Late summer bloom lovers know the magic of having your garden erupt in color when most flowers begin to fade. Whether filling a fresh space or refreshing tired beds, planting now is the perfect opportunity to guarantee a floral finale worth the wait. These 25 standout choices will give you plenty of variety in color, height, and form, making your garden burst with life when the season starts to wind down.
1. Zinnias
Zinnias are quick growers and bloom in as little as two months. Their bold hues range from cherry red to electric lime and sunny yellow. These flowers thrive in full sun and continue blooming until frost. Zinnias attract bees and butterflies, making them ideal for pollinator-friendly gardens. They also work well in containers and borders. Their long stems make them great for cut flower arrangements.
2. Cosmos
Cosmos, with their tall stems and fluttering blooms, bring an airy elegance to garden beds. They come in shades of pink, white, and burgundy and grow easily in average soil. These heat-loving flowers self-seed readily and thrive with minimal care. Cosmos bloom from mid-summer through fall. Their delicate look adds contrast to bolder flowers. They are also a magnet for butterflies and beneficial insects.
3. Sunflowers (Dwarf and Branching Types)
Not all sunflowers are towering giants. Dwarf and branching varieties bloom earlier and keep flowering into late summer. These types produce multiple heads per plant, offering weeks of cheerful color. They grow well in garden beds and pots. Sunflowers follow the sun and attract pollinators in droves. Their bright faces add height and joy to any garden corner.
4. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia is a native wildflower that blooms in warm shades of gold and orange. Their dark centers add contrast and drama to any flower bed. These hardy perennials bloom from mid-summer through fall. They tolerate heat and drought well, making them perfect for low-maintenance landscapes. Rudbeckia also resists deer and pests. Their cheerful look brightens borders and wildflower meadows.
5. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)
Tithonia produces fiery orange blooms on tall stems that can reach six feet. Unlike regular sunflowers, their flowers are more compact and dense. These plants love the heat and are drought-tolerant once established. They attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in large numbers. Tithonia is excellent as a backdrop in sunny beds. Their flame-colored flowers add exotic energy.
6. Cleome (Spider Flower)
Cleome adds architectural height with pink, lavender, and white spidery blooms. Each plant can grow up to five feet tall. Its unique flower structure creates motion and drama. Cleome thrives in heat and full sun, needing little care once settled. It works well in the middle or back of borders. Its scent also deters deer and rabbits.
7. Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis offers clusters of tiny purple flowers on tall, thin stems. These plants seem to float above surrounding blooms. They provide an airy texture that breaks up dense planting. Blooming from summer to frost, they are reliable performers. Verbena attracts butterflies and makes a lovely cut flower. They grow well in both borders and containers.
8. Salvia (Annual Types like 'Mystic Spires')
Annual salvias like 'Mystic Spires' bloom profusely in vivid blues and purples. These flowers are heat and drought-tolerant, ideal for summer planting. Their upright spikes create vertical interest in flower beds. Salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds and bees. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming through the season.
9. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis bursts with daisy-like flowers in golden yellow and soft pink tones. These hardy perennials bloom nonstop from summer to early fall. They are easy to grow and tolerate poor soil and drought. Their cheery flowers brighten borders and rock gardens. Coreopsis also self-seeds, expanding your display each year. Pollinators flock to their open blooms.
10. Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding or Upright Types)
Amaranthus adds bold texture with its draping or upright flower spikes. Love-lies-bleeding types have dramatic cascades of red tassels. Upright types stand tall with vibrant green or burgundy blooms. These plants thrive in heat and full sun. Their foliage also adds color with red, gold, and chartreuse tones. Amaranthus pairs well with bold annuals and grasses.
11. Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena)
Globe amaranth features round, clover-like blooms in bright magenta, purple, or white. Their flowers are long-lasting and hold color well when dried. Gomphrena thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soil. These compact plants bloom until frost without fading. Their low, mounding shape makes them ideal for edges. They are also excellent for pollinator gardens.
12. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
Nicotiana produces trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink, and green shades. Its sweet scent intensifies at night, making it perfect for evening gardens. These annuals bloom from mid-summer until frost. Nicotiana grows well in partial shade or sun. Their tall, elegant stems fit nicely in mixed borders. Their fragrance also repels some pests.
