The cool, wet weather we have had means adding new plants to the garden is ok, even in the height of summer. Planting fall performing plants earlier than their peak season allows them to become established in the garden. Here are a number of varieties we love for their flowers, fall leaf color and stunning berries. We’ll be covering each of these in more detail in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and send us your questions!

 

 

Perennials for fall blooming

 

Aster – brilliantly colored fall blooming flowers that attract beneficial insects

Eupatorium (Joe pye weed) – purple flowers atop 4 foot stems attract butterflies and bees

Chelome (turtlehead) – native plant with tall spikes of white flowers in late summer

Helenium (sneezeweed) – attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Echinacea (cone flower) – brilliant flowers from summer to fall

Anemone – clean white or pink flowers in September

Sedum – wonderful in hot, dry areas, pink blooms in late summer

 

Fall performing shrubs and trees

 

Hydrangea quercifolia (oak leaf hydrangea) – native, burgundy fall foliage

Sympohoricarpos (coral berry) – native, clusters of coral pink and purple berries throughout winter

Clethra (summersweet) – fragrant, rosey-pink flowers that bloom in August

Callicarpa (beauty berry) – glossy purple fruit in fall and winter

Viburnum – native, white flowers with showy fruit that persists through winter

Cornus (dogwood) – native, red or yellow stems that create fabulous winter interest

Euonymus (burning bush) – rich red leaves in fall

Mukdenia – low growing, spreading; bronzed/red tinged leaves in late summer

Caryopteris (blue beard) – deep blue flowers in late summer