22 Common Perennials You Should Plant in August for More Blooms Through Fall

Chuvic - August 9, 2025
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August offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to extend the vibrant colors of their landscapes into the fall. By selecting and planting specific perennials during this month, you can ensure a continuous display of blooms as the seasons change. This guide highlights 22 perennials that thrive when planted in August, providing you with the knowledge to enhance your garden’s beauty well into the cooler months. For more information on late-summer planting, consider visiting Gardening Know How’s article on flowers to plant in August.

1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A vibrant cluster of Rudbeckia blooms, their golden-yellow petals encircling dark centers, brightens the garden. | Photo by Heiko on Pexels

Black-eyed Susan is a popular perennial known for its daisy-like shape and golden petals that persist well into fall. (en.wikipedia.org) Its drought tolerance and reliability make it an excellent choice for garden borders. (planetnatural.com) For more information, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s page on Black-eyed Susan.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

2. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
A vibrant coneflower garden in full bloom, with purple echinacea attracting a variety of pollinators. | Photo by James Kampeis on Pexels

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is renowned for its long-lasting, daisy-like blooms that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. (provenwinners.com) Its resilience and drought tolerance make it a reliable choice for late summer planting, ensuring vibrant colors that persist into the fall. (monrovia.com) For more information, refer to the American Horticultural Society’s profile on Echinacea. (provenwinners.com)

3. Sedum (Stonecrop)

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A vibrant display of sedum plants, featuring clusters of star-shaped stonecrop flowers, brightening a late fall garden. | Photo by flickr.com

Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a hardy perennial celebrated for its thick, succulent leaves and clusters of late-season pink to red flowers. (bhg.com) Its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements make it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking low-care options. (provenwinners.com) For comprehensive care guidelines, refer to the Royal Horticultural Society’s growing guide on sedum. (plantsandflowersfoundationholland.org)

4. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

4. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
A vibrant display of purple aster flowers blooming in a fall garden, adding rich color to the landscape. | Photo by Gyubeen Hong on Pexels

Asters are renowned for their star-shaped blooms that infuse gardens with purples, blues, and pinks as other flowers fade. (hort.extension.wisc.edu) These late-season perennials are ideal for borders and serve as excellent cut flowers. (almanac.com) For more information, refer to the University of Wisconsin Extension’s article on asters. (hort.extension.wisc.edu)

5. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

5. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
A vibrant autumn garden showcasing Shasta daisies with their classic white petals and sunny yellow centers. | Photo by angello on Pexels

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is a classic perennial featuring white petals surrounding a yellow center, ideal for late summer and autumn arrangements. (plantfacts.osu.edu) Its sturdy stems support blooms that last longer than those of annual daisies, providing enduring beauty in gardens and as cut flowers. (gardenia.net) For more information, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s page on Shasta Daisy.

6. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

6. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
A vibrant perennial garden bursting with bright yellow coreopsis flowers, also known as tickseed blooms. | Photo by Du Tử Mộng on Pexels

Coreopsis, commonly known as tickseed, is celebrated for its vibrant yellow and gold blooms that brighten gardens from early summer through fall. (almanac.com) This hardy perennial thrives in poor soils and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options. (jacksonandperkins.com) Its adaptability and extended blooming period provide a reliable source of fall color, surpassing more demanding species. (gardendesign.com)

7. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

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A silvery perennial adorned with lavender-blue flowers, Russian sage adds a touch of elegance to any garden. | Photo by flickr.com

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a bushy, woody-based deciduous perennial that reaches up to 1.2 meters in height. It features upright white stems adorned with finely divided, aromatic, grey-green leaves up to 5 cm long. In late summer and early autumn, it produces long terminal panicles of tiny blue flowers, adding airiness and structure to fall gardens. (rhs.org.uk)

8. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

8. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
A serene garden scene featuring pink and white Japanese anemones, vibrant fall flowers thriving in shaded areas. | Photo by Roman Biernacki on Pexels

