Spring, summer plants can add color to Central Texas fall
By Mark Barnett Special to the Tribune-Herald
Fall color suggests chrysanthemums, pumpkins, autumn leaves and bundles of corn or grain, but it can be so much more than that.
Nearly any plant that has a flower or colorful foliage is a good candidate for fall color. The deciding factors will be how much you want to spend, how long you are expecting it to last and what is available.
Fall in Central Texas can be brief. Many of the plants that give good color are sensitive to the cold and an early frost can take out most of the plants that are in flower, either killing them outright or damaging them so much they become ugly even before winter sets in.
Mums are a traditional source for color in the fall gardens of Central Texas.
Availability of fall plants is market driven and a lot of plant growers do not devote much time or space to flowers for fall.
With a little planning and good care of existing plants, many spring and summer flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, periwinkles, copper plants, lantana, purple fountain grass and Mexican heather make a good show for fall.
Many normal landscape plants such as Knock Out and Earth-Kind roses can be encouraged to produce in fall. As we reach late August, now is the time to trim and shape roses to encourage new growth that is the source of good fall flowers.
The same can be said for most flowering perennials such as the red sage (Salvia greggii), cannas, Victoria blue salvia, plumbago and butterfly bush.
Keeping plants watered, fed and growing well now is important, even if the plants are not flowering well in the summer heat.
Check them for dryness at least every few days and water deeply.
Watch for insects and diseases and treat as needed.
You will be rewarded with a good fall show when the temperatures back off from the high notes and the fall rain showers start.
For some plants, fall is their time of year and this is the only time you will see them shine.
Some of these plants are the Mexican bush sage, fall perennial asters and pink or gulf muhly grass.
But you have to start now or in the spring to have the show for fall, unless you have deep pockets to purchase plants that are already full size.
Some of the flowers associated with fall that will give color into the winter are snapdragons, pansy, viola (sometimes called Johnny jump up), ornamental cabbage or kale and dianthus.
Plant these only as the daytime temperatures begin to stay below 90 degrees and certainly not before October.
These plants do not perform well in the heat.
Mark Barnett of Waco has been certified by the Texas Association of Nursery Professionals for 25 years and is a Texas Master Gardener.
Mexican heather can bloom throughout the year.
Zinnias have a broad range of flower types and colors.
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Spring gardening brings many questions, such as when should I fertilize my lawn, or which are the best vegetables for Waco? Get answers to these and other questions by calling the Ask a Master Gardener Help Line at 254-757-5180, 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
