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What perennials do you suggest to brighten up August +

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  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    edited August 2021


    Even though they are still in flower I cut them all hard back at the beginning to middle of July, give them a good watering and, within 2 weeks, they've produced fresh green leaves and 2 -3 weeks later they have flower buds. They can then be left to do their thing until well into autumn.


    I am going to make a note of this on my list of 'Things to do differently in 2022.' I will have to underline the first bit, as even though I've been gardening for many decades I still find it hard to cut back plants in bloom. Time to toughen up, it's never too late! 
    Thanks @Topbird.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited August 2021
    Phlox.  Why has nobody recommended these?

    I grow Hydrangea, Agapanthus and Dahlias in pots.  You can stick these where they give best effect.

    They are all available in flower to buy now.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    "Phlox.  Why has nobody recommended these?"
    They have. Erysimum is Phlox.  :)

    I've been outside for a while, and Agastache is another plant which might do well, although they're often finished by the end of this month, or early next month, so it'll depend on your conditions there @TheGreenMan.

    Definitely worth cutting back some of the geraniums @Woodgreen, if you're in an area where you get time for them to come away and flower again. Always hard to do it though   ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited August 2021
    Bush salvia (rather than Cardonna etc) are highly colourful and left alone by slugs. Some are more tender than others, so, good to check.
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    Fairygirl said:
    "Phlox.  Why has nobody recommended these?"
    They have. Erysimum is Phlox.  :)

    Erysimum and Phlox are different plants in different families.
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Apologies. You're right, but Phlox was also mentioned on Page 2   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Erysimum is in Brassicaceae, Phlox is Polemoniaceae, so not sure why you say Eysimum is Phlox, FG. 

    Someone already mentioned Asters, which I agree with - Aster 'Monch' is one of the best. I really like 'Little Carlow' and Aster (Eurybia) divarata.

    I'd definitely add Persicaria amplexicaulis to the list, some brilliant new varieties out there. They go from July to frosts.

    Verbena bonariensis also goes on and on.

    And there's Eupatorium too, there are some smaller new varieties (still quite big plants) e.g. 'Little Joe' which flower through August to October (and make good 'skeletons' in winter).
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've already apologised @Loxley. My mind was on two other things at the same time  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    @Songbird-1 I've always liked lobelias in pictures but assumed they need a lot of water. Do they grow well in normal soil?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I've tried the herbaceous lobelias and decided they, and delphiniums are the only things slugs love more than hostas.
    Devon.
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