A Pretty Late Season Border Idea with Asters, Roses and Grasses

Plant Combinations, Flowerbeds Ideas, Summer Borders, Fall Borders

Enjoy a glowing and colorful garden in late summer or fall. Combine the crimson flower spikes of Kniphofia rooperi (Red Hot Poker), the azure-blue spires of Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ (Monkshood), and the vibrant deep violet blossoms of Aster amellus ‘Violet Queen’ (Italian Asters) with bold ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) and the lovely Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ (Maiden Grass). Glistening in the late season, these easy-to-grow perennials make a striking contrast to the soft autumnal hues of the grasses.

Add fragrance to the border with the almost continuously blooming Rose ‘Sally Holmes’ and enjoy a delightful color show, that will enlighten your garden for weeks.

Most plants are top performers and have been awarded prestigious awards. Fairly easy to replicate, this plant combination will make your neighbors envious. Enjoy!

Garden Information

Hardiness	6 - 8
Heat Zones	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Late) Fall
Maintenance	Average
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Loam
Soil pH	Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage

Plants In This Garden

Hardiness	5 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Late) Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph	Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Well-Drained

Hardiness	5 - 9
Plant type	Ornamental Grasses
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Late) Fall Winter
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained

Hardiness	6 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Late) Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Soil Type	Loam, Sand
Soil Ph	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained

Hardiness	5 - 9
Plant type	Climbers, Roses
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall
Height	6' - 12' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained

Hardiness	4 - 8
Plant type	Ornamental Grasses
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Fall
Height	2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Soil Type	Clay, Loam
Soil Ph	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained

Hardiness	4 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late) Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Soil Type	Clay, Loam
Soil Ph	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained

Alternative Plants to Consider

Learn About These Genera

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.