Awe-Inspiring Autumn Perennials

As orchards teem with apples, migrating birds fly overhead, and crisp cool nights replace balmy summer evenings, it is evident that fall is fast approaching. Autumn perennials contrast magnificently with falling leaves and, chosen wisely, ensure a harmonious seasonal transition in the garden.

It is important to note what else is blooming as well as surrounding foliage when selecting fall perennials. The greatest asset of perennials is that they come back year after year. In exchange for this virtue we give up the constant blooms of annuals; but the rewards are great. As summer wanes and the impending bleakness of winter gets closer, fall blooming perennials make the transition easier as they are ablaze with color.

WPC has added perennials to many of its community gardens to extend color to fall. Pictured here is perennial Rudbeckia at the Fort Pitt Tunnel.

Summer Perennials that Bloom Into Fall: Coneflower (Echinacea sp.), Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus sp.), Russian Sage (Perovskia), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia sp.), Veronica (Veronica sp.).

Fall Perennials: Ornamental Grasses various types, Asters (Aster x 'frikartii),'Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum x 'Autumn Joy'), Chrysanthemums (Dendranthemum), Garden Sage (Salvia x superba).

Perennials with Attractive Fall Foliage: Ornamental Grasses, Ferns (various types), Snow on the Mountain (Aegopodium), Barrenwort (Epimedium), Ginger (Asarum).

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