What to Plant in the Summer

Dear Plant Pundit,

I know, I know—April showers = May flowers. I’m late to the garden party but can I plant any summer plants —and would annuals or perennials be best? 

— Late Bloomer

Dear Late Bloomer,

Spring is usually the time most people think of when it comes to planting annuals or perennials in the garden, but late summer can also be a great time to plant. You can choose to plant either, but the issue with annuals is they will not overwinter so there isn’t much of a point. 

Instead, choose to plant perennials in late summer (August) to give these plants extra time for root development before the ground begins to cool and freeze through fall and winter. This will give your new plants a head start for the spring with the added bonus of color in the garden going into fall. If you choose your plants wisely, you’ll have another yearly burst of color when your earlier summer bloomers are beginning to look tired. 

Some plants to consider for your late summer planting and blooming include:

• Asters: Many colors and sizes of asters to choose from—and pollinators depend on these for nectar and pollen in late summer. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. 
• Violets: These gorgeous low growers produce dainty flowers that come in blue, purple and white. Hotter temps are tough on violets, so you’ll get more blooms earlier in the summer and into fall. Added bonus: Most violets are edible. 
• Sedum: This sun-loving plant offers a variety of color and texture later in the season for any garden. 
• Echinacea: Native to North America, echinacea, once planted, may bloom earlier than August—but if you deadhead the flowers and fertilize, they will continue to bloom into early fall. They also provide food for songbirds such as finches, and, fun fact, the plant is medicinal. 

BIO:
Jose Harvey is the owner of Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop, which now boasts two locations in Raleigh. He received a master’s of nonprofit agricultural development at NCSU, with focuses in agroecology and horticulture—two of his biggest passions. 

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