Brenda S Notes for Late Summer and Fall Perennials

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Brenda’s Notes for Late Summer and Fall Perennials

Facts About Anemones

The name Anemone comes from Greek and roughly means wind flower, which signifies that the wind that blows the petal open will also, eventually, blow the dead petals away.

In medicine, Anemone is used as a treatment for cramps, menstrual problems and emotional distress.

Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides or Anemonella thallictroides) is a rare, endangered specie.

 The plant Anemone nemorosa is poisonous to humans, but has been used as a medicine.

Varieties of Anemone

Broadly, there are three types of Anemone flowers-

Spring flowering type, which has either rhizomes or tubers.

Tuberous Mediterranean, which flowers in spring and summer.

Larger Fall flowering type, which blooms in late summer to fall and tends to have fibrous roots.

Growing Anemones

Different Anemones have different growing requirements. Most Anemones should be planted in the fall. If the planted Anemone is tuberous, separate the tubers in summer, when the plant is dormant. If rhizomatous, separate the rhizomes in spring. If the Anemone has fibrous roots, divide the plant in early spring or autumn but keep the plant in the pot for a year until established.

Windflowers should be grown in very well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a lightly shaded or sunny location.

Plant the tubers in the fall or spring, unless you live north of their adapted zones; in this case, plant in the spring.

Before planting, soak the tubers for a few hours or overnight; if you soak them overnight, you will be able to see the slightly swollen areas from which shoots will grow.

Plant the tubers 3 to 4 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.

If not sure which end is up, lay them on their sides.

Anemone Plant Care

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge.

Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Cut right back to the ground in late Autumn. They will shoot away again in Spring.

Slide 4: Honorine Jobert- Grown for its single white flowers with pink tinges underneath. Blooms summer to fall. This popular, long-lived perennial with a woody base reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. Plants in areas with harsh winters will benefit from a fall mulching. Staking may also be necessary, especially to keep plants upright after a rain. Divide in fall or early spring. Contact with sap may irritate skin.

Queen Charlotte- Grown for its large, 4-inch, semi-double, pink flowers shaded purple underneath. Blooms summer to fall. This popular, long-lived perennial with a woody base reaches up to 5 feet tall. Adds color to partial shade, fall borders. Plants in areas with harsh winters will benefit from a fall mulching. Staking may also be necessary, especially to keep plants upright after a rain. Divide in fall or early spring. Slow to establish, but then spreads rapidly. Sometimes referred to as 'Konignin Charlotte'.Important Info :Contact with sap may irritate skin

Slide 5: Pamina-Grown for its rose-red colored, double flowers that bloom summer to fall. This popular, long-lived perennial with a woody base reaches up to 36 inches. Adds color to partial shade, fall borders. Plants in areas with harsh winters will benefit from a fall mulching. Staking may also be necessary, especially to keep plants upright after a rain. Divide in fall or early spring. Slow to establish, but then spreads rapidly. Contact with sap may irritate skin.

Slide 6: Asters are perennial plants named for their star-shaped blooms. There are over 175 species of asters found in North America, most of which bloom from late summer to early fall. They are popular in the garden and are often used as cut flowers.

History Aster is Latin for star. The English also called the aster a starwort. Wort is Latin for root and the name symbolizes its healing properties. Types More than 600 species of aster are grown around the world. Monte Casino, also called the Michaelmas daisy, is the most popular variety; it is easy to grow and forms masses of white blooms among tiny, bushy leaves.

Growth Asters bloom in the fall, from mid-August through September. Temperatures that are higher than normal can delay flowering.

Care Space plants properly to promote growth and good air circulation. Plants should also be watered sufficiently and pinched back to regulate height.

Considerations Asters grow best when sown directly from seed, as opposed to transplanting seedlings. They grow tall, so trim frequently to keep them looking their best.

Fun Fact The French would place asters on the graves of soldiers to symbolize the wish that things had turned out differently.

Slide 7: A. novi-angliae:The two main groups of Asters are New England Asters (Aster novae anglias) New England American-aster is large and showy, growing to 6 or more ft. in height. The perennial’s hairy, clasping leaves are arranged densely on its stout stems. Showy, bright, rose-purple flowers with orange-yellow centers bloom in profusion at the tips of the leafy branches. The flower color is variable, ranging from lavender to blue to white. A pink variety of this species is sometimes grown commercially.

and New York Asters(Aster nova belgii). A branching plant with slender, mostly smooth stems bearing narrow leaves and numerous flower heads with blue-violet to rose (sometimes white) rays surrounding a yellow or reddish central disk. This large aster is abundant in low areas along the coast. There are many color forms, including those with white or rose rays. The species name, Latin for of New Belgium, is from an early name for New York.

