By the time mid - summer rolls around , us gardeners are looking to delight the fruit of our labour .
We putin those farseeing hours in early springto prep , shop , and industrial plant , and now it ’s time to kick back and enjoy the time of year .
Theveggie patch yieldis increasing daily , containers of annuals are established and roaring , and the perennial garden is … well , yikes , it look kind of tired and needs some help !
Photo courtesy of MacGardens.org.
With raging , harsh sunlight and dry conditions , mid- to late summertime can be tough on our gardens . Many plants endure from heat focus and struggle without fair to middling moisture .
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To avoid the late time of year , colorless doldrums , prefer from our inclination of the better perennial to add vivacious shades to the late summer garden .
Photo courtesy of MacGardens.org.
Many of these plants are North American native , and others come from around world – but all seem to brandish when the heat is on !
Here ’s 19 of our favorites , along with a abbreviated verbal description of the character we love about them .
19 howling Perennials for Late Summer coloring
1. Anise Hyssop (Agastachefoeniculum)
Anise hyssop , also known as butterfly stroke mint , is a fragrant perennial with upright flower spikes that bloom from June to September . Traditional varieties have blue , lilac-colored , or purple blooms , but new ones include bold colors such as orange and red .
Native to the knit and prairies of North America , anise Hyssopus officinalis is sturdy inUSDA Hardiness Zones4 - 9 . As a perennial , it spread by rhizomes , and in colder climates it can be grown as a self - seed annual . It maturate well in soil of average fertility , full Lord’s Day , and spiritualist to teetotal wet conditions .
Drought tolerant once established , it ’s also deer and coney immune – butvery attractive to bees , butterflies , and hummingbirds . you could use rationalise flowers in impertinent and dried agreement , and the plants make attractive addition to beds and border , butterfly , herb , andcottage gardens , or in naturalized options like meadows or wildflower gardens .
‘ Blue Boa ’ is a superb performer , with masses of splashy flowers , and plantsare usable through Nature Hills Nursery .
Read more about grow anise hyssop here .
2. Autumn Joy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’/Sedum spectabile‘Autumn Joy’)
blossom from August to October , ‘ Autumn Joy ’ stonecrop is a clump - mold herbaceous perennial with large , flavorless heads of tiny , blushful red heyday . Upright stems grow 18 inches to 2 foot tall with succulent , fleshy leaf . bud first come along pink , change to bolshie as they open , and finally turn a coppery specter as they die .
Stonecropsare drouth - tolerant natives to Asia , Europe , and North America , hardy in Zones 3 - 8 , and get their name from their wont of growing in stony ledges and rocky outcrops . ‘ Autumn Joy ’ prefer soil of average to poor richness , dry to medium wet , first-class drainage , and full sun .
Attractive to beesand butterflies , ‘ Autumn Joy ’ can be used in the front of beds and borders , grown in alpine or rock gardens , planted en masse shot , or grown in container . Left in spot , they also tot up involvement to fall and winter gardens .
you could regularise 2 - year old plant from Nature Hills Nursery .
Get tips on growing your own ‘ Autumn Joy ’ stonecrop here .
3. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Balloon flower is an eye - catching , clump - forge perennial that give a cheerful display of color to the former summertime garden . Mature clump grow from 1 to 2.5 feet tall , and vernal buds swell like balloon before explode into bell - shaped flower . center - catching in ghost of blue , wan pink , and snowy , they flower from June to August .
A aborigine to the slopes and meadow of East Asia , balloon flower is hardy in Zones 3 - 8 and enjoys a full to fond Sunday location . Aside from middling land and culture medium wet requirements , it ’s largely self - sufficient and requires little maintenance .
Balloon flush also have addition to the cutting garden , andit ’s deer repellent as well . Use it to best consequence in borders , containers , border , and rockeries .
‘ Astra Double Blue ’ is a dwarf variety that blossom all summer andit can be ordain through Nature Hills .
Read more about growing balloon heyday here .
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm , or untamed bergamot orange , is a tall , attractive perennial with ringlet of tubular flower that add a sheer punch of colour to the late summer garden . Fragrant works grow 2 to 4 feet grandiloquent with sassy , mop - top bloom in colouring of burgundy , lavender , pink , red , and white that bloom in July and August .
Hardy in zone 3 - 9 , it ’s endemical to moist bottomland , woods , and streambanks of easterly North America . Bee balm prefers humous - rich , well - draining territory with medium to squiffy wet levels in a full to fond sun position .
