Late Summer Plant Color.

It has been a hot and dry summer here in northwest Oregon. The term 'crispy' is now commonly heard when referring to the state of vegetation here in the Portland metro area. Our summer has been one the hottest and with the Portland city limits seeing nearly no rain all season.

No lush green gardens this year, but some plants are thriving and appreciate the warmth. This summer has been just the reminder I needed to keep moving forward with my plan to create a colorful, but low-water requirement, summer garden.

Coreopsis verticillata 'Route 66'

Good ol' Coreopsis can be counted on for thriving in harsh conditions. This plant is full and continues to bloom at the front border of my garden. Why don't I have like..10 of these?

Phygelius 'Funfare Wine'

I have 4 varieties of Phygelius around my gardens and I love them all. Funfare wine has a deep, rich, gemstone color hue. Phygelius are on my love list because they keep on blooming all summer despite heat and lack of moisture. I love their tall branches that gracefully arch and blend in with surrounding plants.

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Jazzberry Jam'

Hardy hibiscus are also on my late summer plant lust list. Big blooms and magnificent color. On a recent drive, I passed a home that had a similar hibiscus in their front garden. The plant was clearly mature and it was huge! I had no idea they could get so big. I may be moving mine to a better spot this fall, so that it has the room to expand.

Abelia 'Sunshine Daydream'

I've had my Abelia in my front yard gardens for the past 2 years and it's been a top performer. Great foliage color. New growth emerges with pink tinged on variegated leaves with arching branches, forming a neat mound that has been relatively easy to keep tidy. The petite flowers with a soft, pleasant scent are a nice bonus.

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance Autumn Fern'

My favorite foliage are my Autumn Ferns. I have new fronds emerging and the color is this fantastic blend of russet - copper. As the plants mature, they continue to expand and grow larger fronds. Oh, I just love them! They provide such a warm glow in the spring and fall gardens.

Aquilegia Vulgaris ' Leprechaun Gold

And finally, the foliage of Aquilegia 'Leprachaun Gold' is really fantastic. Bright, chartreuse green, dappled with dark green. I love the fan shaped leaves. This foliage is wonderful in the late summer light. My plant has pumped out some new leaves and creates a 'pop' of color in the shade garden.

Despite the heat of late summer, some plants are really putting on a show in my gardens. The nights are getting cooler, despite our hot days and so, there is hope...my favorite season of the year is marching in. Fall truly is around the corner!

Cheers, Jenni