Bee populations are facing a global crisis, with numbers declining alarmingly. As we head into late summer and early fall, our precious pollinators are getting hungrier than ever. With many of their usual food sources dwindling after summer, bees need nutritious nectar and pollen. Gardeners like us can help them.
Planting late-blooming flowers in our summer gardens can provide a vital lifeline for these incredible insects. Every small action counts, and by growing these bee-nourishing flowers, we can all do our part to support local bee populations and help them thrive.
So, let’s get sowing and make a difference, one bloom at a time!
21 Best Summer And Fall Flowers That Bloom Late In The Season
We brainstormed a list of 21 best, most beautiful, and elegant flowers for a late-summer and fall garden. They are as follows.
1. Dahlia
Dahlias are the showstoppers of the autumn garden, with their bold, showy blooms in a wide array of colors from deep burgundy to vibrant orange. Busy bees and hungry butterflies love the open centers filled with nectar.
Dahlias add a burst of color when many other plants fade, making them one of our top choices for extending the season’s beauty.
- Zone: 8 to 11 (perennial), 3 to 7 (annual/tubers lifted in winter).
- Mature Height: 1 to 6 feet (varies by variety).
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: July to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; regular watering; deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering.
As summer wanes, the Dahlia stands tall, a radiant jewel in autumn’s crown, reminding us that beauty can burn brightly even in the fading light.
2. Rudbeckia
Commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia’s bright yellow and orange petals create a striking contrast in any garden with their dark, domed centers. These breathtaking blooms are a magnet for butterflies and bees, offering plenty of nectar as the days grow shorter.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 1.5 to 3 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or fall.
- Bloom Time: July to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; deadhead to prolong bloom period.
With its sunlit gaze, Rudbeckia holds onto the warmth of summer days, offering a golden farewell as the season slips into slumber.
3. Phlox
Phlox brings a sweet fragrance to the garden with its clusters of star-shaped blooms in pink, purple, and white. This late-blooming perennial attracts bees and butterflies, providing them with essential nectar as they prepare for winter.
Its robust, tall stems make it an excellent choice for the back of the border garden, where it can create a lush backdrop for shorter plants.
- Zone: 4 to 8.
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: July to September.
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, moist soil; regular watering; deadhead to encourage reblooming.
In the twilight of the growing season, Phlox blooms like a final serenade, filling the air with a fragrance that lingers, like memories of love well-lived.
Read More – Here Are The 8 Best Ways To Support Your Local Backyard Bees!
4. Lantana
Lantana is a true garden workhorse, blooming continuously from early summer into autumn. Its clusters of small, fragrant flowers come in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink, often all on the same plant.
Bees and butterflies can’t resist the abundant nectar, making Lantana an essential plant for pollinator gardens.
- Zone: 8 to 11 (perennial), 2 to 7 (annual).
- Mature Height: 1 to 6 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; drought-tolerant; prefers well-drained soil; minimal watering once established.
Lantana dances in the autumn breeze, a mosaic of color that defies the season’s end. It whispers of resilience and the quiet joy of simple pleasures.
5. Coral Honeysuckle
Coral Honeysuckle, with its tubular red, orange, and yellow blooms, is a favorite of hummingbirds drawn to the sweet nectar hidden within. This vine is perfect for adding vertical interest to a garden, whether climbing a trellis, fence, or pergola. It’s also an excellent choice for supporting native pollinators, as it provides food late into the season.
- Zone: 4 to 9.
- Mature Height: 10 to 20 feet (vine).
- When to Plant: Spring or fall.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil; moderate watering; support climbing.
As the days grow shorter, Coral Honeysuckle unfurls its vibrant trumpets, a melody of nectar and life, echoing the eternal dance of nature’s rhythms.
6. Zinnias
Zinnias are like confetti in the garden, offering a riot of color in almost every shade imaginable. Their bright, open blooms are a feast for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, who flock to these nectar-rich flowers. Zinnias are easy to grow and incredibly versatile, thriving in containers, borders, and cutting gardens.
- Zone: 2 to 11 (annual).
- Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; regular watering; deadhead for continuous blooms.
The Zinnia blooms late, a splash of color against the autumn palette. It teaches us there is always time to add your voice to nature’s song.
Read More – These Are The 21 Best Flowers To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Yard!
7. Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye Weed is the ultimate late-summer showstopper for your chaos garden! With its towering stems and fluffy, rosy-purple blooms, it’s like a garden party for pollinators. This wildflower earned its name from a Native American herbalist and brings a touch of history and a burst of color right when your garden needs it most.
The clusters of blooms attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, making it a bustling hotspot for late-season activity.
- Zone: 4 to 8.
- Mature Height: 4 to 7 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall.
- Care Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and cut back in early spring to promote new growth.
