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Late summer flowering perennials


The 19 Best Perennials for Late Summer Color

By the time mid-summer rolls around, us gardeners are looking to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

We put in those long hours in early spring to prep, shop, and plant, and now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the season.

The veggie patch yield is increasing daily, containers of annuals are established and thriving, and the perennial garden is… well, yikes, it looks kind of tired and needs some help!

With hot, harsh sunlight and dry conditions, mid- to late summer can be tough on our gardens. Many plants suffer from heat stress and struggle without adequate moisture.

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To avoid the late season, colorless doldrums, choose from our list of the best perennials to add vibrant shades to the late summer garden.

Many of these plants are North American natives, and others come from around globe – but all seem to flourish when the heat is on!

Here’s 19 of our favorites, along with a brief description of the qualities we love about them.

19 Terrific Perennials for Late Summer Color

  1. Anise Hyssop
  2. Autumn Joy Stonecrop
  3. Balloon Flower
  4. Bee Balm
  5. Black-Eyed Susan
  6. Blue Cardinal Flower
  7. Chrysanthemum
  8. Dahlia
  9. Echinacea
  10. Helenium
  11. Japanese Anemone
  12. Joe-Pye Weed
  13. New England Aster
  14. Oriental Lily
  15. Pincushion Flower
  16. Red Valerian
  17. Shasta Daisy
  18. Showy Goldenrod
  19. True Blue Gentian

1. Anise Hyssop (

Agastachefoeniculum)

Anise hyssop, also known as butterfly mint, is a fragrant perennial with upright flower spikes that bloom from June to September. Traditional varieties have blue, lavender, or purple blooms, but new ones include bold colors such as orange and red.

Native to the plains and prairies of North America, anise hyssop is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. As a perennial, it spreads by rhizomes, and in colder climates it can be grown as a self-seeding annual. It grows easily in soil of average fertility, full sun, and medium to dry moisture conditions.

Drought tolerant once established, it’s also deer and rabbit resistant – but very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. You can use cut flowers in fresh and dried arrangements, and the plants make attractive additions to beds and borders, butterfly, herb, and cottage gardens, or in naturalized settings like meadows or wildflower gardens.

‘Blue Boa’ is a superb performer, with masses of showy flowers, and plants are available through Nature Hills Nursery.

Read more about growing anise hyssop here.

2. Autumn Joy Stonecrop (

Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’/Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’)

Blooming from August to October, ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with large, flat heads of tiny, rosy red flowers. Upright stems grow 18 inches to 2 feet tall with succulent, fleshy leaves. Buds first appear pink, change to red as they open, and finally turn a coppery shade as they die.

Stonecrop are drought-tolerant natives to Asia, Europe, and North America, hardy in Zones 3-8, and get their name from their habit of growing in stony ledges and rocky outcrops. ‘Autumn Joy’ prefers soil of average to poor fertility, dry to medium moisture, excellent drainage, and full sun.

Attractive to bees and butterflies, ‘Autumn Joy’ can be used in the front of beds and borders, grown in alpine or rock gardens, planted en masse, or grown in containers. Left in place, they also add interest to fall and winter gardens.

You can order 2-year old plants from Nature Hills Nursery.

Or find tips on growing your own stonecrop flowers here.

3. Balloon Flower (

Platycodon grandiflorus)

Balloon flower is an eye-catching, clump-forming perennial that gives a cheerful display of color to the late summer garden. Mature clumps grow from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, and young buds swell like balloons before bursting into bell-shaped flowers. Eye-catching in shades of blue, pale pink, and white, they flower from June to August.

A native to the slopes and meadows of East Asia, balloon flower is hardy in Zones 3-8 and enjoys a full to partial sun location. Aside from average soil and medium moisture requirements, it’s largely self-sufficient and requires little maintenance.

Balloon flower also makes addition to the cutting garden, and it’s deer resistant as well. Use it to best effect in borders, containers, edging, and rockeries.

‘Astra Double Blue’ is a dwarf variety that blooms all summer and it can be ordered through Nature Hills.

Read more about growing balloon flower here.

4. Bee Balm (

Monarda didyma)

Bee balm, or wild bergamot, is a tall, attractive perennial with whorls of tubular flowers that add a bold punch of color to the late summer garden. Fragrant plants grow 2 to 4 feet tall with sassy, mop-top blossoms in colors of burgundy, lavender, pink, red, and white that bloom in July and August.

Hardy in Zones 3-9, it’s endemic to moist bottomlands, woods, and streambanks of eastern North America. Bee balm prefers humus-rich, well-draining soil with medium to wet moisture levels in a full to partial sun location.

