In Andy Brand ’s articleUnusual Fall perennial , he discuss some out - of - the - corner industrial plant pick for this prominent time in the garden :

“ As we reluctantly go for the inevitable and begin preparing our gardens for wintertime , we can comfort the transition by planting survival of the fittest that furnish color and excitement at this prison term of class . While many gardeners have traditionally turned to mums(Chrysanthemumspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) , goldenrods(Solidagospp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , and sedums(Hylotelephiumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) to extend the gardening time of year , many also prospicient for something dissimilar . ”

Below , you ’ll feel fantastic perennial that are excellent , but have remained uncommon in crepuscule gardens in theSoutheast . Looking for even more unexpected drop standouts ? ensure to check out Andy ’s article .

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1. ‘Grape Sensation’ Blanket Flower

Name:Gaillardiaaestivalisvar.winkleri‘Grape Sensation’

Zones:6–9

Size:15 to 24 inch magniloquent and 18 inch all-inclusive

Conditions : Full Lord’s Day to brilliant specter ; well - drained soil

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Native Range : theatrical role of Texas

Uniquely regal and truly perennial , ‘ Grape Sensation ’ is a standout among blanket flowers . Its wiry staunch sway in the breeze , bring motion and notion to the garden from midspring up until the first Robert Lee Frost . This clumper enlarges gradually each yr , cast on a dazzle performance at matured size . Not only is it humble - sustainment , but it is arguably better if not deadheaded , as its button - like , sterile seed heads resemble gomphrena ( Gomphrenaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) . Though it is more kind of moisture than most blanket flowers , it perform best in well - draining soil .

2. ‘Prairie Lode’ Sundrops

Name:Calylophus serrulatus‘Prairie Lode’

Zones:4–9

Size:8 inch grandiloquent and 15 to 18 inches across-the-board

Conditions : Full sun ; well - drain soil

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Native Range : Western and central North America

Do n’t be fooled by its underwhelming appearance in a greenhouse pot ; this is a perennial that delivers for seven to eight months and asks for nothing in comeback . ‘ Prairie Lode ’ develops into a magnificent , clumping earth cover once install . It has discrete needle - similar foliage and sunny yellow blush from May until hoar . A hard prairie native , it thrive in even our driest , misfortunate soil , amend notoriously difficult areas with its gold glow . ‘ Prairie Lode ’ is delicious in massplantings and draping over the edge of containers . Cutit back hard in former spring to refresh the foliage , and then leave it to work its illusion for the rest of the year .

3. Blue Star Creeper

Name:Pratia pedunculata

Size:¼ to 1 inch tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

status : Full sun to fond shade ; moist soil

Native Range : Australia

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This short , creeping ground cover shines with an copiousness of lilliputian blue asterisk from spring through fall . It is a favorite for add together a carpeting of flowers between pavers , softening sway hardscapes , and spilling over the sides of drop containers . In the moulding , it can provide a cohesive understory of color beneath roses and other shrubs . The kickshaw , scallop leaf are charming even when it is not in blossom . down in the mouth whizz tree creeper can spread vigorously , so consider that when planning your site .

4. Tuscan Gold™False Sunflower

Name:Heliopsishelianthoides‘Inhelsodor’

Size:24 to 32 inch grandiloquent and 24 inches wide

Conditions : Full sun ; reasonably fertile , well - drain soil

Native Range : Central and eastern North America

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With radiant gold salad days that perfectly capsule the changing seasons , Tuscan Gold ™ can withstand the high temperature of summertime and carry the garden all the way into descent . While this cultivar is more compact than most false sunflowers , and easier to pucker into little spaces , it steals the show in aggregate plantings . It is a mid- to late - season ball of fire : drought tolerant , cervid immune , and a attractive feature for butterfly stroke . For a win combination , geminate it with complemental flush colors such as the splendid violet of ‘ Homestead Purple ’ vervain ( Verbena canadensis‘Homestead Purple ’ , Zones 6–10 ) .

Cheyenne Wine , a womb-to-tomb nurseryman , is a writer and lensman for Rare Roots nursery in Virginia .

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‘Grape Sensation’ blanket flower

Photo: courtesy of Rare Roots

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Photo: courtesy of Rare Roots

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Tuscan Gold™ false sunflower

Photo: courtesy of Rare Roots

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