In the twilight of summer, Joe-Pye Weed stands tall, a beacon of beauty and life’s fleeting grace. Its blossoms whisper of nature’s resilience and the quiet promise of renewal.
8. Goldenrod
Often mistaken for the allergy-inducing ragweed, Goldenrod is a beneficial plant for pollinators. It offers bright yellow blooms late into autumn, and its dense clusters of flowers provide a critical source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects as they prepare for winter.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: August to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; minimal care required.
Goldenrod rises as the sun sets in summer. Its golden wand is a tribute to the earth’s enduring bounty, a light in the gathering dusk.
9. Helenium
Often known as sneezeweed (though it’s not nearly as troublesome as its name suggests), this charming perennial boasts daisy-like blooms in fiery shades of red, yellow, and orange that brighten any garden well into the fall.
Helenium’s vivid palette catches the eye, and its nectar-rich flowers attract a delightful array of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, ensuring your garden buzzes with activity.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 18 to 36 inches.
- When to Plant: Early spring after the last frost or in fall.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall.
- Care Requirements: It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Try to keep the soil consistently moist. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
In the waning light of autumn, Helenium’s fiery blossoms blaze like a final, vibrant sunset, casting warmth and color into the garden’s twilight. As it stands tall, it whispers a promise of enduring beauty, inviting pollinators to dance among its golden flames until the season’s last breath.
Read More – 21 Nighttime Flowers And Plants That Bloom Or Thrive In The Dark!
10. Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily, offers long-lasting blooms in various colors, from white and orange to pink and yellow. These flowers are beautiful and beneficial to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. Alstroemeria is another fantastic cut flower that holds up well in bouquets and arrangements, allowing you to enjoy your flower harvest all year.
- Zone: 6 to 10.
- Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil; regular watering; protection from frost.
Alstroemeria holds onto the last days of warmth; it blooms a testament to enduring, delicate, yet unyielding love, even as the world begins to chill.
11. Anemone
Anemones are a late-season treasure with delicate, cup-shaped blooms in pinkish, white, and purplish shades. These helpful flowers provide essential nectar as other flowers begin to fade. Anemones are particularly valued for their ability to thrive in modestly sun-deprived areas, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Zone: 4 to 8.
- Mature Height: 1 to 2 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: August to October.
- Care Requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil; regular watering; mulch to retain moisture.
The Anemone, a ghostly beauty in autumn’s garden, dances with the breeze, a fleeting reminder that life persists even in the fading light.
12. Marigold
Marigolds are the guardians of the garden. They are known not just for their bright orange and yellowish blooms but also for their ability to repel nematodes and other pests. Their strong scent deters harmful insects, while the vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Zone: 2 to 11 (annual).
- Mature Height: 6 inches to 3 feet (varies by variety).
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; deadhead to encourage more blooms.
Marigold’s golden faces turn toward the dwindling sun, a resilient beacon guarding the garden’s last breath and bringing light to the shadows of fall.
Read More – 21 Beneficial Garden Bugs That Help Your Plants, Veggies, And Crops!
13. Salvia
Salvia, with its spiky blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and red, is a magnet for pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This hardy perennial blooms continuously from summer into late autumn, providing a reliable nectar source during the crucial late-season period.
- Zone: 4 to 9 (perennial).
- Mature Height: 1 to 5 feet (varies by variety).
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; deadhead to prolong bloom period.
Salvia, with its vibrant spikes, stands tall in the autumn winds. It is a guardian of the garden’s soul, whispering secrets to the lingering bees.
14. Bee Balm
With its vibrant red, pink, crimson, and purple blooms, Bee Balm is a feast for the eyes and a boon for pollinators. This aromatic herb attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its abundant nectar, making it a staple in any pollinator garden. Bee Balm is also known for its medicinal properties, which many homesteaders use to soothe colds and digestive issues.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Bloom Time: June to early September.
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil; regular watering; good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Bee Balm blooms in the season’s twilight, a firework of color that draws the last pollinators, offering its essence to the fading year.
15. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are the quintessential autumn flower. They have dense, colorful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, bronze, lavender, burgundy, and red. These flowers are a favorite among late-season pollinators, offering nectar when few other plants bloom.
Chrysanthemums are also incredibly versatile, thriving in both garden beds and containers. They come in various forms, from button-like pompons to elegant spider mums.
- Zone: 5 to 9.
- Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or early summer.
- Bloom Time: September to November.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; regular watering; pinch back early to encourage bushier growth.
Chrysanthemums bloom like the final notes of a symphony, their petals a rich tapestry of color that marks the crescendo of the growing season.
