Best Perennials for Late Summer and Fall in the Pacific Northwest

Regional Gardening, Best Perennials, Pacific Northwest Gardening

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The Pacific Northwest region is a geographic area in western North America, typically including the U.S. states of Washington and Oregon, as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia. Some definitions may also include parts of Idaho, Montana, and Alaska, depending on the context. The region is known for its diverse landscape, featuring everything from coastal rainforests and fertile valleys, to rugged mountains and high deserts.

Gardening in the Pacific Northwest presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities due to its varied climate, which can range from mild coastal areas to cooler mountainous regions.

Perennial flowers are fabulous additions to the garden with their rich waves of colorful blooms that can be enjoyed from spring to fall. And gardeners in the Pacific Northwest region are blessed with a wide variety of herbaceous perennials to pick from.

While many gardens are at their best in spring and summer, attention should also be given to their fall display too. Many spectacular late-flowering perennials have the potential to revive your garden in the fall and extend color and joy in your landscape.

If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants for your late summer or fall garden, you may want to consider these top performing perennials which will happily carry color through the end of the growing season.

Guide Information

Hardiness	7 - 9
Heat Zones	1 - 6
Climate Zones	1A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Summer (Late), Fall
Height
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Low, Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas	Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Edging, Ponds And Streams, Small Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Best Perennials for Late Summer and Fall in the Pacific Northwest

Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives)

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum) is a robust late-season bloomer with slender, edible green leaves. In late summer and fall, it produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in clusters on tall, leafless stems. The sweet scent attracts pollinators, and the leaves have a distinct onion or garlic aroma when crushed. This versatile plant is valued for both its culinary uses and ornamental beauty in gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Alstroemeria psittacina (Parrot Lily)

Noted for its exotic, feathery blooms reminiscent of parrots, Alstroemeria psittacina (Parrot Lily) is a tuberous perennial with leafy, mauve-spotted, erect stems crowned by 5-9 narrow lily-shaped dark crimson flowers, adorned with bright green tips and mahogany streaks. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this easy-to-grow plant brings a cheerful note and a tropical touch to the garden. The blooms make excellent cut flowers, often lasting 2 weeks in a vase.

Hardiness	8 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ (Frikart’s Aster)

Few perennials can match the exquisite beauty and easy care of Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ (Frikart’s Aster). Blooming early and lasting throughout summer and fall, this stunning plant showcases masses of soft lavender-blue, star-shaped flowers with golden-yellow centers. With its gentle color, it effortlessly blends with any garden palette. This aster is a reliable, free-flowering variety with sturdy, non-staking stems and is loved by butterflies for its abundant nectar.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)

Bushy, well-branched, with one of the longest blooming seasons, Red Valerian (Centranthus Ruber) is a popular perennial grown for its ornamental and showy star-shaped flowers. Fragrant, this border beauty is also easy to grow, fairly pest and disease free and attracts butterflies. A prolific bloomer from early summer to fall, it produces abundant, rounded clusters of crimson, pink or white flowers, rising atop a blue-green, lance-shaped foliage.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ (Reblooming Daylily)

Among the most popular reblooming Daylilies, multiple award-winner Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ ranks very high! Why? It is compact, vigorous, fragrant and enjoys profuse blooms over an extremely long blooming period. This Miniature Daylily produces masses of golden trumpets, up to 2.75 in. wide (7 cm), with ruffled edges and small green throats atop mounds of arching, blade-like leaves. This diploid Daylily is dormant (deciduous). Blooming from early summer to fall, this clump-forming deciduous perennial grows up to 11 in. tall (28 cm) and spreads slowly via rhizomes to 12 in. (30 cm). Won multiple prestigious awards including the Silver Stout Award.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	11" - 1' (28cm - 30cm)

Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia)

Native to North America, Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) is a charming upright perennial. It features long-lasting spikes of bright blue flowers atop lance-shaped foliage, blooming from late summer to mid-fall. This architectural plant attracts hummingbirds and bees, while being hardy, low maintenance, and resistant to pests and diseases.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Salvia patens (Gentian Sage)

Gentian Sage (Salvia patens) is an eye-catching perennial with deep blue flowers that captivate the observer. This tuberous plant blooms from mid-summer to mid-fall, showcasing its showy racemes of nodding, two-lipped blossoms. With its attractive foliage and ability to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators, Gentian Sage is a stunning addition to any garden. Native to Mexico.

