Late summer is a tricky time for colour in the garden. Many summer-flowering plants have already faded, and it’s usually too early for much in the way of autumn colour. However, there are a fair few perennials and shrubs that put on a great show late in August and help to bridge the gap between summer and fall. Check our designing your garden page for ideas.

Bernice’s Pick: Red Heart Rose-of-Sharon

When we think about late summer flowers, Rose-of-Sharon usually comes to mind first. A woody type of hardy hibiscus, Rose-of-Sharon produces flowers late in the summer that last well into the fall. The blooms can be a variety of colours: white, white with a red eye, pink, purple and blue. Red Heart is the classic choice with pure white single blooms that have a dark red centre. Rose-of-Sharon like sunny areas and can be expected to grow around eight feet tall and a bit less in width.

Devin’s Pick: Lil’ Miss Sunshine Bluebeard

Also referred to as Blue Mist Spirea, this petite shrub has golden-yellow foliage throughout the season. However, it really comes into its own in August when it produces clusters of bright, pure blue flowers that are a stunning contrast to the leaves. The blooms attract numerous beneficial pollinators as well. Lil’ Miss Sunshine prefers full sun and can be expected to grow about two feet tall and wide.

Jenn’s Pick: Autumn Joy Stonecrop

We can’t talk about late –season flowers without mentioning stonecrop. Heat and drought-tolerant, stonecrop can handle all-day sun and comes in a variety of compact shapes and sizes. Autumn Joy is an upright variety that has been around for a while, and for a very good reason: it produces rich rosy-pink blooms atop sturdy fleshy stems in late summer/early fall.

Lorrie’s Pick: Little Spire Russian Sage

Russian sage is the epitome of a ‘cool-palette’ perennial, perfect for mass-planting. Throughout the summer and fall, it produces soft purple flower spikes atop soothing silver foliage that is often deeply lobed. The flowers and foliage have a beautiful fragrance and attract butterflies, honey bees and other beneficial insects. Little Spire is a much more compact variety ideal for smaller garden spaces that does not ‘flop’ like some of the more common cultivars do. It eventually reaches two feet in height and width. Learn more about perennials.

Paul’s Pick: Cherry Cheesecake Hibiscus

Rose-of-Sharon is a hardy, dependable shrub, but dinner plate hibiscus like Cherry Cheesecake absolutely dwarfs it when it comes to flower size – there’s a reason they’re referred to as ‘dinner-plate’ blooms! Cherry Cheesecake produces massive white flowers that are touched with magenta and pink at the edges, creating a pinwheel-like effect. The centre of each flower is a dark red colour. These are a perennial type of hibiscus, meaning they will dieback to the ground in the winter, then sprout anew in the spring. They can be expected to reach four to five feet in height when mature.

Sarah’s Pick: Peachie’s Pick Stokes Aster

Asters are synonymous with late summer and fall. Peachie’s Pick produces fluffy deep blue-purple flowers in the summer that resemble cornflower blooms. Perfect for a cottage or rock garden, it is at its best in small groupings at the front of the border. They prefer full sun and are highly adaptable to various soil types though they cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. This variety stays quite compact, topping out around two feet tall and wide.

For more late summer planting suggestions, check out our product listing or call to speak with our knowledgeable staff!