Autumn is a wonderful time in the garden. Cool, crisp air encourages plants toward dormancy; Evergreen foliage yellows and wilts as deciduous trees paint the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors. As we reluctantly accept the inevitable and begin preparing our gardens for winter, we can ease the transition by planting selections that provide color and excitement this time of year. Many gardeners traditionally start the gardening season with mums (Chrysanthemum spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9), goldenrods (Solitago spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), and sedums (Hylothelphium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9). By extension, many crave something else. Fortunately, there are many unusual, lesser-known fall-blooming perennials that offer gardeners wonderful opportunities to create dynamic, late-season displays.
1. 'Osawa' Allium (Allium thunbergii 'Osawa')
Alliums generally make wonderful contributions to spring and summer beds and borders. Stunning globes in shades of pink, purple and white sit atop stems that range from 8 inches to 4 feet tall. 'Ozawa' Allium is one of the latest flowering Alliums in the genus, beginning to flower in September. Slightly drooping globes of charming, lavender-purple flowers rise above attractive grass-like green mounds. Unlike some alliums, 'Ozawa' rarely produces seedlings and is not invasive. Best suited to free-draining soil, this flowery bulbous plant blooms for weeks and is buzzing with happy, hungry bees in the waning light of fall days.
2. ‘Arendsii’ Monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’)
"Better late than never" is what can be said about sagebrush, which typically doesn't begin blooming in earnest until early to mid-October. 'Arendsii' Monk bears dense panicles of rich cobalt-blue flowers on 4-foot-tall stems. Place this stately perennial at the back of the border in rich, consistently moist but not overly moist soil. Sunny sites are fine for cooler areas, so long as the soil is not allowed to dry out, gardeners in warmer areas should provide partial shade. If you're like me and usually forget to support tall perennials, 'Arandzi' will put your mind at ease; Its thick stems stand out and rarely require staking. But don't forget to wear gloves when handling this plant because all its parts are poisonous.
3. 'Plum Peach' Short-leaved Iron
'Plum Peach' Short-leaved ironweed sports clusters of vibrant lavender-violet flowers that contrast with the warm color tones of other plants in fall. As the common name suggests, the leaves are thin and straight; It looks like bluestar (Amsonia spp. and cvs., zones 5–9) foliage. The leaves add a wonderful contrasting texture when placed next to large, thick-leaved neighbors. Although this species is native to the Southeast, it does well in more northern climates. Here in the Northeast, the beautiful bunches don't start blooming until October, and continue blooming for several weeks or until a killing frost, a late-flying pollinator's delight. As a bonus, the narrow leaves take on a purple blush in mid-autumn to highlight the purple flowers.
4. 'Snow Flurry' Heath Aster
It's hard to find a landscape that produces flowers in the fall, but when you succeed it's certainly cause for celebration! The diminutive 'Snow Flurry' heath aster is a prostrate form of the native heath aster. Its stiff, curved stems covered with needle-like leaves resemble creeping juniper (Juniperus spp. and cvs., zones 3-9). When 'Snow Flurry' blooms in mid-season, the profusion of tiny white flowers often completely cover the foliage. A lover of sun and well-drained soil, this little powerhouse is the perfect choice for rock gardens or the front of a sunny border. Its unique, creeping habit is especially useful when stems are allowed to bend between stone walls or rocks. It looks amazing planted in bulk where it really looks like a blanket of snow.
5. 'Blackhawks' Large Bluestem
Ornamental grasses are structural plants that serve as the backbone of garden plantings, often adding color and texture to designs almost year-round. However, it is in autumn that it makes the most progress and attracts our attention. One of the most impactful native grasses is giant bluestem, which can reach impressive heights. 'Blackhawks' large bluestem has all the best qualities of the species, with one big bonus: broad, beautiful blades that emerge green in spring gradually turn purple and deep purple-black as autumn progresses.
Elegant flowering stems can grow up to 7 feet tall, topped with three-part inflorescences that look like turkey feathers. Like all other large bluestems, 'Blackhawks' is an adaptable, drought-tolerant plant that performs admirably with little care. Avoid too rich or amended soil and shade; These conditions can cause lodging or failure. To take full advantage of the dramatic color of 'Blackhawks', dot it occasionally throughout the garden bed or, if space permits, make a statement and plant this exceptional native en masse. And for those who garden in deer country, Bambi and friends walk by.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks