The Gray Period

Fall has certainly arrived here in the Pacific Northwest! For those of you who have never experienced the changing seasons here in Washington and Oregon may I just say: We get a lot of gray in autumn and winter. Gray skies, gray lakes and rivers, gray roads, even the trees turn a sort of muted gray without their leaves. It becomes a bit overwhelming.
A friend in Portland recently asked if I had any suggestions about plants that would provide a little splash of color during the Gray Period. As a matter of fact, I do! I have used most of the plants below in containers on the steps of my south facing front entryway and they have weathered through fall and winter (including subfreezing temps and snowfall) surprisingly well. There are a few details, though, that we should cover before looking at the plants. First, make sure you've put new, good soil into your pots before planting for fall. Do not use the old, root-bound soil from spring and summer. Next, be thoughtful about the location of your containers during the fall and winter. Make sure they are somewhat sheltered, while not completely in the dark. Finally, it is worth it to take a visit to your local nursery (as opposed to a box store, like Fred Meyer) for these plants, especially if your green thumb has only just sprouted.

This is Fountain Grass. I've heard the color described as red or purple. It is spectacular. The feathery plumes provide texture and visual interest to a container garden, not to mention height - this plant gets to be about 24 - 30 inches tall. Even after the plumes have dried out and the color has faded, I think Fountain Grass is still beautiful. To the best of my knowledge, this is not a perennial but it's been worth the price for a solid six months of enjoyment. Use this as a centerpiece and starting point for designing your pot.

This is Crimson Curls Heuchera (coral bells). There are a wide variety of Heuchera available in fall toned burgundy and purples. The ruffly, curly leaves paired with the elegant flowering stems also add textural interest to your container or perennial bed. This is one of my favorite perennials and I use it frequently in pots and beds. Remember, when you're adding plants to garden beds to use the rule of odds: plant in odd numbers for best overall effect.


A common, and favorite, plant to use in the fall and winter is Flowering Kale. Flowering Kale comes in a variety of shapes and color combinations. I prefer the 'Pigeon' variety on the left that resembles a flowering head of cabbage. You can also find this same shape with the center in a pretty pinkish purple, or a combination of ivory and purple.

Another great species of plant to use for the fall is Sedum. These plants are great because of the succulent-like leaves and the splash of deep color that their flowers bring. The variety pictured here, Autumn Joy, may not be great in a container because of its height and the fact that it will need to be trimmed back, but there are such a wide variety of Sedums you're bound to find something fabulous for garden bed or pot. Look for a trailing variety with dark purple leaves and bright magenta flowers.

I've saved the best for last! Winter Pansies, also called Ice Pansies. These little guys are spectacular for adding bright color to a dreary gray day. They are specifically bred to survive in cold, wet weather and to bloom at the exact opposite times your summer flowering pansies do. The flowers tend to be smaller, on a scale with violas, and will happily bloom throughout the coldest fall and winter weeks. The flowers should be picked back before going to seed so that they continue to bloom. They will rest for a little while late in the winter, but will amaze you by blooming again right around April. Don't confuse these with regular pansies sold at your grocer or big box store during the fall, they are not the same.