistflower
Blue Mistflower is a charming addition to your fall garden. You’ll love its clusters of small, fuzzy blue flowers.
These blooms attract butterflies, bringing more life to your garden.
Plant the seeds in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. The Blue Mistflower is also fairly low maintenance, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Add these lovely flowers to enjoy their beauty each fall.
11. Pentas
Pentas are a wonderful choice for your garden, especially in the fall. They produce clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and pollinators.
You’ll love the vibrant colors, ranging from red to pink to white. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. They are heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, making them easy to care for.
12. Borage
Borage is a lovely plant that adds charm to your fall garden with its star-shaped blue flowers.
It’s easy to grow and attracts pollinators like bees, helping your garden thrive.
You can also use borage in the kitchen, as its cucumber-like flavor makes it a unique addition to salads and drinks.
13. Helenium
Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, bursts into colorful blooms in the fall.
These perennials come in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
They are perfect for adding late-season color to your garden.
Helenium thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
14. Coneflower
Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, brightens up any fall garden with its daisy-like blooms.
You’ll love how easy it is to grow this hardy perennial. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Plant the seeds in August for vibrant blossoms that attract bees and butterflies in the fall.
15. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a fantastic choice for your fall garden. These flowers come in a stunning range of colors, from pinks and reds to yellows and whites.
When you start them in August, they establish well by the time fall arrives. Plant them in well-draining soil and enjoy their charming, dragon-like blooms throughout the cool months.
Understanding Fall-Blooming Flowers
Fall-blooming flowers offer not only aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits to your garden. By starting the planting process in August, you give these flowers the best chance to thrive and bloom beautifully as the season changes.
Why Choose Fall-Blooming Flowers?
Fall-blooming flowers bring vibrant color to your garden when other plants may be fading. Their blooms create a lively atmosphere and extend the beauty of your garden into the cooler months.
Many fall-blooming varieties are also more resistant to pests and diseases, which tend to peak in other seasons.
These flowers include chrysanthemums, asters, and Japanese anemones, which can withstand cooler temperatures and shorter days. This makes them perfect for maintaining an attractive landscape late into the year.
Benefits of Starting in August
Planting in August allows fall-blooming flowers to establish strong root systems before the cooler weather arrives. This early start helps them to absorb nutrients more efficiently and prepare for flowering. Beginning in summer ensures that your flowers receive sufficient sunlight, which is crucial for their growth and bloom cycle.
Starting early also gives you a head start on managing any potential issues, such as pests or diseases that might affect young plants. This proactive approach results in healthier flowers and a more robust garden.
Here’s a simple list of tasks to begin in August:
- Select appropriate fall-blooming varieties
- Prepare garden beds or containers
- Monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels