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis) is a perennial celebrated for its elegant, windblown pink or white blooms on tall stems, adding grace to gardens as other perennials fade. (botanichorticulture.com.au) Thriving in dappled shade, it flourishes where other plants struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders. (gardenista.com) For more information, refer to Gardener’s World on how to grow Japanese anemones. (gardenista.com)

9. Helenium (Sneezeweed)

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A vibrant butterfly garden adorned with helenium sneezeweed’s red, orange, and yellow blooms. | Photo by flickr.com

Helenium, commonly known as sneezeweed, features vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers that attract butterflies, making it a great addition to late summer to fall beds. (rhs.org.uk) It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun, and is tolerant of wet soils. (rhs.org.uk) For more information, refer to the Royal Horticultural Society’s growing guide on Helenium. (rhs.org.uk)

10. Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile)

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A vibrant cluster of Autumn Joy sedum’s pink flower heads adds rich color to a fall garden. | Photo by flickr.com

Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile) is a hardy perennial known for its large, rosy-pink flower heads that age to copper, providing visual interest well into November. (txmg.org) Its succulent foliage and upright growth habit make it a reliable choice for late-season color, especially in rock gardens or mixed borders. (plants.rogersspringhill.com) For more information, refer to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s page on Autumn Joy Sedum. (monrovia.com)

11. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

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A vibrant cluster of goldenrod flowers, their yellow plumes attracting a variety of pollinators. | Photo by flickr.com

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a perennial known for its tall plumes of tiny gold blooms that brighten gardens from late summer into fall. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) Often misunderstood as allergenic, goldenrod’s heavy pollen is insect-pollinated, unlike wind-borne ragweed pollen. (en.wikipedia.org) Easy to grow, it supports pollinators late into the season and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu)

12. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

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A vibrant gaillardia blanket flower in full bloom, showcasing its striking red and gold petals. | Photo by flickr.com

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) is a perennial celebrated for its vibrant, bicolor red and gold blooms that brighten gardens from early summer through fall. (gardendesign.com) Noted for their drought tolerance, these flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance. (almanac.com) Their continuous blooming until frost makes them a valuable addition to late-season gardens. (finegardening.com)

13. Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)

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A cluster of pink turtlehead flowers (Chelone lyonii) thrives in a moist, shaded garden corner. | Photo by flickr.com

Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a perennial known for its unique, snapdragon-shaped pink or white blooms that add charm to gardens from late summer into fall. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) Thriving in moist, shady areas, it flourishes where many other perennials struggle, making it ideal for woodland settings and near water features. (gardenia.net) Its glossy, dark green foliage complements the distinctive flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. (renegadegardener.com)

14. Hardy Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

14. Hardy Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
A vibrant fall garden showcasing a variety of hardy chrysanthemums in full bloom. | Photo by Grigoriy on Pexels

Hardy Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is a perennial celebrated for its classic fall flowers, available in numerous colors and forms, including yellow, red, pink, purple, and white. (thespruce.com) Planting in August ensures extended blooms into November, as these robust plants are more resilient than florist mums. (hgic.clemson.edu) For comprehensive care guidelines, refer to the New York Botanical Garden’s recommendations on chrysanthemum cultivation. (extension.psu.edu)

15. Boltonia (False Aster)

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A vibrant display of boltonia flowers, also known as false aster, showcasing delicate lavender-white blooms. | Photo by flickr.com

Boltonia, commonly known as False Aster, is a perennial that produces clouds of tiny, daisy-like white or lavender flowers, creating a billowy effect in late summer to fall gardens. (chicagobotanic.org) Its tall, sturdy stems and wide spread give it an almost shrublike presence in the perennial border. (hles.unl.edu) Thriving in full sun and moist soils, it attracts butterflies and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to native plant and pollinator gardens. (grownative.org)

16. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

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A vibrant cluster of orange butterfly weed (*Asclepias tuberosa*) in full bloom, attracting a variety of pollinators. | Photo by flickr.com

