It’s time for snowdrops and hellebores, and fresh new shoots of other early bloomers poking out of the soil–so who wants to contemplate the end of the gardening season when the new one has hardly begun? The thing is, having interesting things to look at in fall requires some forethought. It can take a while to track down some of the gems of the autumn garden, because they’re often not readily available in garden centers during the usual spring shopping frenzy. And if you wait until fall to plant them, then you’ve missed out their other interesting features earlier on. But if you start hunting for them now, and get them into the ground in the next few months, they’ll have plenty of time to get settled in and make a good show for you as the growing season draws to a close.
I have so many fall favorites that it’s tough to whittle down the list, but I’ve done my best to select some that you may not have considered before. To give you a head start, I’ve supplied a couple of online sources for each, based on the results of a Google search. I don’t have any connection to or personal experience with any of these nurseries. (I suggest checking out any potential source on Garden Watchdog before ordering.)
Three Late, Late Bloomers
There’s no shortage of flowers for fall, and they’re all welcome for fresh color at a time when many plants are on the decline. The three I’ve chosen here are particularly late to open, usually peaking in mid- to late October here in southeastern PA.
Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the trunks of seven-sons tree (Heptacodium miconioides) [October 28, 2006]Unlike our native asters, which have been reclassified into a number of other genera, Tatarian aster is still an Aster: specifically, Aster tataricus. The general consensus seems to be that the species reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, but listed heights for the “dwarf” selection ‘Jindai’ are anywhere from 3 to 6 feet. I suspect that most places sell the cultivar, even if they list it as the species. I’ve had what is supposedly ‘Jindai’ reach 7 feet tall in rich, moist soil and divisions from those same plants consistently reach 3 to 5 feet tall just a few hundred feet away, in drier conditions.
Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the airy seedheads of ‘Dallas Blues’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and the spiky seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) [October 4, 2012]Even within one patch, the stem heights can vary widely. You’ll just have to try it for yourself and see how it performs in your particular conditions, but it’s fair to assume it’s a back-of-the-border plant pretty much anywhere it’s hardy (generally Zones 3 to 9).
Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with fall-colored ‘The Blues’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 5, 2009]Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa), orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida), ‘Cassian’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and ‘Cloud Nine’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum), and fall-colored ‘The Blues’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) [October 6, 2012]You also need to be aware that it spreads to form broad patches, so it’s a not a good choice for a small garden or a tightly controlled formal border.
Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) against the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) [October 14, 2014]Where Tatarian aster really shines is in combinations with late-flowering or fall-colored deciduous shrubs and trees, or paired with tall, warm-season ornamental grasses, such as switch grasses (Panicum).
Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the fresh yellow umbels of a golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia) that had been cut back after its first bloom; the lavender-blue flowers of aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) in full flower; and the nearly finished, deeper purple flowers of ‘Hella Lacy’ New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) against the yellow fall foliage of golden locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) [October 12, 2009]Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrumnutans) and ‘Dallas Blues’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum) [October 5, 2013]In this part of Pennsylvania, Tatarian aster usually starts flowering in the first or second week or October and continues until late October, or even well into November if we don’t get a hard freeze. I often see it loaded with bees and butterflies, as it’s usually one of the very last flowers in bloom.
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) is another gem for tall, mid-fall flowers. Though it’s among the last perennials to bloom, it’s among the first to send up new leaves in spring.
New shoots of azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [March 30, 2011]The deeply lobed leaves start out tinged with red but quickly turn bright green as the spring progresses.
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with hybrid hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus), Pseudosylvilagus simulans, and Ova paschalis [April 10, 2009]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with false goat’s beard (Astilbe biternata) [May 26, 2005]Finally, the hooded blooms open in late September to early October. They are usually a rich purple-blue, but the intensity can vary.
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with ‘Taurus’ mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 10, 2011]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Canna indica ‘Purpurea’ and great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) [October 10, 2011]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [October 10, 2010]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]They are distinctive among the more common reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, browns, and blacks of the season.
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against fall-colored Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) [October 10, 2011]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with goldenrod (Solidago) against a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) [October 10, 2011]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with a light pink New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 9, 2011]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) [October 5, 2013]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) [September 29, 2010]Like Tatarian aster, azure monkshood is tall enough to show off well against fall-colored trees, shrubs, and grasses. It’s much less vigorous than that other late bloomer, though: never a thug.
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against ‘Heavy Metal’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum) [October 12, 2010]Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Redwing American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum ‘J. N. Select’) and Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 28, 2005]
Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with ‘Heavy Metal’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum), Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), and cutleaf smooth sumac (Rhus glabra ‘Laciniata’) [October 12, 2010]There’s distinct variation in the height descriptions of plants sold as Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ or Arendsii Group: Some say 2 to 4 feet, some say 3 to 4 feet, and others claim 5 to 6 feet, which is about how tall mine get. You may have to try a few plant or seed sources or experiment with different planting sites if you want a particular height range. A couple of plant sources include Digging Dog Nursery and White Flower Farm; for seeds, try Plant World Seeds.
My third pick from the late bloomers is a short one: ‘Ozawa’ japanese onion (Allium thunbergii). At about 9 inches tall in flower, this one is small enough–and well-behaved enough–to fit into pretty much any garden.
‘Ozawa’ Japanese onion (Allium thunbergii) with a leaf of ghost bramble (Rubus thibetanus) [October 10, 2010]It’s always a surprise to see the purplish pink flowers open in October, since the plant is easy to overlook during the growing season. In fact, its clumps of slender leaves look so much like weedy wild onion that you may want to leave its label nearby so you don’t pull it out accidentally. Which…um…explains why I don’t have this plant growing here right at the moment. I plan to reacquire it as soon as possible, though. A few sources that currently have it available include Klehm’s Song Sparrow, Lazy S’s Farm, and Quackin’ Grass Nursery.
Another ornamental feature of ‘Ozawa’ Japanese onion is the rich orange fall color of the foliage (just starting to develop in the shot below). Pink and orange together during the growing season can be a little jarring, but at this time of the season, any last bits of color are welcome.
