Fall is finally upon us! The cooler weather is a welcome break from the summer heat. But one holdover from summer that many people want is the gorgeous color of their plants. Don’t worry – fall plants offer a variety of colors that can make your landscaping pop. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular fall color choices and the best way to take care of them, so their vibrancy lasts throughout the fall season.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or “mums” for short, are synonymous with fall. Their fluffy blooms add brilliant color and are a statement that fall has arrived. With a rainbow of colors to choose from and long-lasting blooms, mums are a favorite for fall colors. There are also hundreds of varieties, so you’re sure to find one to match your growing conditions. Give your mums full sunlight and water them frequently, and you’re on your way to encouraging their full growth potential.
Pansies
Pansies add a striking pop of fall color to your landscaping. In fall, they come alive with bright, cheerful colors that are striking far into the fall season. With lots of varieties and colors to choose from, pansies really are a superstar in the plant world. To keep your pansies healthy and vibrant, make sure they get full to partial sun. Watering is also key. Pansies can be susceptible to root rot, so water them regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering them. Pansies will continue to provide nice color through late spring before the warm weather of summer ends their growth.
Asters
If you want to polish off your fall landscaping with a border plant, asters are a wonderful choice. Not only are they reliable perennials, but they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Depending on what variety you choose, asters can grow anywhere from one to four feet.
To care for your asters in the fall, make sure to “dead head” them by pinching off wilted blooms at their base. Asters grow best in full sun, so make sure they’re planted in a prime location to soak up the light. When watering asters, it’s important to water the base of the plant and keep water from splashing onto the blooms. Water on the blooms or leaves can increase the chance of mold, mildew, or fungal disease. To hold in moisture at the base of the plant, consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of your asters.
Ornamental Cabbages
Ornamental cabbages are unique plants that can bring color and interest to your landscaping. Flowering kale and cabbages bring bright splashes of purple, cream, rose, and green to your landscaping, along with interesting textures. Most of these varieties grow up to 18 inches tall and wide, which makes them great for borders or the front of flower beds. It will take about 12 weeks for the cabbages to fully mature, so consider that when first planting them. Ornamental cabbages prefer full sun but can tolerate afternoon shade. Make sure you water your cabbages once a week and let the soil dry slightly between watering.
Fall is a great season to continue enjoying vibrant colors for several more months. If you have any questions about your fall landscaping, the Shreckhise Shrubbery team is always here to help with whatever questions or landscaping needs you might have. Stop by or give us a call!