I have a flower bed that needs some late Summer color. It's main attraction is tulips but they're done by late Spring.

I've been planting various annuals to fill that space which works well but I'd really like to have a companion perennial that I can plant and forget. In my other beds, I have Astilbe to cover late Spring to early Summer and Day lilies and Oriental lilies to cover mid-Summer.

A perennial that is a late bloomer is blue mist shrub. Good down to zone 5 . are you lower(colder) than that?

Zone 5b. Sorry, should've mentioned that.

I'll check out the blue mist, thanks.

You seem to have a great resource at the University of Maine.

Poke around in this area, and/or call your local county office, it's listed here, and speak to a Master Gardener.

University of Maine County Extension Offices

The Offices may be closed due to the covid stuff, but it looks like they are working remotely, so you should be able to get someone to advise you what will work well in your particular personal area.

There is a link to ask them your questions.

Alternatively, phone a traditional old fashioned plant nursery/greenhouse in your area, or probably anywhere in Maine, and ask for their recommendations.

Good luck to ya, have fun.

Let us know what you find out, and send pics if you can.
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