My garden is looking a bit tired and lackluster this time of year. How can I add a little interest without a lot of work?
The arrival of autumn doesn’t mean the end of beauty in your garden. In fact, this season offers a unique opportunity to showcase plants that thrive in the cooler weather and bring fresh interest to your outdoor spaces. Ornamental grasses, asters, and chrysanthemums are among the stars of the fall garden, providing texture, color, and movement that can carry your garden through to the first frost and beyond.
The Elegance of Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are the unsung heroes of the autumn garden. With their graceful, arching forms and subtle hues, they add structure and movement to garden beds and borders.
One of the most popular ornamental grasses for fall interest is Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Maiden Grass. This tall, clump-forming grass features feathery plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into the winter, gradually changing from silvery-white to a rich, tawny brown.
Another standout is Panicum virgatum, or Switchgrass. This native grass is valued for its upright habit and airy, cloud-like flower heads that appear in late summer and last through the fall. The foliage of Switchgrass often turns shades of gold, red, or purple as the temperatures drop, adding a splash of color to the garden. It’s also a favorite for its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of soil types.
For smaller spaces, Pennisetum alopecuroides, known as Fountain Grass, is an excellent choice. Its arching, fountain-like shape and soft, bottlebrush-like plumes make it a favorite among gardeners. The flowers start as a soft pink or purple and fade to a buff color, providing continuous interest throughout the fall.
Asters: Autumn’s Floral Fireworks
When it comes to late-season color, few plants can rival the brilliance of asters. These hardy perennials burst into bloom just as many summer flowers are fading, providing a much-needed splash of color in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Asters are particularly valuable in the fall garden because they are one of the last sources of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
One of the most popular varieties is Aster novae-angliae, or New England Aster. This robust, bushy plant can reach up to six feet tall and produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers from late summer through fall. Its vibrant purple or pink blooms contrast beautifully with the yellowing foliage of trees and shrubs, creating a stunning autumn display.
For a more compact option, consider Aster dumosus, or Dwarf Aster. This low-growing plant is perfect for the front of borders or for planting in containers. Its smaller stature doesn’t diminish its impact, as it produces masses of cheerful, star-shaped flowers that will brighten any garden in the fall.
Chrysanthemums: The Quintessential Fall Flower
No discussion of fall gardening would be complete without mentioning chrysanthemums, or simply “mums.” These classic fall flowers are synonymous with autumn!
Chrysanthemums are available in countless varieties, from the large, showy blooms of Chrysanthemum morifolium to the delicate, daisy-like flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum. They come in almost every color imaginable, including shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, making them a versatile choice for any garden design.
Mums are incredibly easy to grow and can be used in a variety of ways. They work well in borders, containers, or as part of a mixed perennial bed.
By incorporating ornamental grasses, asters, and chrysanthemums into your garden, you can extend the beauty of your landscape well into the autumn months.
Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to [email protected]
the Capitol Hill Garden Club, more information on the club website at capitolhillgardenclub.org.
