Late August can feel tricky in the garden. Many summer blooms start to disappear just when the heat peaks, leaving beds looking tired and dry. I’ve been there (and I know the disappointment), but there are some plants that shine when others fade.
These unique picks thrive in late summer and keep the garden lively with fresh color and texture. A few even offer bonus perks: bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to them when most other choices feel tapped out. In this post, I’ll share my favorite 26 flowers & ornamental plants that don’t just survive August—they keep the show going strong.
Late Summer Heroes: Unique Flowers Still Blooming or Peaking
Some flowers take their time, offering a big show when others are winding down. These ten picks are my go-tos for color, shape, and hardiness as August days get shorter.
1. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) – Bold Color and utterfly Magnet
Tithonia packs orange so bright it looks almost electric. I always plant mine at the back of the beds where their big, daisy-like blooms rise high and catch the sun. Butterflies, especially monarchs, can’t resist them. If I want drama and height together with pollinator appeal, Tithonia is at the top of my list.
- Bright, fiery petals stand out against green foliage
- Powerful butterfly magnet, especially Monarchs and Swallowtails
- Thrives in heat and poor soil
- Grows up to 6 feet, making it great for the back of borders or as a living screen
2. Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth) – Drought-Tolerant, Long-Lasting Color
Gomphrena holds its shape and color even as the summer gets hot and dry. Its clover-like, papery blooms come in magenta, purple, white, and orange. I cut these for fresh or dried bouquets—they don’t fade, even after weeks in a vase.
- Long bloom time: Fresh color until frost
- No fear of heat and dry spells: They barely notice drought
- Great cut flowers: Hold color in bouquets and even as dried flowers
3. Cleome (Spider Flower) – Airy, Deer-Resistant Structure
Cleome’s long, thin petals and seedpods give it a spidery look that adds height and structure. It’s tough, even with little water, and deer skip right past it. I love how each flower head looks like fireworks exploding.
- Graceful, open form adds texture to crowded gardens
- Spidery petals give a unique look you won’t find with other annuals
- Stands tall but doesn’t flop, even after storms
- Deer and rabbits leave it alone
4. Zinnia ‘Queen Lime’ Series – Unexpected Green and Antique Tones
My go-to for something outside the typical summer colors. ‘Queen Lime’ zinnias bloom in lime, blush, and antique rose, mixing easily with just about everything. They hold up even after heavy rain and last ages in bouquets.
- Unique color palette, nothing like the usual brights
- Holds up to heat, keeps blooming when others stall
- Large, sturdy blooms look great in bouquets
- Dense petals attract all kinds of pollinators
5. Salvia ‘Black & Blue’ – Striking Contrast; Hummingbird Favorite
Salvia ‘Black & Blue’ has electric blue flowers with deep, almost black bracts. Hummingbirds visit it all day. It stands out against lighter flowers and thrives in both ground and containers, blooming steadily when many other salvias slow down.
- Deep blue color—rare and vivid, even at a distance
- Strong contrast with its dark stems
- Hummingbirds and bees love it
- Handles heat, humidity, and poor soil
6. Cosmos ‘Rubenza’ & ‘Double Click’ – Burgundy Shades & Unique Petals
These cosmos bring rich colors—wine, burgundy, and even ruffled petals—to beds that might otherwise be all pinks and yellows. They love heat and don’t mind a stretch of dry weather. Bees flock to them from dawn until dusk.
- Long stems for cutting and arranging
- Feathery leaves fill out beds without crowding
- New blooms appear right up to the first frost
7. Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’ – Rare Maroon Blooms
Most coreopsis are gold or yellow, but ‘Red Satin’ blooms in deep maroon. I plant it where I want a midsized plant that won’t quit blooming. It defies heat and even attracts goldfinches as the seeds mature.
- Produces waves of color into fall
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Tough as nails in challenging weather
8. Dahlia ‘Cafe au Lait’ & ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ – Dinnerplate Blooms
Dahlias hit their peak in late August. ‘Cafe au Lait’ has creamy, blush petals almost as big as dessert plates. ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ brings a splash of red blooms and dark, almost black foliage. Both give beds instant glamour and cut well for vases.
