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August is a great time to prepare your garden for the upcoming seasons by planting annuals that will provide vibrant color throughout the fall. Zone 7 gardeners can take advantage of warm soil and longer days to establish these beautiful flowers. Here are the top 10 annuals to plant in August for continuous color in Zone 7.
1. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are hardy, easy-to-grow annuals that bloom profusely in late summer and fall. They come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding warmth to any garden bed. Marigolds also help repel pests, making them a practical choice for garden health.
2. Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant, low-maintenance flowers that thrive in full sun. They bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, and white. Planting zinnias in August ensures a long-lasting display into the cooler months.
3. Celosia (Cockscomb)
Celosia offers unique, flame-like flower heads in bold colors such as red, yellow, and purple. It prefers warm soil and full sun, making August an ideal planting time for continuous color.
4. Pentas
Pentas produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. They attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds and perform well when planted in late summer.
5. Impatiens (New Guinea or Sunpatiens)
Impatiens are perfect for shaded or partially shaded areas. New Guinea and Sunpatiens varieties bloom continuously in warm weather, providing vibrant color even in less sunny spots.
6. Coleus
Coleus is prized for its colorful foliage, which can be red, burgundy, green, or variegated. Planting coleus in August adds visual interest and complements flowering annuals.
7. Bidens
Bidens are trailing or upright plants with daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange, or red. They thrive in full sun and bloom abundantly from late summer into fall.
8. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca is a drought-tolerant succulent that produces colorful, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and red. It is perfect for sunny, well-drained areas and blooms continuously in August.
9. Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendula offers cheerful, daisy-like flowers in yellow and orange. It prefers cooler temperatures but can be planted in August for late-season blooms and added color.
10. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
While primarily grown for its ornamental foliage, sweet potato vine adds lush, trailing greenery in containers and beds. It comes in shades of green, purple, and variegated varieties, providing a vibrant backdrop for other flowers.
Conclusion
Plantting these annuals in August ensures your garden remains colorful and lively through the fall. Choose varieties suited to your specific garden conditions and enjoy a vibrant, continuous display of blooms well into the cooler months of Zone 7.