A tall stem of the red hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos, below) with a single flower but numerous buds snapped in a recent thunderstorm. The hibiscus is not a favorite with foliage that attracts the few Japanese beetles seen in the garden. But, it fills a space to help control weeds in the damp soil of the shallow drainage ditch that follows paths through the lower rear garden.

I’m uncertain how long the hibiscus will stay. The beetle eaten leaves are a bit of an eyesore as I emerge from the hornbeam tunnel into the garden. But, late summer flowers are always a plus, even if they’re a bit gaudy.

The equally garish flowers of the Scarlet rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus, above) are slightly smaller. The narrow leaves on tall stems are unbothered by beetles and add textural contrast as they rise overhead.

Flowers of Joe Pye Weeds (Eutrochium spp.) and Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum spp.) are beginning to fade as summer nears its end, but butterflies, bees, and smaller pollinators haven’t given up on them. Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum, above) will soon reach its peak bloom to provide for them as the pollinator favorites fade. It also occupies damp ground.

After flowering, Blackberry lilies (Iris domestica, above) are setting clusters of black seeds that earn their common name. Their flowering extends for several weeks, with the seeds ornamental for several weeks after the pods burst open. But, one is off schedule, flowering today. A welcome surprise.

A new Oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis ‘Orange Marble’, above) has quickly become a summer favorite. Both flower and foliage are exceptional. I was concerned that there might be too little direct sun in the extended planting area in front, but it appears happy. Very happy, as we head into September, but I should also mention the nearby Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria isabellana, below) obtained while we were hiking and visiting gardens in Washington a month ago. It continues to flower, though without a doubt the flowers are of more subtle beauty.