These 8 Late Summer Flowers Will Keep Your Garden Colorful

Daniel Mitchell in Home & Design

8/3/25

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As summer starts to wind down, many gardens begin to fade as flowers grow past their season and begin to wilt. Late summer doesn’t necessarily have to mean less color, though. The right flowers can extend your garden’s beauty well into the season. Here are eight options that are known for lasting, thriving, and standing out when others start to die.

Coneflower

Coneflowers are hardy, sun-loving plants that keep their color even in dry conditions. Their strong purple and pink flowers bloom well into late summer and attract beneficial pollinators. They don’t need much attention, and their upright shape adds some structure to garden beds. Coneflowers also mix easily with other perennials, making them a dependable choice for long-term color without extra work.

Black-Eyed Susan

With bright yellow petals and deep brown centers, Black-Eyed Susans hold their own in the late summer heat. These flowers can spread out quickly, so they’re perfect for filling gaps in a garden. They’re also drought-tolerant and hold up well in poor soil. Whether in a border or a mixed bed, they bring steady color and work well with most garden styles.

Zinnias

Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, and they bloom heavily from midsummer through fall. Their bold colors come in many shades, from soft pastels to strong reds and oranges. These flowers thrive in full sun and don’t mind hot weather. Cut them back to encourage more blooms and enjoy their constant color as the season goes on.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage adds texture and height with its airy blue-lavender flowers and silvery stems. It prefers hot, dry weather and actually performs best when left alone. This plant adds movement to a garden, especially in a breeze, and pairs nicely with bolder flowers. Its soft color holds up through late summer and into fall, offering a lighter touch among stronger neighboring plants.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis brings in bright, sunny yellow tones that last well beyond midsummer. It’s a low-maintenance flower that handles heat and dry spells without issue. Some varieties will even bloom into early fall if trimmed regularly. Coreopsis works especially well in borders or rock gardens, where its simple shape and lasting color help tie together different parts of a landscape.

Sedum (Autumn Joy)

Sedum or ‘Autumn Joy’ starts out green but turns a rich rose-pink just as many other flowers begin to fade. Its thick leaves hold onto moisture, so it doesn’t struggle in dry conditions. This plant is a good option if you want something that needs little care but still adds a nice visual element. As the season changes, the flower heads deepen in color, giving your garden an ever-shifting look.

Helenium (Sneezeweed)

Despite its name, sneezeweed isn’t likely to cause allergies. What it does do is offer strong red, orange, and yellow blooms late into the season. Helenium thrives in full sun and moist soil, making it ideal for areas that stay warm (so long as you water it enough). Its upright shape helps it stand out, and its fiery color blends well with other late bloomers.

Japanese Anemone

Japanese Anemones start blooming later than most, usually in late summer. Their pale pink or white petals and yellow centers bring a softer look to garden beds of all kinds. These flowers prefer some shade and consistent moisture. They also spread slowly, so once established, they’ll return each year. If your garden needs something graceful and reliable for late-season bloom, this is a strong choice.

Late summer doesn’t have to mean all the color fading from your garden. By adding plants that bloom later and handle the season’s challenges, your garden can stay full and fresh even as temperatures start to creep downward. With the right mix of flowers, you won’t just be hanging on to summer, you’ll be finishing it strong.