Top Flowers to Plant in Fall for a Colorful Autumn Garden

Fall brings shorter days and crisp air, making it the perfect time to plan your autumn garden. While many plants slow down, flowers to plant in fall thrive in cooler weather and can keep your garden looking beautiful well into winter. Chrysanthemums and ornamental kale are excellent choices, adding vibrant seasonal color to your outdoor space.

This guide will help you create a stunning fall garden by exploring a variety of flowers to plant in fall that bloom in autumn. You’ll also learn about the benefits of seasonal planting and flower arrangement tips to enhance your garden’s appeal.

With this information, you can design a garden that will impress your neighbors. Both new and experienced gardeners will find useful tips here.

[This post may contain affiliate links. What does that mean to you? Well, if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may get some compensation from you at no charge. If you want to read the boring stuff my full disclosure can be found here.]

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant Flowers

Fall offers ideal conditions for garden preparation and planting cool weather flowers. The shift from summer heat to cooler autumn temperatures creates a perfect environment for fall gardening. Many plants thrive when planted during this season.

Cooler Temperatures and Ample Moisture

Fall’s cooler air and warm soil make it perfect for planting flowers. This combination is less stressful for new plants, helping them establish easily. Fall often brings more rain, providing plenty of moisture without extra watering.

Establishing Strong Roots Before Winter

Fall planting allows flowers to develop strong root systems before winter. As top growth slows, roots continue expanding. This root establishment is crucial for winter survival and spring growth.

Fall-planted flowers will be well-established by spring. They’ll be ready to thrive when warmer weather arrives.

Advantages of Fall Planting	Benefits for Plants
Cooler air temperatures	Reduced heat stress on plants
Warm soil temperatures	Encourages root growth
Increased rainfall	Ample moisture for establishment
Strong root development	Better winter survival and spring growth

Fall’s favorable conditions set flowers up for success. Autumn planting leads to stronger roots and healthier plants. These flowers will burst with color and vitality come spring.

Chrysanthemums: The Quintessential Fall Flower

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are stunning fall blooms. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. These autumn favorites add beauty to any fall garden.

Mums offer a wide range of flower forms. Pompon mums have small, round blooms. Spider mums feature long, spindly petals. Cushion mums have a compact shape, perfect for borders or containers.

Caring for chrysanthemums is easy, making them great for all gardeners. They thrive in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming throughout fall.

When planting mums, space them properly for good air circulation. This helps prevent disease. Adding mums to your garden brings color and texture.

• Create a colorful border by alternating different hues of mums
• Plant mums in containers and place them on your porch or patio for a welcoming touch
• Pair mums with other fall favorites, such as ornamental grasses or pumpkins, for a festive display

You’ll find many mum varieties to choose from. Some popular options include:

Variety	Color	Height	Bloom Time
Mammoth Red Daisy	Deep red	2-3 feet	Early fall
Spartan Tidal Wave	Pink, purple, and white	1-2 feet	Mid to late fall
Bedazzled Bronze	Bronze and orange	1-2 feet	Mid fall
Starstruck	Yellow and red	2-3 feet	Early to mid fall

Chrysanthemums bring vibrant colors and diverse flower forms to gardens. They add autumnal charm to beds, borders, and containers. Mums are a must-have for any fall planting scheme.

Pansies: Vibrant Colors for Cooler Weather

Pansies are perfect for adding color to your fall garden. These cool season annuals have vibrant hues and delicate petals. They come in deep purples, sunny yellows, and rich reds.

Pansies offer many ways to enhance your garden’s fall color palette. They’re a beloved addition to any autumn landscape.

Planting and Care Tips for Pansies

To help pansies thrive, follow these key tips. Choose a spot with at least six hours of sunlight daily. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil drainage and nutrients.

