So much garden activity emphasizes spring bloom that we sometimes forget to also prepare for our fall-blooming plants. There are several beautiful bulb and perennial selections that are well suited to our area, but planting must be done in the spring.
Some good bulb selections are spider lilies, belladonna lilies and oxblood lilies. These are old-fashioned flowers that can't always be found in nurseries so it might be necessary to seek out a gardening friend who will share some bulbs with you. Smith Co. Master Gardeners also offer some of these at their annual Fall Bulb Sale. These bulbs may not bloom the first year but over time they will multiply nicely and you can share yours with someone else.
Another pretty fall bloomer is the obedient plant. This is a very hardy perennial that can be found in most nurseries now as transplants. It grows in sun or partial shade and has leafy spikes 15 to 24 inches tall. The upper third or so is covered in clusters of white or lavender blooms beginning in August and continuing well into the fall. They make really beautiful cut arrangements but be careful - the bees love them and the butterflies do, too. Be sure to leave plenty for them.
Obedient plants multiply rapidly and will be very dense if not thinned out, which makes them great to share with friends.
Patricia Massad, Smith County Master Gardener
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