Need some last minute color? Plant these 5 beauties for a lively finale
The garden season is winding down, but the continuing quest of planning for next year is just beginning. So why not think more about what you can look forward to in October?
Fall chrysanthemums aren’t your only option if you’re hungry for a final blast of color in your garden. And anyway, most garden center mums don’t winter over. I’d rather plant a hardy perennial I can count on for the long haul. If you’re thinking there isn’t much that blooms in October, let me acquaint you with a few lesser known beauties that brightened up my October garden and mood considerably.
I first discovered the virtues of Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Little Volcano’ (Bush Clover) when I was hunting for a shrub that could survive abuse from the snowplow that hits the edge my driveway every winter. Lespedeza is referred to as a cut-back shrub because you can whack it to the ground in early spring and it bounces right back. I figured it would be a perfect solution for this problem spot. And it was. My car skidded into it last winter and the dear little thing never missed a beat. It flowers late, I’m talking mid October in my zone 5 upstate New York garden. Imagine being impatient for something to bloom in October! The explosion of fuschia flowers makes up for the angst of waiting. Both flowers and foliage are stunning in a vase. And really, isn’t it nice to have something fresh to pick so late in the season?
For some reason, I never see Lespedeza in local nurseries, but they’re available online. I ordered mine from Plant Delights Nursery. There are different varieties, some larger, others smaller, all ranging in shades of pink to white. As I mentioned, ‘Little Volcano’ blooms late in the month, but there are other varieties that flower earlier. Make sure to check the last frost date in your area to insure you get a bloom time that works.
Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Little Volcano’ combined with Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’
I wasn’t a big fan of asters until I saw Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’ in a friends garden. Aptly named, this lovely gem starts hitting its stride around mid October. It’s mid sized (18-24”) and has an attractive roundy moundy habit minus the leggy brown foliage you often see on other fall asters.
Everyone needs a dose of blue in their fall border. In my opinion, this one is simply the best. Mine is growing happily in dry sandy soil, my friends soil is heavier, but good drainage and plenty of sun are the key to success. Again, I never see this aster offered in most garden centers but I’ve ordered them online from Bluestone Perennials.
Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’
If you’re after a shorter variety, try Aster ‘Purple Dome.’ This compact (18”) dark purple beauty is a stunner that is perfect in the front of a border. This variety is easier to find - most garden centers carry it.
Aster ‘Purple Dome’
My quest for a taller aster (4-5’) that would not develop the dreaded leggy brown foliage led me to order Aster tartaricus 'Jindai'. I plugged it into the back border of my garden last year and I think it’s a delightful addition.
Aster tartaricus 'Jindai'
The little sprays of purply blue flowers are a sweet surprise against those bold leaves. It appears to be pretty strong too - no signs of flopping so far. And while we’re on the subject of asters, they have many virtues - easy to grow, durable and long lasting. Plus, they’re valuable pollinator plants that support bees and butterflies.
While you’re at it, why not go out with a bang? Don’t just plan for flowers, add perennials with flashy foliage. Plant Amsonia hubrichtii - an attractive June flowering perennial but not exactly a wow in the summer. But wait…..
Amsonia hubrichtii after blooming - late summer
This is what it looks like in late October or early November depending on where you live. It’s all part of the grand finale I look forward to every year. And after all, we need something to look forward to these days!
