Gardening guide: seasonal care for hydrangeas and ornamental perennials

Various ornamental plants are highlighted for their seasonal appeal and care requirements during the late summer and autumn months.

Hydrangeas require careful management in September; improper pruning of garden, sawleaf, or oakleaf varieties can prevent flowering the following year. Maintaining moisture through deep watering and using pine bark mulch is recommended, while nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.

Other notable plants include Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’, a perennial featuring chocolate-purple leaves and fragrant white flower spikes that bloom through October. Epimedium is noted for its durability and ability to act as a resilient groundcover in shaded areas. Additionally, Weigela ‘Profusion’ provides autumn interest with clusters of bright purple berries that remain visible even after leaves fall.