15 Shrubs You Can Plant in August

Planting shrubs in August can be successful if done thoughtfully and with attention to watering, soil prep, and heat stress. Late summer is a transitional time, and your goal is to get the shrubs established before fall cools things down. 

In warm climates, August may still be a bit too hot for some shrubs, but with extra care, you can achieve success. It’s a great time to shop at nursery sales. If you’re not positive that the weather will be cool enough, you can always hang on to potted shrubs for another month.

There are benefits to planting in late summer and fall compared to spring planting. The soil is warm, which encourages faster root development. Planting in August also gives your shrubs ample time to get established before winter dormancy. 

If you decide to plant shrubs in August, be sure to do so in the evening or on a cloudy day. This will help to reduce heat stress. Mulch generously, and avoid fertilizing, which can add additional stress. Always select healthy plants, and water deeply and consistently.

Here are some shrubs that are good for planting in August. 

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Rose of Sharon

	botanical name Hibiscus syriacus
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6’-12’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Planting rose of Sharon in August can be quite successful. It’s most effective if you live in a region with mild autumns and Augusts.

Proper timing and care are essential if you want to plant these shrubs in the August heat of summer. Soil temperatures are warm, which helps the plant concentrate on root growth. In spring, flower formation requires more energy. 

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for your rose of Sharon. Always water deeply, directly after planting. Deep and regular watering will help to support your shrub during the hotter weather. Add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

With proper care, an August-planted rose of Sharon will be well-established by the following summer.

Summersweet

	botanical name Clethra alnifolia
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4’-10’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Summersweet is an excellent shrub to plant in August. You might even find one in bloom so that you can enjoy the flowers now.

This shrub’s preference for partially shaded spaces means that it won’t have quite as much heat to contend with. It will need a considerable amount of moisture to protect it from heat stress. 

The warm soil will help your summersweet to establish roots when it finishes blooming. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Don’t allow the soil to dry out while it’s getting settled in. This shrub is tolerant of wet conditions, so overwatering isn’t a significant issue. 

Boxwood

	botanical name Buxus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height Up to 20’
	hardiness zones 4-9

August is a fine time to plant boxwood in cooler regions. It may still be too hot in the southern part of its range. The farther south you plant, the more afternoon shade you should give this shrub. The warm soil is ideal for root growth, but ensure those roots have access to ample amounts of water. 

As long as your boxwood shrub gets enough water and some shade from the intense afternoon heat, it should be fine. Mulch to help insulate and protect the roots. Hold off on fertilizing, and your shrub should establish strong roots.

By spring, it will be ready to produce new growth, and you can enjoy the evergreen foliage throughout the winter. 

Abelia

	botanical name Abelia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2’-10’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Abelia is a heat-tolerant shrub, making it suitable for planting in August. The warm soil is ideal for establishing roots, preparing it for the cool weather ahead. Watering consistently is key to getting this shrub established in the late summer months. 

August is bloom time for abelia, which is another great reason to plant it now. You can enjoy the flowers on long, graceful arching stems that last into fall.

Mulch and don’t fertilize until spring. New growth is more vulnerable to cold damage, and we want to focus on root development for now. 

Holly

	botanical name Ilex spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height Up to 80’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Holly is a good shrub for August planting. These shrubs and trees are tough and tolerant; however, in warmer regions, some shade is beneficial for many species. Roots will develop quickly in the warm soil, as long as you water regularly and deeply. 

Evergreen species prefer more exposure for denser growth and more vibrant berries. Deciduous species tolerate more shade, but will flower less if they get too much shade.

Slightly acidic soil with good drainage is ideal. Holly shrubs need consistent moisture, especially in the hotter months.

Texas Sage

	botanical name Leucophyllum frutescens
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-8
	hardiness zones 8-11

Texas sage is highly heat-tolerant, making August a suitable planting time for this shrub. It’s particularly adaptable in its native region, the southwestern United States. You will still need to take care to prevent transplant shock, but this one will be easier because of its affinity for hot weather. 

Sandy, rocky, and alkaline soils are fine for your Texas sage. It requires excellent drainage, as it dislikes wet feet. Use a thin layer of gravel mulch to help with water retention and suppress those late summer weeds from springing up.

Fertilizer will reduce this shrub’s drought tolerance, so it’s best to avoid it until spring. 

Wax Myrtle

	botanical name Myrica cerifera
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3’-25’
	hardiness zones 7-11

Wax myrtle is a shrub that’s native to the southeastern United States. In this region, planting in August is commonly successful.