‘Ozawa’ Japanese onion (Allium thunbergii) against the fall color of Dakota Goldcharm spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Mertyann’) with ‘Angelina’ sedum (Sedum rupestre) and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana) [October 24, 2010]
Three for Seedheads or Berries
Oh, how to choose from among the many superb seedheads? Well, one that’s a particular favorite of mine comes from a perennial that’s also beautiful earlier in the growing season: tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa).
The common name isn’t elegant, but the plant is, with tall stems that carry whorls of lavender-pink flowers for a few weeks in early summer.
Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with ‘Gerald Darby’ iris (Iris x robusta) [June 1, 2006]Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa ‘Radcon’) [June 6, 2013]Once the flowers are finished, it can be tempting to trim off the spent stems, especially when they’re turning brown just as other colors are heating up in midsummer.
Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [June 25, 2013]Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [July 13, 2011]But if you can keep your clippers off them, I think you too would enjoy their striking form in your late-summer and autumn garden, with tall grasses, fall-colored foliage, late-flowering partners, and other striking seedheads.
Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [August 12, 2011]Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [August 27, 2009]Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and goldenrod (Solidago) [September 29, 2010]Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) and orange coneflower (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) seedheads against fall-colored ‘Skyracer’ purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea var. arundinacea) and Japanese emperor oak (Quercus dentata) [November 1, 2013]You can find plants of tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage at Bluestone Perennials and Digging Dog Nursery, among other places. (I started out with ‘Amazone’, but it has seeded very lightly, and I can’t tell any difference between them and the cultivar.)
If you’re not into appreciating seedheads, perhaps the beautyberries (Callicarpa) would be more to your liking. I’ve tried a few of these deciduous shrubs here and have the best luck with the species C. dichotoma. I cut it back to about 4 inches every spring, and it fills out to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide by fall: a nice size for a mixed border or foundation planting.
‘Issai’ purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), Euphorbia nicaeensis, aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), and ironweed (Vernonia) seedheads [October 8, 2012]Clustered flowers appear along the current year’s growth in mid- to late summer. They’re pretty but not wow-inspiring.
‘Issai’ purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in bloom with annual mallow (Lavatera trimestris) [August 6, 2014]The berries are the best ornamental feature: hence the name “beautyberry.” (And say, yes, you can eat some of these purple berries, at least of some species, according to Eat the Weeds. That article does say that C. dichotoma berries are too bitter to eat, but I’ve eaten them and am still alive.)
The fruits of ‘Early Amethyst’ usually color up in early fall, while ‘Issai’ is at its purplicious peak here in late September, October, and November.
‘Issai’ purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 8, 2012]There’s also a white-fruited version of C. dichotoma, sold as ‘Albifructus’ or C. dichotoma f. albifructa.
White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) with frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) [October 10, 2010]While the berries of C. dichotoma are still doing their thing, the leaves develop their yellow fall color, adding even more to the seasonal show.
‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) fall color [October 22, 2013]‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color with ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 24, 2011]‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color with the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 28, 2005]‘Spring Gold’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) and southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia) in fall color [October 11, 2011]Once the leaves drop, the berries are even more visible…
‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) and Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) in fall color [November 1, 2013]‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) [November 17, 2007]…and they can linger well into winter. That’s a lot of return from a relatively small shrub!
White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [December 31, 2011]‘Issai’ Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) [February 5, 2014]Almost Eden and Lazy S’s Farm currently list C. dichotoma ‘Issai’; Forestfarm carries both ‘Issai’ and f. albifructus.
Another of my favorite multi-season shrubs is ‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus trifoliata or Citrus trifoliata). The curiously contorted and wickedly thorny stems carry an abundance of white flowers in late spring.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in bloom [May 1, 2008]As the flowers finish, ‘Flying Dragon’ becomes a study in green, with glossy leaves, green stems, and rounded fruits.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [May 9, 2014]‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [August 30, 2010]: the plant is usually still in full leaf at this pointIt begins to grab attention again in mid- to late September, when the fruits ripen through yellowish green to rich yellow.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) ripe fruit [October 18, 2012]‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 18, 2008]The fruits are edible but not tasty–they’re mostly seeds, anyway–so there’s no need to plan for access for harvesting. It’s best to keep ‘Flying Dragon’ toward the middle or back of a bed or border, where it can mingle with other late-season beauties without snagging passersby.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with ‘Sheffield Pink’ mum (Chrysanthemum), New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), ‘Dali Marble’ burnet (Sanguisorba), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 17, 2015]‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), ‘Harrington’s Pink’ New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [September 26, 2010]As the season winds down, the leaves also develop yellow fall color.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia), and Rozanne hardy geranium (Geranium ‘Gerwat’) [October 4, 2015]‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in fall color [November 1, 2013]The fruits usually drop as fall draws to a close but sometimes the linger into early winter, providing extra interest to the green winter stems.
‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in winter [December 16, 2007]Two sources for ‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange include RareFind Nursery and Quackin’ Grass Nursery. Be aware that the species is considered invasive in some areas, so check that out before you decide to add this plant to your landscape.
Three for Fall Color
Shrubs and trees for autumn color changes? Sure, there a lots of them. Herbaceous perennials? Yep, some terrific fall foliage there as well. Annuals for lovely late-season leaves? Not too many. There are ornamental cabbages and kales, of course, usually sold in pots for use as fall fillers in borders and pots, but they often look like afterthoughts. ‘Redbor’ kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group) is a variety normally sold as an edible, but it’s beautiful enough to earn a place in beds and mixed borders through the growing season.
‘Redbor’ kale seedlings [March 23, 2009]The young plants have purple stems, with green leaves that usually are tinged with purple (more green if the weather is hot, more purple if it’s on the cooler side).
‘Redbor’ kale with winecups (Callirhoe involucrata) [June 22, 2007]‘Redbor’ kale with ‘Sedona’ coleus [July 1, 2005]‘Redbor’ kale with ‘Nona’s Garnet Spider’ daylily (Hemerocallis) [July 15, 2005]‘Redbor’ kale with ‘Profusion Orange’ zinnia, ‘Ruby Tuesday’ helenium (Helenium), ‘AngelMist Deep Plum’ angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), and Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’) [July 22, 2014]As the season progresses and temperatures are consistently cooler, the purple becomes more intense.
