The Fall Garden-Fall Blooming Perennials & Shrubs

Fall Garden

Autumn has arrived in the northeast and as daytime temperatures decline there are still a variety of fall blooms that can brighten and add longevity to your landscape.  As many of the summer blooms start to fade fall blooming perennials and shrubs such as Sedum, Aster, Liriope, Goldenrod, Butterfly Bush and dwarf grasses among others can add interest to your late summer-fall garden and bring you enjoyment late into the planting season.  The varieties of shrubs and perennials mentioned below have proven to be hardy and reliable in my zone 7 northeastern garden and will be sure to add delight to your outdoor space.

Variegated Liriope (Lillyturf)
Zones 6-11
Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade
Height 8-16", Width 8-12 "

Variegated Liriope or Lillyturf is a wonderful perennial for all summer long with interesting texture and grass-like variegated foliage followed by vibrant eye-catching spikes of purple blooms in late summer and fall.  It fits nicely into either a formal or informal landscape and lasts into winter.  At this time of year it is at its peak and is spectacular!

Sedum 'Brilliant'
Zones 4-8
Full Sun to Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24 "

Sedum 'Brilliant' is a more compact form of sedum which stays upright while other varieties such as 'Autumn Joy' tend to get top heavy and fall over.   'Brilliant' displays vibrant deep pink blooms that turn orange in fall on top of succulent-like clumping foliage.  Planted along with dwarf grasses it makes a nice fall statement.  I have plenty of these on my own property and they always add wonderful interest to the fall garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Pink)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters are a known sign of autumn and are commonly seen in perennial borders or in container plantings.  They add an eye-catching display of color to the garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Purple)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, blue and white and serve nicely in a cut bouquet or as dried flowers.

Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'  (Goldenrod)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun - Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24"

Goldenrod is a bright fall perennial that displays golden-yellow flowers on arching branches and is popular in the New England cottage garden. Do not confuse it with Ragweed which blooms about the same time and is an allergen to many! Goldenrod comes in a number of varieties ranging in size from two to six feet. 'Golden Fleece' (above) stays at a more compact height of only two feet.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
Zones 3-8
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 3-6', Width 3-6'
 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is a beautiful long blooming variety of hydrangea that lasts well into fall with large elongated white blooms on dark green foliage. While other varieties of hydrangea have completed their bloom season 'Tardivia' steps up to the plate and lasts well into the first frost.   The gently fragrant blooms are an added wonderful delight as one passes by.

Dwarf Fountain Grass
Zones 4-9
Full Sun -Part Shade
Height 2-3', Width 2-3'

Dwarf fountain grasses are a popular addition to the garden due to their wispy silvery bottle brush plumes produced in fall.  Fountain grasses add interest and movement in the garden throughout the season and provide winter interest as well. The variety pictured above is 'Hameln' which stays as a compact 2-3 foot plant and serves well in just about any type of garden.

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 24-36",  Width18-24" Wide

Echinacea or Coneflower forms showy upright clumps of vibrant blooms from late summer into fall that are a feeding station to many species of butterfly. There are many varieties of this beautiful perennial ranging from pink to yellow to white and they serve beautifully in a perennial border, cottage or prairie garden.

Rudbeckia
Zones 3-9
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 2-3'. Width 18-24"

Rudbeckia or "Black Eyed Susan" is a popular perennial in cottage, woodland  and prairie gardens and blooms from late summer throughout fall into the first frost.  Bright golden-yellow petals surround a darker central portion that pop in the garden.  Rudbeckia spreads freely and serves nicely as a mass planting in sun or part shade.  Rudbeckia and Echinacea complement one another beautifully.

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Zones 5-10

Full Sun
Height 3-4, Width 3-4'

 

Knock Out Roses are an excellent addition to the garden since they produce continuous blooms from summer throughout fall.  The above variety 'Radrazz' puts on a show of vibrant pinkish-red fragrant blooms all the way until frost and is a favorite of garden enthusiasts.   This one is also a personal favorite of mine right along with Pink and Red Double Knock Outs. 

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 3-4', Width 2-3'

Russian sage produces bushy upright stalks of grayish leaves that are lacy and fragrant.  Spikes of violet-blue blooms appear in late summer and last well into fall.  The open informal habit of Perovskia makes it a great filler in the backdrop of a cottage style perennial garden or border.

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' (Turtlehead)
Zones 3-8
 Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade

Height 24-30",  Width 18-24"

I recently discovered Chelone (Turtlehead) in a friend's garden this fall.  Turtlehead are native wildflowers that adapt easily to garden conditions.  Showy and long-lived they are a magnet to bumblebees and butterflies and bring nature to the garden.  They serve nicely in an informal perennial border. 

