Texas gardeners know August means choosing plants that can handle intense sun and limited rain. Finding the Best Flowers To Plant In August In Texas requires picking varieties that thrive in heat and drought. This guide covers top choices for your garden this month.
August in Texas is tough on plants. Temperatures often hit triple digits. Rain is scarce. But you can still have a colorful garden. The key is selecting flowers that love heat and need little water.
Let’s look at the best options. These flowers will survive and even bloom through the hottest weeks. They are perfect for Texas gardens.
Best Flowers To Plant In August In Texas
These flowers are proven winners for Texas summers. They laugh at the heat. They ask for little water. They keep blooming when other plants give up.
Lantana
Lantana is a superstar for Texas August gardens. It loves full sun. It needs very little water once established. Butterflies and bees adore it. Deer usually leave it alone.
- Colors: Yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple
- Height: 1 to 4 feet, depending on variety
- Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Water: Low; water once a week after established
- Blooms: Spring through first frost
Lantana spreads nicely. It works well in beds, borders, or containers. It does not need deadheading. Just let it grow. It will reward you with nonstop color.
Zinnia
Zinnias are another excellent choice. They grow fast from seed. They bloom heavily in heat. They come in many colors and sizes. They are perfect for cutting gardens.
- Colors: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple
- Height: 6 inches to 4 feet, depending on variety
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate; water at base to avoid mildew
- Blooms: Summer through fall
Plant zinnia seeds directly in the ground in August. They germinate quickly. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly until they are established. Then they can handle some drought.
Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca is a succulent-like annual. It thrives in poor, dry soil. It loves blazing sun. Its flowers open in the morning and close at night. It is nearly indestructible.
- Colors: Pink, red, orange, yellow, white, magenta
- Height: 4 to 8 inches
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Very low; let soil dry between waterings
- Blooms: Summer through fall
Portulaca works great as ground cover or in containers. It spills over edges nicely. It does not need fertilizer. Just plant it and let it go. It will bloom until frost.
Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
Angelonia looks delicate but is tough. It produces spikes of flowers all summer. It tolerates heat and humidity well. It does not need deadheading.
- Colors: Purple, pink, white, blue
- Height: 12 to 18 inches
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Low to moderate; water when soil feels dry
- Blooms: Late spring through fall
Angelonia is great for upright structure in beds. It also works in containers. It attracts pollinators. It is deer resistant. It is a low-maintenance choice for August planting.
Pentas
Pentas are heat-loving perennials in Texas. They produce clusters of star-shaped flowers. They bloom nonstop from spring to frost. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Colors: Red, pink, purple, white
- Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate; water regularly in heat
- Blooms: Spring through frost
Pentas are easy to grow. They do well in beds or pots. They need some water but handle heat well. They are a reliable choice for August color.
Salvia
Salvia includes many varieties that love Texas summers. They produce tall spikes of flowers. They are drought-tolerant once established. They attract bees and butterflies.
- Colors: Blue, purple, red, pink, white
- Height: 1 to 3 feet, depending on variety
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Low; water deeply but infrequently
- Blooms: Spring through fall
Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ and ‘Hot Lips’ are great choices. They bloom for months. They need little care. Cut them back in late summer for a fresh flush of blooms.
Celosia
Celosia has unique, fuzzy flowers. They look like flames or coral. They love heat and sun. They come in bright colors. They are excellent for dried flower arrangements.
- Colors: Red, orange, yellow, pink, purple
- Height: 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on variety
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy
- Blooms: Summer through fall
Celosia grows well from seed or transplants. It does not like wet feet. Plant it in well-draining soil. It will bloom until the first frost.
Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
Gomphrena is a tough annual. It produces round, clover-like flowers. It loves heat and humidity. It is very drought-tolerant. It is great for cutting and drying.
- Colors: Purple, pink, white, red
- Height: 1 to 2 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Low; water when soil is dry
- Blooms: Summer through frost
Gomphrena is easy to grow from seed. It does not need fertilizer. It is pest-resistant. It is a reliable bloomer even in the hottest Texas weather.
How To Plant Flowers In August In Texas
Planting in August requires extra care. The heat stresses new plants. Follow these steps for success.
Choose The Right Time Of Day
Plant in the early morning or late evening. This gives plants time to settle before the midday sun. Avoid planting in the heat of the day.
Prepare The Soil Well
Texas soil can be heavy clay or sandy. Mix in compost or organic matter. This improves drainage and adds nutrients. Good soil helps roots grow fast.
