Asters, Rudbeckia and Sedum create a long-lasting autumn flower show!
Chrysanthemums are undoubtedly the flowers most people think of when Labor Day weekend rolls around. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and you can purchase early, mid and late season bloomers to keep the show going for weeks. Left in their pots they are easily moved around to add late season color where needed; and when combined with pumpkins, cornstalks and gourds, they make splendid fall arrangements for our front entryways. Although I love chrysanthemums, they have two major drawbacks – they need to be watered religiously to keep them from drooping and, although called “hardy,” they are not reliably perennial here in New England. So what autumn bloomers meet my criteria for “power” perennials or plants that are drought tolerant, care-free, and perform over a long period of time?
At the top of my list is Sedum, “Autumn Joy,” one of those rare perennial plants that looks beautiful spring, summer and fall. Because sedums are succulents – plants whose leaves hold water – they require no special treatment other than a sunny site in your garden. What makes “Autumn Joy” so remarkable is its chameleon personality during the growing season. It starts out in early spring with rosettes of leaves clustered close to the ground. Slowly, over the spring and summer, the broccoli-like flower stalks become the focus, changing color from the palest green to soft pink to a deep russet by late fall. At 12 to 24 inches tall, “Autumn Joy” is the perfect middle-of-the-border plant.
Taking up the back of the border are the tall asters which can easily reach three feet tall. I have two New England asters that have staggered bloom times – one a deep purple that blooms in September and the other a softer purple-pink that blooms into October. Aster frikartii “Monch” is one of the earliest to bloom in a pleasing periwinkle blue that blends well with its neighbors. By adding different varieties of asters, you can extend the flowering season until frost. Taller asters look amazing planted behind sedum which incidentally helps to keep the long stems from falling over – no staking needed! Though they can be susceptible to downy mildew, I haven’t found that to be a problem, instead finding them quite vigorous and trouble-free. They can even take a bit of shade but will bloom more abundantly in the sunny border.
The classic Black-Eyed Susan known as “Goldsturm” rounds out my trio of autumn “power” perennials. Blooming starts here in July and continues through September if plants are deadheaded. The golden yellow blooms light up the garden like nothing else and last over such a long period of time that they bridge the summer garden into fall. They are stunning planted en masse and combine well with other late summer and fall bloomers. “Goldsturm” prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade.
There are many varieties of these plants available, just find ones that will grow in your hardiness zone and light conditions since we all lose some garden sunlight in the fall. Remember also to group your autumn plants together for best effect and a dazzling grand finale!
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