Late Summer Garden Inspiration for the PNW
August in the Pacific Northwest is summer at its finest. The days are long and dry, the evenings are warm and golden, and there’s just a hint of fall in the air. It’s a beautiful time to relax outdoors or add a few late-season plants to the garden. Whether you’re creating curb appeal for a future sale or simply enjoying your space, these plants can add color, texture, and life to your yard this time of year!
Dahlia
Dahlias are a summer showstopper. From soft pastels to bold, fiery tones, these blooms come in endless varieties and sizes, with some flowers as big as dinner plates. They thrive with plenty of sun and reward you with nonstop color through fall.
- Best in full sun or light shade
- Likes fertile, well-drained soil
- Heights range from 12 inches to 5 feet
- Blooms mid-summer through fall
Edward Goucher Abelia
This semi-evergreen shrub is a magnet for pollinators. It offers lilac-pink blooms, glossy green foliage, and graceful form all summer long. Bonus: deer tend to leave it alone.
- Sun to part shade
- Rich, acidic soil preferred
- Grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide
- Blooms summer to late fall
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus)
Looking to add a tropical touch? Rose of Sharon delivers with large, colorful blooms and an easygoing attitude. It’s low-maintenance, hardy, and reliably full of flowers from midsummer on.
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- 8 to 10 feet tall, 4 to 5 feet wide
- Blooms July through September
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a classic in any Northwest garden. With a wide range of varieties and colors, there’s something for every space and style. Ayesha Mophead (pictured above) stands out with delicate, spoon-shaped petals and light fragrance.
- Thrives in part shade
- Needs well-drained soil
- Typically 4 to 7 feet tall and wide
- Blooms from summer into fall
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are pollinator powerhouses and bouquet favorites. Plant them in sunny beds or borders for a pop of color and enjoy the bird-friendly seed heads in fall.
- Full sun or light shade
- Well-drained soil
- Around 2 feet tall and wide
- Blooms July through October
Lettuce and Kale
Late summer is a great time to plant these cool-season crops. Kale is tough enough to last into winter, and lettuce will thrive with a little afternoon shade.
- Sun to part shade
- Rich, moist soil
- Lettuce grows 4 to 8 inches tall, kale 1 to 3 feet
- Water regularly and cover as temps drop
New Zealand Flax (Phormium)
Looking for bold structure? Phormium delivers with dramatic, spiky foliage in rich shades of burgundy, bronze, and green. It pairs beautifully with bright green companions like sedum.
- Sun or light shade
- Well-drained soil
- Can grow up to 7 feet tall
- Blooms occasionally and may attract hummingbirds
Coreopsis
This easygoing perennial brings masses of daisy-like blooms to the garden all summer long. It’s drought tolerant, low maintenance, and irresistible to bees and butterflies.
- Full sun
- Average, well-drained soil
- 6 to 24 inches tall
- Blooms from midsummer into fall
Xenox Sedum
If you want something different, Xenox Sedum adds texture and color with its dusky purple leaves and clusters of deep red flowers. It thrives on neglect and attracts all the right pollinators.
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- About 1 foot tall and 1.5 feet wide
- Blooms from late summer into fall
Hosta
Cool, lush, and perfect for shade, Hostas are a go-to for woodland gardens. They offer dramatic foliage in a range of colors and sizes, and their summer flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Shade or part shade
- Well-drained soil
- Sizes range from a few inches to 6 feet wide
- Blooms from early to late summer
Whether you’re gardening for curb appeal or personal joy, these late-summer favorites can keep your landscape looking vibrant and inviting well into fall.
If you’re thinking about making a move or simply want to talk about your home’s value and potential, I’m here to help!
