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Flower Seeds to Sow in August

 

 

 

 

 

As August rolls around in the UK, gardeners are often caught in a delightful bind: while the summer days are still warming up the soil, it’s also a time to reflect on the gardening year and begin thinking ahead. For many, this month signals a shift as it becomes too late to sow most varieties of flowering plants if you’re aiming for blooms this year. However, fear not! August is still an excellent opportunity to plan for the future and sow a select few hardy plants that can thrive as the seasons change.

August is an ideal time to prepare your garden for autumn; this includes clearing away spent plants and considering the soil health as you plant your late-sown varieties. Taking time to evaluate which areas might benefit from different flowers next spring can set you up for success when the colder months give way to new growth.

So, whether you’re looking to fill gaps in your garden or planning ahead for the next season, August still holds potential. Let’s explore some of the best flowering plants to sow this month and how they can enhance your garden’s beauty in the coming year!

Cactus (Houseplant)

  • Flowering Months: Throughout the Year

Cactus houseplants are ideal for adding a touch of the desert to your indoor spaces. These hardy plants come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any home decor. They thrive in bright light and require very little water, making them excellent choices for busy lifestyles. With their unique forms and occasional stunning blooms, cacti can become fascinating conversation pieces in your home. They adapt well to different environments but must be planted in well-draining soil to prevent rot. Overall, a cactus houseplant combines low maintenance with distinctive beauty, bringing a bit of the great outdoors indoors.

Coleus

  • Flowering Months: June to October

Coleus is a vibrant foliage plant that adds a lively touch to any garden or indoor setting. Typically known for its stunningly colourful leaves, its patterns range from deep reds and greens to bright yellows and purples. Growing to heights of 30 to 60 cm, coleus thrives in rich, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for under-canopy plantings or shaded patios. It’s perfect for mixed borders, containers, or hanging baskets. With its eye-catching foliage and relatively easy care requirements, coleus can bring lasting colour throughout the growing season.

Cyclamen Hederifolium

  • Flowering Months: October to December

Cyclamen hederifolium, commonly called ivy-leaved cyclamen, is a charming perennial that bursts into life in late summer and autumn. This plant typically reaches heights of 15 to 20cm and appreciates well-drained, humus-rich soil. Its attractive, heart-shaped leaves often feature striking silver patterns, providing visual interest even when not in bloom. The delicate flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple, rise above the foliage, creating a lovely display. Ideal for woodland gardens and shady spots, cyclamen hederifolium is both low-maintenance and versatile, making it a delightful addition to any garden.

      Forget Me Not

      • Flowering Months: April to June

      Forget Me Not, or Myosotis, is a beloved perennial renowned for its beautiful small blue flowers. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, this hardy plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Blooming in early spring, forget me nots create a lovely carpet of colour with delicate clusters featuring yellow centres. These charming flowers are perfect for borders, under trees, or in cottage gardens, as they can often naturalise beautifully. With their ability to self-seed, forget me nots provide a lovely touch of nostalgia and charm to any garden setting.

      Penstemon (Perennial)

      • Flowering Months: June to September

      Penstemon perennial, commonly known as beardtongue, is a striking flowering plant prized for its tubular blooms and lush foliage. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 120cm, this plant flourishes in well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. Blooming from late spring to autumn, penstemon produces a range of colours, including shades of pink, red, blue, and purple, all of which attract pollinators to your garden. Its sturdy structure and long flowering period make it an excellent choice for mixed plantings or borders. With minimal care, penstemon adds vibrant colour and charm to any outdoor space.

      Potentilla

      • Flowering Months: June to September

      Potentilla, often known as cinquefoil, is a robust perennial that adds a delightful touch of colour to gardens. Growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this resilient plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from late spring through autumn, potentilla features charming, cup-shaped flowers in bright shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its deeply lobed foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant blooms. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover, potentilla is low-maintenance and attracts beneficial insects, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to enhance garden vibrancy.

      Primula Malacoides

      • Flowering Months: January to May

      Primula malacoides, often referred to as baby primrose, is a delightful perennial that adds charm to gardens during winter and spring. Typically growing to heights of 20 to 45cm, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. The plant features soft, frilly leaves that provide a lovely backdrop for its delicate flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. Ideal for containers, borders, or as a houseplant, Primula malacoides is known for its cheerful display in early spring. With its relatively low maintenance needs, this primrose can bring fresh colour to colder months.

      Primula Pulverulenta

      • Flowering Months: May to July

      Primula pulverulenta, commonly known as mealy primrose, is a stunning perennial admired for its vibrant, wine-red flowers. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this hardy plant flourishes in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade. Blooming from late spring to summer, this primula produces clusters of delicate blossoms that create an attractive focal point in any garden. Its large, fuzzy leaves provide a beautiful contrast to the striking blooms. With moderate care and the right conditions, Primula pulverulenta adds bold colour and visual interest to borders or shaded areas in gardens.

      Sensitive Plant

      • Flowering Months: June to September

      The Sensitive Plant, or Mimosa pudica, is an intriguing perennial known for its unique response to touch. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, this tropical plant thrives in warm, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Featuring delicate, fern-like leaves that fold up when disturbed, the Sensitive Plant produces soft pink, fluffy flowers in summer. This fascinating characteristic makes it especially engaging for children and curious gardeners alike. While it prefers warmth, it’s relatively easy to care for, making it a fun addition to your garden or indoor plant collection.

      Strelitzia

      • Flowering Months: February to May

      Strelitzia, commonly known as the bird of paradise plant, is a striking perennial that brings a tropical flair to gardens. Typically growing to heights of 1 to 2 metres, this eye-catching plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun. Strelitzia is known for its large, banana-like leaves that create a lush backdrop for its unique, bird-like flowers, showcasing vibrant orange and blue hues. Blooming from late spring to autumn, this plant serves as a dramatic focal point in any garden. With moderate care, strelitzia can thrive in warm climates with winter frost protection, delivering stunning visual impact year after year.

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