Pat, the Verbena should flower, but the Solidago will not.

I started Solidago speciosa from seed last year, and they did not flower the first year, just made small basal clumps of leaves. Now I'm trying to figure out where they're coming up in my meadow garden.

You might want to consider Asters - they are lovely late season bloomers, and all 3 species I started from seed last Spring bloomed a little in fall. One species that might work okay in a container is Aster laevis (aka Symphyotrichum laeve or Smooth blue aster). It has pretty lavender-blue flowers, nice foliage, and Bill Cullina says it one of the best for garden use with "a neat habit, rarely needs staking, and is very drought-tolerant".

Another flower suggestion: agastache cana (Texas Hummingbird Mint)

It is easy to grow from seed and it flowers the first year. It also has a neat smell (cross between Hubba Bubba and mint.)

Black Eyed Susans and Annise Hyssop will flower in their first year.