August can be a vibrant time for beautiful flowers to bloom as it falls toward the end of the summer growing season and well before the cooler fall temperatures. If you are looking for flowers to bloom in late summer in your garden, or seasonal flowers to create bouquets, there are plenty of bright flowers to liven up your hot, sleepy August.
Hydrangeas are easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink to blue. Most hydrangeas bloom from August through the first frost, though some, like the oakleaf hydrangea, bloom in mid to late spring. Ranging from three to ten feet tall, hydrangeas need sun in the morning but should be protected from midday and afternoon sun.
The hibiscus is a hardy perennial that evokes warm thoughts of the tropics. However, hibiscus are not just limited to the warmth of Florida. In fact, all the hibiscus needs is some sun (at least 6 hours a day), good soil, and lots of water. Hibiscus generally start blooming in late spring and continue to do so through July and August.
Tiger lilies produce bold orange blossoms with black dots speckled among the petals. This well-known lily shows its blooms in late July and early August. Lilium auratum, widely known as the gold band lily or the golden-rayed lily of Japan, is a large variety of lily with exotic white blossoms. All lilies require plenty of room to grow, and in the summer, need protection from the hot summer sun.
August is peak blooming season for radiant dahlias. These jubilant blooms come in many bright colors, from red and orange to white, purple, and yellow. Dahlias bloom brilliantly in full sun and can adapt adequately to most types of soil. Dahlias should be planted in the spring and cut back in the fall after the first frost.