These don’t mind poor, sandy soil, as long as it has proper drainage. It does prefer slightly acidic soil. Although drought-tolerant once established, newly planted wax myrtles do need regular watering. 

These shrubs can grow quite large, so give them space to spread out. They make an excellent hedge or screen. Mulch generously after planting to keep the soil moist, and skip the fertilizer. Plant this shrub in August for strong roots and vigorous growth in the spring. 

Indian Hawthorn

	botanical name Rhaphiolepis indica
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3’-6’
	hardiness zones 8-10

Indian hawthorn prefers warm weather, making August a suitable planting time. As with other shrubs, extra care will contribute to your success.

It tolerates some shade, but will flower best and have denser foliage with more sun exposure. Drainage is imperative as Indian hawthorn is prone to root rot. 

Water thoroughly at planting time, and keep the soil lightly and evenly moist until fall temperatures cool things down. Keep a close watch on your August-planted shrubs, as pests are in full swing this time of year and prey on vulnerable and stressed plants. 

Spirea

	botanical name Spirea spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1’-10’
	hardiness zones 3-9

In regions where fall brings regular rain and mild temperatures, August is an appropriate time to plant spirea shrubs. Spirea is low-maintenance and hardy. It establishes well in summer with proper care. Drainage is essential, and this shrub prefers loamy soil.

At the time of planting and while the weather is still warm, ensure your shrub receives thorough watering. The root zone should remain moist, but not soggy. The warm August soil encourages the growth of spirea roots. Avoid fertilizing, and provide a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist. 

American Beautyberry

	botanical name Callicarpa americana
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3’-10’
	hardiness zones 6-10

American beautyberry is an ideal shrub to plant in August. It’s especially appropriate in its native range, the southeastern and south-central states. This tough, wildlife-friendly shrub handles heat exceptionally well, and with some care, will adapt quickly in the late summer and fall. 

I find that American beautyberry does best in partial shade, but it also tolerates full sun. Once established, it is surprisingly drought and heat-tolerant. It prefers well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy, but it grows quite well in our clay soil here. It rarely needs fertilizer, and especially not in the fall. 

Camellia

	botanical name Camellia spp.
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 6’-25’
	hardiness zones 6-10

Camellias are among my favorite shrubs during the cooler months. They are fall and winter bloomers, so planting in August means that you will enjoy their bloom in the first year. They tend to start blooming in their second year, but that is not a hard and fast rule. 

Sasanqua camellias are slightly more heat-tolerant and bloom in the fall. Japonicas require more shade and are winter bloomers. Afternoon shade is preferable for all species. Though they are tough and heat-tolerant, give your new camellias some extra water and care until the weather cools down.

Weigela

	botanical name Weigela spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2’-10’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Weigela is a spring bloomer. Planting in August will give this shrub ample time to establish roots in time for spring flowering.

In zone 8, I would hold off on this one for another month to avoid heat stress. Protect it from the heat with plenty of water and mulch, and you should be successful in cooler climates. 

Loamy, well-drained soil is ideal for weigela shrubs. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not too wet, until it establishes a strong root system. If you’re successful, this will bloom beautifully in the spring!

Hydrangea

	botanical name Hydrangea spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3’-25’
	hardiness zones 3-9

The warm August soil is great for promoting strong root growth in hydrangea shrubs. However, it will require a lot of water to keep this one going, especially in warmer climates. Plant this shrub in August in a spot with afternoon shade to protect it from dehydration and leaf scorch. 

Hydrangeas love moisture and rich, loamy soil. Slightly acidic soil is best, and they need proper drainage because of how much they like moisture. Layer on the mulch to protect the roots and acidify the soil as it breaks down. Water it deeply and consistently for the first one to two months. 

Chokeberry

	botanical name Aronia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1’-10’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Chokeberry is an attractive shrub that produces flowers in spring, followed by berries that feed wildlife. It has beautiful foliage and makes an excellent focal point in the garden. This shrub is good for August planting in cooler climates, where it will endure less heat stress. 

More sun will bring out the red tones in your chokeberry’s foliage. Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for this shrub. Water deeply and consistently after planting, and for several weeks after. These tolerate a wide range of soil types and are less bothered by wet areas. 

Bluebeard

	botanical name Caryopteris x clandonensis
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2’-4’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Bluebeard is a drought-tolerant, late summer-blooming shrub that you can certainly plant in August. It’s particularly well-suited to regions with warm summers and mild autumns.

It prefers sandy to loamy soil with excellent drainage. Being prone to root rot, the soil drainage is integral to its success.