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16. Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a rugged and drought-tolerant plant that flourishes in nearly any soil as long as it gets full sun. Its star-shaped flower clusters bloom in shades of yellow, purple, pink, red, and white, attracting bees and butterflies. Sedum is a low-maintenance plant perfect for rock gardens, borders, or containers.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 6 inches to 2 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or fall.
- Bloom Time: August to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; minimal care required.
With its late blush of pink, Sedum offers a soft landing to the last of the bees, a gentle reminder that life’s cycle is ever gentle, ever kind.
17. Cosmos
Cosmos flowers embody grace in the garden with their dainty, feathery foliage and delicate blooms in red, pink, magenta, white, and white-like shades. These floriferous plants are a favorite among butterflies and bees, who flock to their open, daisy-like blooms for nectar.
Cosmos are straightforward to grow and thrive in questionable soil, making them suitable for new or busy gardeners.
- Zone: 2 to 11 (annual).
- Mature Height: 1 to 6 feet (varies by variety).
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: July to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; deadhead to encourage continuous blooms.
Cosmos, delicate and airy, dances on the autumn breeze. Its blooms celebrate life’s fleeting beauty and remind us to savor every moment.
18. Asters
Asters bring a majestic color burst to the autumn garden with their vibrant blooms in pink, blue, purple, orange, and white shades. These flowers are precious for pollinators, providing much-needed nectar and pollen late in the season.
Asters are hardy perennials that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a reliable choice for borders and wildflower gardens.
- Zone: 3 to 8.
- Mature Height: 1 to 4 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or fall.
- Bloom Time: September to November.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; regular watering; pinch back early to encourage bushier growth.
Asters bloom as the curtain falls on summer; their starry faces a final burst of brilliance, a celestial reminder that even endings have their light.
Read More – 17 Vining Plants That Climb Walls, Trellises, And Empty Spaces!
19. Verbena
Verbena is a powerhouse in the garden, offering low-growing, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, red, and white. These flowers are bonafide butterfly magnets, as few can resist their sweet nectar.
Verbena is also incredibly versatile, thriving in garden beds, pots, borders, and containers. It’s particularly well-suited to hot, dry climates.
- Zone: 7 to 11 (perennial), 2 to 6 (annual).
- Mature Height: 6 inches to 2 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost.
- Bloom Time: June to October.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; deadhead to encourage continuous blooms.
With its low, spreading blooms, Verbena carpets the autumn garden like a whispered promise, holding onto the last threads of summer’s warmth.
20. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)
Everyone knows that bees love sunflowers. But have you ever seen a Mexican sunflower? With its dazzling, daisy-like blooms in vibrant shades of orange and red, this flower stands tall and proud, drawing in bees and butterflies like a calling card.
Its rich nectar and bright, cheerful petals make it a late-season favorite. Just as other flowers start to wind down, Tithonia provides a sweet, late-summer feast for pollinators.
Tithonia isn’t just a garden showstopper. It’s a hero for the bees, ensuring they have a delicious destination even as autumn approaches!
- Zone: 3 to 10.
- Mature Height: 3 to 6 feet.
- When to Plant: After the last frost in spring.
- Bloom Time: July to October.
- Care Requirements: Prefers full sun, well-drained soil; water regularly, especially during dry periods; can tolerate drought once established.
In the waning light of summer, Tithonia unfurls its radiant petals, a vibrant beacon of gold and crimson that dances in the gentle breeze. Like miniature suns, its blossoms cast a warm, inviting glow that lingers as the days shorten.
21. Coneflower
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are a staple in late-season pollinator gardens. Their large, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white with nectar-rich centers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Coneflowers are tough, drought-tolerant perennials that flourish nearly anywhere with sunlight and well-drained soil. Their mighty nature makes them ideal for low-maintenance pollinator gardens.
- Zone: 3 to 9.
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
- When to Plant: Spring or fall.
- Bloom Time: July to September.
- Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; drought-tolerant; minimal care required.
Coneflower stands resilient as the air chills; its vibrant blooms are a testament to strength and beauty that endures, even in the face of life’s inevitable ebb.
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Conclusion
Incorporating these late-season blooms into your garden will offer a reliable nectar and pollen source for friendly bees and other pollinators, supporting their health and well-being during a crucial time.
So, please help us save the bees by keeping your garden buzzing with color and life well into the fall!
What about you?
- What’s your favorite late-season flower to attract pollinators to your garden?
- Have you noticed a difference in pollinator activity in your garden during the late summer and early fall months?
- Do you find that bees are more attracted to specific colors or types of flowers as the seasons change?
- What other ways do you support local pollinators in your garden beyond planting flowers?
- Have you ever noticed other beneficial insects, like butterflies or hummingbirds, visiting your late-season blooms?
We invite all late-season growers to chime in with their responses. We love to hear from you!
Thanks again for reading.
Have a great day!
