Unexpected Fall Blooms: When Plant Flowers Surprise Us!
suburban New York, USAWednesday, November 13, 2024
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You might not expect certain plants to bloom in the fall, but they do! Walking around with your cute Havanese dog, you'll see plants like coleus that start sprouting flowers when it gets cooler. These aren't just any flowers, but ones that grow on plants we usually admire for their leaves, like caladiums and hostas. Even some shade-loving begonias might start blooming at this time, catching you off guard.
Foliage plants that steal the show in summer with their stunning leaves, such as coleus and caladiums, save their flowers for the fall. These late-season blooms aren't always what you'd expect, creating a sudden burst of color that might be a surprise. Same goes for hostas and lamb's ear. While their leaves often take center stage, their late-summer flowers can add a splash of color you didn't know you wanted.
Liriope, a low-growing plant also known as monkey grass, puts on a show in late summer. Small, purple or white flowers appear, and then turn into almost black berries. Just be careful with Liriope spicata, it can take over your garden!
Spring also brings some surprises. Plants like Siberian bugloss and boxwood pull out blooms early in the season, despite being known for their leaves. Even coral bells bloom in the spring, but their flowers might not match their gorgeous foliage.
It's awesome to see these plants showing off their flowers, but it's good to know what you're getting into. Before you plant, look up the flower colors to make sure they'll complement your garden.