What to plant in August

August brings a riot of colour to our gardens as we bid farewell to spring and summer bedding plants and welcome the beauty of perennials and summer bulbs.

Two great options for this month are Hydrangea and Hibiscus, both of which you can plant now to add a touch of charm to your outdoor space. Here’s a quick overview of their highlights:

Hydrangea:

  • It’s a late summer bloomer with long-lasting flower heads, perfect for both fresh arrangements and dried flowers.
  • It thrives in light shade but can tolerate some sun if the soil remains moist. You can grow it in the ground or in pots.
  • The flower colour depends on the soil’s chemical balance, with acidic soil giving blue hues and alkaline soil producing pinks. You can even modify the colour with blueing compounds or ericaceous soil.
  • Hydrangeas in pots can be planted any time of the year; just make sure to water them well for successful establishment.
  • Protect new spring growth from frost to avoid minor leaf damage.
  • Please handle the foliage with care, as it may cause skin allergies. And remember, Hydrangeas are mildly toxic if ingested.

Hibiscus:

  • These hardy hibiscus, specifically the Hibiscus Syriacus variety, may look exotic but are well-suited for sunny spots in the UK. They’re easy to care for.
  • From August until the first frost, they grace us with large, single trumpet-like flowers in various colours.
  • Plant them in well-draining, moist soil, and choose a warm, sheltered location with plenty of sunlight. Pot cultivation is also an option; just remember to repot every two to three years in spring.
  • They are deciduous, losing their leaves during winter.
  • You can prune older plants to shape them and improve airflow, but if they’re thriving, let them be.
  • If space is limited, consider a tropical hibiscus as a delightful houseplant alternative, blooming from May to October.

These worthwhile additions will work hard to enhance your garden’s allure in August. If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!

Further reading this month: follow the links to
The art of enjoying your garden
Our suggested garden jobs for August
Creating an Outdoor Lifestyle

Testimonials

Hambrooks

Testimonials

N. Haggard 20 September 2022

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how delighted I am with my new garden.

Jon, my designer, listened to my ideas and delivered on everything I asked for. I wanted something different to any garden I’d had before, no lawn, no landscaping but packed with plants. He designed such a lovely secret garden, around a statement tree. And I have to commend him for his unwavering patience! I changed my mind a hundred times but never did he give me the impression that he was losing patience with my endless indecision. And my confidence in him led me to place an order for over £10k.

My landscaping team, Blade and Tony, were exceptional, from their work ethic, skill and knowledge, to the way they dealt with me, the customer. My standards are very high and I couldn’t fault them.

All in all, a very professional team of people. And it showed that they all care. I’m over the moon with the finished result. I will send you a before and after photo. Thank you so much.

A delighted customer.

G. Gray. May 2022

My front garden has been transformed by Andy and Bradley who both worked incredibly hard and I am delighted with the result. Andy had the vision and skill to turn my idea into reality and I can't thank him enough.

C. Haig Sept 2021

We recently had our garden landscaped by Hambrooks and I just wanted to pass on my thanks, not just for the outcome - which is superb - but for the professionalism of all the staff involved on the job who are all a credit to you company. Mike, Dave, Les and Adam.

H. Sharp Sept 2021

I just wanted to let you know how delighted I am with my new garden. Melanie was a delight to work with and the ideas she had have worked perfectly. Also Sheldon laid the patio beautifully and him and Dave were a pleaseure to have at my house. Quiet workers and polite.

B. Rendell April 2021

I would like to say how delighted we are with the work carried out. Mel, Paul and Tony all worked very hard, they totally took on board the specific need relating to safety as well as the general garden issues. Paul and Tony were excellent at consulting and discussing with me what I felt best in terms of the brief and adjusting if and as necessary, constantly pleasant and polite to deal with. Mel had picked up on particular issues from the first consultation and offered valuable advice. The outcome means a great deal less worry for me going forward.
Altogether a very positive experience and outcome which I would not hesitate to recommend to others.

Stephen March 2021

Dom and Adam's work (garden maintenance) is greatly appreciated. Dom really listened to everything we discussed very carefully and went out of his way to understand and then act upon that discussion. We are extremely pleased with the work done - both to the pond and pyracantha.

Marsha

We have been coming to Hambrooks for years and it's our favourite garden centre because of its friendly helpful staff and a great selection of plants and trees and the garden design ideas.

“We wanted to write and say how pleased we are with our low maintenance garden makeover. We are very impressed with the attitude of your staff who were prepared to listen to our requirements. Your team John and Rick brushed up and left everything tidy at the end of the day. We now have a garden we can manage and it looks great. THANK YOU HAMBROOKS.”

Mr & Mrs Venables, Southampton. April 2019

“Dear Josh & Mike We just want to say you both did a brilliant job of designing our garden along with the guys who did the work who were amazing. A few weeks on its looks even better now some of the plants are blooming. Thank you!!”

Mr & Mrs Gazzard, Winchester July 2019

“To James, John & Rikki. Thank you so much, we are delighted with our new garden. We really appreciate the attention to detail, the high quality workmanship and the standard of the finished project. We are amazed at how John & Rikki resolved the difficulties of the site and by the quality of their craftmanship. It was a pleasure to work with them and thank you for making our ideas into something we will enjoy for years to come.”
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