17 Flowers You Can Plant in August – Perfect for Zone 7 Gardens

If you’re gardening in Zone 7, you might be wondering if August is too late to add flowers. The truth is, this month offers a surprisingly useful planting window—especially if you know which varieties can handle the late-summer heat or establish before fall frost.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 17 flowers you can still plant in August in Zone 7. Whether you’re looking for quick-blooming color or prepping for next season’s show, this Zone 7 flower planting guide is packed with practical advice. Some options bloom before first frost, others spend fall developing strong roots for an incredible spring display.

Let’s dig in and see what flowers still work in August.

17 Expert Recommended Flowers for Zone 7 Gardeners to Plant in August for the Best Results:

Fast-Blooming Annuals for Late Summer Color: These are the best flowers for late summer planting in Zone 7 if you’re after fast color and heat resilience before frost sets in.

1. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos add a feathery, elegant texture to flower beds and bloom in shades of white, pink, and magenta. Their upright, airy structure makes them ideal for informal gardens, and they attract bees and butterflies until frost. They are one of the easiest flowers to plant in August in Zone 7 if your goal is fast results without fuss.

Sow cosmos seeds directly in sunny areas with well-drained soil. They tolerate poor soil and heat, but skip the fertilizer—too much can reduce blooming and encourage leggy growth.

Expert tip: Pinching young cosmos at 12 inches tall encourages bushier plants and more flowers per stem.

• Best for: Pollinator beds, meadow-style planting, wildflower borders
• Bloom Time: 50–60 days from seed
• Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate
• Fertilizer: None needed

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2. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds bloom with saturated oranges, bright yellows, and rusty reds—all perfect for fall beds. From compact French varieties to tall African types, their frilled blooms are long-lasting and resilient. If you’re looking for fall flowers for Zone 7 that are both colorful and pest-resistant, marigolds deserve a spot in your beds.

Sow seeds directly in the ground or use small starter plants if you’re late in the month. These annuals tolerate heat and poor soil but bloom better with regular deadheading.

Expert tip: For vegetable gardeners, marigolds planted near tomatoes or beans can help deter nematodes and aphids naturally.

• Best for: Companion planting, borders, low-maintenance color
• Bloom Time: 45–50 days from seed
• Spacing: 8–10 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Optional; compost before planting is enough

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3. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias produce cheerful, daisy-like flowers in rich jewel tones, pastels, and even bi-colors. Their upright stems and quick bloom time make them a favorite for cutting gardens and quick fill-ins. In Zone 7, zinnias are one of the best flowers for late summer planting, especially if you need color fast.

Direct sow seeds into warm, well-drained soil and thin the seedlings to prevent crowding. Since they dislike transplanting at this stage, skip the seed trays and plant them right where you want them to grow.

Expert tip: For stronger stems and better airflow, leave enough space between plants and avoid watering from overhead.

• Best for: Cutting gardens, fast borders, summer color
• Bloom Time: 40–60 days from seed
• Spacing: 9–12 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate; water at base
• Fertilizer: Light compost at planting

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4. Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella)

Commonly known as blanket flower, Gaillardia produces bicolor blooms with bold red centers and golden petal tips. These heat-loving plants bring warmth to any garden and are especially suited to poor, dry soil. As a bonus, they’re deer-resistant and rarely suffer from pests.

In Zone 7, you can still sow Gaillardia seeds or transplant starts in early August. While you may not get a full bloom before frost, the plants will establish quickly and return stronger next year.

Expert tip: Leave a few seed heads on the plant to allow natural reseeding for the following season.

• Best for: Drought-tolerant gardens, xeriscaping, native pollinator beds
• Bloom Time: 60–75 days from seed
• Spacing: 12–15 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low
• Fertilizer: None; prefers lean soil

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Cool-Season Flowers That Establish Now, Bloom in Fall or Spring: Some flowers planted in August won’t bloom right away, but they’ll develop strong roots and reward you with an early display next spring. Others offer a final flush of color before frost. This group is essential in any Zone 7 flower planting guide.

