Advice Centre
What to plant in August in Dublin gardens
Seasonal Gardening
What to plant in August in Dublin gardens
August is not too late to plant, but it is a month for choosing carefully.
Container-grown plants can still be added to borders and pots if the soil is workable and you can keep an eye on watering while they establish. The key is to match the plant to the position, rather than buying whatever happens to be flowering.
A sheltered city garden, an exposed coastal garden and a windy balcony can all behave very differently. Before planting, check the light, drainage, wind and available space.
Good plants to add in August
- Hylotelephium Often still sold as sedum, Hylotelephium is a reliable choice for sunny, well-drained positions. It flowers from late summer into autumn, and the seed heads can continue to add shape through winter. Once established, it is fairly tolerant of dry conditions. Its main weakness is winter wet. Avoid planting it in heavy ground where water sits for long periods.
- Hardy asters Hardy asters, often called Michaelmas daisies, are useful for adding colour as summer begins to fade. Most flower best in sun, although some cope with light shade. They can work well through the middle or back of a border, depending on the variety. Check the label before buying. Some remain fairly compact, while others become tall plants that need support. The mature size matters far more than the size of the pot on the day.
- Hardy salvias Hardy salvias can keep flowering into autumn, especially when faded blooms are removed. They generally prefer sun and free-draining soil, and many can also grow well in containers. Not every salvia is equally hardy. Some cope well outdoors, while others struggle with cold, exposure or wet winter soil. Choose a named variety that suits your garden rather than relying on the word “salvia” alone.
- Japanese anemones Japanese anemones are useful for late-summer and autumn flowers, particularly in partial shade or the lighter edge of shade. They prefer soil that holds some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Once established, they can spread, so give them room and check the expected height and width of the exact variety. They are a good choice where you want movement and colour later in the season, but not the best choice for a very small border.
- Hardy fuchsias A genuinely hardy fuchsia can flower well into autumn and suit sun or partial shade. The important word is “genuinely”. Many fuchsias sold for summer pots are tender and need protection over winter. Check the exact variety before planting one permanently outdoors, and give young plants some shelter from strong wind.
Plant now for spring colour
Daffodil bulbs can be planted from late summer into autumn.
They suit borders, lawns and containers, depending on the variety. Choose a spot with reasonable drainage and avoid planting into ground that stays waterlogged over winter.
For containers, use a pot with open drainage holes and do not leave it standing in water.
A quick edible option
Depending on the variety and the weather, August can still be suitable for sowing quick crops such as radish, rocket and some lettuces.
Use the sowing window on the seed packet as your guide. Warm weather can cause some leafy crops to bolt, which means they run quickly to seed rather than producing a useful harvest.
Later sowings often perform better as temperatures begin to ease.
Check below the surface
Do not rely on the appearance of the topsoil.
Push a finger into the soil beside the rootball. If it feels dry below the surface, water thoroughly. If it still feels moist, leave it and check again later.
There is no reliable rule such as “water every day” or “water twice a week”. The right frequency depends on:
• rainfall
• temperature
• wind
• soil type
• pot size
• sun exposure
• how well the roots have established
Check first, then water.
How to water plants added in August
Watering is what decides whether August planting succeeds.
A newly planted rootball can dry out even when the surrounding soil looks damp. This is especially common in windy weather, raised beds, containers and positions beside warm walls.
Water thoroughly after planting
If the compost in the pot feels dry, water the plant before taking it out.
Once planted, water slowly and thoroughly so both the original rootball and the surrounding soil are moistened. A quick splash over the surface will not do much.
Pay extra attention to containers
Plants in pots usually dry faster than plants in the ground.
Small pots dry fastest, while larger containers hold moisture for longer. Even so, drainage holes must remain open.
Try to group plants with similar watering needs. A drought-tolerant salvia and a moisture-loving plant in the same pot will eventually disagree, and the salvia is unlikely to write a polite note about it.
Do not assume rain has done enough
A light shower may wet the leaves and the top few centimetres of soil without soaking the rootball.
After rain, check the soil near the roots before deciding that watering is no longer needed.
Plant now or wait?
Plant now if:
• the plant suits the light, soil and exposure
• the soil is workable
• you can monitor watering
• the plant has enough room to reach its mature size
Wait if:
• the weather is very hot and dry
• the garden will be unattended
• the soil is waterlogged or badly compacted
• you are unsure whether the plant suits the position
Early autumn often brings cooler conditions and more dependable rainfall, which can make planting easier.
There is no prize for planting at the earliest possible moment. The aim is to give the plant a good start.
Choose for the place, not only the month
August still offers useful planting opportunities in Dublin gardens, but success depends on making a sensible match.
Check the light, drainage, wind and mature size. Be realistic about watering. Most importantly, choose something that will still suit the garden in a few years.
A small pot can contain a surprisingly ambitious future plant.
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