Our Guide To Fall Annuals

Keep The Color Coming With Fall Annuals

Just because fall has arrived does not mean the garden cannot have lots of color. In our climate, many fall annuals will bloom well into the approaching winter. Some, like pansies, will even bloom again once spring arrives. Consider these fall annuals as a way to brighten your fall and beyond.

Chysanthemums

One of the nice things about Chrysanthemums is that the varieties that are available bloom from late summer all the way until late fall offering a wonderful extension to the garden.

The colors available are simply fantastic; white, yellow, red, purple, pink, maroon and orange. The really nice thing about Chrysanthemums is that they are perennials and with proper care, will return for years to come.

Pansies

Pansies love the cool fall weather and will continue to push out blooms until the real cold temperatures arrive. In mild winters, they will live on to bloom again in the early spring. They are available in a multitude of colors and combinations.

Planting can begin in late August and continue well into the fall. Add some slow release fertilizer when you plant to give the young plants a boost.

One warning, deer like pansies too so if you have deer, be prepared to put deer netting over the pansies or apply a deer deterrent product (FYI Allentuck Landscaping Co. has a terrific deer deterrent service).

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Where as ornamental kales and cabbages do not offer flowers, the foliage colors and textures can be spectacular. The foliage color choices are white, pink and purple. The cooler the season, the more vibrant the colors tend to be.The texture options are smooth to ruffled to very ornate. No matter which variety you choose, this plant is extremely dependable and long lasting.

Asters

Asters are easy to grow perennial plants that take care of themselves all summer long. Their vigorous blooms appear later in the season, right when other flowers begin to fade. A surefire way of adding great fall color for years to come, Asters’ gorgeous flowers will stay true and strong until hard frosts set in.