‘Redbor’ kale with spigarello (Italian leaf broccoli) [October 18, 2009]‘Redbor’ kale against fall-colored Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’) [November 13, 2014]‘Redbor’ kale with ‘Golden Arrow’ mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 22, 2013]The strongly upright stems can easily reach 2 to 3 feet by the end of the season–even taller in rich soil. Even a single plant can be an interesting accent; a grouping can be quite striking.
‘Redbor’ kale with ‘Profusion Orange’ zinnia and Amorphophallus konjac [October 4, 2008]‘Redbor’ kale with ‘African Blue’ basil (Ocimum) [October 4, 2008]‘Redbor’ kale with bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’), ‘Redina’ lettuce’, ‘Gallery Singer’ dahlia, and ‘Wine Sparkler’ celosia [October 8, 2008]Like many other outstanding fall plants, ‘Redbor’ kale can also look good into winter.
‘Redbor’ kale [December 8, 2007]Technically a biennial, it occasionally overwinters for me and flowers the second year. Usually, though, either the wet causes it to rot, or the wild bunnies get it first.
For perennial fall color–and earlier interest too–consider the Bowman’s roots (Porteranthus or Gillenia). Native mainly to the eastern half of the U.S., this under-appreciated genus probably won’t ever grace a catalog cover, as it’s not an in-your-face sort of beauty. It’s not simply a “filler” plant, though. The dainty white flowers bloom in early summer: charming in some shade and even more abundant in sunnier sites. The effect is something like that of baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata)–nice for those of us with acid soil, where baby’s breath can be a bit sulky.
American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Little Henry Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Sprich’) and bearsfoot hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) [June 12, 2010]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with larkspur (Consolida ajacis) and ‘Cramers’ Plum’ love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) [June 14, 2008]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa ‘Radcon’), Golden Spirit smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Ancot’), and ‘Brookside’ hardy geranium (Geranium) [June 24, 2014]During the summer, it’s just green, but the leaves are pleasing for their fine texture. I particularly like the lacy look of American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus). As fall approaches, the developing fall color of its leaves and small seedheads catches the eye again. The foliage can range from maroon to rich shades of red and orange.
American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 9, 2013]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with ‘Harmony’ mum (Chrysanthemum), ‘Frau Dagmar’ rose, ‘Cassian’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), ‘Saratoga’ ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), and Spanish flag (Mina lobata) [September 30, 2013]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color [October 10, 2011]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) and ‘Dallas Blues’ switch grass (Panicumvirgatum) in fall color with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) seedheads and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 11, 2011]American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 12, 2010]Two sources of American ipecac plants are Prairie Moon Nursery and Sunlight Gardens.
And last, a selection of another native: ‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia). (Well, I say “native”…depending on which source you believe, the species is native to eastern Asia, or the Pacific Northwest, or various other areas in the U.S. and Canada.) Whatever its origin, it’s cute in bloom, forming a dense mound practically smothered with clusters of white flowers.
‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) with ‘Caesar’s Brother’ Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) [May 23, 2014]As with the Bowman’s roots, it’s easy to overlook ‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea in summer; it’s just a dense mound of foliage typically 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. But oh, wait until autumn, when the grayish green leaves take on vibrant yellows, oranges, golds, reds, and purples. Each year, the colors are a bit different, but the effect is always spectacular.
‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 26, 2012]‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with Sedum alboroseum ‘Mediovariegatum’ [October 13, 2014]‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 21, 2012]‘Tor’ birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with asters (Symphyotrichum), Sedum alboroseum ‘Mediovariegatum’, golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia), and yellow false indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) [October 13, 2014]A couple of sources for this beautiful and adaptable deciduous shrub include Lazy S’s Farm and Quackin’ Grass Nursery.
Well, that’s enough to be going on for this fall, I think! I hope you found a few things of interest on the list. One more thing: today (March 1, 2016) is the last day for the giveaway to win a copy of The Perennial Matchmaker at Goodreads. Good luck to all of you who have entered!
Always love your combo ideas, believe it or not I have monkshood already up in my garden! Shock. This is definitely making up for last spring when I still had snow on the gardens till the 1st week of May!! Love to get some of those beautyberries, must research them to see if they are hardy for me. Leave lots of native asters in my garden, love their late colour with grasses and rudbeckia. And your Cramer’s Plum Nigella is still self seeding in my gardens, everyone wonders what it is and goes away with seed! Spread the love! Will be doing that larkspur idea with it this year. Thanks as always! TTFN…Sue
Wow, Sue–your monkshood even beat mine. You certainly deserve an early start to spring this year. It’s great to hear that you are sharing that nigella, too!
-Nan
Great plant selection, Nancy! I love alliums and don’t have Ozawa. My current new fav is Millennium. Got it from Gilbert & Wild. Do you provide extra water to your monkshood? I thought Aconitum needed extra moisture and part shade. Looks like I could try it in other locations. I also see the shredded umbrella which I am using as a shade plant, that I could try in other spots. Do you start your kale indoors? I bought some seed this spring and haven’t done anything with it yet. Mad a nursery bed this past fall so have room to try out lots of ideas. Happy spring! HellofromMD
Hey, Nancy! No, I don’t water the monkshood. It seeds around and comes up where it wants to. Some of the plants are in full sun, others get some shade part of the day from taller partners. Same with my shredded umbrella plants: several are in full sun, while a few get some shade from mid-afternoon on. I usually do start the kale in a pot, either indoors or out in March or April, so I can move the seedlings to individual pots in April and then plant them out in May, once I know where I want them. Have fun with your new nursery bed; you did yourself a big favor, making a place for experiments!
-Nan
Now this is the type of bunny I want in my garden.
Heh – yeah, I could tolerate a few more of those myself. You get the cute factor without the aggravation.
