Fall Perennials

Fall is by far our favorite season here at Scenic Roots. Not only for the cooler nights, less traffic, quieter beaches, but the colors... The colors and variety of plants available on the market, now make the fall the number one preferred season to plant. We have whittled down our fall perennial favorites so not to overwhelm you. I have a handful of other favorites, and I will save those for when you come in to visit our shop.Black eyed Susan: Dazzling mounds of yellow flowers with a deep brown center. Rudbeckia Goldsturm is one of the longest blooming perennials available. It is seemingly unbothered by insects or drought. A group of Rudbeckia Goldsturm is a must in the garden. Mid summer blooming, thru fall. Plant in full sun. Grows 24-36 inches.Sedum: an autumn delight, low maintenance succulent of which there are many dozens of varieties. They are extremely drought tolerant, thrive in hardiness Zones 3 through 10, and can grow in conditions from full sun to partial shade. Sedums grow from 5 inches up to 25 inches in height--and from 10 inches to 25 inches in spread. Some Sedum varieties have an upright habit while other are more of a trailing ground cover. Both the color of foliage and flowers vary greatly by variety. They are also beloved by butterflies. Dendranthemum: Plant this true perennial mum in rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part sun and mulch lightly after planting. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent rot and keep dry in winter for the best survival rate. For compact growth and a rounded form you will want to shear them back to the ground in late spring, then pinch back the earliest buds for the largest fall flowers. However, if you let the plants go they will flower fine, just make sure you deadhead the spent blooms to extend the flowering season. Grows 12-24 inches, likes full sun. Aster: Perennial Aster flowers grow well in average soils, but needs full sun. Aster flowers come in blues, purples, white and a variety of pinks. All Asters are yellow in the center of the flower. They are daisy-like in appearance, even though they are a member of the sunflower family. Grow to 24 inches tall. Bloom late summer/fall.Turtlehead: With a mature height of 2 to 3 feet, a spread of 1 foot and pretty whitish pink flowers, the turtlehead plant is sure to be a conversation piece in any garden. If you have a moist place in your landscape, these flowers will be right at home, although they are hardy enough to grow in dry soil as well. Montauk Daisy: This daisy adores full sun and is reliably perennial in Zones 5 to 9. Plants usually form a mound that’s roughly 3 feet tall and wide. Nippon daisy doesn’t need heavy fertilizing. Just make sure soil drains well. Montauk or Nippon daisy tolerates salt spray and drought once established.