Think summer gardens fade by August? Think again. Homeowners believe that the peak color season in landscaping is early summer, but by August, their beds are dull and their greens are wilting. But here’s the secret: With the right plants, your garden can stay vibrant and blooming until the first frost.
Read about summer-hardy flowers and grasses, as well as foliage plants that add eye-catching color to your balcony or outdoor space. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, you will find useful information on plant pairings and gardening tips in this guide to enhancing outdoor beauty.
Who will benefit from this article?
- Homeowners and renters with gardens, balconies or patios
- New gardeners looking to extend color into late summer
- Experienced gardeners looking for fresh inspiration for 2025
Let’s dig in.
Why late summer color matters more than you think
As the seasons change, many of the popular spring and early summer flowering plants begin to fade. Outdoor spaces lose their vibrancy at this time, just when people want to use them. In late summer, outdoor parties and barbecues peak, while people use this time to enjoy the sunset. Let your landscape take on the theme of energy production to match your lifestyle needs.
Isn’t it frustrating when your garden looks boring just when you finally have time to enjoy it?
Let’s change that.
How to choose plants for late summer color
Key selection criteria
To find late summer plants that will thrive and look beautiful, first consider these three factors:
- Heat Tolerance: These plants should thrive in warm temperatures and full sun.
- Bloom duration: Choose varieties that bloom from July through September (or longer).
- Color Variety: Include bold hues-deep purples, fiery oranges, bright pinks.
- Ease of Care: No one wants a high-maintenance flower bed in August.
Late summer planting schedule
Spring and early summer are the best times to plant most late summer stars. Adding fast-growing annuals or container plants is still possible if done in July. Be sure to check:
| Plant type | Planting Time | First blooms |
| Perennials | Spring | End of July |
| Annuals | Spring – July | 4-8 weeks later |
| Foliage plants | Any time before Aug | Ongoing |
Water regularly during establishment and mulch well to retain moisture.
Best Flowers to Plant for Late Summer Blooms
Top 5 Perennials
Seasonal perennials thrive throughout the late summer months year after year.
- Coneflower (Echinacea) – A pollinator magnet with purple, pink, or white daisy-like flowers.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Golden petals with dark centers; very drought tolerant.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Tall spires of soft purple, fragrant and tough.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Succulent foliage with pink-bronze flower heads that turn rusty.
- Aster – Late-flowering and available in many colors, especially blue and purple.
Top 5 Annuals
Annuals provide vibrant color while remaining hardy in both pots and beds.
- Zinnia – A late summer staple in almost every color imaginable.
- Cosmos – Tall, wispy stems with pink, white and maroon flowers.
- Marigold – Bright orange and yellow; helps repel pests.
- Salvia – Great vertical accent with red, blue or purple spikes.
- Cleome – Spider-like flowers in pinks and purples; ideal for height.
Why choose annuals?
- Fast payoff (flowers in weeks)
- Perfect for containers and infill
- Bold, saturated colors
Which would you add to your garden first?
Don’t forget the foliage: Plants that add texture and color
Flowers aren’t the only stars. Foliage-bearing plants, along with grasses, provide lasting visual appeal that pairs perfectly with flowering plants.
Decorative Grasses
Add movement and elegance:
- Fountain grass (Pennisetum) – Soft feathers and arching leaves.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – Tall, erect, with reddish seed heads.
Colorful Foliage Plants
These planets create striking effects in borders, containers, and as understory.
- Coleus – Almost infinite color combinations, from neon pink to chartreuse.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Deep purples, burgundies, and silvers.
- Dusty Miller – Silvery white foliage that highlights surrounding plants.
| Plant Name | Foliage color | Ideal placement |
| Coleus | Pink/Green/Yellow | Shade to partial sun |
| Heuchera | Purple/Bronze | Borders, Containers |
| Dusty Miller | Silver/Gray | Edge Planting |
Quick Guide to Late Summer Container Gardening
Don’t have a garden bed? No problem. Late season patios and balconies get vibrant colors thanks to their ability to support containers in their midst.
Follow this 3-layer formula:
- Thriller – High focal point (e.g. salvia, fountain grass)
- Filler – Medium height mass (e.g. Zinnia, Marigold)
- Spiller – Cascading border plants (e.g. Sweet Potato Vine, Dichondra)
Example combinations:
Combination 1:
- Coleus (center)
- Petunias (center)
- Creeping Jenny (trailing)
Combo 2:
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Zinnias
- Lobelia
Why not brighten up your balcony with a quick container refresh?
Care Tips to Keep Late Summer Gardens Thriving
Late summer temperatures remain extremely high. There are several guidelines to maintain maximum performance from your plants:
- Deadhead spent flowers: Encourages new blooms.
- Mulch heavily: Retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Water Deeply, Less Frequently: Promotes stronger roots.
- Fertilize monthly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer for containers.
Common problems to watch for:
- Powdery mildew on zinnias
- Aphids on tender foliage
- Leaf burn in extreme heat
Have you noticed that the leaves are getting crispy despite watering? It may be time to mulch.
What’s trending in summer gardens this year?
The hot horticultural trends for late summer gardens in 2025 will demonstrate the following fashion statements:
- Moody Color Palettes: Deep burgundy, terra cotta, and copper dominate.
- Mini Meadows: Wild, low-maintenance gardens with native perennials.
- Vertical Planters: Space-saving and visually dramatic.
Outperform upcoming trends by using multiple textures along with native plants in unconventional symmetrical arrangements.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Garden Shine Into Fall
The summer garden has the potential to stay alive after Labor Day. A combination of perennials, annuals, foliage and grasses can create outdoor spaces that continue to light up September and extend into the months of October.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose heat-loving plants with long blooming seasons
- Mix flower colors with interesting foliage and textures
- Use containers creatively, even in small spaces
- Maintaining a Routine in August and September
What summer plants steal your affection in the late season? Remember to add your favorite flowers in the comments section provided.
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