-Nan
Barbara Dashwoood
Your posts are always a pleasure, Nan. Lots of interest to chew over. I think I’ll give Redbor a go. Thanks and loved the bunny shot, too. Barbara, Victoria, BC
Hi Barbara. Another good thing about ‘Redbor’ is that the purple leaf color makes it easy to spot green cabbageworms (I don’t know if they’re a problem where you are, but they sure are here). Hope you enjoy growing it as much as I have.
-Nan
While only a few of these plants are probably suitable to my climate, Nan, you’ve provided an important reminder to plan ahead. Even after the hot, dry summers in Southern California, it’s possible to plan for fall interest.
Sorry about that, Kris; I know the favorites that do well in my Pennsylvania conditions don’t translate well to your climate. You do well with your own beauties, though!
-Nan
Nora
Without doubt, yours are some of the most seductive images out there! I want to try EVERYTHING–or die trying. But in the meantime, I will delight in my hellebores and snowdrops–TONS of snowdrops. :-) Thanks so much for the morning lift!
Thanks for stopping by today, Nora. It was a treat to catch up with you at the Linden Hill chat room too!
-Nan
Julia Hofley
I LOVE how you inspire us all to walk on the wild side in our own gardens Nan and “see” them differently. I have many of the plants you mention, but your descriptions make me look forward to seeing them again in fall with a different perspective. Maybe doing some rearranging… The dwindling Autumn garden here in Michigan is one way I cope with the long winter ahead of writing and lecturing about gardening, but not able to do it. Along with the ‘Sheffield’ Mum, I am crazy for the Global Warming Chrysanthemum series in this cast of garden characters as they are beefy, big and oh, so floriferous with giant flowers that are fragrant that add punch to the airiness of the other plants around them. Like pictured in your blog, the last plants blooming that have a city full of bees and butterflies hugging them for dear life. I’m looking forward to sowing seed you so generously sent this spring in our garden~Thank you!
Ah, the endless opportunities for splendid combinations. That’s really interesting about those mums; I’ll have to look into them. Sinclair Adam Jr. has developed many terrific plants, so I have no doubt these are equally worthy. May you enjoy an abundance of seedlings this spring, Julia!
-Nan
Nan, what an inspiring post! Too many beautiful images for me to decide which I want as my desktop backdrop. The images of the ice-encapsulated fruits are particularly captivating! Thank you for so many inspiring combinations!
Sorry to provide too many choices, Sarah (but not *very* sorry)! Freezing rain is no fun if you have to go somewhere, but it certainly does make for fantastic photo opportunities.
-Nan
Thanks so much for this great post, Nan. I was just in the process of working on a garden design and stuck for some clever ideas for fall bloomers. You came to my rescue. I love the look of the Allium thunbergii and the fact that it blooms so late in the season. Perfect to stick into my design. And the kale is a great idea as well. Much appreciated.
You just made my day, Marge; it’s super to hear that! I think you’ll really enjoy both plants.
-Nan
More great plants to consider adding to my garden!! I was inspired by you last year and planted some ironweed and burnet in the fall.
I am worried that they may not have survived the winter. I gently moved some of the dirt aside from the root ball and can see no sign of life in them. I assumed they would work well in my Central Virginia garden since it’s the same zone as yours.
I won’t give up hope just yet and will reorder if they died. Maybe a spring planting will suit them better.
Thanks for sharing your experience and inspiring photos, Nan!
Hi Debbie! Generally, yeah, I think spring planting suits late bloomers better–especially burnets, which seem to do best here when moved before they start new growth, in late winter to early spring. You’re right to hold onto hope, though. I’ve noticed that ironweed crowns can be very deep (several inches below the surface) and slow to sprout. The depth makes digging them out a challenge, but it’s good for supporting those tall sturdy stems, I guess!
-Nan
Eric Sternfels
Brilliant post, Nan! I so appreciate the multiple images of the selected plants. You’ve demonstrated with arresting images how different the same plant appears by the season, the daylight, the neighboring species, year to year. How rare for us to see this dynamic nature of plants illustrated so effectively! The Aconitum is a great case in point, alternately appearing true blue, periwinkle or soft lavender…blooms heavy and clustered, or open and subtle. And how wonderful to see the aesthetic progression of plants through the season like the Phlomis. And lastly, your ice covered photos (ohhh that Callicarpa!) really will make me run for a camera next time that icing up is followed by some sunshine (hopefully not this year, though!)
Oh noooo…no more ice for us this year! It’s kind of you to say that you enjoy the multiple images of each plant. I too think it’s fascinating how a single clump can look so different. It’s very difficult choosing just a few images of each.
-Nan
ShelleyB05
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your posts. I especially appreciate seeing first growth to end of the season transformation. I love the close up pics and the ones from farther back to see more of the grouping.
I feel like I rack my brain trying to include fall color but don’t know where to put it, not knowing how it will perform through the other seasons.I feel like the Autumn colors will be my personal reward for all my Spring and Summer hours spent in the dirt. By the time late August arrives, my attentions are turned to other things and my season is over (other than planting spring bulbs and end of season cleanup). Fall happens by itself and tells me to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. I just need to know where to place the cast members!
What I wouldn’t give to have your brain on my little patch of land for just a few days….(sigh)…if only. I am starting a design for an Illinois HOT GARDEN in hopes of a summer and fall display (the Spring show will be left to other areas), and I hope to add some of your suggestions into the mix.
I do have a question. How do you catalog your photos? Are they tagged by plant name, season, year or/and area? Or do you put in folders??
Thank you for all your tips and for sharing so much of your beautiful space.
Your thoughtful comments mean so much, Shelley. I agree that much of the joy of a fall display is that it can “just happen”–as long as you have a few special plants in place. I do love asters, and mums are nice too, but I really appreciate the perennials and shrubs that look good in other seasons too, so you’re not giving up a lot of garden space for just one season. Holding off on deadheading in summer is also key: some grooming, of course, but putting up with a bit of meh” during the flowers-to-seedheads transition can really pay off later in the season.
