While fall is not yet in full color, there are many plants that are showing off right now.
Among these are the spectacular fall-blooming perennials that are gracing local gardens.
While some are content to just let the summer annuals fade from the scene and others and are pulling out and planting the spring bulbs, experienced gardeners include these transitional flowers so their gardens don't look empty this time of year.
Some of these are great summer bloomers that extend into the fall, while others are just starting their show. Fortunately, the local nurseries are stocking more of these great plants.
One of the most interesting of all of the fall perennials is Colchicum, commonly called autumn crocus. These are referred to as naked flowers because the plants send up clusters of leaves in the spring that then die back.
In the fall, the flowers emerge without the leaves and produce clusters of purple, pink or white flowers. These resemble the crocus flowers, but they are actually a different plant.
The fall blooming asters are another outstanding group of flowers. If you have had serious frustrations from these flowers in the past, do not give up, as the flowers are much better than they were previously.
My frustration with many of the older cultivars is that they grew way too tall and then fell over unless you tied them up. They also were highly prone to powdery mildew.
Look for other newer, shorter cultivars that are resistant to powdery mildew. "Woods Pink" and "Woods Purple" are covered with a profusion of iridescent purple or pink flowers. Other popular kinds are "Jenny," "Puff White," "Professor Kippenberg," "Raydon's Favorite" and an Asian type named "Jin Dai."
There are two other flowers that bear some resemblance to the fall asters. Japanese Aster or Kalimeris is covered with small double white or blue daisy-like flowers. Boltonia, also known as the "thousand flowered aster," is covered with half-inch flowers on silvery, blue-green foliage. It grows 3-5 feet tall so plant it as a background flower.
Goldenrod — or Solidago — is an interesting addition to fall gardens.
It has a plume-like flower with tiny clusters of golden-yellow flowers.
It tolerates poor quality, dry soil and the flowers turn fluffy white and then to a golden brown after the frost, so they can be picked for dried arrangements.
It needs full sun to partial shade. The species form gets 6 to 8 feet high, making it too large for most gardens. Cultivars that stay below 2 feet include "Golden Fleece," "Goldrush," or "Fireworks."
Another plant with the beautiful golden colors of fall is Rudbeckia or Black-eyed Susan. These are now a popular summer bloomer but will continue through the fall. It likes full sun and rich soil but tolerates other conditions.
There are many improved cultivars available from local nurseries. "Goldsturm" is one of the most popular perennials available. Joe Pye Weed grows 4 to 6 feet high and produces large clusters of dusky purple flowers. Butterflies love these and the flowers eventually dry and make interesting clusters for the winter landscape.
The plant prefers moist areas but will grow along with most other garden plants.
Helenium goes by several names including Helen's flower, false sunflower or sneezeweed. The plant branches profusely and is covered with an abundance of daisy-like flowers. Color choices include gold, orange, bronze and maroon with dark centers.
The plants grow 3-6 feet tall, so it sometimes needs staking. Newer low cultivars including "Coppelia," "Rubinzwerg," "The Bishop," "Moerheim Beauty" and "Zimbelstern" are self-supporting and easier to manage.
Sedum — or stonecrop — is a fleshy-leafed, succulent plant that produces flat-topped flower clusters of yellow, rose or pink.
The very popular "Autumn Joy," produce flowers in late summer and fall and the blooms and leaves change color as the season progresses.
Look for many other sedums for fall color. Some cultivars feature variegated leaves while others have maroon, bluish or reddish foliage. "Autumn Fire," "Autumn Charm," "Xenox," "Bon Bon," "Vera Jameson," "Rosy Glow" and "Meteor" are a few of the improved cultivars.
There are numerous other fall blooming perennials. Visit local nurseries, gardens or walk around the neighborhood and see what is growing well. Then add your favorites to your own garden.
Garden tips and events
Thanksgiving Point is offering a class on fabulous fall color on Tuesdays, Oct. 11-25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost is $40. To register, or for more information, call 801-768-7443 or visit www.thanksgivingpoint.com
Larry A. Sagers is a horticulture specialist for the Utah State University Extension Service at Thanksgiving Point.