Slide 8: A. novi-angliae-Where the New England aster (Aster novae-angliae) is hairy, this clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial is hairless. Foliage is deep green. This aster does best in sun or part shade where soil is moist, fertile, and well-cultivated. Grows to 4 feet tall and spreads to 3 feet. Divide every second or third year. To encourage bushy growth, cut back by 1/2 in late spring or early summer. Native to eastern North America.

Slide 9: Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke'New England Aster Z:4-8

'THE FINEST ASTER IN MEMORY', is how it's often described. It's astonishing STUNNING rose pink color is vivid w/out being hot & with no trace of violet. Cut back by 1/2 in June for compactness. Keep well-watered. Prune to ground in winter. Divide every 2-3 years. Needs no staking.

Soil: Ave. to moist, fertile H: 42-48" W: 24-36" B/M: Rose pink/ 9-Frost

Slide 10: Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae 'Honeysong Pink' New England Aster Z:4-8

An abundance of yellow-centered, daisy-like flowers from a cultivar descended from the American species. This one is a clear pink. Excellent cut flower. Cut back by 1/2 in June to keep compact. Keep well-watered. Prune back to ground in winter. Divide every 2-3 years

Soil: Ave. to moist, fertile H: 36-42" W: B/M: Pink/ 9-10

Purple Pixie:is a new cultivar and at 9” to 11” tall stays small enough for container and other small gardens. The fragrant violet blue flower is smaller than the species, but like its relative attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and makes an excellent cut flower.

The mounding plant grows best in full sun and well draining soil. Especially because this plant tolerates summer heat, containers with Stokes' Aster should be watered daily. Stokes’ Asters are low maintenance plants but deadheading should be done to encourage reblooming and maintaining a neat appearance.

Roter Stern:This New England aster cultivar grows to only 12-15" tall with a low, bushy-branching habit. Features a profuse bloom of rose-red daisy-like asters (to 1.5" diameter) which typically cover the foliage mound with bloom in early fall. No staking is required. Flowers are attractive to butterflies. The German cultivar name of 'Roter Stern' is sometimes translated by nurseries and sold as 'Red Star'.Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun

Slide 11:Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'New England Aster Z:4-8

The first TRUE DWARF in the New England Asters. Perfect 1" flowers of bright purple in such profusion that they completely cover the plant. Cut back by 1/2 in late June for compactness. Keep well-watered. Divide every 2-3 years. Prune to the ground in winter. Mildew resistant.

Slide 12. Blue Lagoon:Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun.This dwarf New England aster cultivar typically grows 15-28" tall and up to 2.5' wide with a low, bushy habit. Features a profuse bloom of clear blue, daisy-like flowers (to 1.5" across) which can entirely cover the plant with bloom from mid summer to early fall. No staking is required. Attractive to butterflies.

Peter Harrison: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. This dwarf cultivar typically grows 15-18" tall and up to 2' wide with a low, bushy habit. Features a profuse bloom of pink flowers (to 1.5" across) which can entirely cover the plant with bloom from mid-August until early October. No staking is required. Attractive to butterflies.

Slide 13: Aster laevis 'Bluebird' SmoothAster

Long-lasting, LATE 3/8" blooms medium violet blue with bright yellow central disks born on stems w/ 2-4" long, slender smooth leaves. Mildew resistant. The Mount Cuba Center for Piedmont Flora introduced this aster for its beauty & its tolerance of a range of conditions. NO STAKING needed.

Soil: Any but wet H: 40" W: 24" B/M: Medium Violet blue/ 8-9

Slide 14: aster Oblongifolious:Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.Aromatic aster is a Missouri native plant that typically occurs on limestone glades, slopes, prairies and dry open ground. A bushy, stiff, compact, low-growing plant with hairy stems. Typically grows 1-2' (infrequently to 3') tall and features small, daisy-like flowers (1" across) with violet blue rays and yellow center disks. Rigid, toothless, oblong, blue-green leaves (to 4" long) are, as the common name suggests, fragrant when crushed. Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.

Slide 15:Symphyotrichum (Aster) oblongifolium 'October Skies'Aromatic Aster Zone:3-8

This is a terrific Aster with single ray flowers, aromatic foliage blooming for weeks and weeks in late summer to mid Fall. This rhizomatous plant is a low-growing and bushy, making mounds of dark foliage with dark, sky blue blooms and does not want poorly drained soil. 1" blooms with yellow centers literally smother the foliage when in bloom. The name? Supposedly the sky is deeper blue in October than any other month! This plants celebrates the deeper blue of the October Sky.