- Remove weeds and rocks from the planting area
- Loosen soil to 12 inches deep
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost
- Level the soil and water it lightly
Water Thoroughly After Planting
New plants need deep watering. This helps roots settle. Water at the base of plants. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Water daily for the first week. Then reduce to every 2-3 days. After two weeks, water deeply once a week. Adjust based on rain and soil type.
Use Mulch To Protect Roots
Mulch keeps soil cool and moist. It also blocks weeds. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants. Keep mulch away from stems.
- Good mulches: Shredded bark, pine straw, compost
- Avoid: Fresh wood chips (they steal nitrogen)
- Replenish mulch as needed through summer
Provide Temporary Shade If Needed
Extreme heat can shock new plants. Use shade cloth or row covers for the first week. This reduces stress. Remove shade after plants are established.
Caring For August-Planted Flowers
Once planted, your flowers need ongoing care. Here is how to keep them healthy through the rest of summer.
Watering Tips For Hot Weather
Water deeply but less often. This encourages deep roots. Shallow watering leads to weak plants. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficiency.
- Water early morning to reduce evaporation
- Check soil moisture 2 inches deep before watering
- Water at the base, not overhead
- Increase watering during heat waves
Fertilizing For Continuous Blooms
Most flowers need some fertilizer. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting. Then feed every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer.
- Choose a fertilizer with equal N-P-K (like 10-10-10)
- Follow package directions for amounts
- Stop fertilizing in late September
- Over-fertilizing can reduce blooms
Deadheading And Pruning
Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. This is called deadheading. Some flowers like lantana do not need it. Others like zinnias benefit greatly.
- Pinch or cut off faded flowers just above a leaf
- Remove yellow or dead leaves
- Cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness
- Disinfect pruners between plants
Pest And Disease Management
August heat brings pests like spider mites and aphids. Check plants weekly. Treat problems early.
- Spray aphids with a strong water stream
- Use insecticidal soap for mites
- Remove diseased leaves promptly
- Ensure good air circulation around plants
Regional Considerations For Texas
Texas is large. Climate varies by region. What works in Houston may not work in El Paso. Consider your local conditions.
East Texas (Humid, Hot)
East Texas has high humidity. Choose flowers that resist mildew. Pentas and angelonia do well. Avoid plants that need dry air.
Central Texas (Hot, Variable Rain)
Central Texas has hot summers and unpredictable rain. Lantana and salvia are reliable. Use mulch to conserve moisture.
West Texas (Dry, Intense Sun)
West Texas is arid. Choose extreme drought-tolerant plants. Portulaca and gomphrena are excellent. Water deeply but infrequently.
South Texas (Hot, Humid)
South Texas is hot and humid near the coast. Zinnias and celosia do well. Watch for fungal issues. Water at the base.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many gardeners make errors in August. Avoid these common pitfalls.
- Planting too deep: Set plants at the same depth as in their pots
- Overwatering: Let soil dry between waterings
- Skipping mulch: Mulch is essential in heat
- Planting shade-loving flowers in full sun: Read plant tags
- Fertilizing too much: More is not better
- Ignoring soil preparation: Good soil is key
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Flowers In August In Texas?
Yes, you can plant flowers in August in Texas. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like lantana, zinnia, and portulaca. Provide extra water and shade during the first week.
What Flowers Bloom All Summer In Texas?
Many flowers bloom all summer in Texas. Lantana, angelonia, pentas, salvia, and zinnia are top choices. They bloom from spring until the first frost with proper care.
How Often Should I Water New Flowers In August?
Water new flowers daily for the first week. Then reduce to every 2-3 days. After two weeks, water deeply once a week. Adjust based on weather and soil.
What Is The Best Mulch For Texas Summer Flowers?
Organic mulches like shredded bark, pine straw, or compost work best. They keep soil cool and moist. Apply 2-3 inches deep. Keep mulch away from plant stems.
Can I Grow Flowers From Seed In August In Texas?
Yes, you can grow flowers from seed in August. Zinnias, portulaca, and gomphrena germinate quickly in warm soil. Keep seeds moist until they sprout. Thin seedlings as needed.
Final Tips For August Planting Success
August planting in Texas is possible with the right choices. Focus on heat-loving, drought-tolerant flowers. Prepare soil well. Water carefully. Use mulch. Your garden can be colorful even in the hottest month.
Start with a few varieties. See what works in your yard. Each garden is different. Experiment and enjoy the process. Texas summers are tough, but your flowers can thrive.
Remember to check your local forecast. Adjust watering based on rain. Watch for pests. With a little effort, you will have blooms until fall. Happy planting.