As the gardening season draws to a close, late-blooming perennials are a special treat, wherever they appear.
thunbergii Variegatum), which turns a lovely pale yellow.
#1.
Asters (Aster spp.)
They are beloved border and meadow plants, but there are species for shade gardeners, too.
Plants range from 2 to 5 feet and bloom from late summer into fall.
All are native North American wildflowers hardy in Zones 4 to 8.
Pinch or shear any of these in early summer to encourage branching and bushy growth.
Dont pinch after July 1 from Zone 7 south.
#2.
Individual flowers are tiny, but they are borne in showy 3- to 12-inch-long racemes.
For an extra shot of color in shade, look for maroon-leaved cultivars such as Brunette.
Zones 4 to 8.
#3.
Hardy begonias (Begonia grandis ssp.
evansiana)
They begin flowering in summer, but are spectacular in fall as well.
Plants are 2 to 212 feet tall with handsome wing-shaped leaves that are green above and maroon beneath.
The small pink flowers are borne in showy, arching clusters.
The variety alba bears white flowers.
Hardy begonias grow from small tubers found in the plants leaf axils.
Zones 6 to 10; to Zone 5 with winter protection.
#4.
Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
They are best-known as late-blooming plants for full sun, but a few species are suitable for shaded sites.
Plants bloom from late summer to fall and are hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
Zigzag goldenrod (S. flexicaulis) also grows in shade.
Plants are 1 to 4 feet tall and also have stems that zig-zag.
Short stems carry a cluster of golden flowers at each leaf axil.
Zones 3 to 8.
#5.
Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.)
They are handsome, often overlooked, perennials for shade.
Blooms are white or pale pink and spotted with purple-pink.
Miyazaki bears white flowers.
Both species are hardy in Zones 4 to 9 and spread by rhizomes to form nice clumps.
Bulbs for Fall
Hardy bulbs offer an easy way to add extra color to a shade garden.
Plants that belong in two different genera are commonly called fall or autumn crocuses: Colchicum spp.
Most produce their foliage in spring.
Plant the bulbs in summer or very early fall as soon as they are offered by bulb companies.
Most require a site with dry soil in summer when they are dormant.
Then be sure to take time to enjoy the progression of flowers.