Plant pansies 6 to 8 inches apart for proper growth. Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Fertilize your pansies with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This helps maintain their health and vigor throughout the season.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Pansies in Your Garden

Pansies are versatile and charming, perfect for various garden designs. Here are some creative ways to use them:

• Create a colorful border along walkways or garden beds by planting pansies in alternating colors or mixed arrangements.
• Fill hanging baskets or window boxes with pansies for a delightful pop of color near your home’s entrance or windows.
• Use pansies as a groundcover in areas where bulbs are planted, providing color while waiting for spring blooms to emerge.
• Plant pansies in containers and place them on your porch, patio, or balcony for a charming autumn display.

Pansy Color	Complementary Fall Plants
Purple	Ornamental kale, dusty miller
Yellow	Red chrysanthemums, bronze heuchera
Orange	Blue asters, purple fountain grass
White	Burgundy sedum, purple pansies

Pansies create a captivating display in your fall garden. They showcase beauty and resilience as cool season annuals. These charming flowers add whimsy to your autumn landscape.

Product suggestions:

1. Planters and Containers for Pansies

• Hanging Baskets
  • Why it’s Needed: Ideal for planting pansies and creating a pop of color at the entrance or on a balcony.

• Window Box Planters
  • Why it’s Needed: Perfect for placing pansies in window boxes, adding a splash of color to windows and entrances.

• Decorative Garden Containers
  • Why it’s Needed: Stylish containers for planting pansies on your porch, patio, or deck.

Asters: Daisy-like Blooms in Autumnal Hues

Asters bring vibrant colors to fall gardens. These hardy perennials bloom in shades from deep purple to pale pink. Their colors blend beautifully with the changing autumn foliage.

Native to North America, asters are beloved by gardeners. Their daisy-like flowers have a central disc surrounded by slender petals. Asters also provide nectar for pollinators late in the growing season.

New England and New York asters are popular for fall gardens. New England asters grow tall with large, showy flowers. New York asters are more compact with smaller, numerous blooms.

Consider these aster cultivars for your garden:

• Purple Dome: A compact New England aster with rich, purple flowers
• Alma Potschke: A tall New England aster with vibrant, hot pink blooms
• Wood’s Blue: A New York aster with delicate, pale blue flowers
• Jindai: A compact, mounded aster with soft, pink petals and a yellow center

Asters prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They need occasional deadheading to prolong blooming. Divide asters every 2-3 years to promote healthy growth.

Pair asters with other fall beauties in your garden. Consider these companions:

Companion Plant	Color Palette	Texture Contrast
Ornamental Grasses	Golden, bronze, and burgundy	Wispy, linear foliage
Sedum	Rosy pink, deep red, and rusty orange	Succulent, fleshy leaves
Black-Eyed Susans	Bright yellow and deep brown centers	Coarse, daisy-like flowers
Chrysanthemums	Warm shades of yellow, orange, and red	Dense, mounded form

Asters extend the season of color in your garden. They bring charm and natural beauty to autumn landscapes. Add these versatile perennials to enjoy their blooms well into cooler months.

Sedum: Succulent Plants with Stunning Fall Foliage

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a great low-maintenance plant for autumn gardens. These succulents display beautiful fall colors in red, orange, and yellow shades. They’re drought-tolerant and thrive in various soils, making them perfect for easy gardening.

Sedum plants come in many shapes and sizes. They range from low-growing ground covers to upright varieties reaching 2 feet tall. Their fleshy leaves store water, helping them survive drought and neglect.

In fall, many sedum varieties change from green to bright red, orange, and yellow. This stunning display lasts for weeks, adding vibrant color to your garden.

Sedum Varieties for Fall Interest

Consider these popular sedum varieties for your fall garden:

• ‘Autumn Joy’: This upright sedum features large clusters of pink flowers that deepen to a rich bronze-red hue in the fall, complemented by attractive, fleshy green leaves.
• ‘Brilliant’: Similar to ‘Autumn Joy’, ‘Brilliant’ boasts vibrant magenta-pink flowers that age to a deep, rusty red, creating a stunning contrast against the succulent green foliage.
• ‘Matrona’: The dusty-pink flowers of ‘Matrona’ are borne on sturdy stems above gray-green leaves that take on a bronze tinge in the fall, adding depth and interest to the plant.
• ‘Angelina’: This low-growing sedum features needle-like, chartreuse foliage that turns a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or as a spiller in containers.

