Different flowers bloom at different times of the year, and August offers a vibrant array of blossoms that add color and life to gardens and landscapes. This article will explore ten beautiful flowers that typically bloom during this late summer month.
When considering flowers that bloom in late summer, the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) stands out as an iconic symbol of the season. These magnificent plants typically bloom from July through September, with peak flowering occurring in August in most temperate regions.
Sunflowers are annual plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and asters. They are also known by various common names such as common sunflower, annual sunflower, and in some cultures as heliotrope, kui flower, or chaoyang flower. The name “sunflower” originates from their heliotropic behavior, where the flower heads track the sun’s movement across the sky, a phenomenon known as solar tracking or heliotropism.
Native to North America, sunflowers were first domesticated by indigenous peoples around 3000 BCE. Spanish explorers introduced the cultivated variety to Europe in the early 16th century, initially as an ornamental plant. The sunflower’s journey then continued eastward, reaching Russia in the 18th century, where it gained significant agricultural importance.
Modern sunflower varieties can be broadly categorized into two main types: oilseed and confection (non-oil) types. Oilseed varieties are primarily grown for their oil-rich seeds, while confection types are cultivated for direct consumption as snacks or in baking. Additionally, there are numerous ornamental varieties prized for their aesthetic value in gardens and floral arrangements.
Sunflower cultivation has spread globally, with major production centers in Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, and the United States. The plants are valued for their versatility:
As a symbol of warmth, happiness, and vitality, sunflowers continue to captivate people worldwide, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits across various industries.
The cereus, native to the Americas from Brazil to Mexico, has now been cultivated worldwide. Known as the “queen of the night” or “beauty under the moon”, this epiphytic or lithophytic cactus belongs to the Cactaceae family. The genus Cereus encompasses various species, with Selenicereus grandiflorus being one of the most renowned for its spectacular nocturnal blooms.
Its flowers are typically large, funnel-shaped, and predominantly white, although some species may exhibit pale pink or yellowish hues. These magnificent blooms emerge from the areoles on the side branches, unfurling at night during the summer or early autumn. The primary blooming period extends from June to October, with peak flowering often occurring in August, making it a quintessential late summer seasonal flower.
When in bloom, the cereus flower emits a potent, sweet fragrance that intensifies as the night progresses, further justifying its poetic moniker “beauty under the moon”. This powerful scent serves to attract nocturnal pollinators, primarily moths, ensuring successful reproduction.
The ephemeral nature of the cereus bloom is truly remarkable. From the moment it opens until it begins to wilt, the entire flowering process spans a mere 4 to 6 hours. This fleeting beauty has given rise to the phrase “ephemeral as a cereus flower,” emphasizing the transient nature of its splendor. To fully appreciate this botanical wonder, enthusiasts often stay up late or rise early to witness the brief yet breathtaking display.
Beyond its ornamental value, the cereus holds significant importance in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant, including the stems and flowers, have been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Some reported medicinal properties include cardiotonic, diuretic, and sedative effects, though further scientific research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Cultivation of cereus requires well-draining soil, minimal watering, and protection from frost. In temperate regions, it’s often grown as a houseplant or in greenhouses. Its unique blooming habits and striking appearance make it a prized addition to night gardens and a favorite among cactus enthusiasts and plant collectors worldwide.
The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a remarkable aquatic plant that reaches its peak bloom in August, making it a quintessential summer flower. This perennial plant produces solitary flowers atop long stalks, each blossom comprising numerous petals arranged in a distinctive pattern around a prominent receptacle.
Lotus flowers exhibit a diverse color palette, including shades of pink, white, red, and occasionally purple. The blooming period typically extends from June to September, with the most prolific flowering occurring in mid to late summer. Lotus varieties are broadly categorized into two main groups: ornamental cultivars prized for their aesthetic appeal, and edible varieties cultivated for their nutritional and culinary value.
Throughout history, the lotus has been revered for its symbolic significance. Its ability to emerge pristine from murky waters has long been a metaphor for purity and spiritual enlightenment. This characteristic, along with its upright growth habit and radial symmetry, has inspired countless poets, artists, and philosophers across various cultures.
