August Garden Prep: Plant These 10 Perennials Now for Fall Color

Jennifer Stephens
Aug 5
2 min read

Plant These 10 Perennials Now for Fall Color

This guide helps gardeners in each USDA zone pick 10 perennials to plant in August for bold fall blooms.

Planting by Zone: (Know your Zone Map) https://amzn.to/4mwqU05

Zone 3–5: Russian sage. Drought‑tolerant, lavender‑blue spikes bloom from late summer to fall. Thrives in full sun, well‑drained soil.
Zone 4–9: Japanese anemone. Elegant pink or white blooms late summer into fall. Prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Zone 5–9: Autumn Joy Sedum. Succulent foliage, dusty pink flower heads that deepen to bronze in fall. Low maintenance, excellent in borders.
Zone 3–8: Helenium (sneezeweed). Bright orange and gold daisies through autumn. Likes moist, neutral soil, full sun.
Zone 3–9: Asters. Daisy‑like lavender to blue blooms attract pollinators and bloom into October.
Zone 4–9: Coreopsis. Heat and drought-tolerant, bright yellow flowers that last into fall.
Zone 3–8b: Balloon flower. Lavender‑blue blooms pop open from balloon buds. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Zone 4–9: Bee balm (Monarda). Doubles as a pollinator magnet. Reds/purples bloom late summer to fall, deer‑resistant.
Zone 5–9: Black‑eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). Golden blooms persist into fall. Drought‑tolerant and self‑seeding.
Zone 5–9: Hardy mums (garden chrysanthemums). Rich fall color in yellow, burgundy, and bronze. Choose hardy garden mums.

General care tips: (Check out this guide) https://amzn.to/3UJGXvw

• Choose full sun or part shade depending on species.

• Soil needs vary; many prefer well‑drained, slightly moist soils.

• Water consistently while plants establish.

• Remove faded blooms to encourage new flowers. Deadhead until early fall.

• Add mulch to protect roots and retain moisture.

• Watch for deer or rabbit damage; choose resistant species like sedum, bee balm, asters, and mums.

Local seasonal calendar

Early August: Plant hardy mums and coreopsis from nursery pots. They establish roots before the cooler fall weather.
Mid-August: Add sedum, Russian sage, and bee balm.
Late August: Insert anemone and balloon flower for a robust fall bloom.

Allow six to eight weeks before the first frost for best root establishment. Plant these 10 perennials now for fall colors.

Looking to add gorgeous color to your garden this fall? Check out these great deals on autumn perennial seeds and starter plants. From bold Black-eyed Susans to vibrant Japanese anemones, these selections are timed for late-summer planting and fall bloom. Shop curated picks with strong reviews, fast shipping, and options suited to every zone. https://amzn.to/3UfzrIS