Plant sedum in rock gardens, borders, or containers for best results. They thrive in poor soils and challenging growing conditions. Pair them with fall-blooming perennials, ornamental grasses, and cool-season annuals for a diverse autumn landscape.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage: Unique Textures and Colors

Ornamental kale and cabbage bring stunning beauty to fall gardens. Their ruffled leaves come in purple, green, and white shades. These cool-season annuals work well in beds, borders, and containers.

Designing with Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

These texture plants offer various cultivars with unique features. ‘Osaka’ has frilly leaves in pink, white, and green. ‘Peacock’ boasts large heads with red and white serrated leaves.

‘Nagoya’ displays tightly packed leaves in rose and creamy white. Pair them with pansies, mums, and asters for a colorful fall display. Plant them in groups for a bold statement.

• ‘Osaka’ – Features finely cut, frilly leaves in shades of pink, white, and green.
• ‘Peacock’ – Boasts large, loose heads with serrated leaves in vibrant red and white hues.
• ‘Nagoya’ – Displays tightly packed, upright leaves in shades of rose and creamy white.

Caring for These Cool-Season Beauties

Ornamental kale and cabbage thrive in well-draining, organic-rich soil. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting. This encourages healthy growth and vibrant leaf colors. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain their attractive appearance.

Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars. These can be handpicked or treated with organic insecticide. With proper care, these plants will beautify your garden throughout fall.

Flowers to Plant in Fall: Bulbs for Spring Blooms

Fall is the ideal time to plant bulbs for spring flowers. These bulbs are easy to grow and need little care. Planting various bulbs in autumn ensures a colorful spring garden.

Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths

Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are popular fall-planted bulbs. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. These classic blooms create stunning garden displays.

• Tulips: Available in a spectrum of colors, from vibrant reds and pinks to soft pastels and even black, tulips are a versatile choice for any spring garden.
• Daffodils: These cheerful yellow flowers are a harbinger of spring and are known for their resilience and ability to naturalize over time.
• Hyacinths: Fragrant and colorful, hyacinths add a touch of elegance to any garden with their densely packed flower spikes.

Choose a well-draining spot with full sun to partial shade for these bulbs. Plant them three times their height deep, pointed end up. Water well and add mulch for winter protection.

Lesser-Known Bulbs for a Unique Spring Display

Besides the popular choices, unique bulbs can add flair to your garden. Try these unusual varieties for a special spring display:

Bulb	Description
Fritillaria	These exotic-looking flowers feature bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and white, often with a checkered pattern.
Allium	Alliums produce large, spherical flower heads in shades of purple, pink, and white, adding architectural interest to the garden.
Species Tulips	Smaller and more delicate than traditional tulips, species tulips are perfect for naturalizing and creating a woodland-inspired look.
Muscari	Also known as grape hyacinths, these petite flowers feature dense clusters of blue or white blooms that resemble miniature grapes.

Mix classic and unique bulbs for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind spring garden. Plant your fall bulbs before the ground freezes. Soon, you’ll enjoy a spectacular spring bloom display.

Japanese Anemones: Elegant Late-Season Bloomers

Japanese anemones shine in autumn gardens. These graceful perennials add elegance to any landscape. Their tall stems and delicate flowers create a captivating display lasting into cooler months.

‘Honorine Jobert’ boasts pure white flowers with yellow centers. The blooms measure up to 3 inches across on 3 to 4-foot stems. ‘Queen Charlotte’ features soft pink flowers with a deeper pink reverse.

Japanese anemones are prized for beauty and easy care. They thrive in partial shade to full sun, preferring moist, well-draining soil. These hardy perennials need minimal pruning and fertilization.

