The Fall Garden Bouquet

Some of the most unusual flowers for the vase are those found in the fall garden. Beyond the typical autumn plants like mums and asters, there are wonderful, easy to grow perennials that can keep bouquets on the table through the end of October. One of my favorite flowers for the garden and vase alike are the tall and stately Aconitum, or Monkshood. With these bold blue flowers that make Delphiniums look wimpy, staking is imperative as certain cultivars can reach six feet, but wow! Come September when most perennials are in decline, the Monkshoods are opening their buds, which are green with blue veins and to my vivid imagination look like alien heads. The flower spires can stop traffic. Straight and thick stems are useful for both tall and compact flower arrangements and combine well with many flowers. Their main caveat is that they are poisonous and both cut flowers and plants should be kept away from toddlers. Monkshoods appreciate morning sun and even moisture. Shown here with the unusual companion of dark Aralia berries in a blown glass vase, this is an arrangement that lends itself to a sophisticated Halloween décor. Place it on a black or deep purple table runner and any modern witch would approve.

Another fall blooming perennial that makes a wonderful centerpiece is Boltonia asteroides. Looking like summer incarnate, its froth of white daisies with chartreuse centers makes an easy bouquet solo. Boltonia also makes great filler and because the plant reaches 6’ tall in bloom, these daisies can be used in short, compact arrangements, but also alongside longer stems like Monkshoods and store bought Gladiolas and Lilies. I like them with the green button mums that are available in this time of year. The green of the mums echoes the center of the Boltonia daisy and both can be arranged into a tidy, globe shaped arrangement with a tailored look. Like many perennials, Boltonia needs little care other protection from slugs in early spring and staking. It requires full sun and one plant will provide enough blossoms fill vases while still shining in the garden bed.

Schizostylus coccinea or Kaffir Lily is a fall star. Its stunning coral red color blends effectively with other plants showing their fall tints. Schizostylus, which is related to Gladiolas, can be found in white or shell pink, but I find the red most dramatic. I’ve combined it in a Murano glass vase with two autumn kissed leaves of Oakleaf Hydrangea and the long leaves of the New Zealand Flax ‘Pink Panther’. Easy as cake to grow and blooming from late August through October, save a sunny place in the garden for Kaffir Lily, whether or not you intend to ever bring any indoors.

Photos (top to bottom): Monkshood, Boltonia, Schizostylus.

10/07