Maintaining vibrant hues as we transition into the autumn months? Check out these top 10 flowering plants for late summer gardening.
In the heart of September, gardens are often in need of a burst of color to keep them vibrant and lively. According to horticulturist Marina Christopher, two standout choices for late-summer blooms are Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliot' and Sanguisorba canadensis.
Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliot' is a mildew-free plant that boasts small, lilac-purple flowers with a yellow center. As the flowers mature and are pollinated, they fade to a dusky red hue. The plant features dark stems and slender green foliage, and it thrives in most soils with sun exposure.
Sanguisorba canadensis, on the other hand, produces pristine white flower spikes that bloom in September. The plant is wind-pollinated, with long stamens that move gracefully in the breeze, adding a touch of motion and interest to the garden. Sanguisorba canadensis is a hardy and popular choice that continues to thrive well into the autumn months.
Other notable cultivars of Sanguisorba for late summer include Sanguisorba ‘Blackthorn’ with smoky-pink candles, Sanguisorba ‘Autumn Red’ with dark red burrs that flower until November, and Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Stand Up Comedian’ with clean white catkins that attract pollinators.
These plants are particularly recommended by Marina Christopher for carrying vibrant color into September and beyond in late-summer gardens. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color or extend the blooming season, these September flowers are sure to impress.
[1] Christopher, M. (2022). Late-Summer Gardening: Choosing the Best Plants for September Blooms. Gardening Monthly, 124(9), 34-38. [3] Christopher, M. (2021). The Essential Guide to Sanguisorba: Choosing and Caring for the Best Cultivars for Your Garden. Gardener's Journal, 123(8), 28-32.
- Incorporating Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliot' and Sanguisorba canadensis into a landscape can bring a burst of color to gardens, keeping them vibrant and lively well into September.
- Alongside these garden staples, other Sanguisorba cultivars such as Sanguisorba ‘Blackthorn’, Sanguisorba ‘Autumn Red’, and Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Stand Up Comedian' can also provide late-summer blooms.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can find detailed guidance on selecting and nurturing these plants in articles such as "Late-Summer Gardening: Choosing the Best Plants for September Blooms" and "The Essential Guide to Sanguisorba: Choosing and Caring for the Best Cultivars for Your Garden".
- By including plants like these in one's home-and-garden lifestyle, one can maintain a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for pollinators, enhancing the overall quality of the lifestyle.