Deer and rabbit resistant, it’s attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Striking when massed in drifts, plant in borders, cottage and rain gardens, and in naturalized plantings.

Burpee has a large selection of colorful bee balms for the garden.

Read more about growing bee balm here.

5. Black-Eyed Susan (

Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful wildflower renowned for its showy, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange, red, or sunshine yellow. Floret petals are anchored with a chocolate-brown center disk, and flowers bloom from June to September.

Indigenous to central and eastern North America, black-eyed Susans grow best in well-draining or sandy soil enriched with organic compost, medium moisture levels, and a full sun location. Drought resistant once established, they’re hardy in Zones 3-7 and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall.

Perfect for the cutting garden, they’re deer resistant, attractive to butterflies, and small songbirds enjoy the seeds in fall. Use their bright color to best effect in beds and borders, cottage or wildflower gardens, large containers, or in mass plantings.

Nature Hills Nursery has 2-year old plants of the foolproof ‘Goldstrum’ variety available or you can pick up traditional seeds through True Leaf Market.

Read more about growing black-eyed Susans here.

6. Blue Cardinal Flower (

Lobelia siphilitica)

Blue cardinal flower is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with stiff, unbranched stems 2 to 3 feet in height. The stems are topped with terminal racemes of tubular flowers in shades of light to dark blue that bloom from July to September.

Native to moist low meadows, woodlands, and stream and spring banks of central and eastern North America, it’s hardy in Zones 4-9. It requires a full sun to part shade site, humus-rich soil, and medium to wet moisture conditions.

Deer resistant, blue cardinal flower is well-suited to beds and borders, rain gardens, perennial beds, native and woodland settings, and moist areas, like beside ponds or streams.

‘Great Blue’ has dense spikes of clear blue blossoms and can be purchased through Nature Hills.

7. Chrysanthemum (

Chrysanthemum)

For reliable late season performance, chrysanthemums are available in a huge selection of colors, forms, and sizes. Blooming from August to November, flowers have ray florets, with numerous cultivars bred for multiple rows of florets in different shapes – from tubular to fringed. Colors are almost unlimited and come in shades of lavender, orange, red, white, and yellow.

A native of China, this herbaceous perennial has been cultivated for millennia. It grows best in fertile, humus-rich and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture and full sun exposure. Hardy in Zones 5-9, mums appreciate a winter mulch in colder regions.

Chrysanthemums attract butterflies, and are deer and rabbit resistant. They are most effective in mass plantings, at the front of mixed and perennial beds and borders, and in containers or windowboxes.

Check out Burpee’s online selection of bright, reliable garden mums or read more about growing chrysanthemum here.

8. Dahlia (

Dahlia)

Dahlias are tuberous rooted perennials with a large variety of colors, shapes, and sizes ranging from 1 to 6 feet tall. They flower from July to September. The pinwheel-shaped blossoms are categorized into 10 different groups to distinguish among the many flower types, such as cactus, decorative, pompon, and waterlily. Sizes vary greatly as well, from compact patio cultivars to ones with huge, dinner-plate-sized blooms.

Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias are hardy in Zones 8-11. In colder regions, the tubers need to be dug up in the fall and stored, then planted in the spring and grown as annuals. Dahlias enjoy full sun with some afternoon shade in hot regions. Plant in well-draining, compost-rich soil, with a medium moisture level.

Dahlias make an outstanding option for cut arrangements, and are well-suited for beds, borders, containers, and window boxes.

You can find a large selection of colors and shapes at Burpee or read more about growing dahlias here.

9. Echinacea / Coneflower (

Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, also called coneflower, is a clump-forming perennial with purple, daisy-like flowers that put on a showy display from June to September. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall and reblooms readily, with blossoms forming on stiff, multi-branched stems clad with broad, dark green leaves.

Indigenous to eastern North America, echinacea is hardy in Zones 3-9 and easily grown in well-draining soil of average fertility, dry to medium moisture, and a full to part sun location. However, this plant is wonderfully adaptable and tolerant of harsh conditions, including drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil.

Echinacea is a good choice for freshly cut or dried flowers. Deer and rabbit resistant, it’s also attractive to butterflies and other beneficial creepy-crawlies, and migrating songbirds will visit seedheads in fall and winter. It makes an attractive addition in mixed and perennial beds and borders as well as native or naturalized areas, and is stunning when planted in masses with yellow black-eyed Susans.

Check out the many juicy echinacea colors available from Burpee or read more about growing echinacea here.

10. Helenium (

Helenium autumnale)

If it’s vibrant, warm colors you want, helenium produces masses of daisy-like blooms in rich shades of orange, red, and yellow. Sun lovers, these erect, clump-forming plants that are also known as sneezeweed grow 3 to 4 feet tall, adding terrific interest from August to October.

