It's nearly the autumn equinox, and signs of seasonal change are increasing. While the overall view of most of the garden here is still green, color is creeping in. For example, the Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) foliage is beginning its dramatic display (above).
Crabapple leaves (Malus spp.) carpet the front garden.
Hosta of the Equinox (H. aequinoctiiantha) is blooming away, while most of the other Hosta species' blooms are long gone.
'Autumn Joy' Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile) is in its resplendent, full glory.
Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), currently one of the prettiest blooms in the garden, is claiming center stage.
And it's only a matter of days until the Mums' (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) buds burst into bloom. Changes are evident all around, and while summer is my favorite season, early autumn in this part of the world is darn pleasant.
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Your blue mistflower is beautiful, not one I have heard of before, similar to ageratum. I do love a 'mum!
ReplyDeleteHi Gill: Yes, the Conoclinium is very similar to Argeratum. Apparently a couple of its nicknames are 'Wild Ageratum' or 'Hardy Ageratum,' since it's a perennial that survives in cold climates
DeleteThe blue Mistflower is very pretty indeed with its dark stems and mauve flowers.
ReplyDeleteYes, Blue Mistflower is a beauty and it really brightens the garden this time of year. I enjoy using it in floral arrangements, too. :)
DeleteHow lovely to have more Hosta flowers at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteAll of our Hosta species, including this one, were here when we moved here more than 20 years ago. I kind of take them for granted, but this one is particularly special because of its delayed blooming time.
DeleteUnfortunately, everyone is seeing the signs that autumn is approaching... It's inevitable, but the later it is, the more beautiful days and beautiful harvests we will enjoy. This week's favourite is the Conoclinium coelestinum and its magnificent flowers. I didn't know the name, but I had already seen some.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Fred. I think this is one of the nicest Septembers, weather-wise, that I've experienced. The Blue Mistflower is a special plant, for so many reasons, even though it can be a bit of a bully. Have a great week!
DeleteAll autumnal plants, to be sure. My blue mistflower isn't blooming yet, we're still too hot and dry. A cousin plant, the Gregg's Mistflower blooms on and off during summer, but will really flower in the next month or so. Getting some rain would help...:) Great post and lovely photos, Beth. Tina
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina. :) We've been fortunate to have plentiful rain, but no major floods, this summer. Milwaukee, nearby, did have some terrible flooding. Gregg's Mistflower is lovely, too. I hope you'll get some rain and cooler temps soon.
DeleteWhat gorgeous colours your staghorn sumac has at the moment, they really pop! We have all our leaves falling too, time to rake them up and make them into leaf mould. Like your hosta which flowers so much later than the others, haven't heard of this one before.
ReplyDeleteHi Pauline: Yes the Staghorn Sumacs are so lovely this time of year! I did some research a while back, and I believe that is the species of late-flowering Hostas we have here. They were here when we moved in, and I'm so glad we have them.
DeleteSigns of fall are trickier in my part of the country - and not usually nearly as attractive! However, I did notice that all the Plumbago shrubs seem to be in full flower at the moment. Now I just have to find a spot for one ;)
ReplyDeleteI imagine, yes, that things don't change quite so much in your part of the country. Full-flowering Plumbagos are lovely! That will be wonderful to have them in your garden.
DeleteThese are all so wonderfully evocative of autumn. Love the blue mistflower especially. I often grow annual ageratum for the same effect, so I am envious of your perennial version.
ReplyDeleteHi Allison: Yes, Blue Mistflower has become a favorite for many reasons. Ageratum is so similar and equally as lovely. :)
DeleteI love Autumn Joy ... ours was loaded with bees yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems to be a garden stalwart in so many locations and, as you say, beneficial for the pollinators.
DeleteI love your autumn changes. It is funny the differences of your garden to mine. My hostas have been long finished. The Sumac in our area is not red yet. My Blue Mist is just barely open. And my crab apple trees are still holding on to their leaves. Happy autumn!
ReplyDeleteHey Janet: Yes, it is fascinating to compare. But most of my Hostas are long finished, too. It's just the Hosta of the Equinox that blooms in the fall. :)
DeleteOh, so pretty. I love Blue Mistflower, so soft. The sumac may just be the most fall colored leaf ever!
ReplyDeleteThe Sumacs are amazingly vibrant, aren't they? And they are changing fast--they're much brighter even than when I posted this. Happy autumn!
DeleteThe Blue Mistflower is one I haven't seen before - it's gorgeous but doesn't appear to be on sale over here. It has been perfectly named. The Rhus is colouring up nicely - it's going to put on an amazing display in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine: Yes, the Mistflower is beautiful, but quite aggressive where it's protected from rabbits. It seems to be their perfect salad ingredient. ;-) The Sumac is stunningly beautiful here in October, along with the Maples and the other fall colors.
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