August in Arkansas can be brutal, and I’ve definitely lost a few perennials to the heat before I knew better. Some plants just need a bit of extra care to power through the hottest weeks.
A little shade, smart watering, and mulch can go a long way—I’ve seen it save my garden more than once. These are the ones worth protecting if you want them back strong next year.
Don’t give up on them just yet, they can still thrive with a little help!
1. Black-Eyed Susan
These golden beauties need consistent moisture during Arkansas heat waves. Water deeply at the base early in the morning to avoid fungal issues.
Mulch heavily around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cooler. Many Arkansas gardeners add a temporary shade cloth during the most brutal afternoon sun to protect their established Black-Eyed Susans.
2. Coneflower
Unlike fussier flowers, coneflowers actually thrive in Arkansas summers with minimal care. Their deep root systems help them access underground moisture reserves.
Keep an eye out for powdery mildew during humid August days. A weekly watering schedule works well for established plants, while newer additions might need drinks every other day until they’re settled in Arkansas soil.
3. Daylily
Despite their reputation for toughness, even daylilies need extra attention during Arkansas August heatwaves. Morning watering helps these beauties maintain their blooming schedule.
Remove spent flowers promptly to redirect energy to roots rather than seed production. Many Arkansas gardeners apply a layer of pine straw mulch around daylilies to maintain soil temperature and moisture levels.
4. Sedum
Though naturally drought-tolerant, sedums benefit from occasional deep watering during extended Arkansas heat spells. Their succulent leaves store moisture efficiently, making them excellent August survivors.
Avoid overhead watering which can cause leaf scorch in intense sun. Arkansas gardeners often place sedums in areas that receive morning sun but get afternoon shade to protect them during the hottest part of the day.
5. Hosta
Morning watering is crucial for hostas during Arkansas heat waves, as their broad leaves lose moisture quickly. Consider temporarily relocating potted hostas to shadier spots until September arrives.
A thick layer of mulch helps maintain soil moisture and temperature. Many Arkansas gardeners mist their hostas during extremely hot afternoons to increase humidity and reduce transpiration stress.
6. Iris
Water iris deeply but infrequently in August, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Their rhizomes can rot if kept constantly wet in Arkansas summer humidity.
Trim away any scorched or diseased foliage to maintain plant health. Many Arkansas gardeners apply a light-colored mulch around iris beds to reflect heat rather than absorb it, keeping soil temperatures more moderate.
7. Lavender
Surprisingly, lavender needs minimal watering even during Arkansas heat waves. Overwatering is actually more dangerous than underwatering for these Mediterranean natives.
Ensure good air circulation by avoiding crowding with other plants. Arkansas gardeners often grow lavender in raised beds with excellent drainage to prevent root rot during occasional summer thunderstorms.
8. Russian Sage
This silver-leaved beauty actually prefers hot, dry conditions typical of Arkansas in August. Established plants rarely need supplemental watering unless drought conditions become extreme.
Avoid fertilizing during heat waves, which can stress plants unnecessarily. Many Arkansas gardeners appreciate Russian sage for its ability to thrive in the hottest parts of their yards where other perennials struggle.
9. Yarrow
Water yarrow deeply but infrequently during Arkansas heat waves. Their feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters can handle intense sun without complaint.
Cut back spent flowers to encourage continued blooming through summer. Arkansas gardeners value yarrow for its drought tolerance and ability to attract beneficial insects even during the most challenging August conditions.
10. Baptisia
With their deep taproots, established baptisia plants handle Arkansas heat remarkably well. Younger plants benefit from mulching and regular watering until their root systems develop fully.
Avoid transplanting during summer months to prevent shock. Many Arkansas gardeners appreciate baptisia’s self-sufficient nature, requiring little intervention even during the hottest weeks of August.
11. Phlox
Water phlox at soil level early in the morning to prevent powdery mildew issues common in humid Arkansas summers. Mulching helps maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature.
Improve air circulation by thinning dense plantings slightly. Many Arkansas gardeners find that tall garden phlox varieties with mildew resistance perform best during challenging August heat waves.
12. Salvia
Most salvia varieties thrive in Arkansas summer heat with minimal intervention. Their aromatic foliage actually helps them conserve moisture during hot weather.
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming through August. Arkansas gardeners appreciate salvias for their drought tolerance and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies even during the most challenging summer conditions.
13. Agastache
Also known as hyssop, agastache thrives in hot Arkansas summers once established. Their aromatic foliage naturally repels many insect pests while attracting pollinators.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Arkansas gardeners find that agastache varieties with anise-scented foliage perform particularly well during August heat waves.
14. Coreopsis
These cheerful daisy-like flowers benefit from deadheading during Arkansas heat waves to encourage continued blooming. Water deeply when soil feels dry about an inch below the surface.
A layer of light-colored mulch helps keep roots cooler. Many Arkansas gardeners grow heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Zagreb’ or ‘Moonbeam’ that handle August temperatures with minimal stress.
15. Liatris
Also called blazing star, liatris develops deep roots that help it survive Arkansas summer heat. Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage roots to grow deeper.
Avoid overhead watering which can lead to fungal issues in humid conditions. Many Arkansas gardeners appreciate liatris for its vertical purple flower spikes that attract butterflies even during the hottest August afternoons.
16. Peony
Though they’ve finished blooming by August, peonies still need care to ensure next year’s flowers. Consistent watering helps Arkansas peonies build energy reserves during summer months.
Mulch heavily to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Many Arkansas gardeners provide afternoon shade for their peonies during August heat waves to prevent stress on these long-lived perennials.
17. Verbena
Perennial verbenas thrive in Arkansas heat with their spreading habit and drought tolerance. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Trim back leggy growth in mid-August to encourage fresh foliage and fall blooms. Many Arkansas gardeners find that native verbena species handle summer conditions better than hybrid varieties.