By Chris Winslow
The cooler temperatures of October bring out some beautiful fall color from a number of perennials that just seem to flourish and thrive in our central Texas region.
Chrysanthemums for example – from the aster family – come in a vast array of colors, are easy to grow, and return year after year.
Breaking dormancy in the spring, ’mums will grow to 2 x 2 feet during the spring and summer and will set bud during the shortening days of fall. Some will show color by late September while others bloom through October into November.
A sunny, well drained location with ample compost and slow release organic fertilizer are needed for ’mums to excel. One of my favorites is country girl. The combination of silvery foliage with deep golden flowers is awesome!
Frikarti Asters (also known as ‘monch asters’) grow to the same size as ’mums and have lavender-blue flowers. Grown under the same conditions, they add their pretty color to our landscapes without any fuss.
Both ’mums and asters also provide an opportunity for a welcome late feeding for traveling butterflies and bees.
Another showy group is the genus Salvia. Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) puts on a huge display of purple and white flowers on plants with silver like foliage with white stems.
Pineapple sage (Salvia rutilens) has deep scarlet flowers, and hummingbirds love ’em!
There are two perennials in the marigold family that strut their stuff in the fall. Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida), also known as Texas tarragon, produces small yellow flowers on anise-scented foliage.
Copper Canyon daisy (Tagetes lemonii) displays larger daisy-like flowers on some very aromatic foliage. This plant blooms late October through November.
Both of these perennial marigolds, along with the salvias, are deer-proof.
American Beautyberry is another fun fall perennial to consider adding to your garden. Found in the woods around Austin and throughout east Texas, this deciduous native shrub blooms in the spring with white flowers, followed in the fall with a display of clusters of startling purple (and sometimes white) berries clinging to the branches.
Beautyberry loves shade to part sun and needs some supplemental watering. The berries are popular with the birds and can disappear before you know it.
Take a drive in the Hill Country as the days get cooler. Some of fall’s colorful secrets can be found along the roadside. Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a gardening question, send it to me via email: [email protected]. (Please put ‘Ask Chris Winslow’ in the subject line.) Or mail your letter or postcard to: Ask Chris Winslow. It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748