5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula’s soft orange and yellow blooms resemble small daisies and bring a warm, herbal charm to fall beds. The petals are edible and have medicinal uses, but even if you’re just after fall color, calendula is worth planting now. It grows fast and loves cooler weather.

Direct sow seeds in late August. In Zone 7, calendula can flower well into November depending on frost timing. Provide some afternoon shade in hot spells to help young plants settle in.

Expert tip: If you want blooms through fall and early spring, stagger your sowings every 2–3 weeks through mid-September.

• Best for: Edible gardens, cool-season color, cut flowers
• Bloom Time: 45–60 days
• Spacing: 8–10 inches
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Compost-enriched soil only

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6. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet alyssum forms fragrant clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers that hug the ground and spill over bed edges or containers. It’s one of the most fragrant fall flowers for Zone 7 and pairs beautifully with pansies and violas in seasonal plantings.

Direct sow seeds in early to mid-August for a light fall bloom. In Zone 7, alyssum can often overwinter and return in early spring. Provide consistent moisture and avoid overly rich soil to keep growth compact.

Expert tip: Trim lightly after the first bloom to encourage a second flush before frost.

• Best for: Borders, containers, companion planting
• Bloom Time: 4–6 weeks from seed
• Spacing: 6–8 inches
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Not needed in average soil

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7. Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)

Larkspur grows tall and produces spikes of soft lavender, pink, blue, or white blooms in spring. These hardy annuals prefer cool weather and need fall sowing to bloom reliably in Zone 7.

Sow seeds directly in August where they’ll grow. Larkspur needs natural cold stratification to germinate, making late summer the perfect time to plant. Avoid transplanting, as the roots are sensitive.

Expert tip: Mix larkspur seeds with sand before sowing to ensure even distribution, and water gently after planting.

• Best for: Spring cut flowers, cottage gardens, vertical color
• Bloom Time: Spring (after overwintering)
• Spacing: 8–12 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Add compost before planting; avoid overfeeding

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8. Pansy (Viola × wittrockiana)

Pansies offer rich jewel tones, pastel shades, and even near-black blooms, often with a distinctive ‘face’ pattern in the center. Their compact form and cold tolerance make them one of the best fall flowers for Zone 7, especially in containers and shaded beds.

For August planting, choose healthy transplants rather than seeds to ensure root establishment before cooler temperatures arrive. In Zone 7, these flowers often continue blooming through fall and even overwinter if protected.

Expert tip: Mulch lightly around the base of each plant to help regulate soil temperature and extend blooming through early winter.

• Best for: Cool-season containers, fall color, early spring bloom
• Bloom Time: Fall to early spring
• Spacing: 6–8 inches
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Consistent moisture; avoid soggy roots
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks

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9. Viola (Viola tricolor)

Violas are smaller cousins of pansies, with delicate blooms in purple, yellow, and white. Their low-growing habit and cold resilience make them a great addition to your Zone 7 flower planting guide, especially for edging paths or tucking into fall containers.

Transplant established seedlings in late August for quick root growth before frost. In most Zone 7 gardens, violas will continue blooming into winter and return with vigor in early spring.

Expert tip: Snip back stretched stems to keep violas compact and encourage new flushes of bloom.

• Best for: Edging beds, container plantings, mild winter color
• Bloom Time: Fall and spring
• Spacing: 4–6 inches
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Light but regular
• Fertilizer: Compost at planting; monthly balanced feed optional

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10. Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus)

Bachelor’s buttons bring soft blue, lavender, pink, or white blooms on slender stems that dance in the breeze. They’re ideal for naturalized areas and cutting gardens. If you’re planning ahead, this is one of the smartest flowers to plant in August in Zone 7—especially for early spring blooms.

Direct sow seeds in late August to early September. The seeds will go dormant and then germinate once exposed to cold, giving you strong spring growth without much effort.

