Autumn is the one of the best times of the year to garden.  Not only is the temperature cool and crisp, but the sights of the landscape are enriched with vibrant colors.

It is ideal to start planting around the end of September or six weeks before the first frost.  It is important to plant everything in the garden before the temperature drops to around 40°C so the warm soil has time to encourage root growth. This will better equip the plant’s roots for heat and droughts of the summer months since the root system will be better established.  Also, plants put in the ground during the fall need less water to survive and flourish since there is less heat stress and photosynthesis is slowed. 

Fall is also a great season to plant for your own benefit. The temperatures are comfortable and garden centers often offer big discounts. Not only will your garden look beautiful but you will save money. 

Listed below are some plants with special autumn interest.

Franklinia Tree

Height:  15-20 Ft

Sun Exposure:  Sun to partial shade

Bloom Color:  White

Bloom Time:  Mid summer to Late Fall

Other:  Unusual showy white flowers in the Fall. Requires consistently moist soil

Winterberry:  Ilex verticillata

Height:  6-15 ft

Sun Exposure:  Sun to partial shade

Bloom Color:  White

Bloom Time:  Late Spring to Early Summer

Leadwort - Plumbago

Height:  6-12 inches

Sun Exposure:  Sun to partial shade

Bloom Color:  Medium blue

Bloom Time: Late summer to Mid Fall

Sedum Angelina

Height:  under 6 inches (perennial groundcover)

Sun Exposure:  Full sun

Bloom Color:  Yellow

Bloom Time:  Early Fall

Flame Grass: Miscanthus purpuranscens

Height:  36-48 inches

Sun Exposure:  Full sun to partial shade

Bloom Color:  Silver/ gray

Bloom Time:  Late summer to early fall

Plant Pro tip by URI Student Intern: Chrissy Grudzinski, Class of 2009