With all the leaves on the trees changing colour and the crisp cool air, Autumn is a wonderful season. And along with the changing leaves, our gardens change as well. The types if flowers that bloom are often different than the ones we saw during the spring and summer months. Thereâs a large variety of flowers and plants that make their appearance during the fall.
When is the best time to plant Autumn flowers? Well that can depend of the temperature in August. Planting early in the season (summer) will make sure that your garden is well established. But itâs a good idea to play it by ear, because it all depends on the temperature. Fall flowers bloom late, but they bloom best if they have been in the garden all season. Some examples of Autumn flowers are Balloon Flowers, Mums, Stonecrop, and Sunflower Perennials.
Ballon Flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are in the campanula or bellflower family. They start out as a puff or bubble and pop open when theyâre ready to bloom. Itâs colours are lavender-blue, pale pink, or white. This flower spreads slowly, filling in without becoming a nascence. And other than cutting the plants back in the spring or fall, there is no other maintenance required.
Mums (Chrysanthemum) comes in many varieties but the best one to plant for fall would be the hardier Mum. This plant should be purchased in the spring so that it is ready in time for the fall season. Keep them well watered and mulch them once the ground freezes. They come in a variety of colours such as, white, yellow, pink, lavender, red, and bronze. This flower lasts all the way until November in some climates.
Stonecrop (Sedum sp) or often called the âAutumn Joyâ looks good all year and requires minimal attention, but if you live near a Deer population watch out because they love to eat Stonecrop. So be aware of your surroundings before planting this lovely flower. They come in shades of pink and mauve. This plant is usually left standing tall throughout the winter months.
Sunflower Perennials (Helianthus hybrids) are related to the Sunflower. However, they donât get a large, or topple over like a Sunflower and look more like a Daisy. They bloom towards the end of the season and come in a yellowish colour. They grow much slower than the Annual Sunflower and they will come back every year.
What will you plant for your garden this Autumn? Itâs good to get your garden planned out and planted in August. Whether youâre planting a new garden or adding to your current one, fall flowers need time. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year and what a better way to celebrate the season than with a beautiful garden.