Hardiness	8 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb’s Ear, is a low-growing perennial with distinctive silver-gray, velvety foliage. It reaches 6-8 inches in height (15-20 cm), producing small, pink to purple flowers in early summer. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it’s perfect for ground cover and borders.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

Tricyrtis formosana (Toad Lily)

With its exotic appearance, Tricyrtis formosana (Toad Lily) is a captivating shade-loving perennial. Its small orchid-like flowers, adorned with white tepals speckled with purple and a yellow throat, create a stunning display in late summer. The glossy dark green foliage adds to its appeal, making it a top performer in gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Corydalis lutea (Fumewort)

Noted for its long blooming season, Corydalis lutea (Fumewort) is a perennial forming an attractive mound of fern-like, fresh green, divided leaves. From late spring to early fall, bright yellow, short-spurred, locket-shaped flowers, 3/4 in. long (2 cm), are produced in great quantities. Easy to grow, Corydalis lutea thrives on neglect and will happily self-seed. Perfect for shaded rockeries or as a ground cover in woodland and naturalized areas.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)

Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed) is an upright, clump-forming perennial providing weeks of late summer and fall color. Its branching stems bear slender, lance-shaped dark green leaves, while eye-catching daisy flowers top the plant. The bright yellow flowers with a yellow center disk attract butterflies. This showy and disease-resistant perennial thrives in various soil conditions, except for extremely dry or wet areas. Popular for perennial borders, prairies, meadows, ponds, and streams.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm)

Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm) is a prized clump-forming perennial with bright scarlet-red, 2-lipped flowers in dense, globular terminal heads, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Blooming for about 8 weeks from late spring to mid-fall, they rest atop decorative red-tinged bracts. The fragrant, lance-shaped deep green leaves, 3-6 inches long, add to the charm and can be enjoyed in salads. Native to eastern North America, this showy wildflower thrives in various environments and provides long-lasting color for borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows, herb gardens, and waterside areas.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Salvia uliginosa (Bog Sage)

With its stunning clear blue flowers, Salvia uliginosa (Bog Sage) is a fast-growing, upright perennial that adds a touch of beauty to any garden. Its slender stems bear clusters of deep sky-blue flowers with white throats, blooming from late spring through fall. This vigorous spreader attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a perfect choice for the back of the border. Native to Brazil and Argentina.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Caryopteris – Bluebeards

Caryopteris, known as Bluebeard, Blue Mist, or Blue Spirea, is a low-maintenance shrub renowned for its fragrant, true blue flowers blooming in late summer to fall. Attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects, it offers color when most shrubs don’t. Aromatic leaves from spring to frost make it perfect for sunny gardens, small spaces, and containers. Plant multiple for a spectacular fall display.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Caryopteris – Bluebeards Read More

Japanese Anemones

Japanese Anemones are elegant perennial plants that add grace and beauty to the garden. With their tall, wiry stems and delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or mauve, they bloom in late summer to fall, providing a stunning display in borders and woodland gardens. They are easy to grow and attract pollinators.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Japanese Anemones Read More

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Native to North America, this resilient prairie plant features vibrant golden, orange, or bicolor flowers with dark chocolate cones. Blooming for months, it adds a burst of color to any garden, requiring minimal care and offering long-lasting beauty.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) Read More

You may want to review the guides below if you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest region. They will assist you in finding plants perfectly suited to your garden.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Best Perennials for Full Sun Gardens in the Pacific Northwest

Best Perennials for Moist and Wet Soils in the Pacific Northwest

Best Perennials for Shady Gardens in the Pacific Northwest

Fabulous Hardy Geraniums for Your Pacific Northwest Garden Borders

Most Fragrant Perennials for the Pacific Northwest Gardens

Best Flowering Crabapples for the Pacific Northwest Region

Garden Examples

A Captivating Perennial Planting with Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbena and Antirrhinum

A Beautiful Fall Border Idea with Asters, Verbena and Grasses

A Charming Summer to Fall Duo: Achillea & Aster

A Cheerful Border Idea with Liatris, Sedum and Heliopsis

A Cheerful Border Idea with Monarda, Clematis and Artemisia

A Coastal Cottage garden

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

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Guides with

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marimadesign / 123RF Stock Photo

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.