Perennials That Bloom in July and August

Overview

Perennials return yearly, but while most flower in spring, some wait for midsummer. These late bloomers are found across the U.S., some widespread, others regional.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)

Tall (7–8 feet), grows in colonies along roadsides and moist ditches in the eastern U.S. Lavender-pink flowers (white in boneset variety) bloom late July through August, fading in September. Coarse, serrated leaves whorl around stems.

Goldenrod (Solidago)

Fields turn yellow in late July–August. Up to 100 U.S. species, 2–4 feet tall, some with stale aroma. State flower of Nebraska and Kentucky.

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Aquatic perennial along marshes, rivers, ponds. Blooms by July with purplish flowers on erect stalks; each petal marked with two yellow dots. Single large spade-shaped leaf per plant.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Meadows, fields, marshes nationwide. Milky sap, July–August bloom in pink/white/cream clusters attracting diverse pollinators. Famous for parachute-borne seeds in fall.