Unusual fall-blooming perennials for the fall garden

While this design works hard all year round, it looks spectacular in the fall. 'Blackhawks' large bluestem towers above the display in majestic columns of finely textured purple-black foliage. Below, a large mound of native Arkansas bluestar shines with orange-chartreuse foliage, while the dark green leaves of 'Plum Peachy' short-leaf ironweed contrast with its russet, pale purple flowers. That periwinkle color is echoed in the globe flowers of the low, mounding 'Ozawa' allium. A carpet of Roseanne geranium around the alliums shows off its multi-colored red, orange and green fall leaves. Above the scene, the graceful arms of a weeping lavender twist eastern redbutt are adorned with heart-shaped chartreuse leaves that echo the yellow foliage of Arkansas bluestar.

1. Weeping golden toad lily

In summer, the weeping golden toad lily fades into the background of the forest border with its arching habit of bushy, glossy green leaves. It's not until midsummer that it catches your attention with its 1- to 2-inch-long yellow, bell-shaped flowers. The drooping flowers are maroon inside. Plant this toad lily where it slopes over rocks or a wall, as these attractive flowers look best when viewed from below. Constant moisture, rich, fertile soil, and flat shade should be ideal for foliage. Expect crisp, brown leaf edges when the soil is allowed to dry out, so keep a hose handy.

2. 'Seju-do' is a Japanese Buckbane

When most people think of buckthorn, they usually picture Octaea simplex (zones 3-8), a late-summer bloomer with gorgeous purple-black foliage that has many choices. 'Seju-do' Japanese Buckwheat, native to Seju Island in South Korea, is a lesser-known relative of mine that deserves gardeners' attention. Preferring moist soil and shaded environments, 'Seju-do' Japanese Buckpane produces attractive clusters of dark-green lobed leaves that appear to be dipped in resin. Erect stems emerge from beneath glossy leaves with pearly flower buds that open to tiny white stars, adding a striking vertical element to any shady border. Its exceptional combination of foliage and fall flowers make this plant a must-have for any low-light spot.

3. Arkansas Bluestar

Arkansas bluestar is adorned with star-shaped pale blue flowers in spring. Its striped leaves add texture to any design in spring, summer, and fall, and its fuzzy leaves will stand like grass all winter long.

4. Roseanne Geranium

Roseanne Geranium has small purple-blue flowers with white centers. While the flowers bloom in the spring, they bloom sporadically throughout the remainder of the growing season.

5. Lavender Twist Eastern Redbud

In winter, bare branches of Lavender Twist Eastern Redbud add structure to empty garden beds. In spring, purple-pink flowers burst across the numerous branches. Later in the summer, large green leaves completely cover the tree and sometimes obscure the branches.

6. Yellow wax beads

A plant whose foliage makes a wonderful addition to the garden, even if it doesn't produce a single flower, is yellow wax beads. This hydrangea can grow to a shrub-like proportion in shady areas with relatively moist, well-drained soil. Sturdy stems clad in thick, fig-like leaves add structure and texture to a shady border. In early fall, terminal, branched clusters of gum-shaped flower buds open to buttery yellow bells; These flowers have a long blooming period. Yellow wax beads are a favorite of snails and slugs, so keep some diatomaceous earth on hand to deal with these unwelcome visitors.