Expert tip: Choose a full-sun spot with well-drained soil, and don’t overwater after sowing—moist, not wet, is key.

• Best for: Early spring blooms, meadow gardens, informal borders
• Bloom Time: Late spring (after overwintering)
• Spacing: 6–12 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate
• Fertilizer: Not needed in fertile soil

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Perennials to Transplant in August for Next-Year Blooms: While these perennials may not flower this fall, planting them now in Zone 7 gives their roots time to establish—so they’re ready to explode with growth come spring and summer. For gardeners asking what flowers can I plant in August that will pay off long-term, this group is essential.

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11. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are rugged perennials with large, daisy-like blooms in purple, white, or pink. Their raised, spiny centers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. As one of the top native perennials in Zone 7, they’re perfect for late summer planting if you want next year’s pollinator haven to thrive.

Transplant potted coneflowers in August so roots can anchor before the soil cools. Choose a spot with full sun and good drainage. These plants are drought-tolerant once established but appreciate occasional deep watering during their first few weeks.

Expert tip: Cut back any weak stems after transplanting to reduce stress and help roots focus on establishing.

• Best for: Pollinator gardens, drought-tolerant borders, native landscapes
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (next year)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low once established
• Fertilizer: None; add compost at planting

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12. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Black-eyed Susans burst with sunny yellow petals and dark centers, blooming from mid-summer through fall. They’re one of the most dependable native flowers to plant in August in Zone 7, especially if you want bold blooms that naturalize over time.

Transplant divisions or nursery-grown starts into well-drained soil. These perennials settle in quickly and handle drought and heat well. Cut back flowering stems after planting to redirect energy to the roots.

Expert tip: Choose a location where you can let some seed heads remain—they make great winter interest and feed birds.

• Best for: Naturalized beds, prairie-style planting, mass color
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall (starting next year)
• Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low
• Fertilizer: Not required; thrives in average soil

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13. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

Bee balm blooms in firework-like clusters of red, pink, purple, or lavender, and its minty leaves make it as fragrant as it is beautiful. It’s a standout among fall-planted perennials in Zone 7 because it attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies like a magnet.

Plant divisions or potted plants in mid-to-late August. Space generously to prevent powdery mildew and allow for good airflow, especially in humid zones.

Expert tip: Water deeply after planting and mulch lightly to hold soil moisture without smothering the crown.

• Best for: Wildlife gardens, herbal borders, native landscapes
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (next season)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Add compost during planting; no ongoing feed needed

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14. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Liatris, also known as blazing star, produces tall spikes of bright purple blooms that open from the top down—a unique twist among summer flowers. Its grassy foliage stays neat, and the flower spikes draw in butterflies, bees, and birds. For gardeners planning ahead, liatris is one of the most rewarding flowers to plant in August in Zone 7 if you’re looking to establish a low-maintenance pollinator plant for next year.

Transplant container-grown liatris or plant corms now so they settle before winter. Choose a full-sun location with sandy or well-drained soil. Once established, these native perennials tolerate heat and drought with ease.

Expert tip: Avoid rich or heavily amended soil—liatris thrives in lean conditions that prevent floppy growth.

• Best for: Pollinator gardens, vertical interest, cut flowers
• Bloom Time: Summer (next year)
• Spacing: 12–15 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low
• Fertilizer: None; add compost only if soil is depleted

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15. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly milkweed stands out with bold orange flower clusters and slender leaves on upright stems. Unlike common milkweed, it stays compact and blends well with mixed perennial beds. As a native wildflower, it’s one of the most important fall flowers for Zone 7 if you want to support monarch butterflies and other pollinators long-term.

August is a great time to transplant young milkweed starts into prepared soil. They need time to develop deep taproots before dormancy, so earlier in the month is best. Full sun and well-draining soil are essential for success.

Expert tip: Do not disturb once planted—milkweed dislikes transplanting after root establishment, so pick the permanent spot carefully.

