Late Bloomers to Love

Keep garden colors going strong with fall perennials

- PEGGY RICCIO

1 Indian Summer black-eyed Susan RUDBECKIA HIRTA, ZONES 3 TO 7

Indian Summer is a low-maintenance cultivar of native black-eyed Susan with large, gold daisylike flowers.

In full sun, these plants can reach 3 feet tall. Depending on location, they may be an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial.

Why we love it: If you plant several of these, you can cut for fresh bouquets inside and still have a mass of blooms outside. Leave seed heads on for the birds.

2 Autumn Fire showy stonecrop

HYLOTELEPHIUM SPECTABILE, ZONES 3 TO 9 Autumn Fire is an improved version of Autumn Joy boasting a longer bloom season of more intense brick-red flowers that sit above strong upright stems and fleshy succulent foliage.

Drought resistant and heat tolerant, this is a reliable perennial and easy to grow in full sun.

Why we love it: Flower heads can remain on the plant for winter interest, so there is no need for deadheading.

3 Yellow wax bells

KIRENGESHOMA PALMATA, ZONES 4 TO 8 Emerging in the spring, this perennial grows to be a 3-to-4-foot shrub with maplelike foliage. Yellow wax bells produces spherical buds in clusters that elongate and open to bell-shaped, yellow flowers in the fall. The leaves may also turn gold if not hit by the first frost.

Why we love it: A unique shrublike woodland plant, yellow wax bells lights up shady areas with many yellow blossoms and its strong stems don't require staking.