13 Stunning Late-Summer Perennials That Bloom Through Fall

When August arrives, many gardens start to fade—blooms have come and gone, and leaves are beginning to tire. But that doesn’t mean your garden’s color show has to end. In fact, with the right late-summer blooming perennials, you can keep your borders bursting with life and pollinator activity well into September (and sometimes October).

In our latest YouTube video, we share 13 of our favorite late summer perennials—plants we grow and recommend because they deliver consistent blooms, add texture and height, and thrive in sunny garden spots with minimal fuss. Whether you’re aiming for bold color, airy movement, or pollinator-friendly planting, these are tried-and-true winners.

1. Anaphalis triplinervis (Pearly everlasting)

Known for its silvery-gray foliage and clusters of papery white blooms, Pearly everlasting is a drought-tolerant perennial that works beautifully in borders or wildflower gardens. Its flowers also dry exceptionally well, making it perfect for cut arrangements that last all winter. This plant thrives in full sun and poor to average soil, making it a low-maintenance option for hot, dry spots.

2. Rudbeckia fulgida (Perennial black-eyed Susan)

Cheerful golden-yellow petals with dark brown centers make Rudbeckia fulgida a garden favorite. It’s deer-resistant, hardy, and blooms for weeks in late summer. Perfect for adding a bold pop of color to mixed beds, it pairs beautifully with purples and blues. Keep it in full sun for best performance, and deadhead to extend the bloom time.

3. Kniphofia ‘Flamenco’ (Red hot poker)

If you want drama, Red hot poker delivers with its tall spikes of orange, red, and yellow that resemble glowing torches. These heat-loving perennials are ideal for sunny, well-drained borders and make excellent statement plants. Plus, they’re loved by hummingbirds.

4. Liatris (Blazing star)

Vertical spikes of purple blooms make Liatris an eye-catching addition to late-summer plantings. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also a magnet for butterflies and bees. Liatris prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil, and its grass-like foliage provides interest even before flowering.

5. Echinacea (Coneflower)

A classic perennial for both summer and fall gardens, Echinacea comes in shades from traditional purple to vibrant orange, yellow, and even white. Its daisy-like blooms and prominent centers attract bees, butterflies, and birds (especially goldfinches, who love the seed heads). Echinacea is hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives in a wide range of soils.

6. Monarda (Bee balm)

Fragrant foliage and frilly blooms make Bee balm a pollinator powerhouse. It’s especially beloved by hummingbirds. Available in reds, pinks, and purples, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Deadheading can encourage a longer bloom season.

7. Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ (Giant hyssop)

This aromatic perennial features lavender-blue flower spikes that last for weeks, providing constant nectar for bees and butterflies. Agastache prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s highly drought-tolerant once established. Its upright habit and soft color make it a great companion for bold yellows and oranges.

8. Aster

When most flowers are done for the year, Asters burst into bloom with shades of purple, pink, and white. They’re essential for feeding late-season pollinators and look especially striking paired with ornamental grasses. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

9. Verbena bonariensis (Tall verbena)

Airy and elegant, Tall verbena sends up slender stems topped with clusters of tiny purple flowers. It adds movement to borders, attracts butterflies, and reseeds lightly for natural drifts. This is a must-have for cottage gardens and prairie-style plantings.

10. Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts’ (False sunflower)

Like a sunflower’s artsy cousin, ‘Bleeding Hearts’ false sunflower has golden petals with deep red centers. This long-blooming perennial thrives in full sun, tolerates a variety of soils, and adds a warm glow to late-season borders.

11. Helenium (Sneezeweed)

Don’t let the name fool you—Helenium won’t make you sneeze. Instead, it will fill your garden with fiery tones of gold, orange, and red, bridging the gap between summer and autumn. Plant in sunny spots and keep the soil moist for lush growth.

12. Eupatorium maculatum (Joe Pye weed)

Tall, majestic, and crowned with large clusters of mauve-pink flowers, Joe Pye weed is a pollinator magnet. It’s perfect for the back of a border or a naturalized meadow. This plant prefers moist soil but can adapt to average garden conditions.

13. Eupatorium dubium 'Baby Joe’ (Dwarf Joe Pye weed)

A more compact cousin of the classic Joe Pye weed, ‘Baby Joe’ offers the same butterfly-attracting blooms without taking over your garden. It’s ideal for smaller spaces or container plantings.

Why These Perennials Are Perfect for Late Summer

All of these perennials are:

• Low-maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care.

• Pollinator-friendly: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love them.

• Sun-loving: Most thrive in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Season-extending: They bridge the gap between summer and fall, keeping your garden alive with color.

  
  

If you want a garden that peaks when others are fading, these plants will make sure your borders stay vibrant right up to the first frost.

Watch the full video for detailed planting tips, care advice, and a closer look at each perennial in action.