Fall Annuals

Pansies



Pansies are one of the most popular and recognizable cool weather annuals. Many pansies are bicolored, making them striking plants for their small size. Although delicate, they are surprisingly hardy. And like their cousins the violas and violets, the flowers are edible. As compact, low growers, pansies are ideal for edging and for squeezing between rock walls and paths, as long as they can be removed in summer. They’re a great choice for early and late season containers and complement spring flowering bulbs, flowering as the bulb foliage begins to fade. If you like the variety of colors but still want a sense of cohesion, select plants from the same series. They’ll be similar in size and markings, regardless of the color.

Chrysanthemums



Chrysanthemums come in a variety of flower forms and colors and are suitable for containers and gardens. Those with showy flower heads such as pompons, quill and spider types are quite popular, but the graceful single and double types are also well worth growing. The two most popular growing types are upright forms and cushion forms, which tend to grow into a neat mound. Chrysanthemums are the highlight of the garden in late summer and fall when many other flowers have faded.

7 of the Best Fall Perennials

Extend the life of your garden an extra two to three months and bring amazing colors intoyour garden by utilizing some of these star fall perennials.

1. Ceratostigma

Part of the Plumbago family, this fall beauty has brilliant clusters of blooms. It makes great ground cover with shiny dark green leaves that turn red during late fall. Does well in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

This species does well in a moist, shady to partial shady location with fertile, humus-rich soil. Certain species (racemosa 'Atropurpurea') has very divided leaves that are mahogany and purple stemmed with very slender, candle-like creamy white flowers. Grows to 48". It's a real standout in the garden.

3. Coreopsis



This is a perennial that never stops giving. It is best known for its petite yellow flowers on wiry stems that keep on blooming throughout the summer and into the fall. But with the addition of a deep burgundy red species 'Limerock Beauty' and 'Sweet Dreams' (it's white with raspberry eyes), this sturdy little perennial that thrives in full sun or partial shade in well drained soil can now be utilized in a variety of fall gardens. Grows up to 18".

4. Perovskia (Russian Sage)



This fantastic woody-based plant is classified as an herb, but its striking gray foliage and lavender blue to gray-blue flowers make it a gorgeous summer and fall perennial. Will thrive in poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Beautiful planted en masse in a mixed border.

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)



This is one of the all-time great fall perennials. This is a genus of about 400 species of succulents and does well in full sun in moderately fertile, neutral soil. Several of the sedums are used as ground cover and have fleshy, light green leaves with star shaped, five-petaled flowers that come in white, yellow and pinkish to burgundy tone. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' looks stupendous when combined with a purple-toned aster.

6. Japanese Anemone



These bloom from late summer through mid-fall and are chosen for their delicate-petaled faces ranging in color from white to soft pink, and from deep pink to dark rose. They thrive in moist but well drained, humus-rich soil in sun to partial shade.

7. Aster (Michaelmas Daisy, New England Aster)



A large group of perennials that can be grown in a variety of sites. The fall blooming asters (A. cordifolius, A. divaricatus, x.'Frikartii', A. novi-belgii 'Alert', etc) are utilized as a border for the mass of color they offer. Whether you choose white, lavender blue, bright pink, purple with a yellow eye, or a medium blue, when purchased in large quantities and planted in sweeps, asters are synonymous with the autumn garden.

by Fran Sorin, Green Thumb

Favorite Fall Bulbs

After the first hard frost is the ideal time to plant bulbs for spring blooms. A selection of well-placed bulbs in the fall will produce glorious bursts of color in the spring.

1. Crocuses



Crocuses are one of the earliest bloomers, typically February-March. They can be planted in full sun to partial shade. Some gardeners like to plant a handful of bulbs within their lawn for an effect of little bursts of color within the green carpet. Plant the bulbs 2-4 inches deep and 3-5 inches apart. They will grow to be about 4-6 inches tall.

2. Daffodils (Narcissus)



Daffodils enjoy full sun, so be sure to plant them in an area that receives ample sunshine. Plant bulbs 6-8 inches deep. For best results, plant them in clusters for a more pleasing display of color. Grows 8-18 inches tall, depending on the variety, and blooms March-May.

3. Hyacinths



Plant hyacinths in full sun, 4-6 inches deep and in clusters of four or more bulbs. Plants will grow to be 8-12 inches tall, and bloom April-May.

4. Tulips



Available in saturated or muted colors, and with petal effects such as “parrot” and “double peony,” tulips are one of the most versatile spring flowers. They enjoy at least 6 hours of sunshine per day, and should be planted 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Tulips will grow to be about 12-20 inches tall and can bloom from March-May, both depending on the variety.