Missouri’s unpredictable August weather calls for flowers that can handle both heat and sudden storms. If you’re searching for the best flowers to plant in august in missouri, you need varieties that thrive in high humidity, intense sun, and occasional downpours. This guide covers tough, colorful options that will keep your garden blooming through late summer and into fall.
August planting in Missouri is all about resilience. The soil is warm, which helps roots establish quickly, but the air can be brutal. You want flowers that laugh at 90-degree days and bounce back after a thunderstorm. Let’s get into the top picks.
Best Flowers To Plant In August In Missouri
These flowers are proven winners for Missouri’s climate. They tolerate heat, resist disease, and provide color when many other plants start to fade. Each one has specific needs, but all are manageable for home gardeners.
Marigolds For Heat And Pest Control
Marigolds are almost indestructible in Missouri summers. They love full sun and poor soil, making them perfect for August planting. The bright orange and yellow blooms last until the first frost.
- Plant them in well-drained soil
- Water deeply once a week
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- They repel mosquitoes and garden pests naturally
French marigolds stay compact, while African varieties can reach 3 feet tall. Both work well in borders or containers. They germinate fast from seed, so you’ll see color in just a few weeks.
Zinnias For Non-Stop Color
Zinnias are another August champion. They thrive in heat and bloom continuously until frost. The flowers come in every color except true blue, and butterflies love them.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the soil warms
- Space plants 6 to 18 inches apart depending on variety
- Water at the base to prevent powdery mildew
- Cut flowers often to promote new growth
Zinnias are annuals, so they’ll die back in winter. But they reseed easily in many Missouri gardens. You might get volunteers next spring.
Cosmos For Easy-Care Beauty
Cosmos are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soil. They bloom in shades of pink, white, and magenta, with feathery foliage that adds texture. Plant them in full sun for best results.
These flowers grow tall, often reaching 4 to 6 feet. Use them as a backdrop for shorter plants. They don’t need fertilizer; too much nitrogen will produce leaves instead of flowers.
Sunflowers For Dramatic Impact
Sunflowers are iconic in Missouri. They grow fast from seed and tolerate heat well. Plant them in August for late-summer and fall blooms. Choose varieties that mature in 60 to 70 days.
- Mammoth varieties can reach 12 feet tall
- Dwarf types work better for small spaces
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart
- Protect seedlings from birds with netting
Sunflowers attract bees and birds. They also provide seeds for wildlife in winter. Just be aware they can cast heavy shade on neighboring plants.
Celosia For Unique Texture
Celosia, also called cockscomb, has unusual flower heads that look like flames or coral. It thrives in heat and humidity. The blooms last for weeks, both in the garden and as cut flowers.
Plant celosia in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly but don’t overwater; soggy roots can cause rot. The flowers come in red, orange, yellow, and pink.
Perennials That Handle August Planting
While many perennials are best planted in spring, some can go in the ground in August. These need extra water to establish before winter, but they reward you with years of blooms.
Black-Eyed Susans For Native Appeal
Black-eyed Susans are Missouri natives. They tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil. The golden yellow petals with dark centers bloom from July through October.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart
- Water deeply twice a week for the first month
- Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years
These flowers attract butterflies and bees. They also make excellent cut flowers. Deadheading prolongs blooming, but leaving some seed heads feeds birds in winter.
Coneflowers For Pollinators
Purple coneflowers are another native winner. They bloom from June to August, but August-planted specimens will flower next year. The pink-purple petals and large cones are iconic.
Coneflowers need full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established. Newer varieties come in white, orange, and yellow, but native purple is still the most reliable.
Sedum For Late-Season Color
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent that thrives in heat. It blooms in late summer with clusters of pink or red flowers. The fleshy leaves store water, making it very drought-tolerant.
Plant sedum in full sun with sharp drainage. It works well in rock gardens, borders, or containers. The flowers attract butterflies and last into fall.
Russian Sage For Airy Texture
Russian sage has silvery foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It blooms from July through September and handles heat and humidity with ease. The plant grows 3 to 5 feet tall.
Give it full sun and well-drained soil. Russian sage is deer-resistant and low-maintenance. Prune it back in early spring to keep it compact.
Annuals That Fill Gaps Fast
Annuals are the quick fix for August gardens. They grow fast, bloom heavily, and keep going until frost. These are the best choices for instant color.
Petunias For Trailing Color
Petunias love heat and bloom non-stop. They come in every color and pattern imaginable. Trailing varieties work well in hanging baskets, while upright types fill beds.
