Birthday
HydrangeasThis 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.
What blooms in August
Dahlias
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.
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Asters
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.
Hydrangeas
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.
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Gladioli
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.
Chrysanthemums
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.
5 more August flowers
- Rudbeckia: sunny yellow daisies with dark centres, easy and drought-tolerant.
- Echinacea: pink-purple flowers loved by butterflies and bees.
- Phlox: fragrant flower heads, especially scented in the evening.
- Zinnia: a bright annual that flowers until frost and lasts well in a vase.
- Cosmos: airy flowers on slender stems for naturalistic beds.
Flower garden care in August
- Deadhead spent flowers to extend flowering.
- Water at the base in the morning or evening and mulch the soil.
- From mid-August stop nitrogen feeds and switch to potassium and phosphorus to help perennials prepare for winter.
- Check phlox and asters for powdery mildew and treat with a fungicide at the first signs.
- Late August is the time to divide and replant peonies and irises.
FAQ
Which flowers make a good gift in August?
Seasonal dahlias, hydrangeas, asters, gladioli and sunflowers are at their best and affordable.
Which August flowers last longest in a vase?
Chrysanthemums, asters, zinnias and gladioli. Dahlias and hydrangeas last less long but look stunning.
Order a summer bouquet with flower delivery in Kyiv or choose chrysanthemums from UFL.
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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.