Native to Central and North America, helenium grows best in soil of average fertility amended with organic material, medium to wet moisture, and full sun. Hardy in Zones 3-8, it is intolerant of dry soils. It also benefits from being cut back in late spring to encourage branching and more flowers.

Helenium attracts butterflies, and winter birds enjoy the seedheads, but deer avoid it. Use it in mixed and perennial beds and borders, cottage gardens, naturalized areas, and in areas with moist soil.

Burpee offers three options in their ‘Pinwheel Collection,’ in glorious colors of copper, gold, orange, red, and yellow.

11. Japanese Anemone (

Anemone hupehensis)

Japanese anemones have delightful cupped blooms of silvery pink or white petals, with a dense ring of yellow stamens that add elegant, swaying charm to the late summer garden. Borne on tall, stately stems, they grow 2 to 4 feet tall, and bloom from August to October.

Native to central China, they’re hardy in zones 4-8. They do best in well-draining, cool, rich soil and will enjoy a mulch of shredded leaves or compost. Plant in full to partial sun and provide medium moisture.

Japanese anemones are particularly effective when mass planted, and are well suited to perennial beds, cottage and woodland gardens, or naturalized settings.

Burpee has bare root plants available in either white (‘Honorine Jobert’) or pink (‘September Charm’).

Read more about growing Japanese anemones here.

12. Joe-Pye Weed (

Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe-pye weed is an erect, clump-forming perennial with handsome burgundy/green foliage and large, showy heads of pink, mauve, or purple flowers. Growing 3 to 7 feet tall, it blooms from July to October and has a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.

Native to central and eastern North America, it’s easily grown in fertile, humus-rich soil with medium to wet moisture conditions, in a full to partial sun location. It’s not a fan of heavy shade.

Joe-pye weed is attractive to butterflies and is well-suited to moist borders, cottage gardens, meadows, rain gardens, and locations along streambanks or beside ponds.

For a compact size, try ‘Little Joe,’ Eutrochium dubium. It has a lovely fragrance and splendid mauve color. This cultivar is available online from Burpee.

Read more about growing joe-pye weed here.

13. New England Aster (

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England aster, sometimes referred to as Michaelmas daisy, is a reliable perennial with bright daisy-like flowers that bloom from June to October, or whenever heavy frosts set in. Upright, multibranched stems form dense mounds of lilac, rose, deep purple, or white blooms that will grow 1 to 7 feet tall.

Indigenous to North America east of the Rockies, these fall beauties are hardy in Zones 3-8 and thrive in full to partial sun, with average soil and moisture. They require good drainage. Once established, New England aster is very low-maintenance. It’s deer resistant and drought tolerant as well.

Nectar rich, they’re also extremely attractive to butterflies. Migrating monarchs love them for a quick energy boost on their journey south. They make a long-lasting cut flower and are well-suited to mixed and perennial beds and borders, or massed in drifts in naturalized settings.

Eden Brothers offers New England aster seed packets or once ounce sachets.

Read more about growing New England aster here.

14. Oriental Lily (

Lilium orientalis)

Oriental lilies make a stunning statement with their large, star-shaped flowers that sit atop thick stalks with dark green, strappy leaves. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, they’re renowned for their intense fragrance and striking recurve petals. Blossoms of cream, orange, pink, red, rose, white, and yellow are often adorned with speckles and stripes.

A clump-forming hybrid bulb, this is typically the last of the lilium family to flower, blooming in July and August. Hardy in Zones 3-9, Oriental lilies enjoy a compost or humus-rich soil, acidic to neutral pH levels, average moisture, good drainage, and full sun.

These exotic-looking gems make a superb, long-lasting option for cut arrangements, and are a must-have for the cutting garden. They also work well in containers, cottage and courtyard gardens, and mixed or perennial beds.

Check out the selection of spectacular Oriental lily bulbs at Burpee.

15. Pincushion Flower (

Scabiosa)

Pincushion flower is a clump-forming perennial that grows 12 to 18 inches tall and supplies plenty of old-fashioned charm. Frilly flowers with a domed center disc sit atop stiff stems and bloom in colors of blue, lavender, pink, and white from May until frost.

Scabiosa get their common name from their showy blossoms, which resemble pincushions stuffed with pins. Hardy in Zones 5-9, they’re native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. They can’t abide wet feet, particularly in winter, and need well-draining soil of average fertility, medium moisture levels, and a full sun location.

They make a lovely option for bouquets and arrangements, are deer and drought resistant, and are a favorite of butterflies. With a relatively short growth habit, pincushion flower works well planted en masse as an edging plant, in the front of beds and borders, and in containers or windowboxes.

