This second half of summer has been great - warm days and nights, the mosquitoes all but disappeared, and I don't recall any severe storms - at least in Saskatoon and surrounding areas. But with it being dark in the mornings when I get up for work and then dark by 8 p.m., I know fall is just around the corner. And that means many of our trees, shrubs and perennials are about to pack it in for the year. But if you've planned it right, there are a number of perennials that come into their own at this time of year, adding great hits of colour and texture.
If you have some blank or bland spots in the garden and want to add some pizzazz for next year, some late bloomers may still be available from local garden centres. The sooner you plant them the better to give them a chance to root in before the ground freezes. The following are a few to consider.
Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum, syn. Eupatorium maculatum) is just at its peak now. Driving home today, I saw one that was easily six feet tall, sporting several eight-inch wide clouds of mauvy-pink blooms. They prefer growing in full sun with moist soil, even bordering a pond or stream, but will tolerate part shade and drier soils. Plant to the back of the border and consider adding some support so it doesn't fall over with its top-heavy blooms. An extra bonus is that butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
Hardy fall asters (Aster sp.) are some the few fall perennials available in pink, red, lavender and blue cultivars. They typically reach 18 to 30 inches tall and have dusty dark green leaves. Plant in a location with full sun and well-drained soil. There are several cultivars to choose from. Look for early blooming and resistance to powdery mildew. In a perennial trial across the prairies co-ordinated by the Saskatchewan Perennial Society, the following performed well in all locations: Alert, Little Pink Beauty and Purple Dome. Of these, only Purple Dome escaped powdery mildew at all locations over the three-year evaluation.
Stonecrop or sedum (Sedum sp.) are low growing succulents, most rarely reaching more than a few inches tall, although a few reach as high as 12 inches. Drought and heat tolerant once established, plant in full sun and well drained soil. Blooming time of this group is dependent on species and cultivar. However Autumn Joy is aptly named, blooming in shades of coppery-red and pink in late August/early September. Autumn Joy is also one of the taller types, but still one to plant near paths and the border's edge. There are also similar fall-blooming types with coloured (red, maroon) or variegated (white and green) leaves to add an extra dimension throughout the year.
Helenium (Helenium autumnale; aka Helen's flower, false sunflower, sneezeweed) produces masses of daisy like flowers in shades of yellow, gold, orange, bronze and maroon with raised, dark centres. In full sun, helenium can reach three to four feet in height. For best results, plant in well-drained soil but mulch well to retain even soil moisture. Like Joe-pye weed, this one may need support but new cultivars tend to be sturdier. This is another perennial that attracts butterflies.
Next week - more fall blooming perennials
- This column is provided by the Saskatchewan Perennial Society
