TOP 10 PLANTS THAT FLOWER IN THE FALL

This selection of plants for the Fall garden consists of perennial flowers and autumn flowering bulbs. Once summer is over it’s easy to think that there will be no more flowers until the Spring, but that need not be the case. The ten plants on this list are described by Ray Rogers in an article which I found on the Garden Design Magazine website.

Although it?s tempting and probably easier to design gardens that present one big, colorful scene in spring and early summer, let?s not forget the later acts of the gardening season. Even if high summer is a challenge to get through physically and horticulturally, late summer and much of fall can awaken our interest and provide plenty of enjoyment before the curtain falls for winter.
Two groups of plants can play significant roles: herbaceous perennials that wait quietly in the wings before giving late but stellar performances, and bulbs that seem to appear out of nowhere for their brief but memorable cameo roles. These eventual extroverts merit consideration for your own garden drama.
Appeal: These plants provide extended interest in the garden, and their sometimes sudden appearance can seem almost magical.
Zones: See the individual descriptions for hardiness zones.

Exposure: These plants grow well in full sun to part shade, except gentian and tricyrtis, which require protection from strong, hot sun.
Soil: The bulbs (amaryllis, sternbergia and crocus) do best in well-drained soil that retains some moisture when the plants are actively growing. Although difficult to work, stony sites will discourage digging and depredation by hungry rodents. The perennials shown here thrive in fertile, moist but well-drained organic soil. See the descriptions for special needs.
Care: When tending late bloomers remember their location when ?off stage,? especially the bulbs. Mark their sites with labels or other indicators, or grow a gently spreading ground cover or shallow-rooted annual in the same location.