Deer andrabbit resistant , it ’s attractive to bees , butterflies , andhummingbirds . strike when mass in drifts , plant in borders , cottage and rain gardens , and in naturalize planting .
Burpee has a large selectionof colorful bee balms for the garden .
Read more about originate bee balm here .
5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
dim - eyed Susan is a cheerful wildflower renowned for its showy , daisy - like flowers in shades of orange , red , or sunshine yellow-bellied . Floret petal are anchored with a chocolate - brown center disc , and blossom bloom from June to September .
autochthonic to central and eastern North America , calamitous - eyed Susans grow best in well - draining or sandy soil enrich with constitutive compost , average wet levels , anda full Dominicus location . Drought resistant once institute , they ’re sturdy in Zones 3 - 7 and uprise from 1 to 3 understructure tall .
Perfect for the cut garden , they ’re cervid insubordinate , attractive to butterfly stroke , andsmall songbird enjoy the seedsin dip . apply their bright colour to right effect in beds and molding , bungalow or wildflower garden , turgid containers , or in mass planting .
Nature Hills Nursery has 2 - year former plantsof the foolproof ‘ Goldstrum ’ miscellany available or you may plunk up traditional seedsthrough unfeigned Leaf Market .
Read more about growing black - eyed Susans here .
6. Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica)
down fundamental efflorescence is a clustering - forming , herbaceous perennial with potent , unbranched staunch 2 to 3 feet in height . The stems are topped with terminal raceme of tubular flowers in specter of lightness to dour bluish that bloom of youth from July to September .
Native to moist low meadows , woodlands , and stream and springiness banks of key and easterly North America , it ’s sturdy in Zones 4 - 9 . It need a full Dominicus to part nicety website , humus - rich soil , and sensitive to wet wet status .
Deer resistant , blue cardinal flower is well - suited to beds and borders , rainwater garden , perennial bed , native and timber mise en scene , and moist areas , like beside pool or streams .
‘ Great Blue ’ has dim spike of clean blue flower andcan be purchased through Nature Hills .
7. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum)
For reliable late season performance , chrysanthemums are useable in a huge selection of colors , forms , and size . flower from August to November , flowers have ray florets , with numerous cultivar bred for multiple row of floweret in unlike condition – from tube-shaped to fringe . colours are almost outright and arrive in shadowiness of lavender , orange , ruby-red , white , and yellow .
A native of China , this herbaceous perennial has been cultivated for millennia . It grow best in fertile , humus - productive and well - drain land , with consistent moisture and full Lord’s Day vulnerability . Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 , mommy appreciate a winter mulch in dusty regions .
Chrysanthemums draw butterfly stroke , and are deer and rabbit resistant . They are most good in aggregated plantings , at the front of mixed and repeated beds and border , and in containers or windowboxes .
Check out Burpee ’s online selectionof bright , dependable garden momma orread more about spring up chrysanthemum here .
8. Dahlia (Dahlia)
Dahlias are tuberous rooted perennials with a prominent diverseness of colors , form , and size ranging from 1 to 6 feet tall . They bloom from July to September . The pinwheel wind collector - shaped blossoms are categorise into 10 dissimilar groups to distinguish among the many flower case , such as cactus , cosmetic , pompon , and waterlily . size change greatly as well , from compact terrace cultivar to 1 with huge , dinner party - plate - sized blooms .
Native to Mexico and Central America , dahlia are hardy in Zones 8 - 11 . In colder neighborhood , the tubers need to be dug up in the fall and hive away , then imbed in the spring and spring up as annuals . Dahlias enjoy full sun with some afternoon shade in spicy part . plant life in well - drain , compost - productive soil , with a intermediate moisture level .
Dahlias make an striking alternative for cut arrangements , and are well - accommodate for bed , borders , containers , and windowpane boxes .
you’re able to find alarge selection of people of colour and shapes at Burpeeorread more about produce dahlias here .
9. Echinacea / Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea , also called coneflower , is a bunch - forming perennial with purple , daisy - like flowers that put on a showy display from June to September . It grows 2 to 5 fundament magniloquent and reblooms readily , with blossoms shape on stiff , multi - branched stems fit out with unsubtle , dark green leaves .
autochthonal to eastern North America , echinacea is dauntless in Zones 3 - 9 and well grown in well - drain soil of average fertility , dry to mass medium wet , and a full to part sun location . However , this flora is terrifically adaptable and tolerant of harsh condition , including drouth , heating plant , humidness , and poor soil .
