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For perennial-loving gardeners, late summer through autumn can be a magical time.

You may even find some great deals on plants you’ve been eyeing all season.

Consistent watering helps plants get established and alsohelps prevent frost damage.

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Chrysanthemums

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Chrysanthemums are reliable perennials.

When planting in late summer, choose smaller plants as these are easier to establish.

rudbeckia

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Mums come in manybrilliant colorsand forms; try ‘Whippoorwill,’ ‘Coquette’ or ‘Sienna Bronze.

‘Deadhead spent flowersto keep them blooming.

Sedum

G.N.

mums

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Sedums are easy-care succulents that provide long-lasting late-season color.

There are low-growing and tall varieties in a rainbow of cool-toned colors that bloom from September through November.

They prefer a rich, organic soil.

sedum with butterflies

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Cold hardy to USDA Zone 6, they tolerate Zone 5 with good winter protection.

Deadhead the spent flowers on the center stalks, and they will bloom well past the first frost.

Coreopsis

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Coreopsis produces masses of delicate flowers starting in July.

asters

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Deadheading encourages blooms through late summer.

There are some lovely bi-color varieties, like ‘Route 66’ (pale yellow with deep red accents).

Deadhead the spent bloom clusters and they’ll flower through early autumn.

Japanese anemones

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Phlox likes good air circulation, so give them some space.

It blooms through late summer if spent flowers are deadheaded.

Deadhead frequently to encourage continuous blooms.

caryopteris

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They flower from July through October.

Pabst says that helenium likes consistent moisture throughout their growing season.

Balloon flower

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These cheery perennials are in the bellflower family.

snapdragons

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The long-lasting blooms come in lush periwinkle blue, white, and pale pink.

Pale mauve flowers bloom from midsummer through early autumn.

Pabst recommends newer hybrid cultivars that are more compact.

yellow coreopsis

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Blanket Flower

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Blanket flower (Gaillardia) is a sturdy sun-loving perennial.

The daisy-like blooms last for weeks from summer to fall.

The wide color range includes red-yellow combinations, as well as burgundy, pink, orange, and peach.

phlox

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When planting perennials in the late summer, give them a good start in a spot with well-draining soil.

Avoid using fertilizer, as the plants will enter their dormant season within a few weeks.

yarrow

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dianthus

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helenium

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balloon flowers

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Joe Pye weed

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blanket flower

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