- Plant in full sun for best blooms
- Water daily in containers, every other day in ground
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer
- Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushiness
Petunias can get leggy by late summer. A hard prune will rejuvenate them for fall. They are annuals, so they won’t survive winter.
Lantana For Heat Tolerance
Lantana is a tropical plant that thrives in Missouri’s heat. It blooms in clusters of yellow, orange, pink, or red. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Lantana is drought-tolerant once established. It grows as a ground cover or small shrub. In Missouri, it’s treated as an annual because it can’t handle frost.
Portulaca For Dry Spots
Portulaca, also called moss rose, is a succulent annual. It thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun. The flowers open in the morning and close at night, in shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange.
Plant portulaca in containers or rock gardens. It spreads to form a low mat of color. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Verbena For Spilling Over Edges
Verbena is a trailing annual that blooms from spring until frost. It handles heat well and comes in purple, pink, red, and white. The flowers attract butterflies.
Plant verbena in full sun with well-drained soil. It works well in hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a ground cover. Deadheading isn’t necessary, but it keeps plants tidy.
Tips For Successful August Planting In Missouri
Planting in August requires extra care. The heat stresses both plants and gardeners. Follow these tips to give your flowers the best start.
Water Deeply And Consistently
New plants need consistent moisture to establish roots. Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation. Avoid overhead watering in the evening, as wet leaves overnight can cause disease.
- Water new plants daily for the first week
- After two weeks, water every other day
- After a month, water once a week if no rain
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficiency
Mulch To Protect Roots
Mulch insulates the soil, keeping roots cool and retaining moisture. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around plants. Keep it away from stems to prevent rot.
Good mulch options include shredded bark, straw, or compost. Avoid using rocks or rubber mulch, which can heat up the soil.
Plant In The Evening
Planting in the cool of the evening reduces transplant shock. The plants have all night to settle in before the heat of the day. Water them immediately after planting.
If you must plant during the day, shade the plants with a row cover or umbrella for a few days. This helps them adjust.
Choose The Right Location
Most August-blooming flowers need full sun, but some tolerate afternoon shade. Observe your garden’s sun patterns before planting. South- and west-facing spots get the most heat.
If your garden has heavy clay soil, amend it with compost or plant in raised beds. Good drainage is critical for root health.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes in August. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your flowers healthy.
Overwatering
It’s easy to overwater in hot weather. Soggy soil suffocates roots and promotes fungal diseases. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch into the soil. Water only if it feels dry.
Planting Too Late
Some flowers need time to establish before the first frost. Check the average first frost date for your Missouri region. In northern Missouri, it’s around mid-October. In the south, it’s late October or early November.
Choose flowers with a maturity date that fits your growing window. Fast-growing annuals are safer than slow perennials.
Ignoring Soil Health
August soil can be hard and compacted. Loosen it before planting and add organic matter. A soil test can tell you if you need lime or fertilizer.
Most flowers prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, plants struggle to absorb nutrients.
Forgetting To Deadhead
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms. It also prevents plants from going to seed too early. Make it a weekly habit during August.
Some flowers, like zinnias and marigolds, respond well to deadheading. Others, like lantana, don’t need it but benefit from occasional trimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant flowers in August in Missouri?
Yes, you can plant many flowers in August in Missouri. Choose heat-tolerant annuals like marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers. Perennials can also be planted, but they need extra water to establish before winter.
What flowers bloom all summer in Missouri?
Flowers that bloom all summer in Missouri include zinnias, marigolds, petunias, lantana, and black-eyed Susans. These plants handle heat and humidity well and bloom from planting until frost.
How often should I water new plants in August?
Water new plants daily for the first week, then every other day for the next two weeks. After that, water once a week if there’s no rain. Adjust based on soil type and weather conditions.
What are the best native flowers for August in Missouri?
Native flowers that do well in August include black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and butterfly weed. These plants are adapted to Missouri’s climate and support local pollinators.
Should I fertilize flowers planted in August?
Yes, but use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Too much nitrogen encourages leaves over flowers. Follow package instructions and avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Final Thoughts On August Planting
Planting flowers in August in Missouri is totally doable if you choose the right varieties and care for them properly. The key is to pick heat-tolerant plants, water consistently, and protect them from the harshest sun. With a little effort, your garden will stay colorful through September and into October.
Remember that August-planted flowers may have a shorter blooming season than spring-planted ones, but they still provide plenty of beauty. Plus, you’re extending your garden’s life into the cooler months. Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures.
Your Missouri garden can be a vibrant oasis even in the dog days of summer. With the right choices, you’ll have blooms that laugh at the heat and bounce back from storms. Happy planting.