September bridges summer’s end and autumn’s arrival, with gardens continuing to dazzle in the softer light of early fall. Late-season flowers, vibrant foliage, and ornamental grasses take the spotlight, creating a rich and dynamic display.

Key September Flowering Plants:

• Dahlias: Their bold, intricate blooms in a rainbow of colors reach their peak, stealing the show in borders and containers.
• Sedum (Hylotelephium): Also called stonecrop, their succulent foliage and pink to deep red flower clusters attract pollinators.
• Asters (Symphyotrichum): Their charming, daisy-like flowers in purple, lavender, and white are invaluable for autumn color.
• Heleniums and Rudbeckias: Warm shades of orange, red, and yellow bring a fiery glow to the garden.
• Ceratostigma (Plumbago): Delicate cobalt-blue flowers paired with reddening foliage create a striking combination.

In tropical-style gardens, Salvias, Cannas, Gingers, and Brugmansias often reach their prime, while ornamental bananas and Colocasias add drama with their lush foliage.

Tips for a Thriving September Garden:

• Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season.
• Divide perennials like irises or daylilies if needed for future vigor.
• Begin collecting seeds from annuals and perennials to save for next year.

September gardens are a celebration of late-summer abundance and autumnal warmth, offering a final flourish before cooler weather sets in.