The lotus is a plant of remarkable utility. Every part of the plant serves a purpose:
The plant’s adaptability and resilience are exemplified by its ability to thrive in diverse aquatic environments. The large, waxy leaves that float on the water’s surface or rise above it create a striking visual display, often described poetically as “endless green lotus leaves reflecting red blossoms in the sun.”
Native to tropical and temperate regions of Asia, the lotus has been cultivated in China since at least the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). Its cultural significance extends beyond China; it is the national flower of India, Vietnam, and Malawi. In China, seven cities have adopted the lotus as their official city flower, underscoring its widespread appreciation.
The lotus’s importance in Chinese culture was further cemented in May 1985 when it was officially recognized as one of China’s top ten famous flowers. This designation highlights not only its beauty but also its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in the country.
Cultivation of lotus requires specific conditions:
With proper care, lotus plants can live for decades, annually producing their spectacular blooms and contributing to the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Prunus serrulata, commonly known as the Japanese flowering cherry or sakura, is a deciduous tree renowned for its spectacular but brief spring bloom. Contrary to the previous information, this species typically flowers from late March to early May, with the exact timing varying depending on the specific cultivar and local climate conditions.
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Prunus serrulata belongs to the Rosaceae family, not Verbenaceae. It thrives in temperate climates with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The ideal temperature range for growth is generally between 10-20°C (50-68°F), though established trees can tolerate wider temperature ranges.
The flowers of Prunus serrulata grow in clusters along the branches, typically appearing before or with the emergence of new leaves. These clusters are often described as racemes or corymbs rather than umbels. Each flower has five petals and numerous stamens, creating a delicate and profuse display.
The blossoms come in various shades, primarily white to pink, with some cultivars exhibiting deeper rose or even yellowish hues. While fragrant, the scent is usually subtle rather than strong. The ephemeral nature of the blooms, lasting only about a week to ten days, adds to their cultural significance in Japan and other countries.
Prunus serrulata is widely used in ornamental landscaping for its aesthetic appeal. It’s particularly effective in:
When planting, both mixed cultivar and single cultivar approaches can be striking. A mix of varieties can extend the overall blooming period and provide a range of flower forms and colors. Single cultivar plantings, on the other hand, create a unified and dramatic effect, especially when trees bloom simultaneously.
It’s important to note that while Prunus serrulata is prized for its flowers, it’s not typically used as ground cover or for slopes. For such purposes, different cherry species or entirely different plant families would be more appropriate.
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as rose of Sharon, is a prominent member of the diverse array of flowers that bloom in August. This versatile shrub or small tree, native to the Yellow River Basin and various regions across East and South China, is also referred to as althea, Syrian ketmia, or shrub althea.
The blooming period of Hibiscus syriacus extends from August through November, providing a late-season display of color in gardens and landscapes. Its flowers, which can range from pure white to various shades of pink, lavender, and even blue, are notable for their large, showy petals and prominent central stamen column. The blooms typically measure 2-4 inches in diameter and feature a distinctive trumpet shape.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Hibiscus syriacus is its diurnal flower cycle, which has earned it the moniker “three-variable flower.” Each blossom undergoes three distinct phases throughout a single day:
This unique daily transformation adds an element of intrigue to the plant’s already impressive ornamental value.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Hibiscus syriacus holds significant medicinal properties. Both the flowers and leaves are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their:
These medicinal applications underscore the plant’s versatility and importance in herbal remedies.
Culturally, Hibiscus syriacus holds a special place as the city flower of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China. Its selection as a civic symbol reflects the city’s appreciation for the plant’s beauty and cultural significance. In the language of flowers, Hibiscus syriacus represents delicacy, chastity, and purity, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and symbolic plantings.
Gardeners appreciate Hibiscus syriacus for its hardiness (it’s surprisingly frost-resistant for a hibiscus species), ease of cultivation, and long blooming period. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring can promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
In conclusion, Hibiscus syriacus stands out as a remarkable August-blooming plant, offering a combination of visual appeal, medicinal value, and cultural significance. Its extended flowering period, unique daily bloom cycle, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to both ornamental and functional gardens.
