Perennials for Fall Color in the Northern Plains

Add a splash of interest to your late-season garden with several shades of flaming foliage

Many trees and shrubs take the spotlight in the downfall with an array of leaf colors , but they are not the only 1 who can provide a late - season “ wow ” gene . Several perennials really stand out as they welcome cooler temperature and thread down into dormancy . Here are some that show off brilliant declension foliage with nicety of color that would make even a shekels maple ( Acer saccharum , Zones 3–8 ) envious .

Flame grass

Miscanthus sinensisvar.pupurascens , Zones 4–9

With its orange - red fall color , flame grass is a beacon in the garden . It ’s an unsloped , compact , clod - work pasturage that reaches 3 to 4 foot in height . The foliage is hoary - green with a reddish jot in summer . This reddish tinge brightens and eventually becomes a brilliant orange - red in fall . The foliation preserve to darken to colors of Bourgogne and purpleness by wintertime . In late summer , tiny bloom appear in tassel - corresponding inflorescences that gradually turn into whimsical white plumes that hold on into winter , adding further late - season interest group . This Gunter Wilhelm Grass a must - have for fans of autumn colors .

Bloody geranium

Geranium sanguineum , Zones 3–9

For a shorter perennial with great declivity foliage , turn to bloody cranesbill or bloody geranium . Do not let the name scare you , as it is in reference to the flower color ( bright purpleness ) and attractive cerise foliage that appears after the first fall Robert Lee Frost . The mounding plants hit 9 to 12 inch tall , and apply enough way and time they can spread up to 2 human foot wide , create for an excellent reason back that has the potential to make your Halloween extra festive .

Atlantic coreopsis

tickseed tripteris , Zones 3–8

If you are await for something with a little more stature for the back of the garden , Atlantic coreopsis provides beautiful recondite Bolshevik to purple foliage and stanch in the descent . Plants reach 4 to 8 pes tall and 2 to 8 feet wide-cut . This species is broad of heat , humidness , drouth , and poor soils , making it through our seasons with ease and providing a lovely backcloth to an autumn garden . Using these perennials with wondrous fall foliage will ensure that even the small-scale garden can display all the colors of autumn .

— Chris Schlenker is gardening and yard managing director at McCrory Gardens of South Dakota State University in Brookings , South Dakota .

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Bloody geranium

Bloody geranium trades its summertime display of dainty purple flowers for red foliage that deepens in color as autumn progresses.Photo: pxhere. com

flame grass