Unusual Fall Perennials for the Southwest

In Andy Brand ’s articleUnusual Fall Perennials , he discusses some out - of - the - box plant picks for this spectacular time in the garden :

“ As we reluctantly accept the inevitable and begin preparing our gardens for wintertime , we can ease the changeover by planting excerpt that supply color and excitement at this clip of yr . While many gardener have traditionally turn to mums(Chrysanthemumspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) , goldenrods(Solidagospp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , and sedums(Hylotelephiumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) to extend the horticulture season , many also long for something dissimilar . ”

Below , you ’ll find fantastic perennials that are excellent , but have remained uncommon in twilight garden in theSouthwest . Looking for even more unexpected fall standouts ? Make certain to check out Andy ’s article .

1. ‘Neon’ Sedum

Name:Hylotelephium spectabile‘Neon’

Zones:3–9

Size:2 metrical unit tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Conditions : Full Dominicus ; well - drained soil

aboriginal range : China , Korea

Most sedum are bad as nail , a trait belied by their frothy , confect - like flower colors . ‘ atomic number 10 ’ is one of the most colorful sedum usable , and its name does not let down . Buds posture atop a compact hummock of succulent leafage and abound into bloom in summer , and the blossom last well into fall . Bees and butterflies flock to the hot pinkish blooms , which easy age to Bourgogne and then tan as autumn progresses . The leafage turn from light unripened to a promising yellowish green in fall , which contrast precipitously with the flowers . The efflorescence dry in plaza for wintertime , fend magniloquent and ply many months of interest until outpouring .

2. Purple Winter Savory

Name:Satureja montanasubsp.illyrica

Zones:3b–8

Size:4 to 8 inch magniloquent and 12 to 18 in spacious

shape : Full sunshine to partial shade ; well - drain soil

Native range : Western Balkan peninsula in Europe

Herbs may not top many the great unwashed ’s tilt for late - season interest , but violet wintertime savory is worth seeking out . The unbowed species is a dispirited , mound , shrubby perennial with compact foliage and subtle snowy flowers ; it is surely not a show - stopper , but this subspecies is another storey . Tight domes of fine textured foliation expand softly all summertime , and by September they are luminous with majestic blossoms on compact spike . In rosiness , this plant life gives the appearance of a thickly manicure lavender ( Lavandula spp . and cvs . , Zones 5–10 ) . Purple winter savory is drouth tolerant and is comfortable on slopes and in pathetic stain . A light clipping in give is all the maintenance it requires .

3. Prairie Zinnia

Name:Zinniagrandiflora

Zones:4–9

Size:4 to 8 inches tall and 15 inch wide

Native range : Southern Plainsand southwestern United States ; northern Mexico

grown thing come in pocket-size software . Prairie zinnia ’s long - endure golden flowers are just over an inch wide and have softly reflexed petals . They dumbly blanket the leafage from high summer into fall . The blooms are very attractive to butterfly and native bees . As gloam progresses , the flowers slowly shift from yellow to papery dark glasses of tan . This tough , drought - tolerant southwest native can be found in the idle develop in prairies and grasslands but can easily be grown in other situations . Rocky to average soil , blaze away sun , and episodic water are all it needs . Its slowly go around , finely textured hummock of foliage makes it a stark ground cover . It can also be used on the edge of a flower bed or in a xeric pollinator garden .

4. ‘Wild Thing’ Autumn Sage

Name:Salviagreggii‘Wild Thing’

Zones:5b–11

Size:11/2 to 3 feet improbable and 11/2 to 2 substructure wide

aboriginal range : West Texas , northeasterly Mexico

With so many autumn sages available , it can be backbreaking to opt just one , but ‘ Wild Thing ’ rises to the top for its flower power and hardiness . Jewel - like blossoms in shades of crimson - violet coruscation on a proportionate , shrubby form and lure in hummingbirds . Flowers set about blooming around June and accomplish a crescendo in spill . This tough plant is perfectly at home in gritty soil among Boulder and on ironical cheery incline ; it ’s a must for any xeric garden . Good drainage and full sunlight will keep it thriving for year . Cut it down to 4 to 6 inches high in springtime to maintain a nice substance abuse . To guarantee its success in colder surface area , place it in a sheltered microclimate .

Dan Johnson endure and gardens in Denver and in Tucson , Arizona . He is an associate director of horticulture for the Denver Botanic Gardens .

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