Around here, we’re not fans of the F-word. No, not that F-word. We’re talking about FALL. In our minds, that cooler weather is still a long way off, so we’ve decided to celebrate the dog days of summer by talking about plants that really put on a show in August. When much of the garden is looking tired and bedraggled, these plants add a colorful punch to the scene. Some unexpected perennials and shrubs dominate our lists—and for those who have been demanding it, Peter is back with his take on the end of summer. In true Peter fashion, though, he’ll be discussing ice cream and . . . the solar system? Well, his segment will be entertaining, that’s for sure.

Expert guest: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer at Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia and a regular contributor to Fine Gardening’s Southeast regional reports.

Danielle’s Plants

Sombrero^® Granada Gold coneflower (Echinacea ‘Balsomold’, Zones 4–9)

Scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus, Zones 6–9)

Coral Crème Drop™ garden phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Ditomdre’, Zones 3–8)

Quick Fire^® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’, Zones 4–8)

Carol’s Plants

‘Dark Knight’ blue mist shrub (Caryopteris × clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’, Zones 5–9)

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)

Small yellow baptisia (Baptisia tinctoria, Zones 3–9)

‘Purple Supreme’ smokebush (Cotinus ‘Purple Supreme’, Zones 5–8)

Expert’s Plants

 ‘Cherry Choco Latte’ rose mallow (Hibiscus × moscheutos ‘Cherry Choco Latte’, Zones 4–9)

Blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica, Zones 4–9)

‘Ham and Eggs’ lantana (Lantana camara ‘Ham and Eggs’, Zones 7b–11)

Vanilla Strawberry panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’, Zones 3–8)