Another idea for fall color – hardy perennials

Aralia ‘Sun King’:

As easily grown as Hosta, Aralia ‘Sun King’ was honored by the Perennial Plant Association as its 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year. One reasons for the award, the ‘Sun King’ keeps its bright gold leaves all summer, especially if it’s given supplemental water during hot, dry spells. And in fall, it offers up beautiful deep purple seed heads. Hardy in Zones 3 through 9.

Capping off its chartreuse summer color, Aralia ‘Sun King’ forms dark purple berries in fall. Photo: Jean Starr

Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis ‘Heron’s Pirouette’):

Yes, there is a Begonia that is winter hardy. This Chinese native is a strong-growing ground cover that works well planted under shrubs in shady, and partly shady areas. This plant has colorful blossoms and leaves. The blooms are pale pink and the leaves have veins on the reverse in burgundy. Begonia grandis reaches just under two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 6.

Why not try selected tropicals?

Passion Flower (Passiflora):

If you don’t live in a tropical climate, it could take an entire summer to coax passion flower into bloom. Luckily, many are tolerant of a light frost. For a final color fling, Passion flower has few equals. Find the biggest variety at Garden Knoll Exotic Plants.

Ornamental Sage (Salvia):

Salvias can survive through nights as low as 40 degrees F. For attracting hummingbirds, Salvia has few equals. One of the best is Salvia vanhouttei ‘Burgundy’, for its incredibly deep red color. Two fairly new varieties that are worth seeking out are ‘Wendy’s Wish’ and ‘Amistad’. Click for video about Salvia.

Some Salvias hit their stride in early Fall, tempting hummingbirds before their migration. Photo: Jean Starr

Final thoughts about which new plant to add for fall color

It’s best to plant ‘late bloomers’ for color in spring. Planting in May, or even April, gives them the time they need to reach fall with flair. Trees and shrubs may take two years or more to attain the size required to make their presence known. Some tropical plants and perennials may perform in their first year.