Cape Cod Fall Garden Guide

Late Season Gardening: A Guide to September Planting and Blooms

A Bountiful Garden Awaits

In the latter half of September, with ample time left in our growing season, there's still plenty to plant and enjoy in the garden. In this guide, we'll delve into some fascinating plants that thrive this time of year, and the vibrant blooms that punctuate the autumn landscape.

Heptacodium: A Beautiful Late Bloomer

As autumn takes its reign, we introduce the Heptacodium, also known as the seven-son flower tree. This elegant shrub or small tree offers a unique charm, captivating gardeners with its long-lasting flower buds and delightful fragrance. The flower bracts turn a stunning red in late season, providing winter interest. Heptacodium boasts exfoliating cinnamon bark and an attractive shape, making it a perfect addition to smaller gardens.

Paniculata Hydrangeas: Versatile and Hardy

Paniculata hydrangeas are stealing the spotlight across Cape gardens. These versatile plants bloom on new wood, making them resistant to late frosts and forgiving of pruning mishaps. With their graceful, arching branches and beautiful white flowers that turn shades of red in fall, they make a striking statement in any landscape. Varieties like Fire Light, Zinfandel, and Bobo offer a range of options based on size and color, allowing for flexible landscaping choices.

Late Season Perennials: A Burst of Color

Despite nearing the end of September, perennial gardens are still vibrant with colors and blooms. Asters, agastache, rudbeckias, phlox, and goldenrod continue to thrive, presenting a myriad of hues. Whether it's the traditional purples, pinks, and whites or the surprising goldenrod in shades of yellow, late season perennials add charm and vitality to your garden, proving that autumn is far from dull.