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Writer's pictureMegan Banich

Top 10 Late Summer Perennials for Boulder, Colorado

As the vibrant summer days transition into the crisp embrace of autumn, your garden doesn't have to lose its charm. In Boulder, Colorado, where the altitude soars above 6,000 feet and winters bring a chill, selecting the right perennials is key to a flourishing garden that can withstand the elements. We've curated a list of 10 spectacular perennials that not only survive but thrive in Boulder, blooming from August through October, ensuring your garden remains a sight to behold.


1. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)


Image by Kelly Foster - Unsplash


A drought-tolerant beauty, Russian Sage graces gardens with its airy lavender-blue spikes and silver-green foliage. Perfect for adding texture and color.

Russian Sage
Russian Sage
Helenium

2. Helenium (Helenium autumnale)


Known as Sneezeweed, this perennial offers a burst of warm colors ranging from golds to deep oranges, attracting butterflies and bees aplenty.



3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)


A classic favorite, Black-Eyed Susans bloom profusely, boasting golden-yellow petals with dark centers that brighten up any garden.

Rudbeckia hirta
Liatris

4. Liatris (Liatris spicata)


Graceful spikes of purple flowers make the Liatris a garden must-have. These tall beauties add a vertical element to your floral tapestry.




5. Sedum (Sedum spectabile)


Robust and reliable, Sedum's fleshy leaves store water, making it perfect for dry spells. Pink, star-shaped flowers bloom late in the season.


Black-Eyed Susan
Stone Crop - Sedum


Moonshine Yarrow

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)


With feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers in shades of pink, yellow, or white, Yarrow is both pretty and practical, attracting pollinators.




7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)


Coneflowers are garden favorites for a reason. Bright, daisy-like blooms come in various colors, attracting butterflies while being drought-tolerant.








Echinacea

Japanese Anemone

8. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)


Delicate pink or white blooms adorn this beauty, bringing a touch of elegance to late summer gardens when most other flowers have faded.



Yellow Dallies



9. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)


These hardy perennials offer a variety of colors and bloom shapes, ensuring a vibrant display well into late summer.








10. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)


Tall and majestic, Joe Pye Weed's pink-purple flowers provide a striking backdrop while attracting bees and butterflies.


In Boulder's challenging climate, these late blooming perennials not only survive but thrive, adding color, texture, and beauty to your garden well into the autumn months. Plant these beauties, and watch your garden transform into a haven for pollinators and a sight to behold as summer bids adieu and fall paints the landscape with its hues.


Joe Pye Weed

Happy gardening!


So, embrace the changing seasons with these stunning late summer perennials and create a garden that shines through August to October, even amidst the rugged terrain and cold winters of beautiful Boulder, Colorado.



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