As September unfolds, your garden isn’t finished blooming yet. If you aim to attract pollinators, including migrating monarch butterflies, adding late-blooming plants is key. These plants provide crucial pollen and nectar as butterflies prepare for their journey to Mexico.
To boost your garden’s late-season appeal, consider integrating these native plants:
Goldenrods: September’s Bright Star
Goldenrods, blooming in vibrant yellow, are a quintessential feature of September gardens. With over 100 species native to North America, Goldenrods belong to the Aster family under the genus Solidago. While they are commonly associated with open fields, some species thrive in shaded environments.
Though some Goldenrods can be aggressive, many are well-suited for gardens and attract various pollinators. They also have the advantage of being deer-resistant.
Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis): This variety features bright yellow flowers in a zigzag pattern, making it ideal for shaded areas.
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia): Known for its non-aggressive spreading, this plant has flowers along purplish stems.
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa): Blooming later, it produces impressive spikes of blooms up to a foot long.
“Fireworks” Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa): This cultivar offers arching sprays of bright yellow flowers, extending color into October.
Contrary to common belief, goldenrod is not the cause of hay fever. Ragweed, often overlooked due to its inconspicuous flowers, is the main allergen. Unlike ragweed, which releases pollen into the wind, goldenrod’s large, sticky pollen relies on insects for dispersal.
Ironweeds: A Bold Complement
Pairing well with goldenrods, purple New England asters and Ironweeds offer striking contrast. Ironweed, of the genus Vernonia, is known for its tough, bitter foliage, making it deer-resistant and a favorite among pollinators.
Tall or Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea): Reaching up to 10 feet, this plant blooms late in summer.
New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveborecensis): Slightly shorter, at 4 to 8 feet, it thrives in both wet and drier conditions.
Narrowleaf Ironweed “Iron Butterfly” (Vernonia lettermanii): This compact variety grows 2 to 3 feet tall, forming a neat clump.
Asters: Fall Staples
Asters are essential for fall gardens, providing vibrant color and attracting pollinators.
Flat-topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellata): Blooming from mid-August to September, it features white flowers with yellow centers atop multiple branches. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes and seeds.
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae): A quintessential fall plant in New York, this species has deep violet to lavender-pink flowers and prefers well-drained, moist soil in full sun. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant but can be prone to powdery mildew.
White Woodland Aster (Aster divaricatus): Ideal for shady gardens, it produces clusters of white flowers in late summer.
Blue Wood Aster (Aster cordifolius): Featuring heart-shaped leaves and blue flowers with yellow centers, this plant thrives in shaded areas and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Mistflower and Coral Bells: Additional Highlights
Mistflower or Hardy Ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum): Native to the Eastern U.S., it blooms with blue-violet flowers from early September until frost. It prefers moist conditions and can form large patches due to its spreading rhizomes.
Heuchera villosa “Autumn Bride”: This native coral bell, also known as “hairy alum root,” boasts velvety green leaves and white flowers in early September, appealing to pollinators. For contrast, consider Heuchera villosa “Purpurea” with coppery purple leaves. Both varieties thrive in full sun to part shade and benefit from being divided every couple of years.
These late-blooming plants not only extend your garden’s flowering season but also support vital pollinators and enhance your garden’s visual appeal into the fall.