Why You Should Be Planting Asters In August

Looking for a flower that will brighten up your garden with colorful blooms even in late summer? Asters (Aster spp.) are the way to go. This stunning plant features delicate, daisy-like flowers in a wide range of punchy hues, including purple, pink, and blue. Fun fact: They come in 600-plus varieties, some of which are native to North America. Hardy in zones 3 through 8, asters grow anywhere from 6 to 8 feet tall. They're one of those glorious low-maintenance perennials that thrive without much work on your part.

Asters bloom consistently throughout late summer and fall — which is precisely why you can (and should!) plant them in August. You won't have to worry about their flowers wilting or dying out as soon as they're established. If you're smart about which plants you select and where you place them in your garden, then you'll have plenty of time left in the growing season to enjoy asters' cheery blooms.

If you're after fall color, the key to successfully planting asters in August is to find a plant that's ready to pop. Take a trip to your local nursery or garden center and find asters that are fully grown and look like they're about to flower. Then, head back home, and plant them somewhere in your yard or garden where they'll get at least a little bit of shade, so they don't get scorched. Asters are famously easy to grow, even for newer gardeners. Just leave some space between each plant so they have breathing room and water them regularly as their roots are growing, especially if you're dealing with oppressive late-summer heat.

You can plant asters in a container or use them to create a lush and natural look on landscaping borders. As a bonus, pollinators love these flowers. So, your garden won't just stay looking lush as summer transitions into fall; it will also become a hotspot for buzzing bees and butterflies. Since asters are perennials, you'll be able to enjoy those pretty blooms year after year.

Wondering which other perennials you can pair with asters for a garden that's full of flowers in late summer or fall? Sun-loving yellow goldenrod (Solidago) is another durable option that's equally stunning, with a hardiness range of zones 2 to 8. Like asters, these herbaceous perennials are easy and fast growers that bloom as late as September. This duo will make for a spectacular show of complementary yellow and purple blooms that draws in pollinators and withstands cooler temperatures. 

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a native pick that could work well too. Beloved for its namesake purple flowers and rich history of medicinal uses, this popular perennial can also be planted in August and is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It blooms like wild in mid- to late-summer and often re-blooms again in the fall. Fans of pink, purple, or lavender will adore asters and purple coneflowers planted next to each other.