August is the perfect time to plant flowers that not only withstand the change in seasons but make your garden look more vibrant. Here are five of the best
As we’re in the thick of August, autumn is just around the corner – and with it comes a drop in temperature. As the year draws to a close, many plants in our gardens become dormant or perish, leaving us with a lack of colour outdoors.
However, there are certain types of flowers that can withstand the chill and continue to bloom during the colder months. The green-fingered experts at The Spruce have revealed five varieties that you can plant this month for a vibrant garden in autumn and even into winter.
From striking purple violas to lush pink Abelias, there’s a plant perfect for every garden.
1. Winter-flowering violas
These robust and resilient flowers can endure throughout autumn, continuing to bloom even when the weather turns colder. Despite their fragile appearance, they’re incredibly hardy, reports the Express.
They require minimal care to flourish, and their vivid purple and orange shades make them a fantastic addition to your autumnal garden.
If you plant in August, you can expect blossoms to appear within two to three weeks.
2. Asters
These beautiful daisy-like flowers come in a plethora of colours, and they can also survive in cooler temperatures. In the UK, they can persist throughout the colder months if planted in well-draining soil.
Their bright purple and pink hues are ideal for adding a splash of colour to your garden in the autumn, and they will also help to attract pollinators and provide a food source for birds and insects when food is a bit more scarce.
3. Fuchsia
These vibrant reddish-pink flowers with hanging petals can endure well into autumn if they’re properly nurtured. The green-fingered gurus at The Spruce suggest planting them when they are already in bloom, particularly if you’re doing it this late in the year.
This is due to the fact that they sometimes don’t flower during the first year if you plant them from seed. They also need a bit more watering at this time of the year to aid their growth.
4. Penstemons
If you’re on the hunt for a plant with a lengthy flowering season, then penstemons are a great choice. They boast stunning foxglove-like flowers and even evergreen foliage during the winter months.
If you plant penstemons when they are already in full bloom, they will inject a burst of colour into your garden, and tend to last until the first frost. However, it’s crucial to prune them hard during autumn too, in order to safeguard them over winter.
5. Abelia x Grandiflora
Lastly, this semi-evergreen shrub boasts glossy leaves and delicate pink flowers that persist well into the autumn months. The Royal Horticultural Society labelled this plant as ‘very easy to grow’, requiring a sheltered yet sunny spot, so there’s still a chance to get them planted before the chill kicks in.