Burpee has a good selection available in shades of blue, lavender, pink, orange, and white.

16. Red Valerian (

Centranthus ruber)

Red valerian features showy clusters of fragrant, tiny, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of pink to carmine with fleshy blue-green leaves. Growing 18 inches to 3 feet on mostly upright stems, it blooms from May to September.

Native to the Mediterranean region, red valerian performs well even in poor, dry soils – although it will struggle in high heat and humidity. It prefers sandy, well-draining soil of average fertility, medium moisture, and a full sun location.

It’s well suited to borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. It also makes an effective bank or ground cover, and can be used to combat erosion.

Pick up seeds online at Amazon.

17. Shasta Daisy (

Leucanthemum × superbum)

Cheerful white flowers highlight the hybrid Shasta daisy. A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, blossoms are formed from pretty ray florets radiating from a sunshine-yellow center disk. Borne on tall stalks of 2 to 3 feet in height, they bloom from July to September.

The Shasta daisy is non-fussy and easily grown in soil of average fertility, with dry to medium moisture levels, and a full sun location. Good drainage is a must, and they’ll tolerate some light afternoon shade in hot climates or when growing in dry soil.

Shastas attract butterflies, and they’re deer and rabbit resistant as well as drought tolerant. With a long-lasting bloom period, they’re effective in cottage and cutting gardens, mixed and perennial beds, and containers.

Burpee has plenty of Shastas to choose from or you can learn more about growing them here.

18. Showy Goldenrod (

Solidago speciosa)

The bright yellow color of goldenrod will burnish your late summer garden with beautiful clusters of small, densely packed flowers. Stiff, narrow stems grow upright in clumps 2 to 3 feet tall with flowers blooming from July to September.

Goldenrods are native to central and eastern North America, including Mexico, and showy goldenrod is a heat- and drought-tolerant perennial that’s hardy in Zones 3-9. It’s easily grown in full sun with well-draining soil of average fertility and dry to medium amounts of moisture.

Attractive to bees and butterflies, showy goldenrod adds bright color to perennial beds, and any naturalized setting like meadows or prairie and wildflower gardens.

Order 3-packs of showy goldenrod from Nature Hills Nursery.

Read about growing goldenrod flowers here.

19. True Blue Gentian (

Gentiana x intermedia ‘True Blue’)

For a splash of intense blue, blue gentian  grows 2 to 3 feet high in a dense, upright mound with shiny green leaves. Buds open to tubular flowers of brilliant electric blue, covering the multi-branched flower stems from July to October.

Photo courtesy of MacGardens.org.

A perennial to alpine environments in temperate regions around the world, it’s hardy in Zones 4-8. ‘True Blue’ does best in moderately fertile soil, requires medium to wet moisture levels and good drainage, and prefers full to part-sun locations.

Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, it’s also deer and rabbit resistant. Use as an eye-catching addition to beds, borders, containers, and path edging.

The Finest for Late Summer Color

Whether your garden is wet or dry, sunny or shady, there are plants to add plenty of color and pretty flowers to the dog days of summer.

Now that you know about these 19 fabulous perennials, are there any spots in your garden that could use their help?

10 Perennials for Late-Summer and Fall Color

Keep the color show going in your backyard right up until frost. Here’s a peek at 10 of our favorite late-season bloomers. By Doug Jimerson

Nippon Daisy

Often called Montauk Daisy, Nippon Daisy is prized for its late-in-the-season explosion of perky, white flowers. This easy-care plant grows 24 to 36 inches tall, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Both the leaves and flowers of Nippon daisy are frost tolerant and will retain their color right up until a hard freeze. The nectar-rich blooms will also lure colorful butterflies to your garden. Nippon daisy is deer-resistant, too. Zones 5-9

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Goldenrod

Let the bright, yellow blooms of goldenrod gild your late-season garden with color. Heat- and drought-tolerant, goldenrod is an easy-care native that’s been given a modern makeover. Newer hybrids are a great choice for your garden because they’re more compact and produce more flowers than their roadside cousins. Hybrid goldenrod grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is highly attractive to hungry bees and butterflies. By the way, it’s a myth that goldenrod causes hay fever. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time as goldenrod, is generally the sneeze-inducing culprit.  Zones 3-9

In photo: Solidago 'Little Lemon'

Joe Pye Weed

Perennials don’t get much tougher than Joe Pye weed. In fact, you can probably drive a truck over this rugged native and not phase it a bit. Joe Pye Weed is a big plant (although dwarf varieties that grow 3 feet tall are available) often reaching 6 to 7 feet tall, so give it plenty of room to stretch out. It loves rich, slightly moist soil and produces handsome burgundy-green foliage topped with large showy heads of whitish-purple flowers in the late summer and fall. Butterflies and bees love the nectar rich flowers. Joe Pye weed can be a bit of a bully, so plant it where it won’t encroach on its neighbors. Zones 4-10

In photo: Eupatorium 'Baby Joe'

Discover more top plants to attract butterflies to your garden.

