SPRING & FALL FLORAL COLOR GUIDE
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - SERVICING MARYLAND, DC, AND VIRGINIA
FALL GROWING SEASON
With adequate preparation, fall can be a rewarding time for cultivating beautiful blooms in time for spring and summer while preparing the garden for winter's rest.
Aster flowers display a stunning array of colors, from soft pastels to deep purples, each petal forming delicate layers that radiate outward in a star-like formation. The plants feature slender, lance-shaped leaves that complement the blooms beautifully, making them a perfect choice for garden borders or as cheerful accents in containers on a sunny patio.
Fun Fact: Supposedly senses weather changes and closes up when it rains, protecting its delicate petals from the downpour while waiting for the sun to return.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
18 - 24'' tall
COLORS
blue, purple, pink and white
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
late summer - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic
WATER
fairly drought tolerant once established
Balloon flowers, with their enchanting clusters of star-shaped blooms, display a spectrum of colors ranging from soft lavender to deep blue, each petal delicately unfolding to reveal its unique beauty. The serrated green leaves provide a striking backdrop, making this perennial delightful on borders or cottage gardens.
Fun Fact: Known as "kikyo" in Japan, symbolizes eternal love and sincerity, often associated with the arrival of autumn.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
3' tall
COLORS
blue, white, pink
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer
SUN
full sun / partial shade
SOIL
sandy/loamy/clay
WATER
drought tolerant once established but prefers moist soil
Bellis flowers, with their radiant hues of pink, white, and yellow, present a delightful display that brightens any garden. With their rounded leaves forming a lush green backdrop, these charming blooms thrive in garden beds or as cheerful borders, enhancing any landscape with their playful presence.
Fun Fact: A poignant symbol in Botticelli's paintings, embodying the purity and innocence of Mary and the baby Jesus.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
6 - 10'' tall
COLORS
bellissima mix
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
late winter to summer
SUN
full sun / partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, moist, loamy, sandy or clay-based
WATER
needs regular watering
Golden petals radiate from a dark center, creating a stunning display that draws the gaze of any onlooker. The jagged, green leaves frame the cheerful blooms beautifully, making these hardy perennials ideal for planting along pathways or in sunny garden beds.
Fun Fact: The Maryland state flower symbolizes encouragement with its vibrant colors and resilient nature, inspiring hope and positivity.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
3' tall
COLORS
yellow
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer to fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
sandy/loamy/clay
WATER
drought tolerant once established but prefers moist soil
Camellia flowers, with their rich hues of deep crimson, soft pink, and pure white, unfold in layers of delicate petals that resemble satin. With their glossy, dark green oval leaves and a sturdy, upright growth habit, these plants thrive beautifully when planted in dappled shade or as a focal point in perennial flower beds and garden corners.
Fun Fact: Can live up to 200 years, this resilient plant is called the 'queen of winter' because it continues to bloom even when everything else has stopped.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
6' - 12' tall
COLORS
red, white, pink
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer to fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, moist, slightly acidic
WATER
drought tolerant once established
CandyTuft flowers display an enchanting array of colors, from pure white to soft lavender and delicate pink, each flower adorned with petal-like lobes that create a charming flat surface. Their narrow, lance-shaped leaves provide a lush green backdrop, making them perfect for borders or rock gardens, edging pathways, or filling in garden beds.
Fun Fact: Despite the name suggesting a connection to candy, it actually derives its name from the island of Candia, which is the former name of Crete.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1' tall
COLORS
white, pink, purple, red
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
sandy/loamy
WATER
moderately drought tolerant
Ceratostigma flowers, with their striking cobalt blue petals, emerge from slender stems adorned with glossy, ovate leaves that exhibit a rich green hue, transitioning to a warm red in autumn. Ideal for garden edges or as a ground cover, these perennial beauties create a captivating display that harmonizes beautifully with surrounding foliage and enhances any garden setting.
Fun Fact: Known for its diverse therapeutic properties, making it one of the most valuable plants in the herbal pharmacopoeia of the Himalayan region.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
8 - 10'' tall
COLORS
leadwort
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
late summer - fall
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, sandy, clay
WATER
regular watering needed during hot/dry periods
Coral Bells flowers display a stunning array of colors, from deep crimson to soft lavender, with their miniature, bell-shaped blooms gracefully rising above the lush foliage. The heart-shaped leaves, often marbled with silver or bronze, create a striking base for the blossoms, making them an ideal choice for borders or shaded garden nooks.
Fun Fact: Used as a mordant for fabric dyes because it helps to fix the color to the fibers, enhancing the vibrancy and longevity of the dye.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1.5' tall
COLORS
green, pink, purple, copper, red, yellow
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer
SUN
partial sun
SOIL
sandy/loamy
WATER
needs regular watering during hot/dry periods
Crocus flowers emerge in a dazzling array of purples, yellows, and whites, their slender petals unfurling like delicate brushes painting the thawing earth with color. The lance-shaped leaves, often striped, provide a striking backdrop as these spirited blooms peek through the soil, thriving in gardens or along pathways where their charm can be appreciated up close.
