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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.
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Mums come in manybrilliant colorsand forms; try ‘Whippoorwill,’ ‘Coquette’ or ‘Sienna Bronze.
‘Deadhead spent flowersto keep them blooming.
Sedum
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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