Autumn is coming up soon, and the fantastic seasonal foliage will soon show off its brilliance. For the plant enthusiast, what better show stoppers to have amongst your autumn collection than the classics?
Fall Trees/Shrubs
Autumn is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. They grow roots through the winter and become better established to handle and survive summer droughts. Do not prune or fertilize trees and shrubs for the fall season. Fertilize in early spring when it is time for the plants to grow using Daddy Pete’s Planting Mix with manure to boost and get them started.
Be sure to water deciduous trees and shrubs until they lose their leaves with frost. Evergreens may need supplemental watering throughout the winter without ample rain. Never plant trees/shrubs deeper than the plant grows (don’t put soil over the root ball).
Natchez Crape Myrtle: Known for its white flowers in July, it also makes a showy display in Fall, with its fiery red-orange foliage that dazzles with the same brilliance as maples. Factor this with sun tolerance, disease resistance, low maintenance, and the blooms that show for almost three months, and it’s no surprise this tree can be found along sidewalks, in the landscapes of residential neighborhoods, and in parks. It is worth noting that the Natchez can reach heights of 20 feet or more at maturity. If this is too much, try opting for a dwarf variety instead.
Ginkgo biloba: Considered the oldest living species of tree on Earth, this deciduous darling is a slow grower but can reach heights of 50-80 ft at maturity. Ginkgo biloba makes its fall debut when its leaves turn green to a brilliant yellow. The bonus is that almost all the leaves fall in one day. Yet aside from its showy golden leaves, the Ginkgo biloba’s fame is rooted (no pun intended) in its resilience and durability. It can thrive in neglect (i.e., compacted soil, poor drainage, pollution) and is resistant to most insects, amongst other things. The only drawback is the fruit produced by the female emits a foul odor. Mitchell’s Nursery only grows the male, which doesn’t fruit.
Fall Vegetables
Leaf lettuces, spinach, broccoli, and collards are fall vegetables that can be planted in containers or on the ground. Fall is also the time for Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Kale, Head Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Buttercrunch Lettuce, Mesclun, Swiss Chard, Kohlrabi, Carrots, Mustard, and other greens. Mitchell’s will have all of these ready to plant for Fall, except carrots, which must be grown from seed. We usually have these crops available in mid-September and if you want to find out when, we regularly update our social media with new arrivals.
Fall Flowers
Violas
These easy-to-grow, showy flowers are remarkable. They come in a vast array of colors and cultivars, require little maintenance, and do just as well in containers as in the ground. While violas are smaller than their pansy counterparts, they are hardier and will bloom after the snow melts. These little guys usually have more than one act, as they can last several seasons, even several years. Planting violas in early spring, Fall, or late winter is best. A bonus to fall planting is that violas will last through the spring season without replanting. Usually, this fall crop is available at Mitchell’s Nursery Labor Day weekend.
Pansies
Because pansies are derivatives of violas, they share many of the same attributes. Pansies also come in many colors and varieties, require little maintenance, and are container-tolerant. Because of their bigger blooms, pansies are naturally showier and, from my experience, generally preferred. Though not as tough or enduring as violas, pansies can rebound from a hard freeze and last through spring. Pansies are like Violas and can be planted in early spring, Fall, or late winter. When grown in the Fall, they, too, will last through the spring season without replanting. We will usually have these available by Labor Day weekend.
Chrysanthemums
Aside from oversized pumpkins, nothing says fall like chrysanthemums. Unlike pansies and violas, chrysanthemums are regarded as autumn flowers exclusively. Orange and red display well with ornamental cabbage and kale, while white makes a great blend with asters. The typical chrysanthemums (most stores and nurseries sell between late July and early October) are resilient to the heat and cold. Chrysanthemums may be perennials, but not always. Be sure to plant them and keep them watered after the blooms fade. These plants will start blooming at the end of August. We currently will have blooms in various colors including lavender, bronze, orange, red, yellow, and white.