September brings a noticeable shift to the landscape. The days are getting shorter, cooler mornings are creeping in, and the first signs of fall color are beginning to appear. At the same time, plenty of plants are still putting on a show, making this one of those months when summer and fall seem to share the garden. This month’s featured plants fit right into that transition with late-season blooms, changing foliage, and texture that only gets better as autumn approaches.
Little Spire Russian Sage keeps the color going with airy lavender-blue blooms and silvery foliage, all in a more compact form that fits easily into sunny garden beds. Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple is getting ready for its biggest moment of the year, when its green canopy transforms into brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Pop Star Hydrangea brings an abundance of blooms in a compact package and can continue adding color well into the season. Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass rounds out the group with upright foliage that develops rich wine-red tones as summer gives way to fall, adding movement and warmth to the landscape.
While September may signal that the growing season is winding down, there’s still plenty happening in the garden and plenty of time to plant. Take a look at this month’s featured plants below, then stop by the nursery to see them in person and start thinking about what could bring even more color and interest to your landscape this fall and beyond.
Little Spire Russian Sage
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
An introduction from FuturePlants® in the Netherlands, this dwarf Russian sage has lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage. Selected for its upright habit that prevents it from leaning in the landscape. Starts blooming in late summer and continues through autumn. Best in full sun sites with well-drained soils.
Species Specs
Height: 25”
Spread: 18-24”
Exposure: Full Sun
Zone: 4-9
Plant Care:
Little Spire Russian Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it’s highly drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance. Water regularly during its first season, then only during extended dry periods, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Cut stems back to about 6–10 inches in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and plenty of violet-blue summer blooms.
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
One look is all you'll need to see that Fall Fiesta® is superior to the sort. The branching is full and symmetrical. Leathery, glossy, deep green leaves are resistant to leaf tatter and leafhopper damage. A rapid grower, easy to transplant and also resistant to sun scald and frost cracks. Outstanding fall color, shows far more oranges and reds than other sugar maples. Prefers a moist yet well-drained soil with a slight acidity for optimum growth.
Species Specs
Height: 50-75’
Spread: 50’
Exposure: Full Sun
Zone: 3-7
Plant Care:
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, with plenty of room to accommodate its mature size of 50–75 feet tall and 40–50 feet wide. Water deeply and regularly during the first couple of growing seasons, adding mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture. Once established, it requires little maintenance beyond watering during extended dry periods and occasional dormant-season pruning to remove damaged or crossing branches.
Endless Summer® Pop Star® Hydrangea
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
Genetically compact and incredibly floriferous, Pop Star® Hydrangea is a lacecap variety that is a standout in the landscape or decorative container. With strong bud hardiness and reliable rebloom, Pop Star® is a blooming powerhouse. Its short stature makes this a strong border or short hedge plant that doesn’t need pruning to keep its size and is great for year-after-year color on your deck, patio, or porch. The dark green leaves against the blue or pink blooms give the classic hydrangea look, while the lacecap flowers add extra texture and interest to the garden.
Species Specs
Height: 18-36”
Spread: 18-36”
Exposure: Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade
Zone: 4-9
Plant Care:
Pop Star Hydrangea grows best with morning sun and some afternoon shade in rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist. Water deeply during dry periods and feed with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support its repeat blooms. Since it flowers on both old and new wood, avoid heavy pruning and stick to a light cleanup in spring to remove dead or damaged stems.
Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Switch Grass
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
Absolutely ideal for growing in decorative containers, this hardy Red Switch Grass is a perennial substitute for Pennisetum 'Rubrum'. Measuring in at just 3ft (2ft before blooming), 'Cheyenne Sky' forms a tight, vase-shaped clump of blue-green foliage that begins turning wine-red in early summer. It makes a dynamite specimen plant and is even more eye-catching when planted en masse, for screening and alongside ponds or streams.
Species Specs
Height: 3’
Spread: 18”
Exposure: Full Sun
Zone: 4-9
Plant Care:
Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering during its first season to establish strong roots. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance or fertilizer. Leave the foliage standing through winter for added texture and interest, then cut it back to about 3–4 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.