As summer begins to wind down, many gardeners assume the planting season is coming to an end. In reality, August is one of the best times to add color and life to your landscape.
Instead of sowing seeds that may not mature before cooler weather arrives, smart gardeners turn to nursery starts. These established plants already have a head start, allowing them to settle in quickly and produce spectacular blooms throughout late summer and fall.
If your flower beds are looking tired after months of summer heat, planting fall-blooming flowers in August can transform your garden into a vibrant display of color just when many landscapes begin fading.
Here are nine of the best fall-blooming flowers to start from nursery plants this August.
Why August Is a Great Time to Plant Fall Flowers
Many gardeners overlook late-summer planting opportunities.
August offers several advantages:
- Warm soil encourages rapid root growth
- Cooler nights reduce plant stress
- Seasonal rainfall often increases
- Plants establish before frost arrives
- Pollinators still actively visit flowers
By planting nursery starts now, you can enjoy weeks—or even months—of additional blooms.
1. Asters
Asters are among the most iconic fall flowers.
Their daisy-like blooms appear in shades of:
- Purple
- Pink
- Blue
- White
Why Plant in August?
Nursery-grown asters quickly establish roots while temperatures remain warm.
Benefits
- Attract butterflies
- Support late-season pollinators
- Provide rich autumn color
Growing Conditions
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- Moderate watering
2. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are reliable bloomers that brighten gardens well into autumn.
Why Gardeners Love Them
- Easy to grow
- Drought tolerant
- Long bloom season
August Planting Advantage
Established nursery plants often continue flowering almost immediately after planting.
Best Location
- Full sun
- Average garden soil
3. Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
Few plants shine in fall quite like Autumn Joy sedum.
Seasonal Appeal
Its flower heads gradually change color from:
- Soft pink
- Rose
- Deep copper
Why It Performs Well
- Drought resistant
- Pollinator friendly
- Low maintenance
Bonus
The seed heads remain attractive through winter.
4. Ornamental Kale
While technically grown for foliage rather than flowers, ornamental kale becomes a fall showstopper.
Stunning Features
Cool temperatures intensify colors including:
- Purple
- Pink
- Cream
- White
Ideal Uses
- Containers
- Borders
- Mixed seasonal displays
August Planting Tip
Start early enough to allow strong root development before cold weather arrives.
5. Goldenrod
Goldenrod deserves far more appreciation than it receives.
Common Misconception
Many people mistakenly blame goldenrod for seasonal allergies.
In reality, ragweed is usually responsible.
Why Plant It?
- Brilliant yellow blooms
- Exceptional pollinator value
- Native plant benefits
Pollinator Magnet
Bees and butterflies flock to goldenrod when many other flowers fade.
6. Pansies
Pansies thrive when temperatures begin cooling.
Fall Benefits
- Extended flowering season
- Cool-weather performance
- Excellent container displays
Color Choices
Available in nearly every shade imaginable.
Best Planting Time
August nursery starts establish before fall temperatures arrive.
7. Hardy Mums
No list of fall flowers would be complete without chrysanthemums.
Why They're Popular
- Massive flower production
- Bright seasonal colors
- Long-lasting displays
Available Colors
- Yellow
- Orange
- Red
- Purple
- White
Planting Tip
Choose garden mums rather than florist varieties for better landscape performance.
8. Hellebores
Although many hellebores bloom in late winter and early spring, August planting gives them time to establish before cooler weather.
Why They're Worth Planting
- Evergreen foliage
- Exceptional cold tolerance
- Long lifespan
Best Conditions
- Partial shade
- Rich soil
- Consistent moisture
9. Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones bring elegance to the autumn garden.
Flower Characteristics
- Delicate blooms
- Long stems
- Graceful movement
Bloom Colors
- Pink
- White
- Lavender tones
Why Plant in August?
Warm soil encourages root establishment before flowering peaks.
How to Successfully Plant Nursery Starts in August
Proper planting dramatically improves success rates.
Water Before Planting
Hydrate nursery plants thoroughly.
Prepare Soil
Incorporate:
- Compost
- Organic matter
- Slow-release nutrients
Mulch
Mulching helps:
- Retain moisture
- Moderate soil temperature
- Reduce weeds
Water Consistently
New plants need steady moisture while establishing.
Best Garden Designs for Fall Flowers
These plants work beautifully in:
Pollinator Gardens
Combine:
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Sedum
Cottage Gardens
Mix:
- Japanese anemones
- Black-eyed Susans
- Hardy mums
Container Gardens
Perfect choices include:
- Pansies
- Ornamental kale
- Compact asters
Common August Planting Mistakes
Waiting Too Long
Late planting reduces root development time.
Underwatering
New plants dry out quickly during summer heat.
Skipping Mulch
Bare soil loses moisture rapidly.
Planting During Peak Heat
Early morning or evening planting minimizes stress.
Benefits of Extending Garden Color Into Fall
Late-season flowers offer more than beauty.
They Support Pollinators
Bees and butterflies need nectar sources before winter.
They Increase Garden Interest
Color continues long after summer annuals decline.
They Improve Landscape Value
A vibrant fall garden creates year-round appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still plant flowers in August?
Yes. August is an excellent time for planting nursery-grown fall bloomers.
Why use nursery starts instead of seeds?
Nursery starts mature faster and provide blooms sooner.
Which flower blooms the longest in fall?
Asters, mums, and black-eyed Susans often provide weeks of color.
Do fall flowers attract pollinators?
Absolutely. Many late-blooming flowers are essential nectar sources.
How often should newly planted flowers be watered?
Water consistently until roots become established.
Are mums perennials?
Hardy garden mums can return year after year in many climates.
Final Thoughts
August isn't the end of the gardening season—it's the beginning of one of the most colorful periods of the year.
By planting nursery-grown asters, mums, sedum, black-eyed Susans, and other fall favorites now, you can enjoy vibrant blooms, support pollinators, and keep your landscape looking beautiful long after summer flowers begin fading.
A little effort in August can reward you with a spectacular autumn garden filled with color, texture, and life.
