There are several other excellent fall blooming perennials. These perennials are more reliably cold hardy than mums and will hold court with equal royal presence. They are available in a wide range of flower colors and sizes. Flowering begins in August with colors ranging from white, pink, red, and lilac, to purple on plants from 2 to 5 feet tall. Pinching the plants back in spring and early summer creates compact plants with additional flowers.
Powdery mildew is often a problem, especially in shady areas and sites with poor air circulation.
The flower heads mature to a dark pink. This is also a great perennial for the winter garden as the flowers eventually turn brown but will continue to stand during most of the winter. This sedum prefers full sun to part shade with a well-drained soil. This perennial is bright enough to attract attention from great distances, which is why it is often used in roadside plantings. An outstanding variety is 'Goldstrum' Rudbeckia.