Growing Tips

Fall

Perennial Gardening

Perennial gardening kicks into high gear in the fall. The perfect time for renovating that perennial garden is after the first frost of the year. As the foliage of perennial plants die and dry up, dig and divide perennial plants that have overgrown an area or started to decline from overcrowding. The foliage can be cut back and the roots can be dug up, cut into sections, replanted in a bigger area or given to friends.

Perennials with outstanding fall color:

  • Aconitum
  • Aster
  • Amsonia
  • Anemone
  • Bergenia
  • Boltonia
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Echinops
  • Engleman Ivy
  • Euonymous
  • Eupatorium
  • Fallopia
  • Geranium
  • Helenium
  • Helianthus
  • Heuchera
  • Leadwort
  • Nepeta
  • Ornamental Grasses
  • Sempervivum
  • Sedum
  • Sweet Autumn Clematis
  • Thalictrum
  • Tiarella
  • Tricyrtis
  • Woodbine Perennials

Planting

Not ready for winter? Fall is a great time for planting most perennials, shrubs, and evergreens. It is best if done before late October (depending on the weather). Add to your yard now for more interest next season. With the added benefit of an established root system, spring will bring on a beautiful flush of new growth with vigor going into the hot dry summer ahead.

Best transplanted in the fall:

  • Hostas
  • Peonies
  • Daylilies
  • Delphinium
  • spring blooming bulbs
hosta