Bloom Calendar
Late summer blooms and early fall transitions for Long Island landscapes.
September blends late-season blooms with movement from grasses and changing foliage.
Reduce watering as temperatures drop, but maintain consistent moisture for fall plantings.
Featured Plants
Month Care Focus
Begin fall fertilization; plan aeration and overseeding.
Suggested Plants for September
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Flowering shrub
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Morning sun, afternoon shade
Water: Consistent moisture; deep weekly watering
Classic Long Island mophead/lacecap hydrangea. Blooms on old wood unless reblooming cultivar.
Summer Crush Hydrangea
Flowering shrub
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Part sun
Water: Consistent moisture with mulch
Compact Endless Summer cultivar, widely used for front foundations and smaller estate beds.
Quick Fire Hydrangea
Flowering shrub
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Early-flowering panicle hydrangea for extended color sequence before other panicles peak.
Black-eyed Susan
Perennial
Bloom: July - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Reliable summer color and pollinator support.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Perennial
Bloom: May - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Long bloom period; shear after first flush to rebloom.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Perennial
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Pollinator-friendly perennial with reliable summer color and strong drought tolerance.
Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'
Perennial
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Long flowering perennial used for soft yellow seasonal rhythm in mixed beds.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Perennial
Bloom: July - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Fragrant midsummer color. Favor mildew-resistant cultivars for humid Long Island summers.
Nepal Potentilla (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
Shrub
Bloom: June - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Tough shrub for sunny borders and low maintenance beds.
Liriope (Lilyturf)
Perennial groundcover
Bloom: August - September
Sun: Part shade to sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Excellent border or massed groundcover for shade edges.
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Shrub/small tree
Bloom: July - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Rich red blooms and good mildew resistance.
Coneflower
Perennial
Bloom: July - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Pollinator favorite; deadhead to extend flowering.
Russian Sage
Perennial
Bloom: July - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
Airy texture and drought tolerance; cut back in early spring.
Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
Perennial
Bloom: September - October
Sun: Part shade to shade
Water: Moderate
Woodland goldenrod that performs in shade beds.
Seasonal Strategy
Align blooms with irrigation and maintenance to keep color peaks synchronized with events and entertaining.
