As the summer season progresses, many gardeners find themselves looking for plants that will continue to bloom and provide color and interest in their gardens. Late flowering summer plants are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they produce flowers in the latter part of the summer season, often from mid-to-late August through September and even into October. These plants are perfect for adding a burst of color and vibrancy to the garden when many other plants have finished blooming. In this article, we will explore some of the best late flowering summer plants, including perennials, annuals, and shrubs, and provide tips on how to care for them.
Perennials for Late Summer Color
Perennials are a great choice for late summer color, as they come back year after year and require minimal maintenance. Some excellent perennials for late summer color include aster, chrysanthemum, and sedum. These plants produce a wide range of flowers, from daisy-like blooms to showy, pom-pom-like flowers, and come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, and purple. To care for these perennials, make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide them with full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Sedum: A Low-Maintenance Option
Sedum is a type of perennial that is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and showy flowers. It is a low-maintenance option that is perfect for busy gardeners, as it requires minimal watering and care. Sedum comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from upright, towering plants to low-growing, spreading varieties. To care for sedum, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and provide it with full sun. Water it sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant, and fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
| Perennial | Bloom Time | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Aster | August-October | Pink, purple, white |
| Chrysanthemum | September-November | Yellow, orange, red |
| Sedum | July-September | Pink, yellow, white |
Annuals for Late Summer Color
Annuals are another great option for late summer color, as they produce a wide range of flowers in a short amount of time. Some excellent annuals for late summer color include marigold, zinnia, and sunflower. These plants are easy to care for and can be direct-sown into the garden in the spring or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. To care for annuals, make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide them with full sun. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Marigold: A Bright and Cheery Option
Marigold is a type of annual that is known for its bright, cheery flowers and strong, pungent scent. It is a great option for late summer color, as it produces a wide range of flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. To care for marigold, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and provide it with full sun. Water it regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize it once a month with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
In addition to perennials and annuals, shrubs are also a great option for late summer color. Some excellent shrubs for late summer color include hydrangea, rose of Sharon, and bluebeard. These plants produce a wide range of flowers, from showy, pom-pom-like blooms to delicate, bell-shaped flowers, and come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, and purple. To care for shrubs, make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide them with full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
What are some good perennials for late summer color?
+Some good perennials for late summer color include aster, chrysanthemum, and sedum. These plants produce a wide range of flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and purple, and come back year after year with minimal maintenance.
How do I care for annuals for late summer color?
+To care for annuals for late summer color, make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide them with full sun. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
What are some good shrubs for late summer color?
+Some good shrubs for late summer color include hydrangea, rose of Sharon, and bluebeard. These plants produce a wide range of flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