Once established, they spread slowly via rhizomes. They form attractive clumps that can be divided every few years. This controls their growth and allows sharing with fellow gardeners.

Japanese anemones offer endless landscape possibilities. They excel as backdrops for shorter perennials in borders. In woodland gardens, their blooms shine against rich autumnal foliage.

These flowers add old-world charm to cottage gardens. They blend beautifully with asters and sedums for a stunning fall display.

Variety	Flower Color	Height	Bloom Time
‘Honorine Jobert’	Pure white	3-4 feet	Late summer to fall
‘Queen Charlotte’	Soft pink	2-3 feet	Late summer to fall
‘Pamina’	Deep pink	2-3 feet	Late summer to fall
‘Whirlwind’	Semi-double white	3-4 feet	Late summer to fall

Japanese anemones offer fresh beauty as seasons change. Their elegant white and pink blooms dance in autumn breezes. They provide color and grace, extending your garden’s allure into cooler months.

Helenium: Rustic Charm for the Autumn Garden

Helenium, or sneezeweed, is a standout fall perennial. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers come in yellow, orange, and red. This hardy plant adds rustic charm to gardens with long-lasting blooms.

Helenium’s easy-care nature makes it a gardener’s favorite. It extends the beauty of outdoor spaces into cooler months. Its versatility suits various garden styles.

Helenium Varieties and Their Characteristics

Several stunning helenium varieties offer unique appeal. Each has its own characteristics to enhance your garden. Here are some popular options:

• Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’: This variety has coppery-red flowers with a golden center. It grows 3-4 feet tall and blooms from late summer to fall.
• Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’: It’s one of the first heleniums to bloom. It displays bright yellow flowers with a brown center from mid-summer to early fall.
• Helenium ‘Mardi Gras’: This variety features a mix of yellow, orange, and red petals. It grows 3-4 feet tall and blooms from late summer to fall.
• Helenium ‘Ruby Tuesday’: It has deep red petals and a dark brown center. This variety grows 2-3 feet tall and blooms from late summer to fall.

Consider height, color, and bloom time when selecting helenium varieties. This helps create a cohesive, long-lasting display. Heleniums thrive in full sun to partial shade.

They prefer well-draining soil and regular deadheading. This encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. Heleniums are versatile and suit various garden styles.

Helenium complements prairie-style gardens, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens. It pairs well with ornamental grasses, asters, and other fall perennials. This creates a captivating autumn tableau in your outdoor space.

Coneflowers: Attracting Pollinators in Fall

Coneflowers, or echinacea, are native perennials that bring vibrant color to autumn gardens. Their large, daisy-like flowers with prominent cones attract various pollinators. These hardy plants provide food for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects as the season winds down.

Coneflower Colors and Varieties

Coneflowers offer a range of colors and varieties to suit any garden style. The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is the most well-known species. However, many other options exist to enhance your garden’s appeal.

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Classic purple-pink petals with an orange-brown central cone.
• White Swan Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’): Pure white petals surrounding a golden-green cone.
• Magnus Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’): Vibrant pink petals with a coppery-orange cone.
• Sunset Orange Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Sunset Orange’): Warm orange petals transitioning to a pink base.
• Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’): A mix of red, orange, yellow, and purple flowers on one plant.

Planting and Maintaining Coneflowers

To help your coneflowers thrive and attract pollinators in fall, follow these planting and maintenance tips:

Aspect	Recommendation
Sun Exposure	Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day)
Soil	Well-draining soil; tolerates poor soil
Spacing	18-24 inches apart for proper air circulation
Watering	1 inch per week; drought-tolerant once established
Fertilizing	Not necessary; apply compost annually if desired
Deadheading	Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
Division	Divide every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor

Adding coneflowers to your fall garden creates a colorful haven for pollinators. These native perennials are low-maintenance and eco-friendly. Your autumn landscape will thrive with these beautiful, long-lasting blooms for years to come.