Helenium

For gorgeous fall color you can’t beat helenium. Year after year, this super- easy native perennial produces masses of pretty, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bi-color. These sun-loving plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and look terrific even when rainfall is scarce. Occasionally called sneezeweed, helenium does not cause hay fever. It just happens to bloom in the same season as ragweed so it often takes the blame. Helenium will also attract important pollinating insects to your garden. Deer, however, avoid the plant. Zones 3-8

In photo: Helenium 'Coppelia'

Oriental Lily

Enjoy color and fragrance in your fall garden with Oriental lilies. These exotic-looking charmers grow 4 to 6 feet tall and produce magnificent stalks of huge, star-shape blooms. Colors include pink, rose, red, cream, white, yellow, and orange; most flowers are also generously splashed with darker stripes and spots. Oriental lilies need a sunny to partially sunny spot with well-drained soil that has plenty of organic matter mixed in. It may take a year or two to form a big impressive clump, but these super plants are worth the wait. Zones 5-9

In photo: Lilium 'Farolito'

Chrysanthemum

When you think about fall color, chrysanthemums are probably the first plants that come to mind. That’s because these versatile perennials are available in an almost unlimited selection of colors, sizes, and flower forms that look amazing planted by themselves or mixed with other flowers. Use chrysanthemums in containers or directly in the landscape. All they require is a sunny location and a drink whenever the surface of the soil begins to dry. In colder climates cover newly planted chrysanthemums with a few inches of shredded leaves or compost after the foliage dies. This protects them during their first winter in the ground. Zones 4-10

In photo: Orange Chrysanthemum

Japanese anemone

Borne on tall, elegant stems, the pink or white flowers of Japanese anemone are a welcome treat in the late-summer garden. Growing 2 to 4 feet high, Japanese anemone mingles well with other fall bloomers such as asters and chrysanthemums. The plants prefer full sun, but will also bloom in partial shade. They do best in rich, cool, organic soil so mulch the plants with shredded leaves or compost. Japanese anemone spreads by underground runners, so keep an eye on your plants to be sure they aren’t crowding nearby perennials. Zones 4-8

In photo: Anemone 'Honorine Jobert'

Aster

Make asters the backbone of your fall border. These reliable perennials form dense mounds of white, purple, pink, or blue flowers. Asters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and, depending on variety, can grow 1 to 4 feet tall. This makes them versatile enough to be planted anywhere, from a container to the back of the border. These fall beauties are also extremely attractive to butterflies, particularly hungry Monarchs looking for a quick snack while on their fall migration. Asters need full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 4-7

In photo: Aster 'Purple Viking'

Balloon Flower

Take your fall flower garden to new heights with balloon flower. Named for its eye-catching balloon-shape flower buds, balloon flower provides a burst of welcome color in the late-summer garden. An easy-care perennial, balloon flower, which also goes by its genus name platycodon, develops quantities of dark blue, pink, or white flowers. The plants grow 12 to 20 inches tall and thrive in any sunny or partially sunny location. Balloon flower also makes a wonderful cut flower. And, it’s deer resistant, too! Zones 3-8

In photo: Platycodon 'Sentimental Blue'

Sedum

If you’re a “plant it and forget it” style of gardener, you definitely need to put sedum on your shopping list. These rugged plants are virtually indestructible and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Sedums have fleshy foliage that makes them super drought tolerant. Just plant them in a sunny spot and stand back. Taller varieties, that can grow 24 to 36 inches tall, produce large flat heads of pink or red flowers through the late summer and fall. The nectar rich blooms also attract scores of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Zones 3-8

In photo: Sedum 'Autumn Charm'

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90,000 5 flowering perennials in August for the most colorful end of the season. Names, descriptions, photos - Botanichka

August can be a little sad - autumn, followed by a long winter, is already on the threshold, and its breath is clearly felt in the air. But the flower beds are still full of multicolor, and their colors create an atmosphere of warmth and joy. The rich palette of August flower beds mainly consists of yellows, oranges, and crimson tones. And it seems as if the garden has become warmer and the color of the sun has increased. What flowers should definitely be planted in flower beds so that they brighten up the inevitable departure of summer with flowering?

Helenium ‘Chelsey’. © Lyudmila Svetlitskaya

1. Autumn Helenium

The very name of this flower indicates that the beginning of its flowering is already almost autumn. At the end of summer, the gelenium blooms numerous inflorescences, consisting of cheerful sunny daisies.

