Heres what to plant when cooler weather arrives in your area.
Mark Sandlin for Southern LivingA Plant Collection.
Dont put away your gardening tools just yet!
Credit:Mark Sandlin for Southern Living® Plant Collection.
Once the weather moderates, theres still plenty of time to plant.
In the Southeast, the toughest growing season for plants is summer.
Plants also tend to be less stressed during transplant at this time.
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Also, most plants will be preparing for dormancy by rooting, rather than pushing new growth.
Broadleaf evergreens are especially susceptible to drying out over winter, even in mild areas.
Most importantly, dont forget to water your fall plantings.
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It flowers from spring to summer, and its also deer resistant.
Some types have gorgeous purple foliage.
The flowers appear in late winter to early spring.
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Look for dwarf varieties of this shrub if youre short on space.
Spikes of pink or purple flowers appear for weeks in mid to late summer.
New varieties are more compact with gorgeous red-pink or scarlet blooms.
Pollinators adore it, and its heat and drought tolerant once established.
The papery blooms stay intact until spring to provide winter interest.
It makes a good border or container plant.
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Some new cultivars, or cultivated varieties, take on pretty fiery or blue hues in fall and winter.
Hummingbirds are especially fond of this shrub.Varieties for the South:Wine & Spirits
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Credit:Getty Images
Credit:Getty Images
Credit:Getty Images
Credit:Getty Images
Credit:Getty Images