Goldenrod: A Native Plant for Fall Color

Goldenrod, or solidago, is a native perennial that brings vibrant yellow to fall landscapes. This wildflower enhances autumn gardens with its visual appeal and ecological benefits. It provides essential nectar for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.

Goldenrod adapts to various soil types, thriving in sandy, loamy, or clay conditions. It’s drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens or areas with limited water. This hardy perennial requires minimal care to flourish.

Despite common belief, goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies. Its pollen is too heavy for wind dispersal. Ragweed, blooming simultaneously, is the usual allergy culprit. You can enjoy goldenrod’s beauty without allergy worries.

Here are ways to include goldenrod in your fall garden:

• Create a naturalistic meadow by combining goldenrod with other native perennials like asters, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans.
• Use goldenrod as a backdrop for shorter fall-blooming plants, such as chrysanthemums or ornamental kale.
• Plant goldenrod along the edges of woodland gardens to add a pop of color and attract pollinators.
• Incorporate goldenrod into perennial borders for a dynamic display of texture and color.

Consider these popular goldenrod varieties for your garden:

Variety	Height	Bloom Time
Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’	3-4 feet	Late summer to fall
Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’	18-24 inches	Late summer to fall
Solidago canadensis ‘Golden Baby’	2-3 feet	Late summer to fall

Goldenrod adds vibrant yellow blooms to your fall garden while supporting local pollinators. It creates a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that shines in autumn. This wildflower truly deserves a spot in every fall garden.

Decorating with Fall Flowers: Wreaths, Arrangements, and More

Fall flowers can bring beauty to your home decor. Seasonal blooms and foliage in wreaths and arrangements add a cozy touch. Let’s explore ideas for fall floral decor that showcase vibrant colors and textures.

DIY Fall Wreath Ideas

Making a DIY wreath is a fun way to celebrate autumn. Start with a grapevine or straw base. Add fall flowers like chrysanthemums, asters, and goldenrod.

Include natural elements such as mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, and berries. These add texture and interest to your wreath.

• Chrysanthemum and Burlap Wreath: Attach chrysanthemums to a wreath base with floral wire. Wrap sections with burlap ribbon for a rustic look.
• Aster and Wheat Wreath: Mix purple and white asters with dried wheat stalks. Add a plaid bow for a charming, country-inspired design.
• Goldenrod and Gourds Wreath: Intertwine goldenrod stems with a grapevine wreath. Nestle small gourds and mini pumpkins among the flowers.

Autumn Flower Arrangements for Indoors

Create stunning autumn arrangements with seasonal flowers for your home. Choose blooms in warm hues like burgundy, orange, and golden yellow. Pair them with autumn foliage and berries.

Use unique containers like hollowed-out pumpkins, wooden boxes, or vintage tins. These enhance the seasonal look of your arrangements.

1. Mum and Kale Centerpiece: Fill a low, wide container with floral foam. Arrange chrysanthemums and ornamental kale for a lush centerpiece.
2. Aster and Oak Leaf Bouquet: Gather purple and pink asters, oak leaves, and hypericum berries. Place in a mason jar or ceramic pitcher.
3. Coneflower and Wheat Arrangement: Combine dried coneflower heads, wheat stalks, and safflower. Use a tall, clear vase for a striking display.

Fall Flower	Wreath Ideas	Arrangement Ideas
Chrysanthemums	Chrysanthemum and Burlap Wreath	Mum and Kale Centerpiece
Asters	Aster and Wheat Wreath	Aster and Oak Leaf Bouquet
Goldenrod	Goldenrod and Gourds Wreath	Coneflower and Wheat Arrangement

Fall floral decor helps you celebrate the beauty of the season. Create a DIY wreath for your front door. Display an autumn arrangement on your dining table.

These seasonal decorating ideas will help you embrace the changing seasons with style. Enjoy the warmth and charm of fall in your home.

