In the temperate northeast region of the US, the months of May and June are the climax times for garden blooms; However, as petals fall and pistils turns to seed, September and October boast not only vibrant colored leaves, but also a handful of flowers.
1. Chrysanthemum- Informally known as mums, these globe shaped perennials showcase their flowers in mid September and because of their variety, you can add nearly any type of color to your yard. From April to August, these fall favorites appear as subtle, flowerless glob shaped shrubs. A nice filler for barren spots and empty corners of the garden, these quiet shrubs will add the most life to your garden in the fall when they are are overtaken by blooms. Yellow, white, rose, mauve, orange and maroon are the most common colors of mums, while additional uncommon colors such as deep violate and mauve also exist.
2. Sunflowers- It’s too late to plant sunflowers this year; however, you might be able to find a few on markdown at your local hardware or nursery. Sunflowers can bloom late into September and are a festive addition to any fence line or sun bleached wall. A special treat for the birds, these tall and stalky plants provide ample seed for birds before they head south.
3. Marigolds- Whether you decide to use the French or African version, these festive flowered annuals will add a pop of color to your autumn garden. Mostly associated as a summer plant, these flowers can bloom well into October and can keep insects away from those late ripening tomatoes or last bushels of basil. While it may not seem practical to plant an annual for a two month lifespan, August’s heavily discounted prices make it well worth it. Also, to get a head start for next year, you can save the deadheads of the marigolds and let them seed in your garden early next spring.
4. Dusty Miller- While fall foliage adds ample colors of red, yellow and orange; dusty miller’s soft silvery leaves can add a striking contrast to the changing leaves in your yard. Short growing and flowerless, these velvety annuals can last well into a temperate December. During your quest for other discounted plants, don’t overlook these lacy annuals!
While these are just some of the most common and easily accessible fall plants, there are several others to choose from. Feel free to browse your local nursery or contact us to see how we can help you design your yard to get the most out of every season!