Late bloomers
No, I am not talking about the awkward middle school years, although I would definitely be in that group. I am talking about perennials that bloom late summer into fall. These are invaluable players in any good garden design. The spring garden is beautiful with its show of bulbs and ephemerals and the summer garden wows with its peonies and roses. But what happens in September and October? If your garden starts to fall asleep consider a few of these less expected “late bloomers” to wake it up.
Actaea. This is one of my all-time favorite late blooming perennials. Actaea (formerly cimicifuga) has a beautiful base of fern-like foliage and beginning in summer and continuing through fall the plant sends up stems topped with white bottle-brush shaped flowers. What I love most about this plant is the fragrance; to me it smells like grape jelly. Make sure to site actaea where its delicious smell can be enjoyed – I have three plants by my side door and the fragrance greets me whether I am coming or going. Actaea likes shade to part-shade in rich soil. It can take a bit more sun but will start to crisp if not given enough water. I love the dark-foliaged varieties like ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ or ‘Brunette’.
Chelone glabra. Also known as turtlehead this is another great perennial. Good in full sun to part shade chelone does not like to dry out so it would be perfect for a wet spot in the garden. It forms a nice clump between 2’-3’ and blooms from August to September. As a beekeeper I know how popular it is with pollinators – it even contains compounds that scientists have found bees use to self-medicate. Chelone is primarily pink but I have the true chelone glabra which is white.
Vernonia. If you are looking to attract hummingbirds and butterflies this is the perennial for you. Vernonia, also known as Ironweed, is an easy-to-grow sun-loving native that will reward you with beautiful purple blooms from August through September. Ironweed can be large – up to six-feet – so it makes a great statement at the back of the border. For those with smaller garden Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’ might be a good choice. This ironweed stays under 3’x3’ and unlike some vernonias is very drought tolerant once established. Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’ is one of Piet Oudolf’s “Must Have” plants and is massed at New York City’s Highline and Chicago’s Lurie Garden.
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