Autumn Blooms -Asters and Anemones

 Tall stems of Anemone hupehensis ‘Whirlwind'(formerly A. japonica), wave in the early autumn breeze. This variety is a double white form.

 There are many named varieties of autumn blooming Anemone hupehensis, and all make excellent border plants for mass plantings. Try looking for them at garden centers now, since few carry them in the spring. They are long-lasting perennials that deliver color at a time of year when we expect to see pumpkins and squash. These are plants that will become better with age, but plant more than one plant, for  clump of 3 ,6 or 9 make the best displays.

 New England Asters are also rarely used anymore in borders. I prefer the tall, named varieties, not the dwarf, clipped and growth retarded forms one sees at supermarkets and farm stands. Look for good, study plants at your local garden centers in 1 or 2 gallon containers, and plant them now. Next spring, when the plants reach about a foot in height, trim them back with hedge shears to make the plants bushy ( I like to not cut mine however, since I adore 6 foot tall asters in my garden. My autumn asters this weekend were covered with bees and butterflies. Just count how many honey bees you can see in the above photo!

Native to New England, the autumn asters that have been selected are many, and although rarely used in its native country, these asters are very popular in European gardens. We Americans should rediscover some of our native species.