Celosia, a vibrant and distinctive annual, is among the numerous flowers that grace gardens with their blooms in late summer and autumn. Also known as cockscomb, this herbaceous plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and offers a spectacular display of color and texture.
Celosia flowers come in an array of striking varieties, each with its unique charm. The most common types include:
While red is a popular color, celosias actually bloom in a spectrum of warm hues, including orange, yellow, pink, and purple. The flower’s resemblance to a rooster’s comb in some varieties inspired its common name, “cockscomb.”
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Americas, and the Indian subcontinent, celosia has now become a globally cultivated ornamental plant. It thrives in full sun exposure and appreciates warm, humid conditions, making it an excellent choice for summer gardens. Celosia is heat-tolerant but extremely sensitive to frost, typically grown as an annual in temperate climates.
For optimal growth, celosia requires:
Beyond its ornamental value, celosia holds significance in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant have been used to treat:
Additionally, in some cultures, the young leaves and stems are consumed as vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals.
To enjoy celosia’s vibrant blooms in your garden, sow seeds directly after the last frost or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. With proper care, these stunning flowers will provide a colorful spectacle from midsummer until the first frost, making them a valuable addition to any late-season garden display.
The water lily (Nymphaea spp.) is a stunning aquatic perennial that graces ponds and water gardens with its captivating blooms during the summer months. These herbaceous plants, anchored by robust rhizomes, are renowned for their ornamental value and are quintessential flowers of the August season.
The flowering period of water lilies typically begins in early summer, around June, and continues through the end of summer in August, offering a spectacular display for approximately three months. This extended blooming season makes water lilies a prized addition to aquatic landscapes.
Globally, the Nymphaea genus comprises 40-50 species, with China being home to five native species. The diversity within this genus has led to the development of numerous cultivars, expanding the range of colors and forms available to gardeners and enthusiasts.
Water lilies can be categorized into two main groups based on their temperature tolerance:
Throughout history, water lilies have held a special place in human culture, often symbolizing purity, rebirth, and divine beauty. Like the lotus, they have been revered in various traditions and frequently used as offerings to deities. This cultural significance adds depth to their already considerable aesthetic appeal.
The versatility of water lilies extends beyond their ornamental use in ponds:
Water lilies play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems:
Cultivating water lilies requires specific conditions:
By incorporating water lilies into urban water features and natural water bodies, cities can enhance their green spaces, improve water quality, and create tranquil oases that connect residents with nature. The combination of their environmental benefits, cultural significance, and breathtaking beauty makes water lilies an invaluable asset in both natural and designed aquatic landscapes.
Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly known as balloon flower or Chinese bellflower, is a striking perennial herbaceous plant that graces gardens with its distinctive blooms from July to September. This versatile species, native to East Asia, has earned several charming monikers, including monk’s cap flower and bellflower, due to its unique flower shape.
The plant typically grows to a height of 20-120 cm (8-47 inches), featuring an upright, unbranched stem that is usually glabrous (hairless), though some varieties may exhibit dense, short hairs. Occasionally, branching may occur near the top of the stem.
Platycodon’s foliage arrangement is quite distinctive. The leaves are primarily arranged in whorls, with some appearing whorled to opposite. The leaf blades exhibit variability in shape, ranging from ovate and ovate-elliptical to lanceolate, providing an attractive backdrop for the flowers.
The flowers of Platycodon are its crowning glory, appearing in deep, rich shades of blue or purple, with some cultivars producing white blooms. These balloon-like buds open into star-shaped flowers, making them highly prized in ornamental horticulture. The unique opening mechanism of the flowers, which start as inflated buds before dramatically unfurling, adds to their garden appeal.
Beyond its ornamental value, Platycodon holds significant importance in traditional medicine and cuisine. The root, known as Jiegeng in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is valued for its medicinal properties. It is believed to possess expectorant qualities, aiding in relieving coughs, expelling phlegm, dilating the lungs, and promoting the discharge of pus. These attributes make it a common ingredient in various herbal preparations.
In culinary applications, Platycodon roots are utilized in diverse ways across East Asia. In northeastern China, they are often pickled as a savory vegetable. On the Korean Peninsula, the roots are a key ingredient in certain types of kimchi, contributing to the dish’s complex flavor profile and purported health benefits.
