Blossoms for Vibrant Late-Summer Hues
Don't let summer end without a fight! Keep your garden filled with vibrant colors well into the fall by growing some stunning late-summer bloomers. These plants not only add beauty to your outdoor space but also provide nectar and pollen for insects that would otherwise have none.
Gardening enthusiasts will love extending the season of color in their gardens. Perennials, shrubs, climbers, and even some annuals can all continue flowering until the first frosts. Don't forget to include ornamental grasses, which can elevate a border to another level. Keep a few spare plants in pots to easily fill any gaps that may appear in your garden scheme.
Crocosmia
Originally known as montbretia, crocosmia are must-haves for a hot border. These spreading plants produce clumps of strappy leaves and sprays of trumpet flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange. They flower for several months, making them a great choice for a splash of color.
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Japanese Anemone
Ideal for the low-maintenance gardener, Japanese anemones offer large, long-lasting pink, mauve, or white flowers on strong, wirey stems. They don't require any support.
Penstemon
Penstemons boast short stems of large, bell-shaped flowers in purples, pinks, and blues. These plants flower for an extended period and are drought-tolerant, making them a great addition to any garden.
Stonecrop
Sedums, or ice plants, are reliable growers in hot, dry positions. They're beloved by bees and, after the flowers have died back, continue to look attractive in winter.
Phlox Paniculata
This classic late-summer border perennial comes in a wide range of colors and provides a reliable, trouble-free display.
Helenium
For a pop of blood-orange, heleniums (sneezeweed) are a fantastic choice. Their daisy-like flowers are adored by bees for their nectar, and their seedheads remain appealing well into autumn.
Hydrangea Arborescens
'Annabelle' hydrangea is a gem, with huge white flower heads that last for ages. They make a fantastic addition to any light-green leafy background.
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue
A long-time favorite, 'Autumnal Blue' Californian lilac is an easy-to-grow, evergreen shrub that doesn't require pruning. Covered in billowing deep-blue flowers, it blooms from early July to the end of September.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts can extend their garden's colorful lifestyle into fall by growing late-summer bloomers such as Crocosmia, Japanese Anemone, Penstemon, Stonecrop, Phlox Paniculata, Helenium, Hydrangea Arborescens, and Ceanothus Autumnal Blue. These plants not only add beauty to one's outdoor space but also offer nectar and pollen for insects, making them a great addition to any home-and-garden setting.
