As Michigan’s summer progresses into August, many gardeners might think the prime planting season has passed. However, August still offers significant opportunities to enhance your garden with vibrant colors and lush greenery. The warm soil temperatures during this month can encourage robust root development for many plants, provided they receive proper care.
At Everett’s Gardens, we are dedicated to guiding you through the best planting choices for August, helping your efforts flourish even amidst the late summer heat. Whether your goal is to add a splash of late-season color or establish foundational plants, there are still many options available for successful planting.
The key to successful August planting, similar to July, involves careful preparation, consistent watering, and selecting plants that can tolerate summer conditions.
Flowering Shrubs
August remains a suitable time to plant several varieties of flowering shrubs, particularly those that thrive in warmth and will continue to bloom into late summer and early fall. Planting now allows their root systems to establish before cooler temperatures arrive, preparing them for strong growth next spring.
- Hydrangeas: Many varieties, especially panicle (Paniculata) types like ‘Quick Fire’ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’) or ‘Limelight’ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’), and smooth hydrangeas (Arborescens) such as ‘Incrediball’ (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’), can be planted successfully in August. They benefit from consistent moisture and provide stunning blooms through the season.
- Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): These resilient shrubs are known for their profusion of hibiscus-like flowers, which bloom from July through September, adding color when other plants may be fading. They are tolerant of heat once established. Varieties like ‘Dark Mystery Hibiscus’ (Hibiscus ‘Dark Mystery’) and ‘Summerific® Holy Grail Hibiscus’ (Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail’) are notable.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia): Valued for attracting pollinators, Butterfly Bushes are vigorous and thrive in summer sun. ‘Miss Violet Butterfly Bush’ (Buddleia ‘Miss Violet’) is a compact, seedless option that blooms on new wood.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): These shrubs offer colorful foliage throughout the summer. ‘Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark’ (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Jefam’) transitions from yellow-orange-red foliage in spring/summer to lime green then purple in fall. ‘Ginger Wine® Ninebark’ (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SMNPOBLR’) features foliage that matures to a deep burgundy.
Perennials
Container-grown perennials are generally good choices for August planting. They have developed strong root systems in their pots, which aids in a smoother transition to your garden beds. Focus on varieties that are heat-tolerant and will provide blooms in late summer or early fall.
- Coneflower (Echinacea): These robust, drought-tolerant plants produce vibrant, daisy-like flowers that attract bees and butterflies. ‘Sombrero® Adobe Orange Coneflower’ (Echinacea ‘Balsomador’) has orange flowers with copper cones. ‘Goldsturm Coneflower’ (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’) features gold daisy flowers with dark brown eyes from mid-summer to early fall.
- Hostas: While preferring shade, Hostas can be planted in August to fill in shady areas, provided they receive consistent watering during dry periods. Shadowland® ‘Diamond Lake’ Hosta (Hosta hybrid) is a durable, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant variety that thrives in sun or shade.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These robust and forgiving plants are available in a wide array of colors and bloom times. Planting them now can lead to a late flush of blooms or a strong start for the next year.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Ideal for sunny, drier locations, Sedum varieties provide texture and interest with their succulent leaves and late-season blooms. ‘Firecracker Stonecrop’ (Sedum ‘Firecracker’) has deep pink flowers atop dark cherry red foliage. ‘Autumn Joy Stonecrop’ (Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’) features salmon-pink flowers that fade to red in early fall.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): These cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers are quintessential summer blooms and can be planted in August for a splash of sunshine.
- Catmint (Nepeta hybrid / Nepeta faassenii): A long-blooming perennial. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ Catmint (Nepeta hybrid) produces intense indigo blue flowers, with rosy purple calyxes extending the color. ‘Purrsian Blue’ Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’) offers periwinkle-blue flowers from early summer to fall. Catmint is also a fragrant, deer-resistant plant.
- Ornamental Onion (Allium): ‘Millenium Ornamental Onion’ (Allium ‘Millenium’) produces lilac-purple flower clusters in mid-summer. ‘Lavender Bubbles Ornamental Onion’ (Allium ‘Lavender Bubbles’) has dark purple flower globes from late summer to early fall.
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): This plant is noted for attracting butterflies with its golden orange flower clusters from summer into early fall, and it is generally easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established.
Trees
While spring and fall are generally considered optimal for planting larger trees, smaller container-grown trees can often be successfully planted in August.
- Japanese Maples: Container-grown Japanese Maples can be planted in August, but they require consistent and careful watering, especially during hot Michigan summers. They often benefit from a spot with some afternoon shade. Examples include ‘Green Mountain Sugar Maple’ (Acer saccharum ‘Green Mountain’), ‘Tamukeyama Japanese Maple’ (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’), ‘Skeeter’s Broom Dwarf Japanese Maple’ (Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’), ‘Chitose Yama Japanese Maple’ (Acer palmatum ‘Chitose Yama’), and ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa Japanese Maple’ (Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’).
- Potted Evergreens: Evergreens from containers, such as Junipers, Arborvitae, or certain varieties of dwarf Spruce, can be planted in August for year-round structure and color. Examples include ‘Golden Ghost Japanese Red Pine’ (Pinus densiflora ‘Golden Ghost’), ‘Columnar Norway Spruce’ (Picea abies ‘Cupressina’), and ‘Rheingold Arborvitae’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’). Everett’s Gardens also hosts an “August is for Evergreens” event, indicating their suitability.
- Shade & Ornamental Trees: Smaller, container-grown shade and ornamental trees can be planted. This includes species like London Planetree (Platanus x acerifoli), Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), and Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is another suitable small tree or multi-stemmed shrub.
Crucial Tips for August Planting Success in Michigan
Planting during the warmer summer months requires extra attention, but your efforts can result in successful plant establishment.
- Watering is paramount: Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent and deep watering. Water immediately after planting, then daily for the first week, gradually decreasing frequency while increasing duration as the plant becomes established. Regularly check the soil moisture.
- Plant during cooler times: Aim to plant in the early morning or late afternoon/evening when temperatures are lower, which helps reduce transplant shock. Avoid planting during the hottest part of the day.
- Apply mulch: A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of new plantings can help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Ensure the mulch is kept a few inches away from the plant’s stem or trunk to prevent rot.
- Prepare the soil: Make sure your planting area is well-drained and enriched with organic matter to improve nutrient availability and promote healthy root growth.
- Avoid immediate heavy fertilization: The primary goal for new plantings in August is root growth, not lush top growth, which can stress the plant. You can apply a light fertilizer once the plant shows signs of new growth.
- Protect from intense sun: For delicate plants or those transitioning from shadier nursery environments, consider providing temporary shade (e.g., with burlap or shade cloth) for the initial days, particularly during peak afternoon sun.
- Transition to fall planting: August marks a good transition into the fall planting season, which is advantageous because the ground remains warm for root growth even as air temperatures cool, reducing stress on new plants.
August in Michigan is certainly not the end of your planting season. With careful plant selection and diligent care, you can continue to develop and enhance your garden throughout the summer.
Come visit us at Everett’s Gardens! Our knowledgeable team is always available to help you select the perfect plants for your August projects and provide personalized advice to ensure your gardening success. You can find us at 240 84th Street SE, Byron Center, MI 49315.