Early autumn is an ideal period for planting evergreen hedges like yew, box, holly, escallonia, or Portuguese laurel. It’s essential to note that yew and box are slow-growing, with box being susceptible to disease and pets. A reader inquired about their ten-year-old box hedges showing signs of browning in some areas.
The browning of established box hedges is a common issue, often caused by factors such as box blight, characterized by brown patches and black streaks on stems, leading to leaf loss. Another potential culprit is the box moth caterpillar, which swiftly consumes leaves and leaves webbing traces. Browning can also result from drought stress or poor air circulation.
Given the maturity and value of a ten-year-old hedge, close examination is crucial to detect signs of caterpillars or black streaking on stems to determine the underlying cause. If caterpillars are the issue, consistent monitoring and treatment can manage them. In the case of blight, removing affected sections, enhancing airflow, and applying a box “feed and protect” liquid can help. It’s important to address the problem promptly to select the appropriate treatment.
Despite recent warm weather, autumn officially commences soon. In our climate, seasons often blend together, and late-blooming perennials can provide abundant greenery and color in the garden until the first frosts.
September not only offers a picturesque backdrop but also serves as an opportune time for planting herbaceous perennials since the soil retains warmth. Proper watering during dry spells ensures they establish well before shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures set in.
Asters, also known as frost flowers for their prolonged blooming until the first frost, derive their name from the Greek and Latin words for ‘star,’ reflecting their flower shape. These resilient plants, like ‘Pink Parfait’ New England Aster, resistant to powdery mildew, thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Pruning after late autumn flowering is recommended for optimal growth.
Another mildew-resistant aster, ‘Winston Churchill,’ boasts vivid carmine-pink blooms. Japanese anemones take the spotlight in September, offering various options like the classic pink variety with yellow-centered cup-shaped flowers. ‘Honorine Jobert,’ a white version, thrives in dappled shade, while ‘Frilly Knickers’ flaunts ruffled semi-double blooms in white and lilac hues.
Planting anemones in partial shade and moist soil encourages easy multiplication. Golden-hued flowers, such as Rudbeckias, also known as coneflowers, brighten up September landscapes. Their seed heads serve as winter interest and bird feed.
Helianthus ‘Soleil d’Or,’ a perennial sunflower with double yellow flowers, adds a focal point, reaching about three feet in height. Pairing it with filler plants like cosmos and calendula, along with trailing varieties such as nasturtiums, creates a vibrant container display.
For fragrant borders, phlox varieties like ‘Monica Lynden-Bell,’ with pink blooms attracting bees and butterflies, offer a summery essence. The sky-blue blossoms of the Australian native ‘Blue Lace Flower,’ an annual, feature a dome-shaped cluster of lightly scented flowers. Sow indoors in early spring for planting post-last frost, ensuring full sunshine for optimal growth and pollinator attraction.
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