Late August through early September brings the perfect window for perennial gardening in Kansas City. The blazing heat of midsummer begins to fade, yet the soil remains warm enough to promote strong root growth. This unique combination creates a prime opportunity to divide, transplant, and establish new perennials before winter dormancy.
Kansas City's late-summer climate—with warm days and cooling nights—allows perennials to settle in without the stress of extreme temperatures. It's also a quieter time in the garden, letting you focus on long-term improvements to your beds without the chaos of spring planting.
As plants mature, they often outgrow their space, competing for light and nutrients. This is especially true for hostas, coneflowers, and asters. Late summer is the ideal time to dig up these perennials and divide them.
How to do it: Use a spade to gently lift the clump, then slice it into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and shoots.
Why now: Dividing in late summer allows the new divisions to root before winter, resulting in robust spring growth.
If you’ve got gaps in your garden, now’s the time to fill them. Whether it's new plants from the nursery or divisions from other areas, these transplants will appreciate the warm soil and mild conditions.
Look for locally adapted perennials that thrive in Missouri’s climate.
Spacing matters: Don’t overcrowd—remember these plants will mature.
Establishing strong roots now means consistent moisture is essential.
Deep soak once or twice a week, rather than daily surface watering.
Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Late summer is far from the end of the growing season. Many beautiful, hardy plants still shine this time of year.
These purple-blue beauties bloom in September and October, attracting pollinators and adding late-season color.
Try Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster) for tough, drought-tolerant performance.
A classic favorite, this succulent-like perennial produces clusters of rosy flowers that age to bronze.
Loved by bees and butterflies.
Easy to grow and incredibly low maintenance.
Forget the grocery-store mums—seek out hardy varieties that come back year after year.
Pinch back in summer for bushier plants.
Excellent in containers or borders.
Unfairly blamed for allergies, goldenrod actually supports beneficial insects and blooms beautifully in fall.
Native varieties do best in KC gardens.
Pairs well with grasses and purple asters.
These classics sometimes surprise with a second flush of flowers in late summer.
Great for mass plantings.
Choose from Missouri native varieties for the best results.
Planting now allows perennials to send roots deep into the soil before dormancy.
Roots continue developing until the ground freezes—often into November.
A stronger root system means a healthier, more drought-tolerant plant next spring.
Late-season planting can lead to earlier, fuller spring growth.
Divided plants will establish quickly.
You’ll see blooms and foliage emerge stronger next season.
Native bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds are still active in late summer.
Fall-blooming perennials help sustain these species.
Try pairing asters, sedum, and goldenrod for continuous nectar sources.
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch in late September to:
Insulate roots from temperature swings.
Retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Decide whether to trim or leave:
Leave seedheads for visual interest and bird food.
Cut back perennials like daylilies or iris that turn mushy after frost.
Fall is also a great time to improve soil.
Top-dress with compost or slow-release organic fertilizers.
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds—they encourage tender new growth vulnerable to frost.
Our nursery is fully stocked with perennials ideal for fall planting—selected specifically for Kansas City’s climate.
Browse hardy mums, asters, goldenrod, and more.
Staff horticulturists on hand to guide your selections.
Need a hand planning your perennial bed? We offer:
One-on-one consultations.
Custom design help and soil prep advice.
Don’t miss our seasonal activities:
Join our Late Season Perennial Workshop (check event calendar).
Explore the U-Cut Flower Fields—still blooming into early fall!
See our full events calendar →
Great choices include asters, sedum, goldenrod, hardy mums, and native echinacea and rudbeckia. These thrive in warm soil and establish before frost.
Not at all! September is ideal. Just be sure to water deeply after transplanting and mulch well.
Focus on consistent watering, mulching, and avoiding fertilizers high in nitrogen. Keep an eye on weather to protect from early frosts.
Yes, but choose a slow-release or compost-based fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that promote soft growth vulnerable to cold.
Look for native asters, goldenrod (Solidago), and ironweed. These plants support local pollinators and thrive in KC gardens.
Apply mulch, remove weeds, divide overgrown plants, and optionally cut back certain species. Leave seedheads for wildlife where possible.
Stop by and explore our huge selection of fall-ready perennials. Our team is ready to help you plant with confidence before the first frost.