Fun Fact: A specific type of crocus known as saffron is prized as one of the most expensive spices in the world.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
3 - 6'' tall
COLORS
purple, yellow, white, cream
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
winter - spring
SUN
full sun / partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, slightly dry
WATER
water regularly in the spring
Cyclamen flowers display an enchanting array of colors, from deep magenta to soft white, with petals that elegantly curl at the edges, resembling delicate butterflies in mid-flight. Their heart-shaped leaves, often marbled with white and green, create a striking backdrop when planted in garden corners, planters, or nestled among larger foliage, adding charm to any setting.
Fun Fact: A symbol of love for ancestors, representing the enduring bond and reverence we hold for those who came before us.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
4 - 5'' tall
COLORS
white, pink, red, purple
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
fall - spring
SUN
partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, slightly acidic
WATER
moderately drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
Japanese Anemone flowers display a delightful array of soft pinks and whites, their delicate petals unfurling like graceful dancers in the breeze. With their slender, elongated leaves and upright stems, these charming plants thrive beautifully in partially shaded garden spots, adding a whimsical touch to serene landscapes.
Fun Fact: A symbol of love for ancestors, representing the enduring bond and reverence we hold for those who came before us.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
2.5' tall
COLORS
pink, white
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
loamy/clay
WATER
prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate drought
Lenten Rose flowers display an enchanting array of colors, from deep plum to pale lavender, their cup-shaped petals cradling delicate speckles that add a whimsical charm. With their leathery, dark green leaves featuring a serrated edge, these hardy perennials thrive in shaded corners of the garden, creating a lush backdrop that enhances their understated beauty.
Fun Fact: Mentioned in ancient Greek mythology as a cure for madness, its blooms can persist for up to 3 months, symbolizing resilience.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1.5' tall
COLORS
white, pink, yellow
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
winter - spring
SUN
partial sun / shade
SOIL
sandy/loamy
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Mum's flowers radiate a dazzling array of colors, from deep burgundy to sunny yellow, each petal shaped like a delicate star, unfurling gracefully to reveal their intricate patterns. Nestled amidst broad, glossy leaves, these cheerful blooms thrive best in a sunny corner of the garden, where their cheerful presence brightens the landscape.
Fun Fact: Cultivated since the 1600s in China, a recent study shows it can effectively reduce indoor air pollution by filtering harmful toxins.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
16 - 24'' tall
COLORS
orange, red, pink, purple, yellow, white
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
late summer - fall
SUN
partial sun / shade
SOIL
well-drained, rich soil, slightly acidic
WATER
drought tolerant once established but prefers moist soil
Ornamental pepper plants show off a stunning array of colors, with fiery reds, dark purples, and sunny yellows of their small, round, and glossy fruits. With its compact, low-growing, and lance-shaped foliage, this ornamental plant can be placed in patio containers or along garden corners, adding a lively splash of interest throughout the growing season.
Fun Fact: Selectively bred for color rather than flavor, ornamental pepper adds visual interest in autumn festivities.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLORS
acapulco, midnight fire, sangria, purple flash
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
rich, loamy, well-drained, slightly acidic
WATER
needs moist soil but sensitive to overwatering
Primrose blooms in a delightful array of soft pinks and sunny yellows, each petal delicately ruffled like a painter's brushstroke. Its heart-shaped leaves create a lush green backdrop, perfect for brightening up shaded corners or nestled among rocks, to transform any outdoor space into a delightful spectacle of color and texture.
Fun Fact: In Irish folklore, the primrose is lovingly positioned at doorways to protect against mischievous fairies.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
2' tall
COLORS
yellow, pink, purple, red, blue, white
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
sandy/loamy
WATER
prefers consistent moisture
Winterberry displays clusters of bright red berries that dangle like ornaments from its slender branches, offering a striking contrast to its glossy, dark green leaves. The plant's petite, oval-shaped leaves create a lush backdrop, while the delicate white petals of its spring blooms add a refreshing touch, making it an ideal choice for accentuating garden borders or enhancing the natural beauty of a woodland landscape.
Fun Fact: Brightens the winter scenery with its vibrant hues and offers nourishment to birds and pollinators throughout the chilly season.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
3' - 15' tall
COLORS
red
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - summer
SUN
full sun / partial shade
SOIL
moist, acidic, good drainage
WATER
tolerant of both drought and wet soils
Winter Heath sprawls across the landscape with its deep magenta petals and soft lavender blooms, creating a captivating display that dances gracefully in the chill of the season. The unique, needle-like leaves, tinged with a subtle silver-green hue, offer a striking backdrop when interspersed among clusters of frosty, white snowdrops and delicate, pale bluebells, enhancing the enchanting charm of a winter garden.
Fun Fact: Throughout history, winter heath has been displayed on bedrooms for better sleep and used as a cozy filling for pillows for the restful benefits it brings.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
12 - 18'' tall
COLORS
white, pink, purple
SOWING PERIOD
fall
BLOOM PERIOD
winter
SUN
full sun
SOIL
acidic, well-drainage, moist, sandy, loamy
WATER
prefers consistently moist soil
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