As summer begins to wind down, August is the perfect time to plan and plant for fall beauty in your garden. While many think of fall as the end of the gardening season, it’s actually a wonderful time to introduce new plants that will thrive in the cooler temperatures and add vibrant color to your landscape. By selecting the right plants now, you can enjoy a stunning display of autumn hues and textures that will keep your garden looking beautiful well into the colder months.
Fall gardening offers a unique opportunity to refresh your garden with plants that are specifically suited for the season. Whether you’re looking to add bold colors, interesting foliage, or late-blooming flowers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Let’s explore some of the best plants to add to your garden in August for a spectacular fall display.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are quintessential fall flowers that come in a wide array of colors and forms. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, mums are beloved for their ability to brighten up gardens with their bold blooms just as summer flowers are fading. When planting mums, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant them early enough in August to give them time to establish roots before the cooler weather sets in.
One of the great things about chrysanthemums is their versatility. They come in a range of sizes, from compact varieties perfect for borders and containers to taller types that make striking statement plants. Mums are also relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types. Just be sure to water them regularly and provide some mulch to help retain moisture and protect the roots. With proper care, chrysanthemums will reward you with a burst of color that lasts well into the fall.
Asters
Asters are another fantastic choice for fall planting, known for their daisy-like flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. Native to North America, asters are hardy perennials that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant asters in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They’re relatively low-maintenance but benefit from regular watering and deadheading to encourage more blooms.
I’ve always found asters to be a delightful addition to the fall garden. Their bright, star-shaped flowers can really liven up a landscape, and they pair well with other fall plants like mums and ornamental grasses. Asters can also be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of autumn beauty to your indoor spaces. With their long blooming period, asters will keep your garden vibrant from late summer through the first frost.
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Ornamental kale and cabbage are not only edible but also incredibly decorative, adding unique textures and colors to the fall garden. These plants are native to Europe and have been bred specifically for their ornamental qualities. They thrive in cooler temperatures and actually develop more vibrant colors as the weather cools. Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny spot, and water them consistently.
I love using ornamental kale and cabbage to add a touch of drama to the garden. Their ruffled leaves and vivid colors, ranging from deep purples to bright greens and pinks, can create a stunning contrast against other fall plants. They’re also quite hardy and can withstand frost, making them a great choice for extending the beauty of your garden into late fall. Use them in borders, containers, or as focal points in your fall garden design.
Pansies and Violas
Pansies and violas are perfect for adding a splash of color to the fall garden. These cool-weather favorites are native to Europe and Western Asia and are known for their cheerful, vibrant flowers. Plant them in well-drained soil in a spot that gets full to partial sun. They’re relatively low-maintenance and can even tolerate light frosts, making them ideal for fall planting.
One of the best things about pansies and violas is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to create beautiful, customized displays. I enjoy planting them in containers and window boxes, where they can be easily admired. Their compact size also makes them perfect for edging garden beds or adding color to mixed plantings. With regular watering and occasional deadheading, pansies and violas will continue to bloom throughout the fall.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that adds interest and texture to the fall garden. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, sedums are known for their fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Sedums are incredibly drought-tolerant and require minimal care once established.
I’m always impressed by the resilience and beauty of sedums. They come in a variety of forms, from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright varieties, making them versatile for different garden settings. Their flowers, which appear in late summer and fall, attract pollinators and add a splash of color to the garden. Sedums are also great for rock gardens, borders, and containers. Their ability to withstand tough conditions makes them a valuable addition to any fall garden.
Japanese Anemones
Japanese anemones are elegant perennials that bring a touch of grace to the fall garden. Native to China and Japan, these plants produce delicate, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. Plant Japanese anemones in a spot with well-drained soil and partial shade. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may need some protection from the hottest afternoon sun in warmer areas.
One of the things I love about Japanese anemones is their ability to bloom late into the season, providing color and interest when many other plants have finished flowering. They can spread to form attractive clumps, making them ideal for filling gaps in the garden. While they can take a couple of years to establish, the wait is well worth it for the beautiful blooms they produce. Japanese anemones are also deer-resistant, making them a great choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, are perennial plants known for their attractive foliage and delicate flowers. Native to North America, heucheras come in a wide range of leaf colors, from deep purples and reds to bright greens and silvers. Plant them in well-drained soil in a spot with partial shade to full sun. Heucheras are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.
I’m particularly fond of heucheras for their foliage, which provides year-round interest in the garden. Their leaves can add a pop of color and texture to borders, containers, and mixed plantings. In the fall, their foliage becomes even more vibrant, creating a stunning display. Heucheras also produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, which attract pollinators. With their versatility and beauty, heucheras are a fantastic addition to any fall garden.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America, known for its bright red berries that persist into winter. Plant winterberry in well-drained soil in a spot with full sun to partial shade. These shrubs are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate wet conditions, making them a great choice for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
One of the reasons I love winterberry is its ability to add color and interest to the garden when most other plants have gone dormant. The bright red berries are a striking contrast against the bare branches and are a valuable food source for birds. Winterberry can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as part of a native plant garden. Just be sure to plant both male and female plants to ensure berry production.
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium, commonly known as sneezeweed, is a hardy perennial that adds a burst of color to the fall garden. Native to North and Central America, heleniums produce daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Heleniums are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate drought once established.
I’m always amazed by the vibrant colors and long blooming period of heleniums. Their cheerful flowers can brighten up any garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They’re also great for cut flowers, bringing a touch of fall beauty indoors. Heleniums can grow quite tall, so they’re perfect for the back of borders or as part of a mixed perennial bed. With their bold colors and ease of care, heleniums are a must-have for fall gardening.
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod is a perennial plant native to North America, known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Plant goldenrod in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Goldenrods are incredibly hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making them a versatile choice for the garden.
I’ve always appreciated goldenrod for its ability to add a splash of color to the garden late in the season. Its tall, arching stems covered in clusters of yellow flowers are a magnet for pollinators, providing a valuable food source as other flowers fade. Goldenrod is also relatively low-maintenance and can help improve soil health by attracting beneficial insects. Whether used in borders, wildflower meadows, or as part of a native plant garden, goldenrod is a fantastic addition to the fall garden.
Sedges (Carex)
Sedges are versatile, grass-like plants that add texture and movement to the garden. Native to various regions around the world, sedges are hardy perennials that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Plant sedges in well-drained soil in a spot with full sun to partial shade. They’re relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate wet conditions, making them ideal for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
I love incorporating sedges into my garden for their graceful foliage and the way they can soften the edges of borders and pathways. They come in a variety of colors and forms, from bright green to variegated, adding interest throughout the year. Sedges are also great for erosion control and can help stabilize soil on slopes and banks. With their adaptability and beauty, sedges are a valuable addition to any garden, providing texture and interest through the fall and beyond.
Plant Fall-Blooming Bulbs
Planting fall-blooming bulbs in August ensures a beautiful display later in the season. Some excellent choices include colchicum, autumn crocus, and winter aconite. These bulbs are typically planted in well-drained soil in a sunny spot, where they can establish roots and bloom in the fall.
I find fall-blooming bulbs to be a delightful surprise in the garden. Just as you think the blooming season is over, these hardy plants burst into color, adding an unexpected touch of beauty. Colchicums, for instance, produce stunning purple or white flowers that resemble crocuses. Native to Europe and western Asia, they are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Planting fall-blooming bulbs can extend your garden’s beauty into the cooler months and provide a cheerful reminder of the changing seasons.