As far as the photos: My camera automatically adds the date and technical info (focus, shutter speed, and other stuff I never look at). I spend a lot of time adding more useful tags: the botanical names, mostly, and the part of the garden, if that’s relevant, and sometimes other features such as backlighting, or colors, or ornaments. I explain more about that in Putting Words to Pictures. It takes me all winter to catch up with everything I shoot during the growing season, but it’s worth every second. There’s no way I could do most of these posts if I had to go through tens of thousands of photos each time! I highly recommend giving tagging a try.
-Nan
Such an excellent post. I was just thinking about writing how the garden changes throughout the year and which plants are standouts. I grow some of these favorites like the tartarian aster (wonderful), Redbor kale (again splendid) and Japanese beautyberry (I don’t know the cultivar. It was given to me as a stick.) That beautyberry is always the highlight of my garden and more delicate than my American ones. I love them too though. I wonder if I could grow aconitum? I’m thinking about this. Also wondering where to find room. That’s becoming more of a problem these days. Hope all is well in your world. The hellebores, daffodils, leucojum, pansies and violas say hi from Oklahoma. ~~Dee
Hello back to all of you, from your counterparts in PA! We’ve been having June-like weather here, so fall doesn’t seem as far away as it otherwise might. I have a feeling that the monkshood might not be happy in your conditions; I think our summers are getting a bit too hot for it even here. But, it could be worth a try. It really doesn’t take up much ground space, since it’s very vertical.
-Nan
sandy arnold
Great combinations and photography. I have started photographing my garden.Can’t wait to buy your perennial matchmaker book. I lost my gardens at the shore to winterstorm Jonas (4′ of salt water).As a gardener I am optimistic I can replant and some of my gardening friends have offered to divide some of their plants for me. Your website means even more to me as I dream of rebuilding the gardens,
Sandy
Sounds like you have a busy year ahead of you, Sandy! Since you are taking photographs now, maybe you’d consider starting a blog? It’s a terrific format for keeping track of progress, and I have no doubt that others would benefit from your experiences. Best of luck to you!
-Nan
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Welcome to Hayefield Seeds
I am passionate about collecting and growing seeds. In the links below, you can find out more about why I started my own one-person seed company and how it works. The library page is a collection of articles I've written on seed-related topics.
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!['Spring Gold' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color [October 11, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-spring-gold-fall-color-3.jpg?ssl=1 "'Spring Gold' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color [October 11, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the trunks of seven-sons tree (Heptacodium miconioides) [October 28, 2006]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-heptacodium-bark-mid-nov-06.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the trunks of seven-sons tree (Heptacodium miconioides) [October 28, 2006]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the airy seedheads of 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and the spiky seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) [October 4, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-15.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the airy seedheads of 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and the spiky seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) [October 4, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with fall-colored 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 5, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-18.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with fall-colored 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 5, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa), orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida), 'Cassian' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and 'Cloud Nine' switch grass (Panicum virgatum), and fall-colored 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) [October 6, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-16.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa), orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida), 'Cassian' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and 'Cloud Nine' switch grass (Panicum virgatum), and fall-colored 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) [October 6, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) against the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) [October 14, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-10.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) against the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) [October 14, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the yellow umbels of a golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia) that had been cut back after its first bloom; the fresh lavender-blue flowers of aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), and the nearly finished, deeper purple flowers of 'Hella Lacy' New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-5.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the yellow umbels of a golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia) that had been cut back after its first bloom; the fresh lavender-blue flowers of aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), and the nearly finished, deeper purple flowers of 'Hella Lacy' New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) against the yellow fall foliage of golden locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia') [October 12, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-4.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) against the yellow fall foliage of golden locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia') [October 12, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) [October 5, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-13.jpg?ssl=1 "Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) with the seedheads of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) [October 5, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Monarchs sipping on Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) [October 14, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aster-tataricus-11.jpg?ssl=1 "Monarchs sipping on Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) [October 14, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![New shoots of azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [March 30, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-19.jpg?ssl=1 "New shoots of azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [March 30, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with hybrid hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus), Pseudosylvilagus stufficus, and Ova paschalis [April 10, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-14.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with hybrid hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus), Pseudosylvilagus stufficus, and Ova paschalis [April 10, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with false goat's beard (Astilbe biternata) [May 26, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-21.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) foliage with false goat's beard (Astilbe biternata) [May 26, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with 'Taurus' mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-7.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with 'Taurus' mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Canna indica 'Purpurea' and great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-13.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Canna indica 'Purpurea' and great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-10.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-12.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against fall-colored Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-2.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against fall-colored Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with goldenrod (Solidago) against a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-15.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with goldenrod (Solidago) against a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with a light pink New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 9, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-17.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with a light pink New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) [October 9, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) [October 5, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-22.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) [October 5, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) [September 29, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-3.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with the seedheads of Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) [September 29, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against 'Heavy Metal' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum) [October 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-8.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) against 'Heavy Metal' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum) [October 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Redwing American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum 'J. N. Select') and Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 28, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-viburnum-trilobum-late-october-05.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with Redwing American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum 'J. N. Select') and Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 28, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with 'Heavy Metal' switch grass (Panicum virgatum), Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), and cutleaf smooth sumac (Rhus glabra 'Laciniata') [October 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/aconitum-carmichaelii-6.jpg?ssl=1 "Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group) with 'Heavy Metal' switch grass (Panicum virgatum), Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), and cutleaf smooth sumac (Rhus glabra 'Laciniata') [October 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Ozawa' Japanese onion (Allium thunbergii) with a leaf of ghost bramble (Rubus thibetanus) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/allium-thunbergii-ozawa-2.jpg?ssl=1 "'Ozawa' Japanese onion (Allium thunbergii) with a leaf of ghost bramble (Rubus thibetanus) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Ozawa' Japanese onion (<em>Allium thunbergii</em>) against the fall color of Dakota Goldcharm spirea (<em>Spiraea japonica</em> 'Mertyann') with 'Angelina' sedum (Sedum rupestre) and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana) [October 24, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/allium-thunbergii-ozawa-1.jpg?ssl=1 "'Ozawa' Japanese onion (<em>Allium thunbergii</em>) against the fall color of Dakota Goldcharm spirea (<em>Spiraea japonica</em> 'Mertyann') with 'Angelina' sedum (Sedum rupestre) and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana) [October 24, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with 'Gerald Darby' iris (Iris x robusta) [June 6, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-iris-gerald-darby-berberis-rose-glow.