7 Best Flowers For Your Late Summer Cut Flower Garden

Hey guys! As a florist, I'm super passionate about growing my own flowers, especially for creating unique and beautiful arrangements. Late summer is a fantastic time for a cut flower garden, and I've got my go-to list of blooms that thrive during this season. So, if you're looking to add some color and vibrancy to your garden or want to try your hand at growing flowers for your own bouquets, stick around! I'm going to share my top 7 flowers that I absolutely love to grow in my cut flower garden in late summer. Let's get started!

1. Dahlias: The Queens of Late Summer

When we talk about late summer flowers, Dahlias are the undisputed queens in my book! These stunning blooms come in a mind-boggling array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them an absolute must-have for any cut flower garden. Seriously, you guys, the possibilities are endless! From the tiny, pompon-like varieties to the dinner-plate sized showstoppers, there's a dahlia out there for everyone. I especially love the rich, jewel-toned colors like deep reds, purples, and oranges that really capture the essence of the season. Dahlias typically start blooming in mid-summer and continue well into the fall, providing a long-lasting supply of gorgeous flowers for bouquets. To get the most out of your dahlia plants, make sure they get plenty of sunlight – at least six hours a day is ideal. They also prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during hot, dry spells. One of my top tips for growing dahlias is to pinch out the central bud when the plant is young. This encourages the plant to produce more side shoots, which means more flowers! And trust me, you'll want as many of these beauties as you can get. Another crucial tip is to provide support for your dahlia plants, especially the larger varieties. The heavy blooms can sometimes cause the stems to bend or break, so staking or using a support cage is essential. When it comes to cutting dahlias for arrangements, I like to cut them in the early morning when they are fully hydrated. Look for blooms that are almost fully open, as they will continue to open after being cut. And don't forget to remove the lower leaves from the stem to prevent them from rotting in the water. Dahlias are not only beautiful, but they are also incredibly versatile in floral arrangements. They can be used as focal flowers, adding drama and impact to a bouquet, or as supporting blooms, providing texture and color. Whether you're creating a romantic, vintage-inspired arrangement or a bold, modern design, dahlias are sure to steal the show. So, if you're looking to add some serious wow-factor to your late summer garden, be sure to include some dahlias. You won't be disappointed!

2. Zinnias: The Cheerful and Colorful Companions

Next up on my list are Zinnias, the cheerful and colorful companions that bring a burst of joy to any garden. These easy-to-grow annuals are like little sunshine bombs, with their vibrant petals in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, and even lime green. Zinnias are perfect for adding a playful and whimsical touch to your bouquets, and they are incredibly prolific bloomers, meaning you'll have a constant supply of flowers throughout the late summer and into the fall. I love how zinnias attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, creating a buzzing and lively atmosphere. Plus, they are super low-maintenance, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a hassle-free flower. To keep your zinnias blooming their best, deadhead them regularly by removing the spent flowers. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms, and it also helps to keep the plant looking tidy. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, they will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry periods. When cutting zinnias for arrangements, I look for blooms that are almost fully open, but not quite past their prime. The stems should be strong and straight, and the foliage should be healthy and green. I like to strip off the lower leaves from the stem before placing them in water, as this helps to prevent bacterial growth and extends the vase life of the flowers. Zinnias are incredibly versatile in floral design. They can be used as focal flowers in smaller arrangements, or as filler flowers in larger bouquets. Their bright colors and cheerful shapes make them a great choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events. And because they come in such a wide range of colors and sizes, you can easily mix and match them to create unique and eye-catching arrangements. One of my favorite things about zinnias is their ability to bring a smile to anyone's face. They are like little bursts of happiness in a bouquet, and they are sure to brighten up any room. So, if you're looking for a flower that is easy to grow, beautiful, and versatile, zinnias are a fantastic choice for your late summer cut flower garden.

