Late Season Bloomers – Annuals

Gardens are just not complete without a few late season bloomers, both annuals and perennials. Pollinators need a continuous supply of food so these late bloomers will keep the bees, butterflies and birds well fed into the fall.

China aster, Callistephus chinensis, is a cool weather annual that is in full bloom in our Colorado trial garden now. This plant is easy to grow, best in moist, well-drained soil in full to partial sun.  Height can range from 12 to 36 inches with single daisy to fully double flowers in white, pink, rose, blue, and violet. They also make great cut flowers!

For beautiful yellow fall color, consider this item new for 2016: Prairie Sunflower, Helianthus petiolaris. This three to five foot annual is found over much of the U.S., growing in full sun. Blooming into September, this plant is of special value to native bees and its seeds also attract birds. Look for this item in our 2016 catalog.

Check our next blog for late-blooming perennials!