7 Common Perennial Seeds You Should Sow in August for More Blooms Through Late Summer

As the summer days linger, August offers the perfect opportunity to sow perennial seeds that will continue to bloom well into the late summer and beyond. While many gardeners might assume the season is winding down, August is a fantastic time to prepare your garden for a second burst of vibrant color. Whether you’re looking to add some late-season interest or create a garden that blossoms all year long, these seven perennial seeds are perfect for sowing this month. Get ready for a garden full of beautiful, long-lasting blooms!

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Table of Contents

1. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket flowers are known for their stunning daisy-like blooms in shades of red, yellow, and orange. These cheerful flowers are perfect for planting in August as they thrive in full sun and can tolerate heat and drought. Blanket flowers will continue to bloom through late summer and into fall, offering bold color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

USDA Zone: 3 to 10
Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow
Mature Size: 12 to 24 inches

Pro Tip: Blanket flowers need well-drained soil to thrive, so be sure to plant them in areas with good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Purple Coneflower Echinacea Plant Roots Set of 3 Perennial Flowers

Coneflowers are a garden favorite for their stunning, daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. Known for being hardy and drought-tolerant, coneflowers are perfect for August planting. These perennials will bloom all the way through late summer and into the fall, providing color and structure in your garden for months to come.

USDA Zone: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Purple, pink, white
Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet

Pro Tip: Coneflowers are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them a perfect choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and beautiful plant with minimal effort.

3. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)

7 Common Perennial Seeds You Should Sow in August for More Blooms Through Late Summer — Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

Shasta daisies are the epitome of a classic summer flower, with their white petals and bright yellow centers. These perennial flowers are easy to grow and thrive in full sun. If you plant them in August, you’ll enjoy a long blooming period that lasts well into late summer. Shasta daisies are also great for cutting, so they make lovely bouquets to bring the outdoors inside.

USDA Zone: 4 to 9
Color Varieties: White with yellow center
Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and keep your garden looking fresh all season.

4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a highly versatile perennial known for its aromatic silver-gray foliage and purple-blue spikes of flowers. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for hot, dry conditions, making it a fantastic option for August planting. Russian sage will continue to bloom from mid-summer all the way through fall, adding a delicate, airy quality to your garden.

USDA Zone: 4 to 9
Color Varieties: Blue, purple
Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet

Pro Tip: Russian sage thrives in well-drained soil and loves full sun, so plant it in sunny spots with good drainage to keep it happy and healthy.

Black-eyed Susans are a bold and beautiful addition to any garden, known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers. These resilient perennials thrive in full sun and will bloom all the way through late summer, often lasting into the fall. Black-eyed Susans are also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a must-have for any wildlife-friendly garden.

USDA Zone: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Black-eyed Susans are relatively low-maintenance once established and are excellent for creating a natural, cottage-style garden.

6. Autumn Joy Stonecrop (Sedum)

Autumn Joy Stonecrop is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in late summer heat. This plant has star-shaped pink flowers that deepen into red as fall approaches, offering a beautiful transition into the cooler months. Planting this hardy perennial in August ensures that you’ll have long-lasting color into the fall.

USDA Zone: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Pink, red
Mature Size: 1.5 to 2 feet

Pro Tip: Autumn Joy Stonecrop prefers well-drained soil and should be watered sparingly to avoid root rot. It’s perfect for those looking for an easy-care, late-blooming perennial.

7. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

Japanese Anemone is a late bloomer that thrives in partial shade and will continue to bloom into fall. These delicate flowers come in shades of white, pink, and lavender, creating a soft, romantic look in the garden. Planting Japanese Anemones in August will give them enough time to establish themselves, so they can bloom beautifully into the cooler months.

USDA Zone: 4 to 8
Color Varieties: White, pink, lavender
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet

Pro Tip: Japanese Anemones thrive in moist, well-drained soil, so be sure to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage healthy growth.

By sowing these 7 perennial seeds in August, you’ll ensure that your garden continues to bloom well into late summer and even through the fall months. These perennials not only add color but also attract pollinators, making your garden a lively and beautiful place for both plants and wildlife. Whether you’re planting for seasonal color or a low-maintenance garden, these hardy and vibrant perennials are sure to bring long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space. Happy planting!

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