Product suggestions that align with the fall gardening theme:

1. Garden Tools & Accessories

• Hand Trowel & Transplanter Tool Set
  • Why it’s Needed: Essential for planting fall flowers like chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters.

• Garden Kneeler and Seat
  • Why it’s Needed: Comfort while planting and maintaining fall flowers.

• Bulb Planter Tool
  • Why it’s Needed: Ideal for planting spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils in fall.

2. Flower Bulbs for Fall Planting

• Tulip Bulbs
  • Why it’s Needed: Perfect for planting in fall to enjoy vibrant blooms in spring.

• Daffodil Bulbs
  • Why it’s Needed: Adds cheerful yellow blooms to your spring garden.

• Hyacinth Bulbs
  • Why it’s Needed: Fragrant flowers that are great for spring displays.

3. Fertilizers & Soil Enhancers

• Organic Fertilizer
  • Why it’s Needed: Helps nourish fall-planted flowers like mums, asters, and pansies.

• Compost Bin
  • Why it’s Needed: Ideal for making nutrient-rich compost to improve soil for fall planting.

• Mulch for Winter Protection
  • Why it’s Needed: Protects fall-planted flowers and bulbs during the winter months.

4. Pest Control Products

• Organic Pest Control Spray
  • Why it’s Needed: Protects fall flowers from pests like aphids and caterpillars.

• Garden Netting
  • Why it’s Needed: Helps protect chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters from birds and wildlife.

5. Garden Lighting for Fall Displays

• Solar Garden Lights
  • Why it’s Needed: Highlights fall flowers and decor in the evening with eco-friendly lighting.

Conclusion

Fall flower planting extends your garden’s beauty into autumn. Choose the right flowers for a stunning landscape design. Chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters are excellent choices for a vibrant fall garden.

Sedum, ornamental kale, and fall-planted bulbs also work well. Japanese anemones, helenium, coneflowers, and goldenrod add color and interest.

Take advantage of cooler temperatures when planting in fall. This helps establish strong roots and prepares plants for winter. Proper techniques ensure a gorgeous garden that attracts pollinators.

Choose plants suited to your climate for successful fall gardening. Provide the care they need to thrive. A diverse array of autumn-blooming flowers creates a spectacular seasonal display.

FAQ

What are the benefits of planting flowers in fall?

Fall planting offers cooler temps and more moisture. This helps plants grow strong roots before winter. Plants face less heat stress and enjoy more rain, leading to healthier growth.

What are some popular fall-blooming flowers?

Popular fall bloomers include chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters. Sedum, ornamental kale, and cabbage also thrive in autumn. Japanese anemones, helenium, coneflowers, and goldenrod add color to fall gardens.

Can I plant bulbs in the fall?

Fall is perfect for planting spring-blooming bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are common choices. Fritillaries, alliums, and species tulips also do well.

Fall planting lets bulbs develop strong roots. This prepares them for beautiful spring flowers.

How can I incorporate fall flowers into my landscape design?

Create colorful borders with chrysanthemums or pansies. Plant asters or sedum in rock gardens. Add ornamental kale and cabbage to containers.

Pair fall flowers with gourds, pumpkins, and colorful leaves. This creates a cohesive autumn look.

What are some low-maintenance fall flowers?

Sedum (stonecrop) is a succulent that needs little care. Goldenrod adapts to various soil types. Coneflowers and Japanese anemones are also easy to maintain.

How can I use fall flowers for decorating?

Make a DIY fall wreath with chrysanthemums, asters, and goldenrod. Add gourds, berries, and leaves for texture. Create flower arrangements in vases or baskets.

Use these arrangements to bring autumn colors into your home.

Are there any fall flowers that attract pollinators?

Coneflowers and goldenrod attract bees and butterflies. These native perennials provide nectar and pollen. Asters and sedum also draw pollinators to your autumn garden.

Last update on 2024-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API