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The summer annuals have been blooming in their full glory for quite sometime. It is difficult to imagine the frost of October suddenly bringing their lives to a quick and dramatic end, but this is indeed what happens. Looking at the sturdiness of a well kept geranium I think, "Maybe this one will handle the freeze, for it is so strong!" I wish for this every year. It never happens. This wishful thinking is similar to daydreaming about being able to fly short distances without benefit of added man-made propulsion. Fess up, you've given this some thought too! (So far one co-worker has admitted this and 3 are in denial).
Mums are an old fall tradition. This perennial plant can be purchased now in full flower. Existing mums should have had their buds pinched off in June and July for a heavier bud set as well as a denser plant which blooms later in the season (September and October). Existing plants which are not pinched back are likely to be "leggy" with a sparse bloom period ranging from July through September. This old time favorite is less popular these days because the main bloom season only lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Mums come in all colors and grow about 18 to 24" tall as a rule. The bloom size ranges from 1 to 3 inches in diameter. Full sun and proper drainage are essential.
Some Hybrid Asters are a readily available perennial in bloom now. Most are dwarf forms ranging from 12 to 18 inches in height. Their colors are in the "cool" ranges including white, blue, lavender, purple and red. Their bloom period is similar to a mum in timing and length. The bloom size is generally about 1 inch in diameter. Lighting, "bud pinching", and drainage rules are the same for asters as they are for mums.
One can also acquire many different asters in the spring from the perennial bed. One which comes to mind is Aster novae-angliae or "New England Aster" which grows 3 to 4 feet tall. The height of these plants make them a wonderful back drop for shorter plants. They render a fabulous fall surprise to beds which have other types of plants already involved in the intensity of summer bloom. I planted some out in front of the store and promptly threw away the name tags, a gardening "no-no". These guys were "Wreck Your Car Purple" - practically caused traffic jams when they were in bloom! After about 5 years, my New England Asters played out, but they were fantastic and well worth the planting.
Next week we will talk about pansies, snapdragons, flowering cabbage and kale, plus fall flowering camellias.
Andy Lynn