- Huge, dramatic flowers—one dahlia can fill a vase
- Long bloom time, from midsummer to the first hard frost
- Attracts pollinators and adds instant drama
9. Sunflower ‘Italian White’ – Creamy Alternative to Classic Yellow
Not your standard sunflower, ‘Italian White’ produces creamy blooms with a soft, vintage look. Bees and birds both love these, and their branched stems mean there are always new blooms coming on.
- Smaller heads suit mixed borders and cutting gardens
- Branches freely, more blooms per plant
- Brings in bees and goldfinches
10. Ornamental Oregano (Kent Beauty) – Cascading, Fragrant Bracts
‘Kent Beauty’ isn’t for the herb garden—it’s purely ornamental with hop-like pink and green bracts that cascade over the side of pots. The honey scent is gentle but lovely, making it a surprising pick for containers or edging.
- Delicate, fragrant bracts spill over pots or walls
- Drought-tolerant, thanks to its Mediterranean roots
- Loved by bees and admired for its unusual look
Pollinator and Wildlife-Friendly Picks for Late August Gardens
Gardens are more than just a pretty view—they feed countless bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These five flowers not only add color but bring in vital pollinators as autumn approaches.
11. Agastache (Anise Hyssop) – Minty Fragrance, Bee & Hummingbird Appeal
Agastache offers spikes of purple, pink, or orange that stand tall even in thin soil. The leaves have a minty smell, and from late summer on, the flowers fill with bees and hummingbirds. I plant them near paths for the scent—it reminds me summer isn’t leaving just yet.
- Plump purple flower spikes crowded with bumblebees
- Quick visits from hummingbirds looking for late-summer nectar
- Goldfinches picking at the seed heads as the season winds down
12. Rudbeckia ‘Sahara’ – Earth-Toned Pollinator Haven
‘Sahara’ takes the black-eyed Susan form and pours it into toned-down russet, caramel, and apricot shades. Each flower stays neat, no flopping, and pollinators love the broad centers.
- Each plant attracts honeybees, native bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
- Single flowers give easy access to pollen and nectar
- Makes a great seed source for goldfinches after blooming
13. Liatris (Blazing Star) – Monarch Magnet with Spiky Blooms
Monarchs make a beeline for Liatris spikes, which rise boldly from even poor soil. The purple wands seem to glow at sunset. I often add them in clumps, where butterflies compete for every open bloom.
- Monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries crowd each fuzzy spike
- Bees and moths come for nectar, too
- Birds eat the seeds after the blooms fade
14. Verbena bonariensis – Tall, Airy, Constant Pollinator Traffic
Verbena bonariensis floats above other flowers on wiry stems. It produces tufts of lavender flowers that draw bees and butterflies nonstop. Even when rain flattens surrounding plants, these pop back up, bringing height and movement.
- Nonstop buzzing from bees and skippers
- Monarchs and Painted Ladies stop by daily
- Stems sway in the wind without flopping
15. Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ – Hot Color Until Frost
Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ never seems to stop—from high summer straight through early frost. The warm, red-and-yellow blooms echo a sunset and draw pollinators from all over. I like mixing them with blue and purple flowers for extra contrast.
- Attracts bees, small butterflies, and native pollinators
- Bright color acts as a beacon for wildlife
- Drought-tolerant and easy to grow in rocky or poor soils
Flowers and Foliage for Fall Prep and Garden Texture
August is also the time to think about what comes next. These six plants deliver texture, bold leaves, and late-season color while also setting the stage for autumn.
16. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Sculptural Flower Heads, Lasting Appeal
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ starts with chunky, blue-green leaves and finishes with broccolini-like pink heads that deepen to bronze as fall arrives. It looks tidy all year and is nearly impossible to kill.
- Multi-season stars: Even before it flowers, the tidy mounds of pale green leaves look neat and full.
- Pollinator friendly: Bees flock to the flower clusters each afternoon, stretching the wildlife appeal in your yard.
- Strong texture: The chunky leaves and sturdy stems add a structure that doesn’t flop in rain or wind.
17. Japanese Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ – Elegant White Late Blooms
Japanese anemones bloom just as most perennials bow out. ‘Honorine Jobert’ sends up tall, wiry stems with single white flowers, perfect for shade or dappled sun. It’s the closest thing to garden moonlight I know.
- Late and long blooming: The pure white flowers brighten shady corners and mixed borders well into fall.
- Elegant habit: The slender stems wave gently with the breeze, giving movement to quiet beds.