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a perennial renowned for its bright orange flower clusters that serve as a magnet for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. (hort.extension.wisc.edu) Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, it is drought-resistant and offers summer-into-fall interest. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) Its deep taproot makes it challenging to transplant but contributes to its resilience. (en.wikipedia.org)

17. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

17. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
A vibrant garden showcasing platycodon blue balloon flowers, their star-shaped blooms adding a touch of elegance. | Photo by Egor Komarov on Pexels

Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a perennial recognized for its balloon-like buds that pop open into star-shaped blue, white, or pink flowers, reliably blooming from late summer onward. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. (bhg.com) Once established, it is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to gardens seeking late-season interest. (almanac.com)

18. Japanese Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

18. Japanese Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
A cluster of Tricyrtis hirta, or Japanese toad lilies, showcasing their delicate, spotted, orchid-like flowers. | Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels

Japanese Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is a perennial native to Japan, known for its unique, orchid-like flowers with white to pale purple petals adorned with dark purple spots. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) These blooms appear from late summer into fall, adding interest to shaded woodland gardens when many other plants have faded. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, it reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet. (civicgardencenter.org) Its distinctive flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) For more information, refer to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s profile on Tricyrtis hirta. (mobot.org)

19. Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

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A vibrant cluster of obedient plants showcases tall spikes adorned with pink tubular flowers, attracting pollinators. | Photo by flickr.com

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a perennial known for its upright spikes of pink or white tubular flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) The plant’s flexible stems allow the flowers to be repositioned, earning it the name “obedient.” (mortonarb.org) It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can spread aggressively, making it suitable for naturalizing but requiring management to prevent overgrowth. (plants.ces.ncsu.edu)

20. Hardy Geranium (Geranium Rozanne)

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A vibrant display of Geranium Rozanne’s violet-blue flowers with white centers and dark veins. | Photo by flickr.com

Hardy Geranium (Geranium Rozanne) is a perennial celebrated for its prodigious, long-blooming period, offering blue-purple flowers from midsummer into fall. (rhs.org.uk) This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, reaching a height of approximately 60 cm and spreading up to 80 cm. (rhsplants.co.uk) Its resilience and extended flowering season make it a valuable addition to gardens seeking consistent color and minimal upkeep. (gardenersworld.com)

21. Hosta (Hosta spp.)

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A lush cluster of hosta plants adorned with fragrant lavender blooms, thriving in a shaded garden setting. | Photo by flickr.com

Hostas are renowned for their lush foliage, but certain varieties also produce fragrant lavender or white flower spikes in late summer, adding a delightful aroma to shaded landscapes. (extension.umn.edu) Notable fragrant cultivars include ‘Fragrant Bouquet,’ featuring pale lilac flowers, and ‘Royal Standard,’ known for its pure white blooms. (homefortheharvest.com) These blooms not only enhance the sensory experience but also attract pollinators, enriching the garden’s ecosystem. (extension.umn.edu)

22. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

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A vibrant cluster of pink Joe Pye weed flowers, attracting butterflies in a sunlit meadow. | Photo by geograph.org.uk

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is a tall, stately perennial celebrated for its large mauve-pink flower clusters that draw bees and butterflies in fall. (hgic.clemson.edu) Adaptable to moist soils, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and can reach heights of 4 to 7 feet. (thespruce.com) Its sweet-scented blooms provide late-season nectar, supporting pollinators when other sources are scarce. (almanac.com)

Conclusion

(c)thartz00@comcast.net
Source: flickr.com

Planting perennials in August offers the opportunity to extend your garden’s blooming season into the fall, providing vibrant colors when many other plants have faded. (gardenloversclub.com) By selecting appropriate species and ensuring proper site conditions, you can enhance biodiversity and create a dynamic landscape that evolves throughout the year. Embracing this planting strategy not only beautifies your surroundings but also supports local ecosystems, enriching your gardening experience. (dyckarboretum.org)

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