Late summer is the perfect time to refresh your garden with bold, beautiful color. While many early bloomers are fading, several standout perennials begin to shine in August. These reliable favorites not only extend your garden’s color but also support pollinators and thrive in the heat. Below are four of our top picks for August-blooming perennials that are available now at Hicks Nurseries.
Joe Pye Weed
Bee Balm – Monarda
Joe Pye Weed
If you’re looking to make a big impact, Joe Pye Weed is a must-have. This native perennial is a butterfly magnet, drawing in pollinators with large clusters of mauve-pink flowers. In addition, it is deer resistant and thrives in full sun with moist soil. While most varieties are tall, newer compact cultivars like ‘Baby Joe’ work beautifully in smaller gardens. For a natural look, try pairing Joe Pye Weed with native grasses like switchgrass, goldenrod, aster, or black-eyed Susans.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Next, consider adding bee balm to your summer garden. This showy native perennial produces vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple—often from mid-summer into early fall. Moreover, its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Bee balm prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew, be sure to give it good air circulation. Not only is it stunning, but it also adds a delightful fragrance to the garden.
Sedum
Hardy Hibiscus
Sedum (Stonecrop)
As summer winds down, sedum begins to take center stage. This drought-tolerant perennial is ideal for sunny locations and poor soil conditions. Its fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers provide both texture and color well into the fall. ‘Autumn Joy’ is one of the most popular varieties, offering dusty pink blooms that gradually turn a rich copper. In addition, sedum is very low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Hardy Hibiscus
Lastly, for tropical-style blooms without the fuss, hardy hibiscus is a stunning addition. With enormous flowers that can reach up to 10 inches wide, it creates an instant focal point. Although it looks exotic, hardy hibiscus is incredibly tough and thrives in full sun with consistently moist soil. Choose from a range of colors including white, pink, and deep red. Furthermore, it blooms for weeks in late summer, making it one of the season’s most dramatic performers.
Add Color to Your Garden Now
August is an excellent time to plant perennials that provide color now and return year after year. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural beauty of Joe Pye Weed, the vibrant energy of bee balm, the structure of sedum, or the bold blooms of hardy hibiscus, each plant adds lasting interest to your landscape. Visit Hicks Nurseries today to shop our full selection of August-blooming perennials and create a garden that thrives through the end of summer and beyond.
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