So, if you are tired of ho-hum mums, try one of the plants listed here that will carry you from FALL to FROST. We will start out with the featured Plant of the Month...
My neighbor has this delightful perennial in her front flower bed beckoning visistors toward her door. It is commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, but its botanical name is Rudbeckia hirta. This showy garden favorite graces borders and makes a choice cutting flower. Another bonus is that it attracts butterflies and will continue to look great through fall. Fairly drought tolerant and grows 2-3 feet in height. Looks best planted in masses. A plant native to the U.S., it thrives in our region.
MARIGOLDS! Wow, use these as a mum substitute. As you can see above and below, they come in yellow and orange - perfect colors for fall decorating! The botanical name is Tagetes erecta (African Marigold) or Tagetes patula (French Marigold). The French species is more heat tolerant - so look for the botanical name Tagetes patula on the tag!
The next two photos are Ornamental Peppers. These small, bushy plants usually are 15 inches high and wide. Fruits are yellow, orange, red or purple and are purely for decoration - so I would not try to eat them or you may be disappointed! The first photo is 'Medusa' while the second picture is 'Purple Flash', which is particularly striking with its deep purple foliage. These beauties make a great fall decoration and love a sunny location!
The last plant I would suggest from Fall to Frost is Croton, botanical name Codiaeum variegatum pictum. This plant has large, leathery, glossy leaves that are green, yellow, red, purple, bronze or almost any combination of these colors. Looks great with gourds and pumpkins! See picture below!
ENJOY SEPTEMBER!
Come back in October for a new gallery of plants!
PHOTOS COURTESY
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MATER NATURA DESIGNS
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