September 09, 2024

26 Vibrant Late Summer Flowers to Plant Now for Stunning Fall Color

As the heat of summer begins to fade and the cool breezes of autumn approach, many gardeners might assume that their planting season is over. However, late summer is an excellent time to refresh your garden with a burst of color that will carry you through the transition to fall. Whether you're looking to fill in gaps in your flower beds, extend the blooming season, or simply add some vibrant hues to your outdoor spaces, these 26 late summer flowers are perfect choices for a last-minute gardening project.

1. Zinnias
Zinnias are hardy annuals that thrive in the heat of late summer. They come in a wide range of colors, from bright reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. Zinnias are easy to grow and bloom quickly, often within a few weeks of planting. They also attract butterflies, making your garden a haven for these beautiful creatures.

2. Marigolds
Known for their bright, sunny colors, marigolds are a classic choice for late summer planting. These hardy flowers are not only beautiful but also help repel pests, making them a great companion plant for vegetables. Marigolds can bloom well into the fall, providing consistent color in your garden.

3. Cosmos
Cosmos are another excellent choice for late summer planting. These tall, airy flowers produce delicate, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Cosmos are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soil, making them a low-maintenance option for adding height and color to your garden.

4. Sunflowers
Few flowers capture the essence of summer quite like sunflowers. While many people plant them earlier in the season, they can still be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. Dwarf varieties are particularly suited to late planting and will produce cheerful blooms that last until the first frost.

5. Black-eyed Susans
These bright yellow flowers with dark centers are a staple of late summer gardens. Black-eyed Susans are tough, drought-resistant perennials that can thrive in almost any soil. They bloom from late summer into fall, providing weeks of color in your garden.

6. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea, or coneflower, is a hardy perennial that produces large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Echinacea blooms from late summer into early fall, adding a splash of color to your garden as the seasons change.

7. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile perennial that adds texture and color to your garden. It produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow. Sedum is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil, making it an excellent choice for late summer planting.

8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are synonymous with fall, but they can be planted in late summer to ensure a colorful display as the weather cools. Available in a wide range of colors, from deep reds and purples to bright yellows and oranges, mums are a must-have for extending your garden's blooming season.

9. Asters
Asters are a popular choice for late summer and fall gardens. These hardy perennials produce masses of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Asters bloom from late summer into the fall, providing a reliable source of color as the days shorten.

10. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a cheerful perennial that produces masses of bright yellow flowers. It's a great choice for adding a splash of color to your garden in late summer. Coreopsis is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.

11. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia, or blanket flower, is a hardy perennial that produces bold, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. These flowers are long-blooming and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for late summer planting. Gaillardia will continue to bloom until the first frost, providing color well into the fall.

12. Russian Sage
Russian sage is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that produces spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers. This plant adds height and texture to your garden and blooms from late summer into the fall. Russian sage is a great choice for adding a touch of blue to your late-season garden.

13. Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones are elegant perennials that produce delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. These flowers bloom from late summer into fall, adding a touch of grace to your garden as the seasons change. Japanese anemones prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

14. Helenium
Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, is a hardy perennial that produces masses of bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Helenium blooms from late summer into the fall, providing a reliable source of color as the weather cools. These flowers are also attractive to pollinators, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

15. Salvia
Salvia is a versatile perennial that produces spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and pink. These flowers bloom from late summer into the fall, providing a splash of color in your garden. Salvia is also attractive to pollinators, making it a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.

16. Dahlias
Dahlias are showy perennials that produce large, colorful flowers in a wide range of shapes and sizes. These flowers bloom from late summer into the fall, providing a stunning display in your garden. Dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they can be dug up and stored over winter for replanting the following year.

17. Verbena
Verbena is a long-blooming annual that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. These flowers are heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, making them an excellent choice for late summer planting. Verbena will continue to bloom until the first frost, providing color well into the fall.

18. Pentas
Pentas, also known as Egyptian star cluster, is a heat-tolerant annual that produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. These flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

19. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa, or million bells, is a trailing annual that produces masses of small, petunia-like flowers in a wide range of colors. These flowers are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, and they will continue to bloom until the first frost.

20. Petunias
Petunias are classic annuals that produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors. These flowers are heat-tolerant and can be planted in late summer for a last-minute burst of color. Petunias are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.

21. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing annual that produces masses of tiny, sweet-smelling flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. These flowers are perfect for edging, rock gardens, and containers, and they will continue to bloom until the first frost.

22. Cleome (Spider Flower)
Cleome, or spider flower, is a tall annual that produces large, airy flower clusters in shades of pink, white, and purple. These flowers are heat-tolerant and can be planted in late summer for a last-minute burst of color. Cleome is perfect for adding height and drama to your garden.

23. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are hardy annuals that produce bright, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. These flowers are edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads. Nasturtiums are also great for companion planting, as they help repel pests.

24. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are classic annuals that produce tall spikes of flowers in a wide range of colors. These flowers are heat-tolerant and can be planted in late summer for a last-minute burst of color. Snapdragons are perfect for adding height and texture to your garden.

25. Lantana
Lantana is a heat-tolerant annual that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. These flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. Lantana will continue to bloom until the first frost.

26. Begonias
Begonias are versatile annuals that produce large, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and white. These flowers are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds, and they will continue to bloom until the first frost. Begonias prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Late summer planting is an opportunity to refresh your garden and extend the blooming season well into the fall. With these 26 flowers, you can add a last-minute burst of color to your garden, ensuring that it remains vibrant and beautiful as the seasons change. Whether you prefer annuals or perennials, there