Flowers of August: Best flowers to pick this month

As August arrives, our garden burst into full bloom with a vibrant array of colors and fragrances. And it did it despite the very dry May and June this year and the overly wet July.

This month is a time when many gardeners (us included) reap the rewards of their hard work, and there's no better way to celebrate the peak of summer than by adorning your garden with a gorgeous collection of perennials and annual flowers.

In this post, we'll explore a few fantastic flower varieties that thrive in August: Salvia viridis, Agastache, Sneezeweed, dahlias, Verbena and more. We'll delve into why these flowers are great additions to your garden this month, along with essential information about each one.

1. Salvia viridis (Annual Clary Sage)

Common Name: Annual Clary Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia viridis

Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Salvia viridis, also known as Annual Clary Sage, is a stunning annual flower that graces your garden with striking, jewel-toned blooms. August's warm weather and bright sunlight provide the perfect conditions for this plant to thrive. The vibrant hues of purple, pink, and blue in its bracts make it a showstopper, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

2. Agastache (Hyssop)

Common Name: Hyssop

Scientific Name: Agastache

Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil

Why it's great in August: Agastache, commonly referred to as Hyssop, is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms beautifully in August. Its spiky flowers in shades of purple, orange, and pink add a touch of elegance to any garden. The full sun exposure during this month intensifies the aroma of its foliage, which is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.

3. Sneezeweed

Common Name: Sneezeweed

Scientific Name: Helenium

Height: 24-48 inches (60-120 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil

Why it's great in August: Sneezeweed, or Helenium, blooms late in the summer, making it a standout in August. With its vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, this perennial adds a burst of color to late summer gardens. It thrives in the warm August temperatures and can tolerate a bit of shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.

4. Dahlias

Common Name: Dahlias

Scientific Name: Dahlia

Height: 12 inches to 6 feet (30 cm to 1.8 m)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Dahlias are the stars of many late summer gardens. With their diverse range of shapes and colors, from petite pompons to dinner plate-sized blossoms, they add a touch of drama and elegance to your garden. August provides the ideal warm weather for dahlias to thrive, and they continue to bloom until the first frost, making them a staple in late summer flower arrangements.

Here's an even better look at our Dahlias and how we're growing them in raised beds.

5. Verbena

Common Name: Verbena

Scientific Name: Verbena

Height: 6-18 inches (15-45 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Verbena is a true summer gem. Its sprawling growth habit and clusters of tiny, vibrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white make it a delightful addition to your garden. In August, verbena's low maintenance nature shines, as it requires little care to keep blooming profusely. Plus, it attracts pollinators, including butterflies and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

6. Echinacea (Coneflower)

Common Name: Coneflower

Scientific Name: Echinacea

Height: 18-48 inches (45-120 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Echinacea, or Coneflower, is a North American native perennial known for its daisy-like flowers with prominent cone-shaped centers. It blooms prolifically in August, offering a striking array of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Besides its aesthetic appeal, Echinacea also attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for late-summer gardens.

7. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)

Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia

Height: 18-36 inches (45-90 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, average soil

Why it's great in August: The cheerful Black-Eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia, is a classic late-summer bloomer. Its bright yellow or orange petals with dark centers add a burst of color to the garden. These resilient perennials thrive in full sun and are highly attractive to butterflies, making them a must-have for August gardens.

8. Heliopsis (False Sunflower)

Common Name: False Sunflower

Scientific Name: Heliopsis

Height: 24-48 inches (60-120 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Heliopsis, or False Sunflower, is a robust perennial that shines in August with its bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers. These flowers resemble sunflowers but are more compact and manageable in the garden. Their extended bloom period ensures your garden remains vibrant throughout late summer.

9. Perovskia (Russian Sage)

Common Name: Russian Sage

Scientific Name: Perovskia

Height: 36-60 inches (90-150 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil

Why it's great in August: Russian Sage, or Perovskia, is a woody perennial known for its feathery, silvery-gray foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. August is the time when this plant reaches its peak, offering a delightful contrast of color and texture in your garden. It's also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for hot August days.

10. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Common Name: Stonecrop

Scientific Name: Sedum

Height: 4-24 inches (10-60 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil

Why it's great in August: Sedum, also known as Stonecrop, is a versatile perennial that brings a touch of elegance to late-summer gardens. Its succulent foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white are captivating. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for August gardens, as they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

August is a time when gardens are ablaze with color and life. By incorporating these magnificent flowers, you can ensure your garden remains vibrant and appealing throughout this beautiful month.

These plants offer a mix of colors, sizes, and growing conditions, making them versatile choices for gardens of all types. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the beauty of August in your very own garden.

Take a look at what's growing right now in our garden this August below.