Some garden shrubs are colorful all year long so we take them for granted.
These include the colorful Croton or Codiaeuum variegatum, Acalypha, and the many colored Ti plants. However, they make great foliage plants to be used in fall flower arrangements when used with a little imagination.
Fall is officially here in the northern hemisphere since the sun has moved south of the equator. The autumnal equinox for us is the spring equinox for those south of the equator. As the sun moves further from us, days are shorter and plants tend to slow their growth. This normally brings on the rainier season in East Hawaii and the dryer season in West Hawaii.
Even though we do not see the brilliant fall colors ablaze in the forests and gardens of the mainland, we can improvise. This year with all the rain on Hawaii’s west side, Kona is green. So now is the time for nursery and garden store shopping. The rest of the island has suffered from dryer weather but this often stimulates flowering rather than leaf production. In either case you can find some great ideas for bringing the feeling of fall into our gardens. Where nights are cool and days frequently cloudy, try some of the fancy new Impatiens hybrids. The New Guinea hybrids are especially attractive. These new hybrids are much more compact and flower abundantly. They come in all flower colors and have multicolored leaves as well. Other Impatiens on the market are the traditional types hybridized to be compact and floriferous.
Fall in Hawaii is colorful with red and yellow African Tulip, Timor Shower, Rainbow Shower and even the Royal Poinciana trees in late bloom. Also flowering now are several species of Bauhinia or Orchid trees. One seldom seen here but common in cooler regions of South America is the Silk Floss Tree or Ceiba speciosa. This close relative of the Kapok tree is rare here but popular in Southern California. Some Hawaii nurseries will bring it in on request from California nurseries. Your garden could be even brighter with the addition of Crotons, Bougainvillea and Hibiscus just to mention a few. Some large tropical trees like False Kamani and the Blue Marble tree begin to lose their old leaves as they put on new ones thus the ground underneath is littered with color.
Besides the many tropical ornamentals trees and shrubs available, you might also consider colorful annuals and perennials to brighten your winter garden or lanai. Many of the annual summer flowers that are prized most on the mainland are at their best here from November to May. These annuals are usually tolerant of cool weather. Since the winter temperature never goes extremely low, they thrive here, especially at higher elevations like Waimea and Volcano. Some, like the marigold are great the year around. They are especially good for sunny dryer locations.
The Marigold is native to the Southwestern United States and to Mexico. It grows well and is popular in every state of our union.
Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and many other annuals with bright blooms are natural for adding color. You may also expand the beauty and interest of your floral borders by including low maintenance foliage plants. What are some of the best to add color and texture contrast?
Coleus immediately comes to mind and is probably the most popular. Little wonder, it’s so versatile and vivid! The plants with their brilliantly patterned leaves are flashy in sun or shade. You will especially appreciate how coleus can transform problem shady spots into rainbow of color. Other favorites include the many varieties of Begonia, Canna, Caladium and Geranium. Check out the vast array of seeds and bulbs available at garden shops. Other interesting plants you will want to consider are Euphorbia leucocephala or Snow on the Mountain and the many colors of Poinsettia. A close relative, the Christmas Poinsettia will soon be on the market and early purchase can add color from November through March.
You can sow seeds of such annuals in boxes, pots, or outdoors. If you use some sort of container, make certain that drainage is good. You can sow the seeds in vermiculite, peat moss, sand, or mixtures of these. You can also buy plants already started at several garden stores and nurseries in the area.
Using your creativity, you can brighten your home and garden from fall until spring.