September might be one of the most underrated months in the gardening calendar – almost as underrated as the flowers you’ve never heard of, quite frankly!
Yes, the worst of summer’s heat is beginning to fade, but the soil can still be warm enough to encourage new roots, making early fall a particularly useful time to add hardy perennials to your yard.
And if you’re tired of seeing the same coneflowers, daylilies and hydrangeas everywhere, there’s another reason to plant now: there are plenty of unusual flowers that can give your garden a completely different look next year.
7 Stunning Flowers You’ve Never Heard Of
From fluffy blue blooms that attract butterflies to strange-looking spikes that resemble something from a woodland fairy garden, these are seven flowers you’ve never have heard of before (probably) but will definitely want to know about.
One caveat before we begin, though; September planting isn’t suitable for every plant in every part of the US. Your ideal planting window depends on your USDA Hardiness Zone, local temperatures and whether you’re planting an established potted perennial or starting from seed.
Now, then, let’s dive on in…
1. Blue Mistflower
If you’ve never come across blue mistflower before, its fluffy blue-purple flowers (as seen at the top of this article) may make you wonder why it isn’t more widely planted.
Also known as hardy ageratum, blue mistflower is a North American native perennial that produces clusters of tiny, fuzzy-looking flowers from late summer into fall
It’s particularly useful if your garden is looking a little tired by September, because this is when blue mistflower really starts to earn its place. It can bloom from summer into fall, with flowers continuing until frost in suitable conditions… and butterflies, moths and other pollinators love it! More than enough reason to bag yourself a Blue Mistflower from Nature Hills, right?
2. ‘Glowstick’ Kniphofia
You’ve probably seen red-hot poker plants before, but ‘Glowstick’ kniphofia (available at Burpee) is a particularly striking version, and its electric-looking yellow flower spikes are almost impossible to miss.
Instead of blending quietly into a perennial border, this plant sends up tall, upright flower spikes that look almost like they’re glowing in the sunshine. And that’s exactly what makes it such a good choice for anyone looking for a flower that feels a little different!
3. Toad Lily
If you want a flower that genuinely makes people stop and ask “What is that?”, plant a toad lily. These unusual perennials produce small, orchid-like flowers covered in spots, and they have a distinctly exotic appearance, despite being surprisingly useful in the late-season garden.
With flowering extending into the fall, toad lilies are a great option for a shadier part of the garden; just give them part shade and moist soil. They’re particularly useful beneath trees or along woodland-style borders where many sun-loving perennials struggle.
Consider them proof that September doesn’t have to mean planting yet another sun-loving flower, I guess!
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4. ‘Rosy Jane’ Gaura
I know, I know; at first glance, ‘Rosy Jane’ gaura (available at Burpee) looks almost too delicate to be a tough perennial. Its slender stems carry masses of small white flowers edged in pink, creating the impression of tiny butterflies hovering above the foliage.
It’s a particularly good choice if you want something that feels romantic and informal though; just be sure to give it plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil, as it doesn’t appreciate sitting in wet conditions, especially through winter.
And don’t worry if it looks a little sparse at first. Gaura has a wonderfully airy habit and can become a surprisingly floriferous addition to a sunny border.
5. Rattlesnake Master
Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) may have one of the strangest names in the perennial world, but the plant itself is even more unusual. Instead of traditional flower heads, this underrated prairie native produces rounded globes surrounded by spiky foliage.
Now, don’t be put off by the name, because those strange little flower heads are packed with tiny blooms, providing pollen and nectar for an impressive range of pollinators, from bees to butterflies to birth month bugs.
What it does offer is unusual form, late-season interest and a native perennial that can bring a completely different texture to the garden. What more can you ask for, eh? Time to bag yourself a Rattlesnake Master from CZ Grain, maybe.
6. Thalictrum
When it comes to stunning flowers you’ve never heard of, thalictrum ‘nimbus’ definitely deserves a place on your list.
This unusual meadow rue produces clouds of fluffy flowers, giving it a wonderfully light and airy appearance, and September is a good time to get hardy perennials like this one into the ground (so long as your growing zone gives the plant enough time to establish before winter).
For showy cloudbursts of lavender-pink flowers float above masses of fern-like green leaves, bag yourself some Thalictrum (Meadow Rue) NIMBUS Pink Plant seeds from Burpee and plant them in partial shade. Just be sure not to let it dry out during warm spells, and give it a little shelter from strong winds if possible.
7. Culver’s Root
If you prefer your flowers tall and elegant rather than bright and showy, Culver’s root is a North American native that produces exactly that; think slender spikes of tiny flowers that look almost candelabra-like!
To help it work its magic, just give it full sun and soil that doesn’t dry out too quickly. It can reach several feet tall, too, so be sure to place it toward the back of a border where its height can be appreciated.
It’s particularly effective planted among other prairie-style perennials (like the rattlesnake master of earlier), and don’t worry, because the flower spikes and seed heads can continue to provide interest after the blooms have faded.
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The best thing about these flowers isn’t just that they’re unusual (although that is always a fun flex!); blue mistflower can extend pollinator-friendly color into fall. Toad lily can bring flowers to shade. And… well, you get the picture; each is as useful as the last.
Honestly, that’s exactly why September can be such a good time to experiment. So, instead of filling your garden with the same plants everyone else has, why not use the quieter planting season to add one or two underrated beauties?
Hey, anything that makes visitors ask, “I’ve never seen that before, what is it?”