Soil: Well-drained H: 18-24" W: 18-24" B/M: Dark Sky Blue/ 8-10

Slide 16: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils including moderately dry ones. Plants grown in part shade or in rich, moist soils tend to flop and need support. Plants grown in drier soils will grow shorter, but often less vigorously with inferior flowering. If support becomes an issue, plant stems may be pinched or cut back by 1/3, in somewhat the same way as with many asters, in late spring to early summer to reduce plant height and minimize support needs. Slowly spreads by creeping rhizomes. Easily grown from seed.

Boltonia (also commonly called false aster) is a tall, rhizomatous perennial which is native to the eastern U.S. and typically occurs in wet prairies, wet meadows, marshes, stream banks and pond peripheries. Linear, lance-shaped, grayish-green leaves (to 5" long) on erect, usually branching stems growing to 6' tall. Tiny, white, 3/4" daisies (white rays with yellow center disks) in loose panicles literally cover this aster-like plant with a profuse bloom from late summer to early autumn.

Slide 17: Boltonia and Purple Dome aster

Slide 18: Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides: 6-10 inches tallThis plant is most often grown as a groundcover or edging plant along the front of a border. Foliage makes a low green mound through the summer, bursting into colour in August, when the brilliant blue starry flowers appear. As summer turns to fall, the whole plant begins to turn shades of bright scarlet and finally maroon red. Allow it room to spread, as plants want to form a patch by making underground stolons. In Zones 5 to 6 plants should be mulched in late fall for winter protection. Very late to come up in the spring, so be patient. Attractive to butterflies. Tolerates heat and humidity.

Slide 19: TurtleheadBest grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in sunny areas. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required.This species of turtlehead is a stiffly erect, clump-forming, leafy-stemmed, Missouri native perennial which typically grows 2-3' tall and occurs in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams mostly in the southeastern part of the State. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, white flowers with a tinge of pink appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into autumn. Flowers purportedly resemble turtle heads. Coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.

Slide 20:Turtlehead-Best grown in medium to wet, rich, humusy soils in full sun to part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in full sun areas. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need me support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form large clumps. May self-seed in moist soils.This species of turtlehead (sometimes called pink turtlehead) is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous plant which typically grows 2-4' tall on stiff, square stems and is native to the southern Appalachians. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, clear pink flowers (to 1" long) appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into fall. Flowers purportedly resemble the heads of open-mouthed turtles. Coarsely-toothed, ovate to broad-lanceolate, dark green leaves (to 6" long).

Slide 21: Autumn Crocus- Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant corms 3" deep and 6" apart in August for bloom the same year in fall. If necessary, dig and divide during the mid-summer dormant period.Autumn crocus is so named because most varieties bloom in fall (some bloom in late summer however). Plants send up somewhat unattractive foliage (4-6 dark green leaves) in spring that gradually yellows and dies by summer when the plants go dormant. Naked flower stems rise from the ground to 6-10" tall in fall bearing pink to lavender-pink star-shaped flowers. Some double-flowered hybrid cultivars are available. Spring crocus is in the iris family, but fall crocus is either placed in the lily family or in its own family (Colchicaceae).

Crocus: spring

Slide 22-26 Various mums

Slide 27: Miscanthus gracillimus Sedum-Autumn Joy, Cardoon

Slide 28: Blooms of Echinacea Harvest Moon™ offer a lively combination of golden yellow petals surrounding a cone of golden orange. The big (4in), fragrant flower heads hold their colors atop thick stems ideal for bouquets. These plants are hardy and vigorous and will produce up to 30 blooms once established. 'Matthew Saul' PP 17,652

Echinacea, a North American genus in the Daisy family, has big, bright flowers that appear from late June until frost. Plants thrive in average soils or hot, dry conditions and shrug off cold. Blooms last well cut or dried, and the seeds in the large cone at the heart of the flower head provide nourishment for birds. We offer exciting new hybrids and excellent strains of Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a rugged species that is native from Iowa and Ohio to Louisiana and Georgia. Equally at home in formal borders or cottage gardens.

Slide 29:Joe Pye WeedEasily grown in average, medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile, humusy soils which do not dry out. Cut plants to the ground in late winter. Best propagated by stem cuttings. This species generally grows better in open woodland areas than E. purpureum subsp. maculatum (see B826) which generally likes moister soils.Joe Pye weed is a tall Missouri native perennial that occurs in low moist ground, wooded slopes, wet meadows and thickets and stream margins throughout the State (Steyermark). It is an erect, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 4-7’ tall and features coarsely-serrated, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 12” long) in whorls of 3-4 on sturdy green stems with purplish leaf nodes. Tiny, vanilla-scented, dull pinkish-purple flowers in large, terminal, domed, compound inflorescences bloom in mid-summer to early fall. Each flower cluster typically has 5-7 florets. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Flowers give way to attractive seed heads which persist well into winter.