- Tough nature: Once settled, they need little help and shrug off tough conditions.
18. Chelone (Turtlehead) – Distinctive Hooded Flowers
Chelone, or turtlehead, gets its name from its unusual flowers that look just like tiny turtle mouths. It’s an easy option for soggy spots and stumps most pests. Pink or white flowers keep color going well into early fall.
- Wet soil friendly: It thrives in damp spots where many others won’t grow.
- Glossy leaves: Unlike many herbaceous perennials, Chelone’s dark green foliage looks crisp right through to frost.
- Pollinator draw: Bees and butterflies can’t resist the thick, odd-shaped flowers.
19. Caladium ‘Fannie Munson’ & ‘White Queen’ – Stunning Foliage Focus
Not just about blooms, caladiums bring exotic, heart-shaped leaves in pink, red, or striking white. I plant them in shade where summer flowers quit, and they shine all the way into cool weather.
- Colorful all season: Bright leaves hold steady from heat waves through early cold snaps.
- Shade loving: Caladiums thrive where many flowers struggle, making dull corners feel fresh.
- Easy texture: Heart-shaped leaves on long stems poke up and fill gaps, softening harsh plant lines.
20. Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’ – Bold Patterned Leaves
Coleus covers ground where little else grows. ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’ has deep burgundy centers edged in bright red, looking almost good enough to eat. I swap these in as summer annuals fade—they keep the borders lively.
- No flowers needed: The dazzling leaves are the star, from spring through frost.
- Flexible use: Works in full sun with enough water, but also glows in part shade.
- Habit variety: Upright forms add height, while trailing types spill from containers and over low walls.
Rain-Friendly and Late-Summer Bonus Picks
Summer storms might wash out some staples, but these five flowers take the hit and keep glowing. I also use them in containers or tricky spots for surprise late-season color.
21. Zephyranthes (Rain Lily) – Blooms After Summer Showers
Rain lilies sprout up after a heavy August rain, their small star-shaped blooms coloring beds overnight. I tuck bulbs into borders and between stepping stones for a true secret garden effect.
- Flowers arrive right after a rain, sometimes blooming in just a day or two
- Stays compact, so it’s easy to fill gaps between larger plants
- Needs little care; bulbs survive in soil that swings between dry and soggy
22. Lobelia (Trailing Varieties) – Container-Friendly Blue Cascades
Trailing lobelia sends out dense blue or purple flowers that spill over container edges. Once the worst heat passes, it bounces back strong in late summer. I love using it in hanging baskets where color is most needed.
- Long strings of blooms spill over pots, walls, and rock edges
- Loves cooler post-rain weather, which brings a second flush of color
- Compact but dense, filling containers better than most annuals
23. Canna Lily ‘Tropicanna Black’ – Exotic Foliage and Fiery Flowers
Canna lilies bring a touch of the tropics to late summer. ‘Tropicanna Black’ stands out with orange-red blooms and deep burgundy leaves—great for bold statements near a porch or sunny border.
- Broad, dark leaves bring instant contrast with their deep purple-black color
- Tall, upright stems don’t flop when drenched by heavy rain
- Vivid flowers attract hummingbirds and work well in large pots
24. Four O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa) – Evening Fragrance and Colors
Four o’clocks open late in the day, filling the garden with sweet scent as the sun drops. The blooms come in pink, yellow, white, and striped combinations, often on the same plant.
- Flowers open late, releasing scent right before sunset
- Handles dry spells and returns fast after a rain
- Grows in rough soil, containers, or tucked between other late-summer bloomers
25. Balloon Flower (Platycodon) – Playful Buds and Star-Shaped Blooms
Balloon flower gets its name from the way buds inflate before popping open into blue, pink, or white stars. Kids love them, and they make sturdy, long-lived additions to any perennial bed.
- Sturdy stems that don’t mind rain or wind
- Showy buds make even kids curious to see them open
- Keeps blooming straight into fall if you keep deadheading
26. Ornamental Millet ‘Purple Majesty’ – Vertical Drama, Deep Color
Ornamental millet offers deep purple foliage and strong, upright plumes. I use it for structure in containers or mixed beds, and the seed heads are popular with local birds well into fall.
- Tough, upright structure stands tall through winds and showers
- Makes a bold statement in large pots or near sunny garden entrances
- Seed heads draw birds once the blooms are spent
