This article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. August is the most generous month in the flower garden: summer perennials are still going strong and autumn flowers are just opening. Here are the key August flowers that brighten the garden and look great in bouquets, and how to keep them blooming into autumn.
In the birth-flower tradition, August’s flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy. The gladiolus (from the Latin “gladius”, sword) stands for strength of character, honesty and remembrance, while the poppy represents sleep, imagination and rest after the summer heat. August birthday bouquets usually feature gladioli, dahlias, sunflowers and hydrangeas, since cut poppies last only a day or two.
The genus has about 40 species and tens of thousands of varieties, from miniature pompons to giants with 25 cm blooms. Dahlias flower from July until the first frost, peaking in August and September. They need sun, fertile soil and regular watering in hot weather. Stake tall varieties, and on large-flowered ones leave 1–2 buds per stem. In a vase dahlias last 4–6 days if cut fully open in the morning.
Several plants share this name. The annual "China aster" (Callistephus chinensis) produces lush double flowers in every shade except yellow and orange and lasts up to two weeks in a vase. Perennial asters (New York, New England and others) bloom from late August to October and can stay in one place for 4–5 years. All of them like sun and loose, free-draining soil.
The genus includes about 75 species and hundreds of varieties. In August bigleaf, panicle and smooth hydrangeas are at their peak. Bigleaf hydrangea colour depends on the soil: acidic soil turns the flowers blue and alkaline soil turns them pink. Hydrangeas need partial shade or morning sun, moist soil and shelter from wind, although panicle hydrangeas tolerate full sun. Ready-made bouquets are in our hydrangea bouquets section.
Majestic spikes up to 1.5 m tall with flowers in every colour of the rainbow. Plant the corms in May and they will flower 70–90 days later. They need sun, plenty of water and support for tall varieties. Cut gladioli when the lowest 1–2 flowers have opened, and the whole spike will open in the vase within a week. Lift the corms in autumn.
Early garden chrysanthemums start flowering in late August and late ones in October. The genus has about 40 species and thousands of varieties. They like sun and moderate moisture and last a record-breaking three weeks as cut flowers. More in our article on types of chrysanthemums.
August is shared by Leo (up to 22 August) and Virgo (from 23 August). Leo suits bright, big bouquets — sunflowers, yellow roses, dahlias (more ideas in our flower horoscope for Leo). Virgo suits neat arrangements in calm tones: white hydrangeas, cream roses and asters.
August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus (strength of character, integrity) and the poppy (remembrance, imagination). See birth month flowers, and the neighbouring July flowers and September flowers.
Seasonal dahlias, hydrangeas, asters, gladioli and sunflowers are at their best and affordable.
Chrysanthemums, asters, zinnias and gladioli. Dahlias and hydrangeas last less long but look stunning.
The gladiolus and the poppy. August birthday bouquets usually feature gladioli, dahlias, sunflowers and hydrangeas.
Leo up to 22 August and Virgo from 23 August.
Order a summer bouquet with flower delivery in Kyiv or choose chrysanthemums from UFL.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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