Plant These 10 Flowers in August for Stunning Fall Blooms
When summer starts to wind down, many gardeners assume it’s too late to add new flowers to the garden. But here’s the good news—you’ve still got time! By planting certain flowers in August, you can set yourself up for a vibrant, colorful display just as autumn arrives. These blooms will not only brighten your garden but also provide nectar for late-season pollinators.
So grab your trowel and gloves—here are 10 fall-blooming flowers you should plant in August for a breathtaking autumn show.
Chrysanthemums (Mums) If there’s one flower that screams fall, it’s mums. Available in a rainbow of colors—bronze, orange, yellow, red, and purple—these classic favorites thrive when planted in August. Give them full sun, rich soil, and regular watering, and you’ll be rewarded with cheerful blooms that can last right into early frost.
Pro tip: Pinch back the tips when planting to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Pansies Pansies are cool-season champs that can take a little chill. Plant them in August and they’ll settle in before cooler weather hits, giving you plenty of flowers through fall and even into winter in mild climates. Their cheerful faces in shades of purple, yellow, and blue make them perfect for garden beds, pots, and borders.
Marigolds Fast-growing and easy, marigolds are a must for late-summer planting. In August, they sprout quickly and bloom through fall, adding fiery shades of gold, orange, and red. They’re also natural pest repellents, keeping your garden healthier during the transition to cooler weather.
Calendula Sometimes called “pot marigold,” calendula thrives in cooler weather and puts out cheery yellow-orange blooms. Plant them in August, and they’ll flower until frost. Not only are they pretty, but calendula petals are edible and can be used to brighten salads or teas.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) If you want a hardy perennial that won’t let you down, coneflowers are it. Planting them in August gives them just enough time to root before fall. Their daisy-like blooms in purples, pinks, and whites attract butterflies and bees, while their seed heads feed birds later in the season.
Asters Asters are late-bloomers that bring splashes of purple, pink, and white to the autumn garden. They’re pollinator magnets, especially for butterflies looking for a last sip of nectar before migration. Plant them now, and they’ll settle in just in time for their natural fall bloom.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) Tough, dependable, and sunny, black-eyed Susans thrive when planted in August. Their golden petals with dark centers are the perfect contrast to autumn foliage. They bloom well into fall and often return year after year with minimal care.
Dianthus Fragrant and compact, dianthus adds a touch of charm to fall borders and containers. Plant them in August for blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Many varieties will overwinter and bloom again in spring, making them a gardener’s double win.
Violas Similar to pansies but smaller, violas are another great choice for August planting. They bloom quickly and last through fall, providing color when many summer flowers fade. Their delicate blossoms thrive in cooler weather, making them perfect companions for other fall bloomers.
Goldenrod Often mistaken as a weed, goldenrod is a stunning fall bloomer with tall, golden flower spikes. Plant it in August for a bold late-season display that attracts bees, butterflies, and even migrating monarchs. It pairs beautifully with asters and coneflowers in a natural-style garden.
Tips for Planting Flowers in August Choose the right location: Most fall-blooming flowers thrive in full sun, so pick a bright spot.
Improve soil: Mix in compost or organic matter to boost nutrients and drainage.
Water consistently: August heat can still stress young plants, so keep the soil evenly moist.
Think containers: If your garden beds are full, many of these flowers thrive in pots and window boxes.
Final Thoughts August may seem late in the season, but it’s actually the perfect time to plant flowers that will carry your garden into fall with rich colors and vibrant life. From mums and pansies to goldenrod and asters, these 10 flowers will make your autumn garden a stunning masterpiece.
So don’t pack away your gardening tools just yet—plant now, and enjoy a brilliant burst of fall blooms!
Serving Suggestions Cowboy soup is hearty enough on its own, so I like to keep the sides simple. My favorites are: Buttered cornbread for dipping Crusty (toasted) bread or a baguette with lots of butter Homemade biscuits if you want something extra comforting My favorite arugula salad helps to balance the rich soup Quesadillas for something fun and kid-friendly to dunk in the soup For toppings, shredded sharp Cheddar, sour cream, avocado, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips are all really good. Ingredients ▢1 tablespoon olive oil plus more as needed ▢1 pound ground beef chuck (80/20) ▢1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion 1 large onion ▢1-1/2 cups finely diced carrots 4 carrots ▢1 large red bell pepper finely diced ▢Salt and pepper ▢1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves ▢2 tablespoons tomato paste ▢1 teaspoon each: beef bouillon powder garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano ▢2 teaspoons each: chili powder paprika ▢1/4 cup all-purpose flour ▢1 (14-ounce) can cru...
Ingredients 1 lb Ground Beef chicken, pork or turkey also work 1/4 Cup Yellow Onion, Diced 1 Packet Taco Seasoning 1/8 Cup Water 10.5 oz Can of Rotel, drained very well 1 Refrigerated Pizza Crust 1 3/4 Cup Shredded Chihuahua Cheese + 1/4 cup for the top 1 3/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese + 1/4 cup for the top 1 tbsp Melted Butter Chopped Cilantro optional for garnish Instructions Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain grease very well. Stir in taco seasoning, water, and drained Rotel. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool completely. Roll out the pizza crust onto parchment paper into a large rectangle. Sprinkle 1 3/4 cup of the Chihuahua cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spread the cooled taco meat mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with 1 3/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Starting on the long side closest to you, use the parchment paper to carefully roll the...
Ingredients - 1.14 lbs green cabbage, chopped into thin strips - 1 lb ground beef (80/20) - ½ pack beef bacon, chopped - 2 small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved- sliced into half-moons - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 white onion, chopped - 1 jalapeno, minced - 2 tbsp minced garlic Gravy & Seasonings - 2 tbsp tomato paste - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour - 2½ - 3 cups beef bone broth - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 2 tbsp Salt-Free Tony's Creole Seasoning - 1 tbsp paprika - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - 1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Instructions 1. Add the chopped beef bacon to a cold skillet and bring the heat to medium-high. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered. 2. Leave the bacon and rendered fat in the skillet. Add the ground beef and let it cook until a crust forms. Flip, then break the beef apart. Note: Beef bacon and 1 pound of ground beef don't render as much fat as pork bacon, but you can drain a little if needed. 3. Ad...
