As the UK enjoys a spell of warm summer weather, gardening experts have identified five flowers that can be planted in August to ensure colourful displays until autumn and into the following year. The recommendations come from Netmums, who highlight varieties that are easy to grow and beneficial for pollinators.
Cornflowers, known for their striking blue petals, are a top choice. Sowing them now will produce blooms next spring or early summer, while also attracting bees and butterflies to support garden ecosystems.
For a splash of yellow, sunflowers are ideal. They are simple to manage, flower until autumn in mild conditions, and have edible petals. Their large seeds make them a fun option for children to plant.
Love-in-a-mist, with its soft blue flowers, adds a nostalgic touch to borders or paving cracks. Sown in August, they will create a carpet of colour by the following spring.
California poppies, with their bright orange or yellow blooms, are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunlight, providing bold colour when they flower next spring. Wild carrot, described as a 'hidden gem', produces delicate white lacy flowers that bloom from June to September and curl into a bird's nest shape as seeds mature, making it a wildlife-friendly addition.