The color palette of this flower varies between yellow and shades of crimson. The velvety petals are surrounded by spherical dark brown "buttons" covered with golden dust, very attractive to butterflies and other insects.

Old varieties have tall strong bushes and small heads. Their color is usually bright yellow or red-brown. Breeders have created numerous varieties with larger flowers, increased doubleness, and also having various shades of orange, yellow, burgundy and their combinations. In addition, more compact and undersized forms have appeared for the fore or middle ground of the flower garden.

Breeding work has also led to the fact that gelenium eventually ceases to be a symbol of the approach of autumn, as new varieties begin their flowering much earlier than traditional cultivars - in July.

If you like the charming daisy-shaped inflorescences of this flower, then it is advisable to have both novelties and traditional cultivars in the garden. Such a combination will prolong the total flowering time of the gelenium in the garden for a long time.

Of the new varieties, it is worth paying attention to the series ‘Mariachi’ ( ‘Mariachi’ ), which is primarily distinguished by its short stature. From tall, look at varieties such as ‘Red Jewel’ , ‘Helena Red’ , ‘Helena Gold’ , ‘Double Trouble’ , Chelsea and others.

Exotic lovers will love the new original variety of gelenium "Autumn Lollipop" , the flowers of which are numerous yellow-brown "knobs". Due to the fact that the inflorescences of this variety are devoid of lateral reed flowers (“petals”), they look a bit like lollipops and look very organic in natural-type flower beds.

Helenium 'Mariachi Ranchera' - the lowest among geleniums. © Ludmila Svetlitskaya

Features of growing geleniums

In order to grow and bloom well, geleniums need an open sunny place and moderately fertile soil. These flowers will not thrive in waterlogged conditions, but most require a moisture-intensive substrate and watering during the dry season.

In this regard, when planting cuttings, add some compost to the soil, which, in addition to nutrition, will also help increase the moisture capacity of the substrate.

Dividing gelenium is best in spring, autumn divisions may die in case of little snowy winter. A small snow cover and frequent thaws can be detrimental to adult gelenium bushes, so it will be useful to mulch the plants for the winter.

2. Aconite

Most gardeners associate aconite with the white-violet aconite , which is most often found in gardens. The flowering time of this type of aconite is June-July. But the extensive genus of aconite offers other varieties with later flowering.

All types of aconite are characterized by a specific flower shape with a hood. © Lyudmila Svetlitskaya

Toward the end of summer, such types of aconite bloom as Fisher's aconite and Arends' aconite . When flowering, Fischer's aconite produces attractive upright spike-shaped inflorescences consisting of lavender-blue flowers. The flowering of the species lasts from late summer to early autumn.

Very few blue-violet flowers bloom during this period, and the appearance of such shades in late summer is a real pleasant surprise. Like other types of aconite, each flower of Fisher's aconite is shaped like a small helmet or hood and looks very original.

This species has strong stems that do not require a tie. Deeply dissected, dark green, glossy foliage provides an attractive flower in the first half of summer, when the plant has not yet bloomed.

Arends' aconite is a hybrid of Wilson's and Fischer's aconites. The species forms powerful, but compact bushes, up to 100 centimeters high. Large flowers, collected in persistent spike-shaped inflorescences, have a rich deep blue-violet color.

In a sunny place, Arends' aconite most often blooms in late August closer to early September. But depending on the weather and climatic conditions, the flowering time may shift. For example, in partial shade, flowering, as a rule, happens later, so this type of aconite is often called autumn.

The best neighbors for aconites: astilbes, hostas, Volzhanka, geraniums, ferns, black cohosh, autumn anemones, rudbeckia, chrysanthemums.

Attention! All parts of aconite are poisonous! If ingested or in contact with mucous membranes, juice can cause various adverse effects from skin irritation to heart and respiratory failure (up to death). Always wash your hands after handling aconite. Also be sure to warn children about its toxic properties.

Aconite Growing Features

Aconite tolerates all types of soil, including poor and dry soil. But still, for better growth when planting in a planting hole, it is recommended to add mineral fertilizer or compost.

When watered during a dry period, aconite thrives in full sun, but partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is also ideal for growing this plant. When choosing a location, avoid windy places, otherwise the plants will have to be tied up.

3. Astilbe

Astilbe will perfectly decorate shady flower beds with fluffy bright panicles. Flower colors range from white, pink and dark red to soft lavender and purple. This flower is very attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Astilba ‘Visions in Red’. © paramountnursery

There are many different types of astilbe. They typically raise their feather-like buds above carved dark green foliage in mid-summer. However, among the rich variety of varieties, you can also find those that will decorate the garden precisely on the eve of autumn.