Chrysanthemum morifolium (Hardy Garden Mum)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun-Part Shade
Height 1-2', Width 2-3'

Last but not least is the traditional fall flower..the hardy Garden Mum.  Mums come in a vast variety of colors and last well into the first frost.  They are often planted in containers for a fall punch of color or can be placed in the garden for autumn blooms. 

The arrival of Autumn does not mean the end of the gardening season. By simply adding one or more of these selections to your landscape your garden blooms will be prolonged well into fall and bring extended enjoyment to your outdoor space.

What's blooming in your garden?

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day October 2012-Fall Garden

 It's Fall on Long Island and the colors are beautiful this year. The average daytime temperatures have dropped down into the 60's and there is a cool blustery wind. The seasons seem to be changing a lot quicker in 2012 and are a few weeks ahead of schedule as the trend continues.  Predictions are for a cold and snowy winter which may prove to be true as seen by the quickly changing conditions and abundant production of pine cones.   The changing colors of the fall garden are all around me.  Welcome to another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day.   Walk with me as we venture through my October garden.

Backyard Perennial Garden

The colors almost turned overnight this year with a plummet in temperatures from the mid seventies one day into the fifties the next and then a little frost just the other morning.   Astilbe, Daylily and Lamb's Ear have gone into Fall mode and Juniper 'Blue Star' is alongside them for some winter color along the backyard entrance.

Blue Star Juniper, Dwarf Fountain Grass and Weeping Norway Spruce

In the side garden, Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln,' is showing off its wispy plumes next to the blue of the Juniper and burgundy of Heuchera 'Palace Purple'. A birdbath nestled in the garden invites local birds to stop and visit.

Spirea 'Gold Flame' and Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln'

Walking along...the Spirea 'Gold Flame' is showing hues of burgundy and orange and is turning into a rainbow of color.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Barberry 'Rosy Glow', Dwarf Butterfly Bush, Gold Mop Cypress and Heuchera 'Caramel'

The Barberry 'Rosy Glow' takes on a fiery burgundy-red appearance next to the blue of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and gold of the 'Gold Mop' Cypress (Chamaecyparis 'Gold Mop').  The dwarf Buddleia Lo & Behold Blue Chip is still producing bright purple blooms. I will still see an occasional butterfly and just the other day I caught a glimpse of a rare hummingbird as it stopped by my lantana tree (now inside), hovered by the butterfly bush then flew off!

Liriope 'Variegata'

I am enjoying my Liriope which is an old stable in the garden and producing its striking purple blooms followed by deep purple-black berries for winter. This plant is very hardy in zone 7 and goes nicely with just about anything.  It stays at about ten to twelve inches tall.

Montgomery Blue Spruce

As we stroll along we pass the patio garden...

Hinoki Cypress 'Aurea'

and now around to the pool.  Here is Hinoki Cypress 'Aurea' along with 'Yaku Jima' Maiden Grass in the background and Montgomery Blue Spruce in the foreground.

Blue Atlas Cedar Cones

Notice the abundant production of cones on my Blue Atlas Cedar.  Is this a sign of a harsh winter to come? 

Barberry 'Rosy Glow' Fall

Here is a close up of the Barberry 'Rosy Glow' along with 'Gold Mop' Cypress and a backdrop of Western Arborvitae 'Virescens' and 'Emerald Green'.

Knock Out Rose

The blooms on my Knock Out Roses are not ready to quit and continue to supply color in the garden.   I am glad to have added them two summers ago since they have given me so much joy.

Coral Bark Maple (Sangu Kaku)

In the front yard the Coral Bark Maple (Sangu Kaku) is starting to display its Fall colors. It will turn a bright golden-yellow as the weeks go on. I love the show this tree puts on.

Stachys (Lambs Ear) and Astilbe Fanal

 Keep the Fall color coming!

Perennial and Evergreen Garden

Here is a little more October color showing my perennial and evergreen garden...

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku JIma'

and now a close up of Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'.  This type of Maiden Grass grows to about five to six feet and stays more compact than most.  It's large elongated plumes are so wispy!

Mugo Pine and Sedum 'Brilliant'

Here is a combination of Dwarf Mugo Pine and Sedum 'Brilliant' in the front yard.

Backyard Patio Garden

And here is another view of the backyard showing the evergreens in the backdrop and the gardens in the foreground.  The gardens wrap around the patio and then lead out to the pool area gardens which we visited earlier.

Blue Atlas Cedar, Mugo Pine and Sedum

Here is another view of the Dwarf Mugo Pine and Sedum along with the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in the backdrop.

Pinus strobus Globosa

And here is my newest addition...a Globe White Pine.   Its needles are delicate and soft and it grows to only about two to three feet in diameter maximum.  I am making sure it gets plenty of care as we head towards winter.

Fountain Grass

And as we head out towards the driveway here is my Weeping Norway Spruce (in the backdrop) along with Fountain Grasses as they display graceful plumes and bring in the Fall.   It is unknown what the winter will bring but for now I am enjoying the crispness in the air, the beautiful days and changing colors around me.

