I’m always on the lookout for new plants to add vibrant colors to my landscape. Today, I’m excited to share 13 stunning perennials that will transform your garden into a late summer and fall wonderland.
Trust me, your outdoor space will thank you!
13 Flowering Plants That Will Add a Burst of Color
1. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Oh, how I adore Rudbeckia! These cheerful, golden blooms with their daisy-like appearance are a staple in my perennial garden. Popular varieties like American Gold Rush and Goldstrum start their show in mid-August and keep the party going through September in my zone 6 garden.
2. Sedum (Stonecrop)
I have a large grouping of Autumn Joy Sedum in my garden, and let me tell you, it’s a showstopper! These beauties emerge in spring as tidy little clumps, grow through summer, and then burst into bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers transition from pink to mauve to bronze as autumn progresses.
3. Anemones
My Rubatissima anemones are just about to put on their show. With their tufted green foliage and emerging bloom spikes, they’ll grace my garden from late August through September. It’s like they know exactly when to step in after my Astilbe have finished their performance.
4. Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium)
I’m eagerly waiting for my Rugosa Chocolate Joe Pye Weed to bloom. Its dark foliage is already a standout, and soon it’ll be crowned with white puff blooms. If you’ve got a sunny spot with slightly damp soil, this plant will thrive. For smaller gardens, try the dwarf variety ‘Little Joe’.
5. Alliums
Who knew alliums could be such late-season stars? I’ve got both Millennium and Lavender Bubbles in my garden. Millennium is blooming now in August, while Lavender Bubbles will take over in September. The bees absolutely adore them!
6. Lobelia (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia is a true showstopper, reaching heights of 24 to 36 inches. Whether you choose the classic red Lobelia cardinalis, the dramatic Queen Victoria with dark foliage, or the blue-purple Lobelia siphilitica, you’re in for a treat. These beauties thrive in sun to part shade and are hardy in zones 3-9.
7. Agastache
Late summer through fall, Agastache steals the show in my garden. Blue Boa, with its purple blooms, stands tall at 30-36 inches. Blue Fortune and Black Adder offer varying shades of purple, all attracting pollinators like crazy. They love full sun and well-draining soil.
8. Tricyrtis (Toad Lily)
Tricyrtis ‘Autumn Glow’ is a charmer with its variegated foliage and purple speckled blooms. It’s like having little orchids in your garden from August through September. Hardy in zones 5-9, it’s a must-have for any shade garden.
9. Helenium
I can’t get enough of Helenium’s russet-toned mini cone flowers. Standing 3 to 4 feet tall, varieties like Siesta and Mariachi Fuego add warm, autumnal tones to the garden. Just remember to stake them if you live in a windy area!
10. Heliopsis (False Sunflower)
Heliopsis is like having perpetual sunshine in your garden. I’m particularly fond of ‘Bleeding Hearts’ with its burnt sunset colors. For something more delicate, try ‘Asahi’ with its small yellow blooms, or ‘Summer Sun’ for a look similar to Rudbeckia.
11. Chelone (Turtlehead)
Chelone ‘Hot Lips’ is a real conversation starter in my part-shade garden. Its shiny dark green foliage is topped with flowers that truly resemble little turtle heads. It loves moist soil and brightens up my late summer garden.
12. Solidago (Goldenrod)
Don’t confuse this beauty with ragweed! Solidago ‘Fireworks’ Rough Goldenrod lives up to its name with large spikes of golden yellow flowers. It’s a native plant that pairs beautifully with other late-season bloomers.
13. Asters
Last but not least, asters are the grand finale of my garden. Japanese Aster ‘Blue Star’ starts blooming in early summer and keeps going right through autumn. At just 15 inches tall, it’s perfect for the front of borders.