Echinacea is a good alternative for newly cut or dried blossom . Deer and rabbit insubordinate , it ’s also attractive to butterfly andother good creepy - crawlies , and migrating songbirds will visit seedheads in fall and wintertime . It create an attractive addition in mixed and perennial beds and borders as well as native ornaturalized area , and is arresting when planted in masses with yellow black - eyed Susans .
Check out the manyjuicy echinacea colors available from Burpeeorread more about growing echinacea here .
10. Helenium (Helenium autumnale)
If it ’s vibrant , warm colors you require , genus Helenium grow masses of daisy - like blooms in plentiful shades of orange , red , and yellow . Sun devotee , these tumid , clump - form plant that are also make out as sneezeweed acquire 3 to 4 feet tall , impart terrific interest from August to October .
aboriginal to Central and North America , helenium grows best in soil of average fertility amended with organic material , average to wet moisture , and full sun . Hardy in zone 3 - 8 , it is intolerant of dry soils . It also benefits from being cut back in late give to boost branch and more flowers .
Helenium attracts butterfly stroke , and winter birds relish the seedheads , but deer ward off it . Use it in mixed and repeated bed and margin , cottage gardens , naturalised area , and in areas with moist soil .
Burpee offers three options in their ‘ Pinwheel Collection,’in glorious colors of cop , Au , orange , ruddy , and yellow .
11. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
Japanese anemones have delightful cupped blooms of silvery pink or white petals , with a dense ring of yellowish stamens that add elegant , swaying charm to the later summertime garden . Borne on tall , courtly stem , they grow 2 to 4 feet improbable , and bloom from August to October .
aboriginal to primal China , they ’re brave in zone 4 - 8 . They do best in well - draining , coolheaded , rich soil and willenjoy a mulchofshredded leavesorcompost . Plant in full to fond sun and provide culture medium moisture .
Nipponese anemones are particularly in force when mass planted , and are well suited to perennial beds , cottage and woodland gardens , or naturalize configurations .
Burpee has bare root plants useable in eitherwhite ( ‘ Honorine Jobert’)orpink ( ‘ September Charm ’ ) .
say more about growing Japanese anemone here .
12. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe - pye weed is an tumid , clump - forming perennial with handsome burgundy / green foliage and large , jazzy heads of pinkish , mauve , or imperial blossom . Growing 3 to 7 foot tall , it blooms from July to October and has a fresh , vanilla extract - like perfume .
aboriginal to central and eastern North America , it ’s easily grown in fertile , hommos - rich soil with medium to sozzled wet weather condition , in a full to fond sun locating . 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 , pelting garden , and emplacement along streambanks or beside ponds .
For a compact size , try ‘ minuscule Joe,’Eutrochium dubium . It has a lovely fragrance and splendid mauve color . This cultivar is available online from Burpee .
record more about grow 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 burnished daisy - like efflorescence that bloom from June to October , or whenever heavy frosts arrange in . upright piano , multibranched radical form dense mounds of lilac , rose , deep purpleness , or livid blooming that will get 1 to 7 foot improbable .
Indigenous to North America east of the Rockies , these fall beauties are hardy in Zones 3 - 8 and thrive in full to fond sun , with average dirt and moisture . They take full drainage . Once established , New England aster is very low - maintenance . It ’s deer resistive and drought large-minded as well .
Nectar robust , they ’re also extremely attractive to butterflies . Migrating monarchs love them for a quick energy boost on their journeying to the south . They make a long - go cut bloom and are well - suit to mixed and perennial beds and border , or mass in drift in naturalized configurations .
Eden Brothers offers New England aster source packets or once apothecaries' 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 down atop thick stalk with dark green , strappy folio . Growing 3 to 6 feet tall , they ’re renowned for their vivid fragrance and excise recurve petals . blossom of ointment , orange , pinkish , red , rosaceous , white-hot , and icteric are often adorned with speckles and bar .
A cluster - forming hybrid bulb , this is typically the last of the genus Lilium family to bloom , blooming in July and August . Hardy in Zones 3 - 9 , Oriental lilies enjoy a compost orhumus - plentiful dirt , acidic to inert pH storey , average moisture , salutary drain , and full sun .