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with 'Gerald Darby' iris (Iris x robusta) [June 6, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Radcon') [June 6, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-9.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Radcon') [June 6, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [June 25, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-10.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [June 25, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [July 13, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-6.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [July 13, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [August 12, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-1.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) [August 12, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [August 27, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-3.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [August 27, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and goldenrod (Solidago) [September 29, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-7.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) with New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and goldenrod (Solidago) [September 29, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) and orange coneflower (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) seedheads against fall-colored 'Skyracer' purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea var. arundinacea) and Japanese emperor oak (Quercus dentata) [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phlomis-tuberosa-amazone-12.jpg?ssl=1 "Tuberous-rooted Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) and orange coneflower (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) seedheads against fall-colored 'Skyracer' purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea var. arundinacea) and Japanese emperor oak (Quercus dentata) [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), Euphorbia nicaeensis, aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), and ironweed (Vernonia) seedheads [October 8, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-12.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), Euphorbia nicaeensis, aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), and ironweed (Vernonia) seedheads [October 8, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in bloom with annual mallow (Lavatera trimestris) [August 6, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/lavatera-trimestris-callicarpa-issai-ondra.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in bloom with annual mallow (Lavatera trimestris) [August 6, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with variegated pokeweed (Phytolacca americana 'Variegata'/'Silberstein') [September 20, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/phytolacca-silberstein-callicarpa-issai-sept-23-05.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with variegated pokeweed (Phytolacca americana 'Variegata'/'Silberstein') [September 20, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) [October 6, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-5.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) [October 6, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 8, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-13.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 8, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-f-albifructa-1.jpg?ssl=1 "White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-f-albifructa-2.jpg?ssl=1 "White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [September 29, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) with frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-albifructus-3.jpg?ssl=1 "White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) with frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) [October 10, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) developing fall color [October 22, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-9.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) developing fall color [October 22, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) developing fall color with 'Rotstrahlbusch' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 24, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-6.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) developing fall color with 'Rotstrahlbusch' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 24, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color with the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 28, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-issai-rudbeckia-fulgida-fulgida-late-october-05.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) in fall color with the seedheads of orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) [October 28, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Spring Gold' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) and southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia) in fall color [October 11, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-spring-gold-fall-color-41.jpg?ssl=1 "'Spring Gold' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) and southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia) in fall color [October 11, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) and Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) in fall color [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-11.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) against Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) and Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) in fall color [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) [November 17, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-nov-17-07.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) with lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) [November 17, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [December 31, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-f-albifructa-4.jpg?ssl=1 "White-fruited purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma f. albifructa) [December 31, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) [February 5, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/callicarpa-dichotoma-issai-18.jpg?ssl=1 "'Issai' Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) [February 5, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in bloom [May 1, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-9.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in bloom [May 1, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [May 9, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc003691.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [May 9, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [August 30, 2010] unripe fruit; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-7.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) [August 30, 2010] unripe fruit; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) ripe fruit [October 18, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-3.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) ripe fruit [October 18, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 18, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-12.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 18, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with 'Sheffield Pink' mum (Chrysanthemum), New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), 'Dali Marble' burnet (Sanguisorba), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 17, 2015]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-16.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with 'Sheffield Pink' mum (Chrysanthemum), New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), 'Dali Marble' burnet (Sanguisorba), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 17, 2015]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), 'Harrington's Pink' New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [September 26, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-4.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), 'Harrington's Pink' New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [September 26, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia), and Rozanne hardy geranium (Geranium 'Gerwat') [October 4, 2015]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-15.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia), and Rozanne hardy geranium (Geranium 'Gerwat') [October 4, 2015]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in fall color [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-19.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in fall color [November 1, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in winter [December 16, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poncirus-trifoliata-flying-dragon-2.jpg?ssl=1 "'Flying Dragon' hardy orange (Poncirus [Citrus] trifoliata) in winter [December 16, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale seedlings [March 23, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-seedlings.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale seedlings [March 23, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with winecups (Callirhoe involucrata) [June 22, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-callirhoe-involucrata-june-22-07.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with winecups (Callirhoe involucrata) [June 22, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with 'Sedona' coleus [July 1, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-coleus-sedona-early-july-05.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'Sedona' coleus [July 1, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with 'Nona's Garnet Spider' daylily (Hemerocallis) [July 15, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-hemerocallis-nonas-spider-eupatorium-bronze-fennel.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'Nona's Garnet Spider' daylily (Hemerocallis) [July 15, 2005]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![Kale Redbor 'Redbor' kale with 'Profusion Orange' zinnia, 'Ruby Tuesday' helenium (Helenium), 'AngelMist Deep Plum' angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), and Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon') [July 22, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-12.