Three native Utah flowers for fall gardening

Fall is an underrated season for flower gardening. Plants adjust better when they're not blooming, and winter precipitation helps them get established.

State of play: That means now is a good time to start thinking about landscape plants.

Why it matters: Replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants is an important step in water conservation.

• Native plants are especially beneficial because they provide a habitat for bugs and birds.

Here are three Utah native flowers to consider planting for blooms next year.

1. Firechalice (Zauschneria garrettii)

These red trumpets bloom from midsummer to fall.

• And hummingbirds love them.

2. Licorice Mint Hyssop (Agastache rupestris)

The salmon-colored flowers bloom in late summer over sea green foliage. This provides a nice contrast to other plants.

• The licorice smell is addictive.

3. Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa)

The dramatic yellow blooms appear all summer long.

• Mine have self-seeded a second patch that I didn't have to pay for!