• Best for: Monarch habitats, dry meadows, native perennial beds
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (starting next year)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low
• Fertilizer: None needed

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16. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemums, or garden mums, bloom in dense clusters of orange, bronze, yellow, or lavender in early to mid-fall. Their mounding habit and wide color range make them a reliable seasonal staple. If you’re still thinking about what flowers can I plant in August for a quick payoff, mums are one of the only perennials that bloom the same season they’re planted.

Choose hardy garden mums rather than florist types. Plant them in full sun by mid-August so they can root well before blooming. Even though mums are perennials, they’ll overwinter better in Zone 7 when planted early and mulched before frost.

Expert tip: Pinch back the top third of the plant right after transplanting to encourage a bushier shape and prevent flopping.

• Best for: Fall borders, containers, perennial color
• Bloom Time: Fall (same year if planted early enough)
• Spacing: 18 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding until flower buds appear

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17. Dianthus (Dianthus barbatus / Dianthus chinensis)

Dianthus offers fragrant, frilly blooms in soft pinks, reds, and whites, often with contrasting centers. The foliage is bluish-green and stays tidy throughout the season. Whether grown as a biennial or perennial, dianthus is a good addition to any Zone 7 flower planting guide if you’re aiming for spring color that lasts.

Transplant nursery-grown plants in August so they establish strong roots. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil and require good drainage to prevent root rot.

Expert tip: If your soil is acidic, mix in a bit of crushed limestone or garden lime before planting to help dianthus thrive.

• Best for: Fragrant borders, cutting gardens, deer-resistant beds
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer (next year)
• Spacing: 8–12 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate
• Fertilizer: Compost at planting; light feed in spring

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How to Care for Flowers in Zone 7 After August Planting

Once you’ve selected the right flowers to plant in August in Zone 7, follow these care steps to help them thrive in late-summer heat and prepare for cooler weather ahead:

• Water deeply right after planting.
  Even heat-tolerant varieties need steady moisture during their first few weeks. Dry August soil can slow root development, so check moisture levels twice a week, especially for shallow-rooted flowers like alyssum or calendula.
• Use mulch to regulate soil conditions.
  Apply a 2-inch layer of straw, pine needles, or shredded bark. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the root zone cooler. Avoid piling mulch against the stems, which can trap moisture and cause rot.
• Space your plants correctly.
  Late-summer humidity in Zone 7 can lead to powdery mildew or fungal diseases if plants are too crowded. Proper airflow now prevents issues later—especially for dense growers like zinnias or pansies.
• Fertilize selectively.
  Annuals planted for fall blooms can benefit from a light feeding, but perennials should not be overfed. A single layer of compost is usually enough to encourage healthy root growth without pushing too much top growth before frost.
• Adjust your watering schedule for perennials.
  Once established, perennials planted in August should be watered deeply once per week through fall. This helps them develop deeper roots and improves winter survival.
• Expert tip:
  If you’re still choosing what flowers to plant in August in Zone 7, favor varieties that root quickly and match your soil and light conditions. Healthy establishment now is more important than trying to force blooms.

Also Read: Is August Too Late to Plant Pumpkins? Not If You Do This

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FAQs About Flowers to Plant in August in Zone 7

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Conclusion

As we wrap up this planting guide, I hope it’s clear that August is far from too late. With the right selections, Zone 7 gardeners like you can still enjoy colorful blooms this fall while laying the groundwork for next year’s display.

From quick-blooming zinnias and cosmos to native perennials like black-eyed Susan and coneflower, there are more options than most people realize.

This list wasn’t just built for beauty—it’s designed to help you make practical decisions that match your climate, soil, and garden goals.

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Now I’d love to hear from you…

Have any of these flowers worked well in your garden before? Are you trying something new this August? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you’re curious about how to care for flowers in Zone 7 beyond August—or need help choosing plants for your space—drop your question. We’ll gladly create a custom guide just for you.

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