As summer reaches its peak in Massachusetts, August brings an incredible selection of local flowers that can add so much beauty to any event. This guide covers ten must-have flowers for August, along with our best advice for incorporating them into your arrangements. We hope these flowers inspire you to dream up something truly special!
For readers who love local flowers, we grow several of these varieties right here in Hingham and have a network of amazing MA partner growers we source from, too. As always, feel free to contact us with any variety-specific questions!
1. Dahlias
Photo Source: Teaberry Trails
Dahlias are the stars of August with their diverse geometric forms and vibrant colors. From soft pastels to vivid brights, dahlias offer a spectacular range, making them perfect for adding depth and dimension to any arrangement. Local dahlias really start to pop around mid-August.
Best For: Bridal bouquets, centerpieces, floral arches, statement arrangements - basically, you can't go wrong!
2. Delphiniums
Photo Source: Holex Flowers
Delphiniums are known for their delicate lines and stunning blue, purple, and white flowers. They add a touch of elegance and vertical interest to any floral arrangement. Local delphiniums can also be shorter and daintier, a special touch which we absolutely love.
Best For: Tall arrangements, ceremony backdrops, mixed bouquets, elegant displays
3. Cosmos
Photo Source: Mandy Floral Designer on Instagram
Cosmos are ethereal and airy, with daisy-like blooms that float gracefully with the arrangement. Their soft pink, white, and magenta colors make them perfect for adding a light, whimsical touch. We recommend getting these local, as they're very delicate and don't travel well.
Best For: Whimsical bouquets, garden-style designs, table centerpieces
4. Sunflowers
Photo Source: Hope Flower Farm
Sunflowers continue to shine in August, bringing their bright, cheerful faces to the forefront. They're ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in any floral design. There are so many amazing varieties available, from classic bright yellow to pastel or maroon, and our personal favorite, the Teddy Bear!
Best For: Bouquets, garden-style arrangements, table centerpieces, ceremony installations, cottage-style
5. Lisianthus
Photo Source: Berkin Flowers
We're absolutely smitten with lisianthus! This premium flower is beautiful, sophisticated, and elegant, truly deserving of its elevated status. Choose from classic and local ruffled varieties in colors like champagne, dusty purple, lavender, peach, pink, and white. These beauties take months to grow and bloom, but they're well worth the wait! BONUS: Lisianthus are heartier than they look!
Best For: Bridal bouquets, elegant centerpieces, romantic designs, boutonnieres
6. Zinnias
Photo Source: Flo-rea
Zinnias continue to flourish in August, offering vibrant colors, pastels, and multilayered blooms. There are so many classic and premium zinnia varieties available now, and we LOVE the joy and local feel they add to arrangements.
Best For: Bright and colorful bouquets, table arrangements, garden-style weddings, lush + organic styles, wildflower themes
7. Amaranth
Photo Source: Martha Stewart
Amaranth stands out with its unique, cascading flower spikes and rich colors, including deep red, golden brown, burgundy, pink, and green. These dramatic, tassel-like blooms add texture and a touch of the exotic to any floral arrangement.
Best For: Statement bouquets, ceremony installations, modern designs, exotic designs, cascading arrangements, autumn centerpieces, dried floral designs
8. Snapdragons
Photo Source: Grow Happier Plants
Snapdragons continue to add structure and height to floral designs in August. Their varied colors and layered blooms make them a gorgeous textural and heightening choice for arrangements
Best For: Bridal bouquets, tall arrangements, ceremony arbors, mixed bouquets, bud vases
9. Celosia
Photo Source: Bucktown Seed
Celosia, with its unique, feathery plumes and array of pastel + vibrant colors, adds a touch of boho, wild beauty to floral arrangements. It comes in beautiful shades of pastel pink, soft white, red, yellow, and orange.
Best For: Bold bouquets, boho style, wildflower designs, unique centerpieces, statement arrangements, floral installations
10. Marigolds
Photo Source: Ida Mayes Floral Design on Instagram
Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that add a pop of color to any arrangement. Their rich gold and orange hues are perfect for creating warm, sunny bouquets and centerpieces.
Best For: Colorful bouquets, rustic arrangements, garden-style designs
The Advantage of Choosing Local Flowers for Your Wedding
Incorporating local flowers into your wedding not only supports the local movement but also ensures the freshest and most vibrant blooms for your special day!
Have Fun! Don’t be afraid to mix different types of flowers to create a unique and personalized look. Combining the textures and colors of these local blooms can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind arrangements for your special day. There are no rules for what you can and can't combine.
Happy planning, and may your August celebrations be filled with local MA blooms!
