Gardening can reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety for better mental health.1 Planting a flower garden not only beautifies your outdoor space but also offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being.
August is the perfect time to sow seeds for a stunning display of blooms next spring and summer.
From classic cottage garden favorites to exotic beauties, there are wide variety of flowers to choose from. Here are 15 gorgeous flowers you can plant this August for a truly unforgettable garden experience.
1. Poppy (Papaver spp.)
Poppies are hardy annuals that come in various hues, from vibrant reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. Sow poppy seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny spot, and watch as they sprout and bloom with delicate, papery petals. Poppies are low-maintenance and self-seeding, meaning they’ll come back year after year with minimal effort on your part.
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Poppies have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Egyptians. In addition to their ornamental value, poppies have been used for medicinal purposes, with some species containing compounds like morphine and codeine.
The red poppy, in particular, has become a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, especially in Commonwealth countries.
2. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
These perennial beauties boast large, daisy-like flowers with a prominent central cone, hence their name. Coneflowers come in shades of purple, pink, orange, and white, beloved by pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant coneflower seeds in August for blooms that will last from mid-summer to fall.
Coneflowers have been used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments, from colds and flu to snake bites and wounds. Compounds in coneflowers, such as alkylamides and polysaccharides, can indeed stimulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
They are also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
3. Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Delphiniums are the quintessential cottage garden flower, with their tall spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white blooms. These perennials can grow up to six feet tall, making them a stunning backdrop for shorter plants. Delphiniums prefer cool temperatures and moist, well-drained soil.
The name “delphinium” comes from the Greek word “delphis,” meaning dolphin, as the shape of the flower buds is said to resemble the marine mammal. In the Victorian language of flowers, different colors of delphiniums conveyed different meanings: blue represented dignity and grace, while white symbolized happiness, and pink denoted fickleness.
They are also toxic to humans and animals if ingested, so take care when planting them in gardens frequented by pets or children.
4. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are a fun and playful addition to any garden, with their unique dragon-shaped flowers that “snap” open when squeezed. These annuals come in a rainbow of colors, from pale pastels to bold brights. Sow snapdragon seeds in August for blooms that will appear in late spring to early summer. Snapdragons prefer cool temperatures and well-drained soil.
The scientific name for snapdragons, Antirrhinum majus, comes from the Greek words “anti” (like) and “rhis” (nose), referring to the flower’s snout-like shape. In the wild, snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated in gardens since the 16th century.
Snapdragons are also edible flowers and can be used to add color and flavor to salads, desserts, and drinks.
5. Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Foxgloves are a classic cottage garden plant with tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. These biennials bloom in their second year, so sow seeds in August for flowers the following summer. Foxgloves prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Be aware that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
The scientific name for foxgloves, Digitalis, comes from the Latin word for finger, as the flowers are said to resemble thimbles. In fact, another common name for foxgloves is “fairy thimbles.”
Foxgloves have been used medicinally for centuries, with the leaves containing cardiac glycosides that can help regulate heart function. However, the plant is highly toxic and should never be used for self-medication.
6. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhocks are a staple of the cottage garden, with their tall stalks of showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They can grow up to eight feet tall, making them a stunning backdrop for shorter plants. Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Hollyhocks are native to Asia and Europe and have been cultivated in gardens for centuries. In fact, the ancient Egyptians used hollyhock flowers to make garlands for mummies.
They are also edible, with the young leaves and flowers being used in salads and the roots being used to make a sweet, marshmallow-like confection. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to hollyhocks, so it’s best to exercise caution when consuming them.
7. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas are a fragrant and colorful addition to any garden, with their delicate butterfly-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. These annual climbers can grow up to eight feet tall, making them perfect for covering trellises or fences. Sweet peas prefer cool temperatures and well-drained soil.
This plant has a fascinating history, with the first varieties being discovered in Sicily in the 17th century by a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani. Cupani sent seeds of the sweet pea to England, where they quickly became popular among gardeners and plant breeders.
In the language of flowers, sweet peas symbolize blissful pleasure, but they can also represent departure and goodbyes, as they are often given as farewell gifts.
8. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
These daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white, with ferny foliage that adds texture to the garden. Cosmos prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
The name “cosmos” comes from the Greek word for “harmony” or “ordered universe,” reflecting the plant’s symmetrical petals and orderly growth habit. Cosmos are native to Mexico and Central America, where they have been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples for centuries.
In addition to their ornamental value, cosmos are also useful as companion plants, as they can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden.
9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are a bold and vibrant annual that bloom from summer to fall. These cheerful flowers come in a wide range of colors and shapes, from single to double blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
They are native to Mexico and Central America, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. The Aztecs used zinnias for medicinal purposes and as a source of dye for textiles. In the language of flowers, zinnias symbolize thoughts of absent friends, as well as endurance and daily remembrance.
Zinnias are also known for their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
10. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
These bright flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, with a distinctive pungent scent that some find pleasant and others find off-putting. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Marigolds are native to the Americas, with some species being used by the Aztecs for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. In fact, the Aztecs believed that marigolds had the power to guide the spirits of the dead to the afterlife.
They are also known for their ability to repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, making them a useful companion plant in vegetable gardens.
11. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters are a classic fall-blooming perennial that add a pop of color to the garden just as other flowers are fading. These daisy-like flowers come in shades of purple, pink, red, and white, with yellow centers. Asters prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
The name “aster” comes from the Greek word for “star,” reflecting the flower’s star-like shape. In ancient times, asters were believed to have magical properties and were used in love potions and to ward off evil spirits.
They are also an important food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing nectar and pollen late in the season when other flowers have finished blooming.
12. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias, also known as sages, are a diverse group of annuals, perennials, and shrubs that bloom from summer to fall. These tubular flowers come in shades of purple, blue, red, pink, and white, with aromatic foliage that adds interest to the garden. Salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
The genus Salvia contains over 900 species, making it one of the largest genera in the mint family. Many species of salvia have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, with some being used to treat ailments like anxiety, depression, and digestive issues.
Salvias are also popular among pollinators, with some species being particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
13. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) (Nigella damascena)
Also known as love-in-a-mist, Nigella is a charming annual that blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white. The delicate flowers are surrounded by a lacy collar of finely cut foliage, giving them a dreamy, romantic appearance. Nigella prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Nigella is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. In addition to its ornamental value, nigella seeds have been used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, with a flavor similar to nutmeg or black pepper.
It is also known as “devil-in-the-bush” due to the horned seed pods that appear after the flowers have finished blooming.
14. Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
Larkspur is a tall and stately annual that blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers are borne on long spikes that can reach up to six feet tall, making them a stunning addition to the back of a border or as a cut flower. Larkspur prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
It is native to Europe and Asia and has been cultivated in gardens since the 16th century. In the language of flowers, larkspur symbolizes levity, lightness, and an open heart. However, larkspur is also highly toxic if ingested, with all parts of the plant containing alkaloids that can cause severe illness or even death in humans and animals.
15. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are a cheerful and iconic annual that bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and red. These tall flowers can reach heights of up to 12 feet, with large, showy blooms that follow the sun throughout the day. Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
They are native to North America and have been cultivated for thousands of years by indigenous peoples for their edible seeds and oil. In fact, sunflowers were domesticated before corn and beans, making them one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas.
Sunflowers are also known for their ability to absorb heavy metals from soil, making them useful for phytoremediation of contaminated sites.
Planting a flower garden in August is a rewarding and enjoyable way to ensure a stunning display of blooms next spring and summer. By sowing seeds in August, you’ll give your plants a head start and enjoy a longer blooming season.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.