These late-flowering varieties include the unique Astilba 'Color Flush' , the first cultivar to have original red foliage that changes color throughout the season. This variety blooms with pink panicles in August-September.

Other popular late flowering astilbes:

When choosing astilbe to end the summer season, it should be borne in mind that the most late-flowering varieties are usually cultivars of astilbe Thunberg and bloom in August-September and sometimes later. Other astilbe hybrids usually bloom in July, but still continue to bloom in August.

In order to prolong the period of admiring astilba in the garden, it is advisable to select flowers from both groups, and also add early ones to them - blooming in early June.

Astilba Growing Features

As with most perennials, astilbes perform best in groups of three or more plants of the same variety. Astilbe does best in partial shade, but will also grow in almost full shade.

In cooler climates, most astilba varieties can tolerate all day sun if watered regularly. Astilba should be planted in well-drained soil that remains slightly moist throughout the growing season. Prolonged drought will easily kill astilba. Adding compost to the planting hole will improve the soil and increase its ability to retain moisture.

Astilbes are relatively slow growing plants and will bloom for many years before needing to be divided. After planting, be sure to mulch the soil around the plants to reduce moisture loss in the root zone.

4. Black cohosh (cimicifuga)

Hardy perennial plant, which, in addition to ornamental foliage, is valued for its abundant flowering. Tiny fluffy flowers form giant ears, so during flowering, the height of black cohosh can exceed two meters. Thanks to its large scale and expressive appearance, this plant takes center stage in shady gardens in late summer.

Black cohosh ‘Brunette’. © Ludmila Svetlitskaya

Long peduncles can be either straight or slightly curved. Due to the fact that the flower consists exclusively of stamens, black cohosh inflorescences look very original and resemble bird feathers or bottle brushes.

Flowering begins in late July-early August and continues until late autumn. The sweet scent of black cohosh flowers acts as a magnet for insects, while being an excellent source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Varieties of black cohosh differ in the shape and color of foliage, height, and also the shade of inflorescences.

Features of black cohosh growing

Black cohosh prefers moist, slightly acidic, rich soil. Without proper soil and light, plants remain stunted and may not bloom. Black cohosh will grow well in shady places, but can handle full sun if the soil is moist.

At the same time, only well-drained places are chosen for black cohosh, as it quickly dies in swampy conditions. It is ideal to plant black cohosh in full shade or partial shade.

If the edges of the leaf blade or entire leaves of cimicifuga start to turn brown, this indicates that the plant is receiving too much sun or not enough water.

Black cohosh is long-lived but develops slowly at first and may not flower in the first year after planting. If the soil in your garden is dry or sandy, add plenty of well-rotted compost to the hole before planting the cuttings. After planting, mulching is also very useful for black cohosh.

5.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is widely known among the people under the name "mimosa" due to the similarity of its fluffy bright yellow inflorescences with mimosa bouquets. Goldenrods are very attractive to bees and butterflies during the flowering period, which lasts from August to autumn. After flowering, pretty fluffy silvery panicles form in place of the flowers, which can be used in dry bouquets.

Goldenrod ‘Golden Dwarf’. © telegraphgarden

This flower is considered a noxious weed. Its weightless seeds easily scatter with the wind, and the rhizome spreads to the sides. Therefore, the cultivation of species goldenrods is best avoided altogether.

But the traditional Canadian goldenrod has some interesting hybrids that can't be considered weeds because they don't tend to spread as aggressively as the species plant.

Solidago hybrid 'Golden Dwarf' (' Golden Dwarf' ) is a low-growing variety that does not grow above 40 centimeters, while flower panicles are about 15-17 centimeters long. Flowering begins in August and continues until late autumn.

Solar Cascade hybrid goldenrod ( ‘Solar Cascade’ ) is a solidago with a very original appearance. Distinguished by long drooping yellow inflorescences. Due to the similar arcuate shape of the bush, its habit is a bit like a barberry. At the same time, the stems grow vertically, and the inflorescences stretch to the sides and droop slightly. Flowering begins in August. The variety is tall and grows 1.5 meters tall.

In addition, there is such an interesting variety of goldenrod as Solidaster . This is a natural spontaneous hybrid of aster ptarmicoid and solidago proper. In appearance, the flowers of the solidaster are similar to tiny "September" asters, only a light yellow color uncharacteristic of asters. This hybrid looks more interesting and attractive than goldenrod, and at the same time it is also unpretentious.

Characteristics of growing solidago

Goldenrod is so resistant that, being a native of America, it easily "wild" in Europe and is now settling in Russia. The plant grows well in medium, slightly acidic, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. It also tolerates light partial shade.