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'Profusion Orange' zinnia, 'Ruby Tuesday' helenium (Helenium), 'AngelMist Deep Plum' angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), and Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon') [July 22, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with spigarello (Italian leaf broccoli) [October 18, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-1.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with spigarello (Italian leaf broccoli) [October 18, 2009]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale against fall-colored Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon') [November 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-10.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale against fall-colored Mellow Yellow spirea (Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon') [November 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with 'Golden Arrow' mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 22, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'Golden Arrow' mountain fleeceflower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) [October 22, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with 'Profusion Orange' zinnia, and Amorphophallus konjac [October 4, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-with-zinnia-profusion-orange.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'Profusion Orange' zinnia, and Amorphophallus konjac [October 4, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with 'African Blue' basil (Ocimum) [October 4, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-9.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with 'African Blue' basil (Ocimum) [October 4, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale with bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'), 'Redina' lettuce', 'Gallery Singer' dahlia, and 'Wine Sparkler' celosia [October 8, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-5.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale with bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'), 'Redina' lettuce', 'Gallery Singer' dahlia, and 'Wine Sparkler' celosia [October 8, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Redbor' kale [December 8, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kale-redbor-with-frost.jpg?ssl=1 "'Redbor' kale [December 8, 2007]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Little Henry Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich') and bearsfoot hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) [June 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-26.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Little Henry Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich') and bearsfoot hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) [June 12, 2010]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with larkspur (Consolida ajacis) and 'Cramers' Plum' love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) [June 14, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-9.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with larkspur (Consolida ajacis) and 'Cramers' Plum' love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) [June 14, 2008]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Radcon'), Golden Spirit smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot'), and 'Brookside' hardy geranium (Geranium) [June 24, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-32.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) with Pink Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Radcon'), Golden Spirit smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot'), and 'Brookside' hardy geranium (Geranium) [June 24, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 9, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-15.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [October 9, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with 'Harmony' mum (Chrysanthemum), 'Frau Dagmar' rose, 'Cassian' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), 'Saratoga' ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), and Spanish flag (Mina lobata) [September 30, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-16.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color with 'Harmony' mum (Chrysanthemum), 'Frau Dagmar' rose, 'Cassian' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), 'Saratoga' ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), and Spanish flag (Mina lobata) [September 30, 2013]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-22.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) in fall color [October 10, 2011]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
![American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) and 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) in fall color with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) seedheads and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 11, 2011]](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porteranthus-stipulatus-25.jpg?ssl=1 "American ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) and 'Dallas Blues' switch grass (Panicum virgatum) in fall color with orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida) seedheads and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) [October 11, 2011]")
!['Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) with 'Caesar's Brother' Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) [May 23, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spiraea-betulifolia-tor-3.jpg?ssl=1 "'Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) with 'Caesar's Brother' Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) [May 23, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 26, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spiraea-betulifolia-tor-9.jpg?ssl=1 "'Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 26, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with Sedum alboroseum 'Mediovariegatum' [October 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spiraea-betulifolia-tor-10.jpg?ssl=1 "'Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with Sedum alboroseum 'Mediovariegatum' [October 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 21, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spiraea-betulifolia-tor-8.jpg?ssl=1 "'Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color [October 21, 2012]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
!['Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with asters (Symphyotrichum), Sedum alboroseum 'Mediovariegatum', golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia), and yellow false indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) [October 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spiraea-betulifolia-tor-5.jpg?ssl=1 "'Tor' birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in fall color with asters (Symphyotrichum), Sedum alboroseum 'Mediovariegatum', golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia), and yellow false indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) [October 13, 2014]; Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield")
Always love your combo ideas, believe it or not I have monkshood already up in my garden! Shock. This is definitely making up for last spring when I still had snow on the gardens till the 1st week of May!! Love to get some of those beautyberries, must research them to see if they are hardy for me. Leave lots of native asters in my garden, love their late colour with grasses and rudbeckia. And your Cramer’s Plum Nigella is still self seeding in my gardens, everyone wonders what it is and goes away with seed! Spread the love! Will be doing that larkspur idea with it this year. Thanks as always! TTFN…Sue
Wow, Sue–your monkshood even beat mine. You certainly deserve an early start to spring this year. It’s great to hear that you are sharing that nigella, too!
-Nan
Great plant selection, Nancy! I love alliums and don’t have Ozawa. My current new fav is Millennium. Got it from Gilbert & Wild. Do you provide extra water to your monkshood? I thought Aconitum needed extra moisture and part shade. Looks like I could try it in other locations. I also see the shredded umbrella which I am using as a shade plant, that I could try in other spots. Do you start your kale indoors? I bought some seed this spring and haven’t done anything with it yet. Mad a nursery bed this past fall so have room to try out lots of ideas. Happy spring! HellofromMD
Hey, Nancy! No, I don’t water the monkshood. It seeds around and comes up where it wants to. Some of the plants are in full sun, others get some shade part of the day from taller partners. Same with my shredded umbrella plants: several are in full sun, while a few get some shade from mid-afternoon on. I usually do start the kale in a pot, either indoors or out in March or April, so I can move the seedlings to individual pots in April and then plant them out in May, once I know where I want them. Have fun with your new nursery bed; you did yourself a big favor, making a place for experiments!
-Nan
Now this is the type of bunny I want in my garden.
Heh – yeah, I could tolerate a few more of those myself. You get the cute factor without the aggravation.
-Nan
Your posts are always a pleasure, Nan. Lots of interest to chew over. I think I’ll give Redbor a go. Thanks and loved the bunny shot, too. Barbara, Victoria, BC
Hi Barbara. Another good thing about ‘Redbor’ is that the purple leaf color makes it easy to spot green cabbageworms (I don’t know if they’re a problem where you are, but they sure are here). Hope you enjoy growing it as much as I have.
-Nan
While only a few of these plants are probably suitable to my climate, Nan, you’ve provided an important reminder to plan ahead. Even after the hot, dry summers in Southern California, it’s possible to plan for fall interest.
Sorry about that, Kris; I know the favorites that do well in my Pennsylvania conditions don’t translate well to your climate. You do well with your own beauties, though!
-Nan
Without doubt, yours are some of the most seductive images out there! I want to try EVERYTHING–or die trying. But in the meantime, I will delight in my hellebores and snowdrops–TONS of snowdrops. :-) Thanks so much for the morning lift!
Thanks for stopping by today, Nora. It was a treat to catch up with you at the Linden Hill chat room too!
-Nan
I LOVE how you inspire us all to walk on the wild side in our own gardens Nan and “see” them differently. I have many of the plants you mention, but your descriptions make me look forward to seeing them again in fall with a different perspective. Maybe doing some rearranging… The dwindling Autumn garden here in Michigan is one way I cope with the long winter ahead of writing and lecturing about gardening, but not able to do it. Along with the ‘Sheffield’ Mum, I am crazy for the Global Warming Chrysanthemum series in this cast of garden characters as they are beefy, big and oh, so floriferous with giant flowers that are fragrant that add punch to the airiness of the other plants around them. Like pictured in your blog, the last plants blooming that have a city full of bees and butterflies hugging them for dear life. I’m looking forward to sowing seed you so generously sent this spring in our garden~Thank you!
