Late-Summer Planting in the PNW: What to Plant Now for Fall Color
August might seem like the tail end of the gardening season, but in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the perfect time to plant for a vibrant and colorful fall. With Seattle’s mild late-summer temperatures and the promise of fall rains on the horizon, now is the time to get a jump on autumn beauty.
Why Plant in August?
Planting in late summer gives perennials, grasses, and shrubs time to establish roots before the cooler weather sets in. This helps them thrive through the fall and come back strong in spring.
Top Picks for Fall Color in the Seattle Area:
- Japanese Anemones: These delicate flowers bloom from late summer through fall, offering pink or white blossoms that light up shady garden beds.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: A drought-tolerant perennial that produces rosy flower clusters in August and September.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells): Known for its colorful foliage ranging from deep burgundy to lime green, this plant adds contrast and thrives in partial shade.
- Ornamental Grasses: Varieties like Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) or Miscanthus sinensis bring height, movement, and golden fall tones.
- Fothergilla and Witch Hazel: These native shrubs boast fiery fall foliage and require little maintenance once established.
Tips for Success:
- Prep your soil: Amend with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
- Water deeply: Seattle’s dry August weather can stress new plantings. Water thoroughly at planting and every few days until fall rains arrive.
- Mulch: Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around new plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Bonus Tip:
Check out local plant sales like the Fall Bulb & Plant Sale at the UW Botanic Gardens or shop native plants at Seattle Tilth’s annual events.
Plant now, and by the time fall officially arrives, your garden will be glowing.
Need help planning or planting your fall garden? Call Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping for all your landscaping needs at (360) 876-6567.