The cultural significance of Platycodon is evident in folk traditions, as exemplified by the “Bellflower Ballad,” a folk song that celebrates this beloved plant. This integration into local folklore underscores the plant’s deep-rooted presence in the cultural landscape of its native regions.
It’s worth noting that despite its Chinese name “Jiegeng,” which might suggest a connection to citrus fruits, Platycodon has no botanical relationship to tangerines or any members of the Citrus genus. This common misconception likely arises from the similarity in name rather than any true botanical association.
In garden settings, Platycodon thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its long blooming period, coupled with its low maintenance requirements, makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking reliable summer color and vertical interest in perennial borders or rock gardens.
Among the flowers that grace our gardens in August, the morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) stands out as a familiar and cherished presence. This vigorous climber typically blooms from June to October, offering a long-lasting display of vibrant flowers.
The morning glory’s distinctive trumpet-shaped blossoms have earned it the alternative name “trumpet flower” in some regions. These ephemeral flowers unfurl in the early morning hours, hence their poetic common name. The blooms come in a spectrum of colors, including pristine white, rich purplish-red, and delicate purplish-blue hues.
Botanically, morning glories are characterized by their funnel-shaped corollas and hirsute nature, with the entire plant covered in fine, dense hairs. This feature contributes to the plant’s texture and appearance. The peak flowering period for morning glories aligns with the warm summer months, making them a quintessential summer bloomer.
Cultivation of morning glories typically follows a straightforward schedule: seeds are sown in spring, and the plants reward gardeners with prolific blooms throughout summer and into autumn. This timing makes them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking reliable late-season color.
The genus Ipomoea encompasses a wide array of cultivars, offering gardeners an extensive palette of colors beyond the classic blue, including vibrant scarlet, soft peach-red, regal purple, and various bi-color or multi-hued varieties. The diversity extends to the petal edges as well, which can range from smooth to ruffled or fringed, adding to the ornamental appeal of these plants.
While primarily celebrated for their ornamental value in gardens, arbors, and trellises, morning glories have additional cultural significance. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of certain morning glory species, particularly Ipomoea nil, are utilized as an herbal remedy known as “Qian Niu” (牵牛) or “Er Chou” (二丑). These seeds have been employed for their purgative properties and in the treatment of various ailments.
It’s important for gardeners to note that while morning glories are generally easy to grow, they can be vigorous to the point of invasiveness in some regions. Proper management and mindful planting can help harness their beauty while preventing unwanted spread.
The hibiscus, scientifically known as Hibiscus syriacus, is the national flower of South Korea and Malaysia. It’s often referred to as the “Rose of Sharon” in North America, not to be confused with the “desert rose” which is a different plant (Adenium obesum).
This versatile shrub is known by various regional names, including althea, Syrian ketmia, and shrub althea. The flowers of Hibiscus syriacus typically range from white to pink, lavender, and blue, with some cultivars featuring double blooms or bicolor patterns. While the blooming period generally extends from July to October, this can vary depending on the specific climate and cultivar.
Hibiscus syriacus is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with dense branches and leaves, making it an excellent choice for informal hedges or privacy screens. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and prefers full sun to partial shade. This adaptable plant is suitable for various landscape applications, including roadside plantings, parks, and residential gardens. It can be grown as a specimen plant, in rows for hedging, or in groupings for a dramatic effect.
In southern regions, Hibiscus syriacus is commonly used for hedge creation and general landscaping. In northern areas, it’s often employed as a garden focal point or grown in containers for easy winter protection. The plant responds well to pruning, allowing for shaping into small trees or maintaining compact forms.
While some Hibiscus species are used for medicinal purposes or culinary applications, it’s important to note that Hibiscus syriacus is not typically used for these purposes. Other species, such as Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, are more commonly used for herbal teas, traditional medicine, or edible applications.
To ensure optimal growth and blooming, plant Hibiscus syriacus in well-draining soil, provide regular watering during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. With proper care, this resilient and beautiful shrub can provide months of colorful blooms and year-round interest in the garden.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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