When it comes time to take a late summer garden tour, some flowers are fading and others are just coming into full bloom.
That’s part of the joy of gardening: Things change. The seasons cycle through.
I think that sightseeing in other people’s yards is popular because you get lots of ideas for future years in your own landscape.
By mid-August here in Zone 6, there are plants that are putting on a beautiful display. These are some of the highlights we get to enjoy out back.
Japanese Anemone or Windflower
This perennial has just started blooming. I don’t know the variety. Mine came from a plant exchange put on by our county parks program several years ago.
I love their look, starting with the bud stage. Those are just as pretty as the blossoms, which will last for about a month. Bumblebees like them, too.
Zinnia
Dreamland Red is one of my mother’s favorite varieties. I can see why. This tub full of flowers started with 10 plants that I grew from seed in early June.
We had cold weather right up until the end of May this year, more than two weeks beyond the average date for frost. Zinnias don’t like cold soil, so it’s best to wait for the ground to warm up before sowing them.
These plants branch to produce many flowers and they don’t need to be deadheaded to keep on going.
I only bought a 50-seed envelope this year and I’ve been kicking myself. I used every single one in multiple places. Next year, sign me up for a 100-seed packet.
Queen Lime Orange is one of my favorites in the series. These come in orange, red, lime green, and blush. They are tall and nice for cutting. I like them because they are reliable, and the blooms are subtle in color variation.
As they age, they fade into muted hues that are as pretty as the young flowers.
I’ve grown all the colors. This year, I chose to have the orange variety. This annual is a pollinator favorite, too.
Supertunia Vista
There are many colors of this popular petunia hybrid. Bubblegum may be the most popular. It produces masses of pink flowers.
I heard the dark purple Royal Velvet is an improved version. I love the deep color with the tiny white detail in the center. I’m going to have these again along with others in the line, like Fuchsia, Silverberry, Mini Pink Star and Mini Violet Star.
These plants want as much sun as they can get, and regular moisture. I’ve found that they can handle a surprise spring cold snap and the cooler temperatures we get into the fall. I’m expecting to see them well into October.
Coleus
This is one of the first plants I ever grew, and it continues to be a favorite. We don’t have too many shady areas but that is no longer an impediment. There are more recent types that can take some sun.
This year I have Kong Rose, Electric Lime, one called Valentine (there is more than one), Skyfire, Pineapple Brandy and Chocolate Drops. They are easy to grow from cuttings and I’ll try saving some over the winter.
Indoor growing conditions will be my challenge: too warm and dry, not enough light. Their colorful leaves make it worthwhile to try.
Persian Shield
This is another long-time favorite and I’ve found a spot that they really like this year. Morning sun and dappled afternoon shade are making them happy.
The color combination in the leaves is unique and they complement lots of other plants that I like to grow. I’ll try some cuttings of these as well. I didn’t know that they would grow this way until I read the Tropical Plants Instruction Manual. If I can pull this off, it will make me happy.
Vinca
I discovered these a couple of years ago, and I’ve had more and more of them every season since. They look something like impatiens, but our deer (so far) have not shown interest in eating them, and they can take the sun.
The flowers are sweet and fill in nicely, though I learned to look for fuller plants at the beginning of the season, instead of the smaller ones that are going to take longer to catch up.
I find the white, pink and apricot ones are more vigorous growers than the blue or purple ones. The only downside I have experienced is that they are very sensitive to frost and will be done as soon as we get a cold fall night.
There’s always something to see in the flower beds as the months move along. I hope you have enjoyed this brief showcase, and seen something that you’d like to grow at your house!