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Fall–The Garden’s Grand Finale

Fall is my garden’s grand finale, the last big hurrah of color before the long hibernation of winter. As the multitude of green hues of spring and summer fade, leaves begin to change color with the crisp cool air and sunny shortened days.

The fall season showcases plants in a rich palette of jewel tones—deep regal purples, pale lavenders, rich russet reds, the punch of orange, velvety maroons, sunny yellows and amber-like golds.

Fall blooms tend to last the longer, too, in both the garden and in bouquets—an added bonus to late season gardening! Try adding some of these plants below to bring jewel tones to your own garden. Many work beautifully as cut flowers for stunning bouquets that can bring the season indoors.

Helichrysum Bracteatum (Strawflower)Strawflowers (Helichrysum Bracteatum)

Strawflowers

Strawflowers (Helichrysum Bracteatum) are “everlasting” annual flowers that can also be dried for winter bouquets. Hardy up to frost, they prefer sun to partial shade and are drought-tolerant. Native to Australia, where they grow as wildflowers, they come in a wide range of hues: yellow, orange, red, rose, white and pink, as well as this two-tone variety.

Spiderwort

One of my favorite flowers to grow and photograph is the perennial Spiderwort (Tradescantia x Andersoniana). These unusual three-petaled flowers grow in clusters and work as excellent filler flowers in arrangements. Other varieties include ‘Snow Cap’ (pure white), ‘Valor’ (deep purple-red), and ‘Concorde Grape’ (deep violet).

The original Spiderwort species, an easy-care favorite in country gardens, is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana). It is one of the longest bloomers in my garden—putting on a show from June until fall. Spiderwort prefers full sun or very light shade for the most prolific blooming. It can be also grown indoors as a houseplant.

Tradescantia x andersoniana (Spiderwort)
Spiderwort (Tradescantia x Andersoniana)

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It’s Mum Time!

Yellow Potted Mum - Just in Time For Fall!

It’s Mum time!

With fall just over the horizon, it’s time for beautiful mum house plants to adorn our homes, porches and patios. Let the spirit of fall greet your house guests at the front door! Choose from an array of festive fall colored blooms that will last the whole season long! For the best selection, stop by your local flower shop!

What Is This Fall Blooming Shrub In Southern California?

Montanoa grandiflora Bloom

Montanoa grandiflora Bloom

Montanoa grandiflora Shrub

Montanoa grandiflora Shrub

Ask the Expert: Plant Identification
Plant / Shrub has a daisy like flower. Blooming now 11/09 in southern California.
Full view has a plumaria growing at the base of the shrub in question.

Note the flow and leaf form….

Can anyone identify this plant?  Steve

Plant Expert Reply:

To identify this plant I turned to the experts at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.  Bruce Reed at the SBBG has identified the plant as Montanoa grandiflora, Daisy Tree from Central America – widely used as a street tree in the LA environs. * Thanks Bruce!

This shrub grows to about 10 to 15ft tall. The sweet smelling white flowers start blooming in the summer and continue through fall. The seed pods can be dried and used in flower arrangements.

Fall In Love With Bromeliad Plants This Autumn

Fall has come to life now in the first few weeks of the season. Warmly colored fall flowers and plants are among the many wonderful autumn decorations. Trends in decorating for fall this year are starting to include a more popular use of bromeliads and other fall blooming plants. Excellent as centerpieces, colorful houseplants, and patio decorations, bromeliads provide warmth and color associated with autumn’s changing season.

Bromeliads Add Flare To Fall Decor

Bromeliads Add Flare To Fall Decor

Decorators and gardeners aren’t the only bromeliad enthusiasts this fall. Florists are seeing a rise in the popularity of blooming plants, especially bromeliads which exist in enough varieties to meet any decorating need. Whether housing in full sun, partial shade, a rocky garden, as a houseplant, or using as a colorful centerpiece, bromeliad plants add the charm and pleasure desired. Why wouldn’t someone choose to warm up autumn with colorful bromeliads from a local florist today.

Holidays can be very busy times. The many holidays during the fall such as Halloween and Thanksgiving keep busy hosts and hostesses bustling between rooms. Bromeliad plants have a special place for busy party hosts also! Bromeliad plants are rather resilient despite neglect. Already easy to care for, bromeliads continue to enhance fall décor with light, life and comfort-and you’re not left with dirty dishes and pounds of holiday fruitcake when they’re gone.