By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent –

As fall approaches, many of us shift our focus from gardening and flower beds to football games and hayrides. The cooler months often bring thoughts of leaves changing color, crisp evenings, and plants going dormant. But what many people overlook is that fall and winter can be a vibrant time for planting. Numerous plants thrive in cooler temperatures and can bring color and life to your landscape well into the colder seasons.

Here in Louisiana, we’re fortunate to enjoy a long growing season. This gives us the opportunity to extend our gardening efforts beyond summer and into fall. A variety of beautiful fall annuals can be planted in late summer and early fall, offering a splash of color when most plants begin to fade. These annuals can be started with seed or purchased as young plants from your local garden center. Many varieties grow well in pots, hanging baskets, or existing flower beds.

The following are LSU AgCenter Super Plant recommended fall annuals:

• Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – One of my personal favorites, this plant features brilliant pink flowers that bloom from early spring until the first heavy frost.
• Amazon Dianthus – Transplant in September for vibrant blooms that last through fall and into early winter.
• Sorbet Violas – Available in a wide array of colors, these cheerful flowers bloom in fall and often persist through spring.

If you’re looking for something more permanent, consider these Super Plant recommended perennials:

• Leslie Ann Camellia and Shishi Gashira Camellia – Both shrubs offer stunning fall color and bloom from October through January.

Fall is a great time to refresh your garden and enjoy the beauty that cooler weather can bring. For more information about cool-season plants, contact John Monzingo at (318) 927-3110 or (318) 371-1371.

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