3. Cosmos: The Delicate and Airy Beauties

Moving on, we have Cosmos, the delicate and airy beauties that add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the garden. These charming flowers have a delicate, daisy-like appearance, with petals that seem to float in the breeze. Cosmos come in a range of soft, pastel colors, including pink, white, and lavender, as well as some brighter shades like orange and yellow. I love how cosmos add a light and airy feel to bouquets, and they are perfect for creating romantic and natural-looking arrangements. Cosmos are also incredibly easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Like zinnias, cosmos benefit from regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Simply snip off the spent flowers just below the flower head, and the plant will produce more blooms in its place. One of the things I love most about cosmos is their long stems, which make them ideal for cutting. When cutting cosmos for arrangements, I look for blooms that are about halfway open, as they will continue to open in water. The stems should be strong and straight, and the foliage should be healthy and green. I like to remove the lower leaves from the stem to prevent them from rotting in the water. Cosmos are incredibly versatile in floral design. They can be used as focal flowers in smaller arrangements, or as filler flowers in larger bouquets. Their delicate appearance and soft colors make them a great choice for romantic and feminine arrangements, such as wedding bouquets or anniversary flowers. They also pair beautifully with other late summer flowers, such as dahlias and zinnias, adding a touch of lightness and airiness to the overall design. One of my favorite ways to use cosmos is in a simple vase arrangement, where their delicate beauty can really shine. A few stems of cosmos in a glass vase can instantly brighten up any room, and they are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, if you're looking for a flower that is delicate, beautiful, and easy to grow, cosmos are a wonderful addition to your late summer cut flower garden.

4. Celosia: The Unique and Textural Wonders

Now, let's talk about Celosia, the unique and textural wonders that add a touch of drama and intrigue to the garden. These fascinating flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors, from the feathery plumes of the plumosa varieties to the crested heads of the cristata types and the wheat-like spikes of the spicata forms. Celosia flowers are available in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and purples, as well as some softer pastel shades. I love how celosia adds a unique and unexpected element to bouquets, and their long-lasting blooms make them a great choice for cut flower arrangements. Celosia plants are relatively easy to grow, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They are also heat-tolerant, making them a great choice for late summer gardens. To keep your celosia plants looking their best, water them regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Celosia doesn't require deadheading, as the blooms will naturally dry on the plant and retain their color. This makes them a great choice for dried flower arrangements as well. When cutting celosia for arrangements, I look for blooms that are fully developed and have strong, sturdy stems. The colors should be vibrant and the texture should be firm. I like to strip off the lower leaves from the stem before placing them in water, as this helps to prevent bacterial growth and extends the vase life of the flowers. Celosia is incredibly versatile in floral design. The plumosa varieties add a soft and feathery texture to bouquets, while the cristata types provide a bold and dramatic focal point. The spicata forms add a touch of whimsy and elegance to arrangements. Celosia can be used in a variety of styles, from modern and minimalist designs to more traditional and romantic arrangements. One of my favorite ways to use celosia is in fall-themed bouquets, where their warm colors and unique textures complement other seasonal flowers like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. So, if you're looking for a flower that is unique, textural, and long-lasting, celosia is a fantastic addition to your late summer cut flower garden.

5. Snapdragons: The Elegant and Upright Beauties

Next, we have Snapdragons, the elegant and upright beauties that add height and structure to bouquets. These classic flowers have a unique shape, with individual florets that resemble a dragon's mouth, hence the name. Snapdragons come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, and they are available in different heights, from dwarf varieties to tall, stately forms. I love how snapdragons add a touch of elegance and sophistication to floral arrangements, and their long-lasting blooms make them a great choice for cut flowers. Snapdragons are cool-season flowers, but they can be grown in late summer for a fall bloom. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they benefit from regular watering, especially during hot weather. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead snapdragons regularly by removing the spent flower spikes. This will encourage the plant to produce more side shoots and more flowers. When cutting snapdragons for arrangements, I look for spikes that have about one-third to one-half of their florets open. The stems should be strong and straight, and the foliage should be healthy and green. I like to remove the lower leaves from the stem to prevent them from rotting in the water. Snapdragons are incredibly versatile in floral design. Their upright form makes them a great choice for adding height and structure to bouquets, and their wide range of colors allows them to be used in a variety of styles. They can be used as focal flowers in smaller arrangements, or as supporting blooms in larger bouquets. Snapdragons pair beautifully with other late summer flowers, such as dahlias, zinnias, and celosia, and they add a touch of elegance to any arrangement. One of my favorite ways to use snapdragons is in a tall vase arrangement, where their stately form can really shine. A few stems of snapdragons in a glass vase can instantly add a touch of sophistication to any room. So, if you're looking for a flower that is elegant, upright, and long-lasting, snapdragons are a wonderful addition to your late summer cut flower garden.