Ah, the endless opportunities for splendid combinations. That’s really interesting about those mums; I’ll have to look into them. Sinclair Adam Jr. has developed many terrific plants, so I have no doubt these are equally worthy. May you enjoy an abundance of seedlings this spring, Julia!
-Nan
Nan, what an inspiring post! Too many beautiful images for me to decide which I want as my desktop backdrop. The images of the ice-encapsulated fruits are particularly captivating! Thank you for so many inspiring combinations!
Sorry to provide too many choices, Sarah (but not *very* sorry)! Freezing rain is no fun if you have to go somewhere, but it certainly does make for fantastic photo opportunities.
-Nan
Thanks so much for this great post, Nan. I was just in the process of working on a garden design and stuck for some clever ideas for fall bloomers. You came to my rescue. I love the look of the Allium thunbergii and the fact that it blooms so late in the season. Perfect to stick into my design. And the kale is a great idea as well. Much appreciated.
You just made my day, Marge; it’s super to hear that! I think you’ll really enjoy both plants.
-Nan
More great plants to consider adding to my garden!! I was inspired by you last year and planted some ironweed and burnet in the fall.
I am worried that they may not have survived the winter. I gently moved some of the dirt aside from the root ball and can see no sign of life in them. I assumed they would work well in my Central Virginia garden since it’s the same zone as yours.
I won’t give up hope just yet and will reorder if they died. Maybe a spring planting will suit them better.
Thanks for sharing your experience and inspiring photos, Nan!
Hi Debbie! Generally, yeah, I think spring planting suits late bloomers better–especially burnets, which seem to do best here when moved before they start new growth, in late winter to early spring. You’re right to hold onto hope, though. I’ve noticed that ironweed crowns can be very deep (several inches below the surface) and slow to sprout. The depth makes digging them out a challenge, but it’s good for supporting those tall sturdy stems, I guess!
-Nan
Brilliant post, Nan! I so appreciate the multiple images of the selected plants. You’ve demonstrated with arresting images how different the same plant appears by the season, the daylight, the neighboring species, year to year. How rare for us to see this dynamic nature of plants illustrated so effectively! The Aconitum is a great case in point, alternately appearing true blue, periwinkle or soft lavender…blooms heavy and clustered, or open and subtle. And how wonderful to see the aesthetic progression of plants through the season like the Phlomis. And lastly, your ice covered photos (ohhh that Callicarpa!) really will make me run for a camera next time that icing up is followed by some sunshine (hopefully not this year, though!)
Oh noooo…no more ice for us this year! It’s kind of you to say that you enjoy the multiple images of each plant. I too think it’s fascinating how a single clump can look so different. It’s very difficult choosing just a few images of each.
-Nan
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your posts. I especially appreciate seeing first growth to end of the season transformation. I love the close up pics and the ones from farther back to see more of the grouping.
I feel like I rack my brain trying to include fall color but don’t know where to put it, not knowing how it will perform through the other seasons.I feel like the Autumn colors will be my personal reward for all my Spring and Summer hours spent in the dirt. By the time late August arrives, my attentions are turned to other things and my season is over (other than planting spring bulbs and end of season cleanup). Fall happens by itself and tells me to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. I just need to know where to place the cast members!
What I wouldn’t give to have your brain on my little patch of land for just a few days….(sigh)…if only. I am starting a design for an Illinois HOT GARDEN in hopes of a summer and fall display (the Spring show will be left to other areas), and I hope to add some of your suggestions into the mix.
I do have a question. How do you catalog your photos? Are they tagged by plant name, season, year or/and area? Or do you put in folders??
Thank you for all your tips and for sharing so much of your beautiful space.
Your thoughtful comments mean so much, Shelley. I agree that much of the joy of a fall display is that it can “just happen”–as long as you have a few special plants in place. I do love asters, and mums are nice too, but I really appreciate the perennials and shrubs that look good in other seasons too, so you’re not giving up a lot of garden space for just one season. Holding off on deadheading in summer is also key: some grooming, of course, but putting up with a bit of meh” during the flowers-to-seedheads transition can really pay off later in the season.
As far as the photos: My camera automatically adds the date and technical info (focus, shutter speed, and other stuff I never look at). I spend a lot of time adding more useful tags: the botanical names, mostly, and the part of the garden, if that’s relevant, and sometimes other features such as backlighting, or colors, or ornaments. I explain more about that in Putting Words to Pictures. It takes me all winter to catch up with everything I shoot during the growing season, but it’s worth every second. There’s no way I could do most of these posts if I had to go through tens of thousands of photos each time! I highly recommend giving tagging a try.
-Nan
Such an excellent post. I was just thinking about writing how the garden changes throughout the year and which plants are standouts. I grow some of these favorites like the tartarian aster (wonderful), Redbor kale (again splendid) and Japanese beautyberry (I don’t know the cultivar. It was given to me as a stick.) That beautyberry is always the highlight of my garden and more delicate than my American ones. I love them too though. I wonder if I could grow aconitum? I’m thinking about this. Also wondering where to find room. That’s becoming more of a problem these days. Hope all is well in your world. The hellebores, daffodils, leucojum, pansies and violas say hi from Oklahoma. ~~Dee
Hello back to all of you, from your counterparts in PA! We’ve been having June-like weather here, so fall doesn’t seem as far away as it otherwise might. I have a feeling that the monkshood might not be happy in your conditions; I think our summers are getting a bit too hot for it even here. But, it could be worth a try. It really doesn’t take up much ground space, since it’s very vertical.
-Nan
Great combinations and photography. I have started photographing my garden.Can’t wait to buy your perennial matchmaker book. I lost my gardens at the shore to winterstorm Jonas (4′ of salt water).As a gardener I am optimistic I can replant and some of my gardening friends have offered to divide some of their plants for me. Your website means even more to me as I dream of rebuilding the gardens,
Sandy
Sounds like you have a busy year ahead of you, Sandy! Since you are taking photographs now, maybe you’d consider starting a blog? It’s a terrific format for keeping track of progress, and I have no doubt that others would benefit from your experiences. Best of luck to you!
-Nan