12 Common Flowers You Should Plant in August for More Blooms Through Fall

As August rolls in, the scorching summer heat might have you thinking it’s too late to plant anything new in your garden. But guess what? It’s not! August is one of the best times to plant flowers that will not only thrive in the summer sun but will keep your garden bursting with color through the fall. Imagine walking through your garden in September and October, surrounded by vibrant blooms, thanks to your early August planting! So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are 12 beautiful flowers to plant in August to ensure your garden stays lively until the first frost.

1. Zinnias

 

Zinnias are one of the brightest, happiest flowers you can add to your garden. These beauties come in a rainbow of colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow. What makes them even better is their ability to handle the heat, making them perfect for the dog days of summer. Zinnias are also incredibly easy to grow, which makes them a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels. They thrive in full sun and will keep on blooming until the first frost, offering a continuous burst of color.

• USDA Zone: 3 to 10

• Color Varieties: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple

• Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Zinnias are also great for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees, so, you’ll be helping out the environment while beautifying your garden!

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are the cheerful sunshine flowers that every garden needs. With their golden yellow, deep orange, and red petals, marigolds can light up any space. They’re also natural pest repellents, which is a huge bonus for keeping harmful insects away from your other plants. Marigolds are quite resilient and do well in full sun, making them an excellent option to plant in August when the sun is still high in the sky.

• USDA Zone: 2 to 11

• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red

• Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Marigolds don’t require much attention once they’re planted, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners who may not have a lot of time to spend in the garden.

3. Petunias

Petunias are one of the most versatile flowers you can grow. These vibrant flowers come in a range of colors like purple, pink, red, and white, and they’re perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or borders. Petunias are known for their soft, fragrant blooms that will last through the fall months when planted in August. They thrive in full sun and can handle both hot days and cooler evenings, making them ideal for those transitional late summer days.

• USDA Zone: 10 to 11

• Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, white

• Mature Size: 6 inches to 2 feet

Pro Tip: Petunias can be a bit needy when it comes to watering, so make sure to water them consistently to keep their blooms full and healthy.

Read more: How to Grow Mexican Petunias in Pots: Tips for Small Gardens

4. Sunflowers

Nothing screams summer like the iconic sunflower. With their tall, bold stems and bright yellow petals, sunflowers are sure to catch everyone’s eye in your garden. These flowers love the full sun, so August is the perfect time to plant them. Not only are sunflowers stunning, but they’re also perfect for bringing wildlife to your garden. Birds love to feast on their seeds, and pollinators will flock to the large, showy blooms.

• USDA Zone: 3 to 9

• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red

• Mature Size: 3 to 12 feet

Pro Tip: For a fun twist, try planting a variety of sunflowers with different heights and colors to create a multi-layered, visually exciting garden space.

5. Lavender

Lavender is a timeless favorite for good reason. Its soft purple flowers and calming fragrance are perfect for any garden. Lavender is also an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it a great option for late summer planting. Plus, you can use it to make lovely lavender sachets or oils for a personal touch.

• USDA Zone: 5 to 9

• Color Varieties: Purple, lavender

• Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil, so be sure not to overwater it. It’s also a great addition to herb gardens!

6. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are known for their unique, dragon-shaped flowers, which come in a variety of bold colors. These cheerful flowers will brighten any garden and can handle both heat and cooler weather, making them perfect for planting in August. Snapdragons do well in full sun and will bloom until late fall, making them a long-lasting beauty in your garden.

• USDA Zone: 7 to 10

• Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, white, purple

• Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Snapdragons thrive in rich, well-drained soil, so provide them with the right growing conditions to ensure they flourish.

7. Cosmos

Cosmos are a gardener’s dream due to their beauty and ease of care. These delicate, daisy-like flowers add a soft, airy feel to your garden and are great for planting in August. Cosmos thrive in full sun and will bloom all the way into the fall. Plus, they’re drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.

• USDA Zone: 2 to 11

• Color Varieties: Pink, white, red, orange

• Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet

Pro Tip: Cosmos are great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, so plant them in clusters for a pollinator-friendly garden.

8. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are bright, bold flowers that will add warmth to your garden. Their golden yellow petals and dark centers create a striking contrast, and they’re a favorite among gardeners because they are both beautiful and easy to grow. These flowers love the sun and will bloom through the fall, making them perfect for planting in August.

• USDA Zone: 3 to 9

• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red

• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Black-eyed Susans are relatively drought-tolerant once established, so they’re perfect for gardeners in hotter, drier climates.

9. Dahlias

Dahlias are a showstopper in any garden with their large, vibrant blooms. These flowers come in almost every color imaginable and will continue to bloom well into the fall, providing your garden with a burst of color long after the summer heat fades. Dahlias love the full sun, and their blooms make them perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements.

• USDA Zone: 8 to 10

• Color Varieties: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white

• Mature Size: 1 to 6 feet

Pro Tip: Dahlias need well-drained soil and consistent watering to thrive, so make sure they aren’t sitting in soggy soil.

10. Asters

Asters are fantastic for adding a pop of color to your garden as summer turns into fall. These flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white, making them perfect for brightening up those cooler autumn days. They do best in full sun and will keep your garden vibrant with their long-lasting blooms.

• USDA Zone: 4 to 8

• Color Varieties: Purple, pink, white

• Mature Size: 1 to 4 feet

Pro Tip: Asters are perfect for attracting late-season pollinators like butterflies, so plant them near your vegetable garden for added benefits.

11. Sweet Peas

Sweet peas epitomize elegance in the garden. Their soft, fragrant blooms come in a variety of beautiful pastel colors, making them perfect for gardeners looking to add some charm. These flowers grow quickly and thrive in cooler late summer and early fall temperatures. Planting them in August will ensure they bloom beautifully through the fall.

• USDA Zone: 3 to 9

• Color Varieties: Pink, purple, white, red

• Mature Size: 2 to 6 feet

Pro Tip: Sweet peas are perfect for trellises or fences, as they’ll climb beautifully, adding a vertical element to your garden.

12. Helenium

Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, is a fantastic late-blooming perennial. These bright, cheerful flowers thrive in full sun and are known for their vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues. Heleniums are heat-tolerant and will bloom well into the fall, providing a burst of color when your summer flowers start to fade.

• USDA Zone: 3 to 8

• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red

• Mature Size: 3 to 5 feet

Pro Tip: Heleniums are great for cutting and bringing indoors, so don’t forget to snip some stems to enjoy their beauty inside as well!

By planting these 12 flowers in August, you’ll be setting yourself up for a garden that bursts with color throughout the late summer and into fall. Not only will your garden look stunning, but you’ll also be supporting pollinators and providing food for wildlife. Whether you’re adding bold sunflowers or delicate sweet peas, these flowers are sure to create a garden that’s as beautiful as it is rewarding. Happy planting!