6. Sunflowers: The Bold and Sunny Charms

Of course, we can't forget Sunflowers, the bold and sunny charms that bring a touch of joy and warmth to any garden. These iconic flowers are known for their large, cheerful faces and their ability to track the sun throughout the day. Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes and colors, from the classic yellow varieties to the more unusual red, orange, and even chocolate-colored types. I love how sunflowers add a touch of drama and personality to bouquets, and their long-lasting blooms make them a great choice for cut flowers. Sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. To get the best blooms, make sure to provide your sunflowers with plenty of space and support, especially the taller varieties. Staking can help to prevent the stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the heavy flower heads. When cutting sunflowers for arrangements, I look for blooms that are almost fully open, but not quite past their prime. The petals should be bright and vibrant, and the center of the flower should be firm. I like to cut the stems at an angle and remove the lower leaves to prevent them from rotting in the water. Sunflowers are incredibly versatile in floral design. They can be used as focal flowers in large arrangements, or as supporting blooms in smaller bouquets. Their bold and cheerful appearance makes them a great choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events. Sunflowers pair beautifully with other late summer flowers, such as dahlias, zinnias, and celosia, and they add a touch of warmth and sunshine to any arrangement. One of my favorite ways to use sunflowers is in a rustic-style bouquet, where their natural beauty can really shine. A few stems of sunflowers combined with other wildflowers and foliage can create a stunning and eye-catching arrangement. So, if you're looking for a flower that is bold, sunny, and easy to grow, sunflowers are a must-have for your late summer cut flower garden.

7. Gomphrena: The Button-Like and Everlasting Treasures

Last but not least, we have Gomphrena, the button-like and everlasting treasures that add a touch of whimsy and charm to bouquets. These unique flowers have small, globe-shaped blooms that come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Gomphrena flowers are known for their long-lasting blooms and their ability to retain their color even when dried, making them a great choice for dried flower arrangements. I love how gomphrena adds a touch of texture and interest to bouquets, and their cheerful colors make them a great addition to any arrangement. Gomphrena plants are relatively easy to grow, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They are also heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for late summer gardens. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead gomphrena regularly by removing the spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms, and it will also help to keep the plant looking tidy. When cutting gomphrena for arrangements, I look for blooms that are fully developed and have strong, sturdy stems. The colors should be vibrant and the texture should be firm. I like to strip off the lower leaves from the stem before placing them in water, as this helps to prevent bacterial growth and extends the vase life of the flowers. Gomphrena is incredibly versatile in floral design. Their small, globe-shaped blooms add a touch of texture and interest to bouquets, and their cheerful colors make them a great addition to any arrangement. Gomphrena can be used in a variety of styles, from rustic and wildflower-inspired designs to more formal and elegant arrangements. One of my favorite ways to use gomphrena is in a mixed bouquet with other late summer flowers, such as dahlias, zinnias, and celosia. Their unique texture and cheerful colors add a touch of whimsy to the overall design. So, if you're looking for a flower that is unique, long-lasting, and easy to dry, gomphrena is a fantastic addition to your late summer cut flower garden.

So, there you have it, my top 7 flowers that I love to grow in my cut flower garden in late summer! I hope you guys found this helpful and that you're inspired to try growing some of these beauties yourself. Happy gardening!