by Ann Lapides, Sugar Creek Gardens
Just when you thought all the fun was over, the late season perennials and shrubs begin to entertain us.
Just released, the U.S. National Arobretum’s new introduction ‘Duet’ Beautyberry, Callicarpa, delights us with profuse white berries that are sprinkled among its rich white and green leaves. Does well in sun to shade and its great disease resistance makes it a great substitute for the problematic Variegated Red Twig Dogwood. To see what it can do for you, take a look at the specimen at the Missouri Botanical Gardens Kemper Center. Grows to about 5′.
Anticipation always builds as we await the majestic blossoms of ‘Lemon Queen’ Perennial Sunflower, Helianthus. Mammoth daisies with petals of the clearest yellow look fabulous in the garden and the vase. This monster can grow an impressive 70-80″.
After this sweltering summer, Blue Stars, Kalimeris, has made made it onto my top perennial list. Charming light blue aster-like blossoms begin in June and continue well into fall. During the worst of the heat and no rain, I only watered this workhorse once a week and it still rewarded me with tons of flowers. A native to North America, grows 18″.
Visit Sugar Creek Gardens for all of your fall plants at 1011 N. Woodlawn, Kirkwood, MO 63122, visit their web site at www.sugarcreekgardens.com or give them a call, 314-965-3070.