Grasses and Chrysanthemums
brought the annual beds at
Hershey Gardens
into fine fall form
when I visited in early October.
Graceful Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')
starts blooming in July,
but is right at home in the fall garden.
Hardy in zones 9 and 10,
it's grown as an annual here in Pennsylvania.
Like a chameleon, it seems to
adjust to any color scheme.
Purple Fountain Grass hues
blend beautifully with
Tropicanna Canna Lily, while its
feathery form provides great contrast.
Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') is an
interesting variegated variety for a lighter look.
Beginning coppery red blooms of
Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light')
have a kind of a funky spiky flair.
They'll mature into silvery white plumes.
See how this grass is woven into the
rhythm of the gardens here.
Popcorn Plant (Cassia didymobotrya)
not only has an intriguing look,
but enticing aromas as well.
Its foliage smells like popcorn
when rubbed or moved (truly!).
I love this juxtaposition of
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) against
complementary orange mums.
I featured it last year with
Chrysanthemum combinations here .
I was surprised to see Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) flowering.
Cutting it back after the spring bloom
can encourage this second bloom.
Containers were full to overflowing -
early fall's abundance is bittersweet, with
winter waiting just around the corner.
See more of Hershey Gardens early fall beauty here.
