Buying plants in the fall

By Peter Fabris

Another planting season kicks off once sweltering summer heat gives way to early fall’s cooler temperatures. As garden centers clear their inventories to make way for holiday plants, whether you want to landscape a spacious yard or add color to a balcony or deck, it’s a great time to buy flowers and shrubs.

“In the fall, roots can get situated before the cold weather when the plant goes dormant,” says Ron Kearns, owner of Otto’s Gardens, a landscape design firm in Harvard, Mass. “Then in the spring, the plant will be ready to take off.”

Plants for fall color

Certain species are prized for their fall color, and may already be in bloom at the nursery:

• Sedum. Blooms into autumn, and many are attractive even in winter when the foliage dies and is left standing. They’re also drought-tolerant and need little care.
• Hydrangeas. “Some varieties continue to bloom into fall,” Kearns says. The flowers are attractive for quite a while after they are picked.
• Montauk Daisy. Blooms in late summer, and sometimes into fall. This drought-tolerant plant holds up well when cut for flower arrangements.
• Monkshood. “This blooms very late for a flowering plant,” Kearns says. “It grows tall with a brilliant blue color.”

Container garden choices

These plants are well suited for fall container gardens:

• Chrysanthemums. Mums liven up fall gardens with flowers of many shades and colors.
• Winter cabbage. Some varieties provide vibrant color that can hold through the winter.
• Euphorbia. Many selections are available, offering different heights, colors, and textures. Some are great as indoor plants, too.