These exotic - appear precious stone make a brilliant , long - lasting option for gelded arrangements , and field must - have for the cutting off garden . They also work well in containers , cottage and courtyard garden , and motley or perennial bed .
match out the selection of spectacular Oriental lily bulbs at Burpee .
15. Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Pincushion flower is a chunk - work perennial that produce 12 to 18 inches tall and supplies plenty of honest-to-god - fashioned charm . Frilly flowers with a domed center disc sit atop stiff stems and bloom in colors of profane , lavender , pinkish , and white from May until hoar .
Scabiosaget 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 ca n’t put up soaked feet , peculiarly in winter , and necessitate well - enfeeble soilof average richness , medium moisture levels , and a full sunlight fix .
They make a lovely choice for bouquets and arrangements , are cervid and drouth resistant , and are a dearie of butterflies . With a relatively short growth habit , pincushion flush works well planted en masse shot as an edge plant , in the front of beds and borders , and in containers or windowboxes .
Burpee has a good selection availablein shade of blue , lavender , pink , orange , and bloodless .
16. Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)
Red valerian features showy clusters of fragrant , tiny , trumpet - shaped bloom of youth in shades of pink to carmine with sarcoid blue - green leaves . Growing 18 inches to 3 feet on mostly upright stems , it blooms from May to September .
Native to the Mediterranean neighborhood , red valerian performs well even in pathetic , dry soils – although it will struggle in high heat and humidness . It prefers sandy , well - run out grime of average prolificacy , medium wet , and a full Dominicus location .
It ’s well suitable to borders , cottage gardens , and naturalized areas . It also makes an effective bank or earth cover , and can be used to combat erosion .
Pick up seeds online at Amazon .
17. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Cheerful white flower play up the intercrossed Shasta daisy . A clunk - forming herbaceous perennial , blossom are formed from pretty ray of light florets radiate from a sunshine - yellow center disk . Borne on tall stalks of 2 to 3 metrical foot in tiptop , they bloom from July to September .
The Shasta daisy is non - fussy and well grown in soil of average fertility , with dry to medium moisture levels , and a full sun locating . Good drain is a must , and they ’ll stand some light afternoon shade in blistering mood or when grow in ironic dirt .
Shasta attract butterfly stroke , and they ’re cervid and coney tolerant as well as drouth patient of . With a long - lasting blooming menses , they ’re efficient in cottage and cutting gardens , mixed and perennial seam , and container .
Burpee has mess of Shastas to choose fromor you canlearn more about growing them here .
18. Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
The bright yellow-bellied color of goldenrod will buff your belated summertime garden with beautiful clustering of little , obtusely packed flowers . Stiff , narrow stems raise upright in clunk 2 to 3 feet tall with bloom blossom from July to September .
Goldenrods are aboriginal to central and eastern North America , admit Mexico , and showy goldenrod is a heat- and drought - tolerant perennial that ’s unfearing in Zones 3 - 9 . It ’s easy grown in full sun with well - draining grunge of intermediate fertility and dry to medium amount of money of moisture .
Attractive to bees and butterfly , showy goldenrod adds shiny vividness to perennial beds , and any naturalized setting likemeadows or prairie and wildflower gardens .
order of magnitude 3 - packs of showy goldenrod from Nature Hills Nursery .
Read about grow goldenrod flowers here .
19. True Blue Gentian (Gentiana x intermedia ‘True Blue’)
For a splattering of acute blue , juicy gentian grow 2 to 3 feet high-pitched in a dense , just mound with shiny gullible leave . bud undetermined to tubular flower of vivid electric blue , cut through the multi - branched flower stems from July to October .
A perennial to alpine surround in temperate regions around the world , it ’s hardy in Zones 4 - 8 . ‘ rightful dispirited ’ does estimable in reasonably fertile filth , necessitate metier to fuddled moisture point and serious drainage , and prefers full to part - sun position .
Attractive to bee , butterfly , and hummingbirds , it ’s also cervid and rabbit resistant . Use as an heart - catching addition to beds , boundary line , containers , and path border .
The Finest for Late Summer Color
Whether your garden is wet or dry , sunny or shady , there are industrial plant to tot up slew of colour and pretty flowers to the dog day of summer .
Now that you know about these 19 fabulous perennials , are there any spots in your garden that could use their help ?
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photograph by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more point . Originally published on August 3rd , 2019 . Last updated July 26th , 2023 . intersection images via Burpee and True Leaf Market . Uncredited photograph : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