Thank you for strolling along with me in my zone 7 Long Island autumn garden.  I am so glad you could visit and please do visit our Garden Blogger's Bloom Day hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens. Please leave a comment so that I know you dropped by and I will be sure to visit you as well!


As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day!


Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved

 

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day September 2012

      Welcome to my garden in September as late blooms emerge and foliage transforms into a beautiful array of color.  Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day September 2012...a time when gardeners from around the world get to appreciate what's blooming next door.  Stroll along with me as we visit my zone 7 Long Island garden.



Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'



 Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'  and Red Knock Out Roses are still in their glory with blooms throughout the entire summer and well into fall until the first frost.  In the backdrop are Arborvitae 'Emerald Green', Barberry 'Rosy Glow', Gold Mop Cypress and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar.



Dwarf Butterfly Bush (left) & Knock Out Roses (right)



Below is Sedum 'Brilliant' which starts its show now in September and blooms throughout Fall.  Even after it is done blooming the spend seed heads will look great in the garden and attract birds.  I have taken on a whole new liking to Sedum this season with additions of many new varieties to the garden.  The colors still change as the blooms mature.

Sedum 'Brilliant'-early blooms

Sedum 'Brilliant'-mature blooms

I have enjoyed my Nandina Domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) for many years now and look forward to its wonderful purple-red berries in late summer and Fall.   Here it is below.  The berries also attract birds to the garden.

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

As we stroll along we pass by a new friend who watches over the garden... 

Garden Cat

and fits in just purr-fectly!

Liriope (Lillyturf)

The Liriope is putting on a show with its bright purple flower spikes... 

Verbena 'Homestead Purple'

and brand new to the garden this September is perennial Verbena 'Homestead Purple'.  This perennial flowers from summer until frost with vibrant purple blooms and keeps its semi-evergreen foliage.  I have been wanting this one for some time now and have found a spot for it right along the front walkway to enjoy.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

My 'Tardivia' Hydrangea tree with its fragrant blooms has grown to be quite a specimen on the northeast side of the property. Its blooms are a welcome sight in late summer.



Hinoki Cypress 'Crippsi' & 'Patriot' Hosta

I recently added this Hinoki Cypress 'Crippsi' (center).  I am really enjoying it and hoping that it does well in its new home!  The foliage is so delicate and I love the golden color especially next to the 'Patriot' hosta.  

Crape Myrtle'Tuscarora' Bloom

The color on the Crape Myrtles is much deeper this year probably due to the span of hot weather and then moisture that really made them pop. Pictured here is Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora' in full bloom.

Front Entrance Path

As we walk along the walkway to the front of the house the garden is showing signs of Fall.  The Birch trees are losing leaves but already pushing out new buds for next year.  The evergreens will supply color throughout the winter months.

Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln'

One thing I always admire in September are the delicate wispy plumes of the dwarf fountain grass as they sway in the wind.  It is a sign of summer past as the seasons are changing in here in the northeast.  

Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells)

The Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) new last summer are thriving and deepen in color as they bring in the cooler weather. They have really proven themselves in this gardener's garden with rich changing color all season long.

Perennial Border (Backyard)

The evergreen and perennial garden I have had for years is really filling out nicely.  The old reliable Lamb's Ear really adds a touch of white to add some contrast and dimension to the border.  I also added Salvia 'Maynight' for some additional late summer color. 

'Stella D Oro' Daylily Still in Bloom

 Here Daylily 'Stella D Oro' displays brand new foliage and more blooms. For the past couple of years I have been cutting them completely back in August and it has really prolonged the bloom season of these plants.   It has also become a regular routine on the to-do list.

Dwarf Grasses & Sedum

Here are more grasses with Sedum 'Brilliant', Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells) and Juniperus 'Blue Star'. I just can't get enough of the grasses in Fall and they are great all summer long as well.

 

The Lantana tree (annual in the northeast) my husband surprised me with this summer is really doing nicely in its new planter and will stay outside a little longer until the temperatures start to drop.  This welcome member has been such a joy to see on the patio everyday and hopefully it will successfully over-winter in the garage.  Any over-wintering tips are greatly appreciated!

Backyard Island Bed with Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

On the other side of the property is an island bed that I created just for this Crape Myrtle tree (Lagerstroemia indica 'Sioux') about seven or eight years ago when I bought it at a local nursery at five feet tall.  The bed has expanded and grown to incorporate a Hinoki Cypress, Gold Lace Juniper, Sedum, Salvia, Coral Bells, Ajuga and Mugo Pine.

September Garden

Thank you for visiting my September garden.   Please visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming in gardens around the world and to share your passion of gardening along with us.

 

 

"A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year."
- William Longgood

 

 

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

 

 

 Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved