Regional Picks: Unusual Autumn Stars – Southern Plains

If you ’re sick of the same old aster and mums , why not plant an unexpected free fall - star instead ?

Here some truly out - of - the - average plant for upping your gloam garden game in the Southern Plains . Some of these alternative provide excellent foliage color while others put on a flowered display in the last throws of October .

Looking for some autumnal stars for your containers instead ? ReadAutumn Pots Minus the Mumsby Sarah Partyka for even more out - of - the - box tumble planting inhalation .

1. ‘Pink Flamingos’ Muhly Grass

Name:Muhlenbergia‘Pink Flamingos’

USDA Hardiness Zones:6 to 10

Size:3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide

consideration : Full sunlight to light wraith ; allow a range of soil status

While fall is usually dominated by colourful foliage in golden hues , ‘ Pink Flamingos ’ muhly grass extend something unparalleled . In former fall , it flare up with airy pink flower plumes for a dramatic show . When imbed en masse shot , this plant provides drifts of vibrant colour unmatched in the landscape painting . Flowers are followed by tan cum school principal that hold through winter , provide food for raspberry . Its vertical , alright - textured foliage is spicy - gullible and has striking form . ‘ Pink Flamingos ’ is drouth tolerant and deer resistant . It also tolerates salt and is arrant for coastal environments as well as dry Interior .

2. ‘Prinz Heinrich’ Japanese Anemone

Name:Anemone hupehensisvar.japonica‘Prinz Heinrich’, syn. ‘Prince Henry’

Zones:5 to 8

Size:2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

condition : fond wraith ; fertile , moist , well - run out soil

A jewel of the fall landscape , Japanese sea anemone grow an copiousness of semidouble mauve blossoms that are excellent for cut . Wiry stems hold flowers well above the foliage and persuade graciously in the breeze . A jaundiced button of stamen at the center of each flower provide nectar for impose butterfly . ‘ Prinz Heinrich ’ is among the longest - blooming mixture , offering two months of heyday from September into November . Deeply lob , glowering green foliage is attractive throughout the growing season . Plants will circularise lento to form little clumps and are delightful in forest and suspicious bungalow gardens .

3. ‘Ruby Slippers’ Oakleaf Hydrangea

Name:Hydrangea quercifolia‘Ruby Slippers’

Size:3 to 4 foundation magniloquent and 4 to 5 metrical unit extensive

Conditions : Full Dominicus to fond shade ; intermediate , well - drained dirt

Named for its bloom that come forth white in early summer , then change state a soft pink before deepen to rose , ‘ Ruby Slippers ’ is a brilliant oakleaf hydrangea note for its compact sizing , rounded var. , and tumid upright efflorescence headway . The ruby red flowers have a long vase life and are perfect for drying . This plant hold its flower heads well into declination and winter for multiseason stake . Dark green foliage turns a glorious sepia red in autumn , and exfoliate barque provides wintertime interest . ‘ Ruby slipper ’ rightfully delivers four seasons of interest group .

4. Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac

Name:Rhus typhina‘Laciniata’

Zones:3 to 8

Size:10 to 12 feet tall and across-the-board

Conditions : Full Lord’s Day to fond shade ; prefers dry out to medium soil but stomach a assortment of soil conditions

Inner Light a fire in the fall landscape with the intense red - and - orange foliage of cutleaf staghorn sumac . In addition to the sensational foliage of this aboriginal beauty , distaff plants produce showy yield clusters that ripen to a brilliant red . yield clusters die hard through winter , providing food for thought for wildlife . In summertime , mild fernlike foliage lend a tropical looking to the garden , while the upright , multistemmed branch make an challenging silhouette . Cutleaf staghorn sumac cause a graceful accent , whether in the earth or in large container . Keep in mind , however , that sumacs sucker sharply and require direction in small landscapes .

Kimberly Toscano is a horticulturist and the former legion ofOklahoma Gardening , a hebdomadary PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service .

Photos : # 1 , Bill Johnson ; # 2 , millettephotomedia.com ; # 3 , Michelle Gervais ; # 4 , Joshua McCullough

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Regional Picks: Unusual Autumn Stars - Southeast

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Regional Picks: Unusual Autumn Stars - Northern Plains

Regional Picks: Unusual Autumn Stars - Northern California

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