Even though Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, there are still a handful of weeks before our cool-zone gardens give way to autumn’s chill.
Why not use this time to grow more late-summer and fall-blooming perennials? You’ll make summer last while Nature slowly simmers into fall.
We've selected some sensational fall-blooming flowers (and grasses) to feature below, but they're just the beginning. Use the My Plantfinder tool and filter by "Flowering Season" to get a long list of fall-blooming plants. Once you find your perfect plants, Find a Garden Center to get your favorite Monrovia plants.
Above: We love this unexpected late-summer combo of Russian Sage (Perovskia) and Dark Fire Montbretia (Crocosmia). Both are great pollinator plants, with Russian Sage bringing in bees of all sorts, and Montbretia attracting hummingbirds.
Rich Red and Gold Late-Summer and Fall-Blooming Perennials
Celebrate fall with the traditional, but always satisfying palette of bold red and gold. These colors can bring late-season bloomers into dramatic focus. They also look great in late-season containers!
Attracts Hummingbirds
Jazzy Jewel® Ruby Hibiscus has large, long-lasting and vibrant red flowers that bloom until first frost. Hummingbirds love the prolific blooms as much as we do. Visually arresting as an annual in containers. Zones 9-11, grow as an annual in cooler zones.
*Try Honeymoon™ Deep Red Hibiscus as a perennial option in zones 4-10.
Brings Butterflies
EvolutionTM Yellow Falls Coneflower adds intense sunny color to your borders and container gardens. Short, sturdy stems hold up beautiful cones that bring butterflies in summer and attract birds in the fall and winter. Up to 20" tall and 18" wide. Zones 4-9.
Bold Blooms
Sunstar™ Gold Coreopsis offers easy-care, low-water color from late spring all the way through fall. Plant in containers, borders, and beds for continuous bold color and nectar for bees. Up to 24" tall, 30" wide. Zones 4-9.
Cool Purple Late-Blooming Perennials
Contrast the traditional fall palette with soft shades of lavender and purple. These colors add depth and sophistication to your landscape. The cool shades of purple balance the traditionally warm colors of fall.
Late, Vibrant Color
Grape Crush New England Aster bursts with loads of deep-purple flowers on nicely rounded mounds from late summer through fall. Add this little beauty to a rock, butterfly, or cottage garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers all summer and beyond. Up to 2' tall and 3' wide. Zones 3-8.
Photo by Walter's Gardens
Drought Tolerant
SunSparkler® Firecracker Sedum is topped with burgundy-red flower clusters that blush soft pink come late summer. The iridescent, tonal foliage is just as beautiful as the blooms. Tuck this succulent into your borders, rock gardens, and containers. Up to 8" tall and wide. Zones 4-10.
Pollinator Magnet
Lollipop Verbena sends up dense clusters of lavender flowers on airy, delicate stems for an abundant source of nectar. It is wonderful as a cut flower, fresh or dried. Grow it as a perennial in mild regions, and treat as an annual elsewhere. Up to 36" tall and wide. Zones 7-11, grow as an annual in cooler zones.
Photo by Visions Pictures
Ornamental Grasses with Fantastic Fall Flowers
Every great show-stopper needs a stage. Interplant short grasses with perennials or plant tall varieties as a backdrop. Together, in late summer light, the pairings are always wow-worthy.
Summer Shimmer
The seedheads of Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass glow in late-summer and fall sunlight, adding golden color and movement to the garden. Use en masse or as accents in any kind of garden design. Up to 3' tall and wide. Zones 4-9.
Plush Plumes
Purple Fountain Grass has blades of deep purple foliage that contrasts wonderfully against the fluffy, arching, buff-colored seed heads. A great perennial grass in warmer areas, and a favorite annual grass for fall containers where winters are colder. Up to 4' tall and 3' wide. Zones 8-11.
Golden Spires
Overdam Feather Reed Grass delivers feathery foliage, shifting from bronze-brown into rich gold come fall. Plant for a striking vertical effect as an accent or use, with gusto, en masse. Foliage up to 2' tall and wide, bloom stalks up to 6' tall. Zones 4-9.
Wildlife Gardening Tip
Late summer blossoms, including ornamental grasses, feed local pollinators and migrating birds before food gets scarce. Provide food and cover for wildlife all year long with pollinator-friendly shrubs.
For more ideas to help you host and nourish birds, bees, and butterflies, check out the best shrubs to attract pollinators in your region:
Learn More
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- Look for these plants and similar options at your local garden center.
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