TOP 10 LATE SUMMER-EARLY FALL BLOOMING WINNERS

1. Panicle Hydrangea ‘Tardiva’ and ‘Unique’ - These select varieties of panicle hydrangea shrubs bear tremendous creamy white blooms from mid summer through early fall, eventually fading to rosy pink.  The voluptuous 8”-12” blossoms dry a light tan color atop these semi-rounded 6’x6’, full sun shrubs, creating great interest throughout winter months.  The blooms work well in cut flower arrangements.

2. Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ and ‘Crown Jewels’- Both of these incredible selections of our 4’x4’ native perennial hibiscus have the added twist of deep burgundy foliage.  Massive dinner-plate-sized blooms leap outward from this late season, sun-loving bloomer, creating both spectacle and conversation piece within the garden.  Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ displays dazzling fuschia blooms, while Hibiscus ‘Crown Jewels’ holds large white flowers with ruby red centers.

3. Knock Out Rose ‘Radrazz’ and Radcon’- These tough and hardy landscape shrub roses set a new standard of excellence in disease resistance.  Both pink and red forms of Knock Out Rose produce rich fluorescents from early spring until the first hard frost and require no special care.  They are black spot resistant, naturally mildew tolerant, self-cleaning and drought tolerant.  These stellar shrub roses grow to 4’ tall and wide anywhere there is at least 5 hours of direct sunlight.

4. Spiked Speedwell ‘Purplelicious’ and ‘Tickled Pink’- Dependable sun-loving perennials like speedwell are few and far between.  This clump forming garden treasure is easy to grow, durable and beautiful for months on end with showy spikes of purple, as seen with speedwell ‘Purplelicious’ or rosy pink blooms of speedwell ‘Tickled Pink’. 

5. Garden Phlox ‘Flame’- Our 3’ tall native perennial garden phlox is a showy addition to any full sun garden.  This old-time favorite burst forth in late summer with large, bright, sweet smelling blooms with many colors to choose from.  ‘Flame’ is our featured phlox, and boasts lovely deep pink blossoms that look as good in a vase as they do in your garden.

6. Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’- A new take on traditional coreopsis, the blooms of Autumn Blush glow in hues of light, peachy-yellow with red centers all summer. In the cool days of spring and fall the flowers take on a wine rose blush. Bright green mounds, 1’x2’, are covered with large flowers. Easy to grow and won’t overtake your garden. 

7. Mexican Hat- A robust, drought tolerant perennial that is native to the mid-west with eye-catching ferny foliage standing to 3’ tall. The characteristic black, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire-red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent. Prefers full sun in well drained soil, and makes a nice cut flower addition.

8. Brown Eyed Susan-The 3'-6' tall native perennials bloom from summer to early fall and have masses of petite yellow daisy-like flowers with chocolate-brown button centers. The flowers are so profuse that they are reminiscent of thousands of gold coins raining down from the sky.  This 1997 Georgia Gold Medal Winner, is a butterfly magnet in your yard and a glowing orb in a vase.

9. Crocosmia ‘Emily Mckenzie’ and ‘Lucifer’- The 3’-4’ upright iris-like foliage of this drought tolerant, full sun perennial create structural interest in the garden.  When in bloom, mid-summer through early fall, they steal the show with bright orange, yellow or red blooms that grow horizontally from the dark green foliage. The blooms make great cut flowers, and are frequented by hummingbirds in our gardens.

10. Joe Pye ‘Heavens Gate’, Barter Bride and Little Joe- All three of these upright, full sun, Ohio natives bring color and interest to the garden in late summer through early fall.  Heavens Gate stands 5’-6’ tall with scarlet red stems which firmly hold 6” clusters of bright pink blooms that attract many butterfly species.  Joe Pye ‘Barter Bride’ is the same height, but bears light green stems with huge 6”-8” pure white blossoms. Joe Pye ‘Little Joe’ is a better one for those with less space, as it grows to maximum height at just under 3’ tall.  All Joe Pyes will grow in clumps to about 3’ wide, and are excellent for cut flower arrangements.