I've had a lot of experience planting perennials and woody plants well into October both in Minnesota and Vermont. The key seems to be adequate water and protection such as an anti-desiccant for woodies, and straw mulch for perennials. The ground stays warmer than the air in the fall- which gives roots a longer period to develop without having to support green growth, (with the exception of conifers). In Vermont, with fairly reliable rain and then snow cover- fall planting isn't as chancy as in Minnesota where we can have a very droughty fall and no snow cover- that's really bad for root development- especially when the hoses have been put away and the temperature drops to 10 degrees overnight. We get a lot of customers that ask us when is the absolute last date they can plant- many can't plant until November because of their schedules!! We say mid-October, in our experience, that seems to be safe for most plants. Conifers don't like to be planted after this date. Here is a link that might be useful: Rocky Dale Gardens

Marlene you gotta do what works for you. The garden experts probably are giving a conservative approach to the general public so that they have as much success with their plants as possible--especially if the plants were young and not well established in the pots they were in. What really matters is whether the plant roots have time to get established before the ground freezes solid. This can be ameliorated by planting deep since the further into the soil you plant the more insulation the roots have and the longer they can grow. In addition, mulching will add to the insulatory properties of the soil and further prevent the soil from freezing until the later in the season. Snow actually is another factor that helps to insulate the soil and prevent it from freezing solid. Just because it is cold enough to snow doesn't mean that the ground is frozen--air temperature and soil temperature are two different things since the soil acts as a heat sink, collecting warmth all season long and slowly releasing it over the course of the winter. Of course, one other factor that can come into play is how severe any winter is and how early in the season it gets really cold and only Mother Nature is going to know that in any given year.

I think this one can be bumped down. I hope it was a good turnout!

I took a few moments to look at your little area. While scale was hard to determine, it looks like you have a fair amount of shade and that you have, or plan to have a lot happening in a small space. Shade is the harder one for the color you desire. My two top recs for the shade would be the sandcherry or the red baron crab. Corylus, Physocarpus, Sambucus, all are going to green out where they don't get enough sun. The Cotinus may be worth a try, for this reason: If you are hesitant to bite on a Emp. I because of exposure and price, try the Grace. The colored Cotinus are not necessarily as winter tough ...in particular wind exposure... as advertised. And if you have a Cotinus, you either need to have perspective (distance), or prune it regular to keep it looking full. What I have learned is this...we'll try to negotiate what is enough sun. The plant will tell you, and you'll learn something. Would your desire for red/purple color be able to be redirected? Rather than use it as a vertical accent behind, a flat carpet in front? I'm thinking specifically of heuchera. Or would other herbaceous perennials be able to provide the color and some height...I'm thinking perhaps hibiscus (shading issues), cimicifuga, eupatorium perhaps? If you have the time, check out Schulte's in St. Michael. Sometimes with the varied demands of the Twin Cities market, and all of the varied little microclimates that develop, not to mention dedicated enthusiasts who think nothing of moving their precious jap. maples into the garage each and every winter, there can be distortions of what is actually "proper" to grow in the area. Err on the side of caution and get a little north and see what's offered, and Schulte's has about as good a selection as you'll find north of 694/494.