13. Marigolds (French and African Types)
Marigolds are garden staples known for their vibrant yellows and oranges. French types are compact and bushy, while African types are taller and fuller. Both bloom from summer into fall. Marigolds help repel nematodes and other pests. They tolerate heat well and require little maintenance. Their bright color and scent keep beds lively and pest-free.
14. Ageratum
Ageratum is beloved for its fluffy, blue flowers, which add softness to sunny spaces. These compact plants stay low and bloom reliably until frost. Ageratum thrives in cooler regions and partial sun. It looks lovely in borders and as filler in mixed plantings. Its blooms also attract butterflies and resist deer. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers.
15. Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Scabiosa offers frilly blooms with soft centers in lavender, pink, and white shades. These perennials start blooming in early summer and continue into fall. Their unique shape adds texture to bouquets and beds. Scabiosa attracts butterflies and bees. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Their slender stems make them perfect for cutting.
16. Celosia (Cockscomb and Plume Types)
Celosia delivers color and form with flame-like plumes or wavy cockscomb blooms. These annuals bloom from midsummer into fall. Cockscomb types have brain-like textures, while plume types resemble fluffy fireworks. Celosia thrives in heat and tolerates dry conditions. It is striking in containers or as a garden focal point. Their bold colors include reds, golds, and purples.
17. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia displays bright, daisy-like blooms with red, orange, and yellow tones. These perennials bloom from early summer through fall. They love the heat and tolerate poor, sandy soil. Gaillardia's long bloom period and vibrant colors make it a garden favorite. It easily attracts butterflies and bees, and its compact shape fits well in borders.
18. Heliotrope
Heliotrope charms with deep violet flower clusters and a sweet, vanilla scent. These annuals bloom from summer into fall and are best grown in containers or sunny beds. Heliotrope enjoys rich soil and regular watering. Their fragrance intensifies in the heat. They add a touch of romance to garden spaces and attract butterflies.
19. Lantana
Lantana brings bright clusters of pink, yellow, orange, and red blooms. These sun-lovers flower from spring to frost. Once established, they thrive in poor soil and resist drought. Lantana's trailing or mounding form suits borders and containers. Their flowers change color as they mature. Butterflies and hummingbirds are frequent visitors.
20. Dahlia
Dahlias bloom in various shapes and sizes, from small pom-poms to dinner-plate forms. They flower from midsummer until frost; plant tubers now for late-season color. Dahlias need rich soil and regular watering. Their bold colors and textures add drama. Use them as focal points or in cutting gardens.
21. Snapdragons
Snapdragons bloom best in cooler weather but offer a late-summer flush in mild regions. Their spiky blooms come in every color but blue. These flowers prefer full sun and rich soil. Taller varieties are great for the back of borders. Snapdragons attract bees and hummingbirds. Deadheading encourages repeat blooms.
22. Four O’Clocks
Four O'Clocks bloom in the late afternoon and into the evening. Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in pink, white, red, and yellow. These annuals reseed easily and thrive in full sun. Their fragrance is strongest in the evening. They are ideal for evening-view gardens. Their tuberous roots help them survive heat and drought.
23. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa offers mini petunia-like flowers in cascading mounds. These bloom nonstop from spring to frost. They do best in containers or hanging baskets with good drainage. Calibrachoa needs regular feeding to stay vibrant. Their tiny flowers come in solid and bicolor shades. They are excellent for adding volume to displays.
24. Cuphea (Cigar Plant or Bat-Faced)
Cuphea produces masses of tubular flowers shaped like tiny cigars or bat faces. These heat-tolerant annuals bloom from midsummer to frost. They are drought-resistant and attract hummingbirds. Cuphea adds whimsical charm to containers and borders. Their unique blooms stand out among more common flowers. They require very little care.
25. Petunias
Petunias are long-time garden favorites known for their full blooms and spreading habit. Wave and Supertunia varieties bloom continuously without deadheading. They perform best in full sun with well-drained soil. Petunias come in nearly every color and pattern. They are excellent for containers, window boxes, and garden beds. Their lush growth creates a full, lush look.
Your Garden's Final Curtain Call
Late summer gardens often steal the spotlight when planned with intention. By planting these 25 flowers now, you ensure your landscape shines long after others have faded. Whether in containers or wide beds, the right mix can turn your space into a show-stopping finale for the warm season. Let your garden take a final bow with a vibrant bloom show that ends summer on a high note.