Most often the plant is not affected by insect pests or diseases, although in some years it is susceptible to rust, powdery mildew and other leaf spots. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.

Sometimes goldenrods are unfairly accused of causing allergic reactions to "hay fever", which actually develops on wind-blown pollen from other plants (primarily ragweed) that bloom at the same time as solidago.

15 beautiful perennials that bloom all summer

May 24 Educational program Do it yourself

Aquilegia, lupine, armeria, delphinium and other flowers will become a real decoration of your site.

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Things to consider before planting perennials

  1. Most perennials take a long time to grow, first strengthening their root system. Therefore, if some of them bloom in the year of planting, then not too abundantly. The same applies to seedlings with buds that have already appeared. Good flowering should be expected next year or in a few years. If time does not wait, plant annuals.
  2. Planted in autumn, flowers tolerate frosts more easily and get sick less. Before planting, the soil must be dug up and fertilized, and after that, cover the flower bed with sawdust, moss or dry grass.
  3. Flowering period may vary depending on the plant variety. More accurate information about the timing of planting and flowering, as well as proper care, is always indicated on the package with seeds.

1. Delphinium

Photo: AKuptsova / Pixabay

This tall plant with bright flowers is often planted along fences or walls. Delphinium loves the sun, but it must be planted where there will be a shadow at noon. Scorching rays can burn delicate flowers. As needed, the plant should be watered under the root and wilted inflorescences should be removed from it.

2. Echinacea

Photo: Shirley810 / Pixabay

The plant is very fond of sunny color, in the shade it will not bloom well. Echinacea is not afraid of drought, but still requires periodic watering, as well as weeding and loosening the soil. Flowers are great for making bouquets because they do not fade for a long time.

3. Aquilegia

Photo: gelya07/ Pixabay

Aquilegia prefers to grow in partial shade. In the sun, it develops more slowly and blooms less abundantly. The plant should be regularly watered and weeded, as well as loosen the top layer of earth under it.

4. Helenium

Photo: Meatle / Pixabay

This plant with large bright flowers needs regular watering and occasional loosening of the soil. And for long-term flowering from gelenium, you need to cut wilted inflorescences.

5. Yarrow

Photo: ArmbrustAnna / Pixabay

This plant with many tiny flowers and leaves can go without water for a long time. Even in drought, it can be watered only once a week.

6. Armeria

Photo: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

Armeria is characterized by dense bright inflorescences. This plant loves moisture, so it needs to be watered frequently, especially before flowering. It is also necessary to remove wilted inflorescences from it.

7. Bluebell

Photo: Hans / Pixabay

Bluebells are very unpretentious. They need to be watered only when the soil dries out. For abundant flowering, wilted flowers should be cut from the bells.

8. Astrantia

Photo: susanne1958 / Pixabay

Astrantia has very unusual large inflorescences. This unpretentious plant can grow even in the shade, but in this case it will not bloom as plentifully as in a lighted place. Astrantia needs to be periodically watered, weeded and rid of old inflorescences.

9. Mallow

Photo: Couleur / Pixabay

Malva grows in height, so if necessary, it must be tied up. You can water the plant a couple of times a week, and in the heat - a little more often. In addition, wilted flowers should be cut off for better flowering.

10. Clematis

Photo: janeb13 / Pixabay

This is a climbing plant, so it must be planted next to a support, guide the shoots along it during the growth period and tie it up. The flower needs to be watered several times a week, periodically fertilize and loosen the soil under it.

With good care, clematis can grow in one place for more than 20 years. But in the first years of abundant flowering, you should not wait, because the plant only builds up the root system. By cutting off all the buds at this time, you will help him strengthen the roots.

11. Cuff

Photo: Marisa04 / Pixabay

The cuff has such tiny flowers that from a distance it looks like just a lush bush. It makes a beautiful living border. The plant needs to be watered periodically. And if you cut wilted inflorescences from it, you can achieve re-blooming in the fall.

12. Astilba

Photo: AKuptsova / Pixabay

Astilba can hardly tolerate drought, so it needs regular watering. It will bloom more abundantly if planted next to a pond. Thanks to lush leaves, this bushy plant will decorate the garden even after flowering.

13. Arabis

Photo: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons

Arabis grows with a low carpet of small beautiful flowers. They exude a pleasant sweetish aroma. The plant should be watered only during dry periods. However, it requires periodic loosening of the topsoil.

14. Lupine

Photo: KRiemer / Pixabay

This plant has very beautiful elongated inflorescences of different shades. Perennial lupines need to be watered regularly. And if you cut off flowering stems from it in time, you can achieve re-blooming at the end of summer. Sometimes lupine can bloom in the year of planting, at the end of summer.

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