By Ann Lapides
Just like at the end of a long race, sometimes our garden’s flower power begins to tucker out at the end of the season. However, some of the best flowering perennial plants bloom late! Burst through the flowering finish line with these beauties that flower from summer through fall, and come back year after year.
The queen of fall shade gardens must be the windflower, Anemone. Beautiful, pompom-like flowers, available in white or pink shades, cover these plants. Some have rich, rose-colored flowers that fade to silver. Their long stems make them ideal for cutting. They grow in sun and shade.
Black-eyed Susans, Rudbeckia, delight with yellow flowers for months. Many different Black-eyed Susans are available, including the many native Missouri varieties. Available in various sizes, ranging from very short to very tall, they make a great addition to every garden. They are perfect for cutting and pollinator gardens, the center of mixed containers, or planted alone for a striking display.
Once it begins blooming, Bluebeard, Caryopteris, doesn’t stop until a frost! In July, puffs of violet-blue flowers begin appearing in masses. These vibrant flowers are loved by pollinators. Expect to see a frenzy of activity around these nectar-rich blossoms. They are drought-tolerant and deer and bunny resistant. It is perfect for dry, sunny spots, mixed in the perennial border, or planted in a pollinator garden. Growing about 2-3’ tall, Bluebeard may also be massed to create a dramatic low hedge or edging for a walkway or garden.
The fun never stops with Rose Mallow, Hibiscus. Beginning in late summer, huge, 5-7″ flowers of deep magenta, pink, red or white bloom in abundance. Vigorous foliage can be variegated with hints of pink and white, dark purple, near black, or green. Although they resemble a tropical plant, Rose Mallow are native to Missouri, thriving in our hot summers and surviving our tough winters with ease. Water-loving, they can handle wet feet and soggy conditions.
Add a few of these lovely late-season jewels to keep your garden looking fresh through to the end of the season. Although many of these plants are drought-tolerant, keep them well-watered during bud setting and blooming. See these plants at Sugar Creek Gardens plant nursery located in Kirkwood, Missouri, or online at www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
Sugar Creek Gardens
1011 N Woodlawn
Kirkwood MO 63122
314-965-3070
sugarcreekgardens.com