Fall is a fantastic time for gardening, offering a perfect blend of cooler temperatures and reduced pest activity, creating ideal growing conditions for many plants. The refreshing crispness in the air and the vibrant hues of the changing leaves make this season a visual treat for gardeners and nature lovers alike. Whether extending your existing summer garden or giving your landscape a seasonal makeover, the opportunities to embrace nature’s beauty are endless. With fall flowering plants’ striking variety and resilience, fall flowering plants thrive in this environment, rewarding your efforts with bountiful blooms and a kaleidoscope of colors that blend seamlessly with the seasonal foliage.
What makes these fall perennial plants so special is their ability to withstand cooler weathers and even the occasional snow, something that many summer plants can’t handle. They bring life, color, and energy to your lawn just when you might expect things to start slowing down. Plus, many of these plants, with their bold textures and bright colors, complement autumn’s golden, red, and orange tones, adding depth and contrast to your outdoor spaces.
Beyond aesthetics, they also support local wildlife—attracting birds, bees, and butterflies well into the colder months. With their hardiness and beauty, fall plants are truly indispensable for anyone looking to keep their yard lively and colorful as the days grow shorter. Let’s explore some of the fall plants to transform your outdoor space!
Best Fall Plants
1. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is one of the most drought tolerant perennials you can plant. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it a good choice for those dry, late-summer and fall days. The flower clusters bloom in shades of pink, red, and reddish purple, adding vibrant hues to the landscape. A fun fact about Sedum? Its flowers are magnets for butterflies! Sedum grows best in part sun and can withstand cooler weather and snow, making it a favorite for autumn gardens.
Growth Tip: All Sedum varieties thrive in well-drained ground and don’t need much watering. Plant it in garden beds or containers for a splash of color in your autumn lawn.
2. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a fantastic addition to any meadow landscape, with its brilliant yellow flowers that bloom from late summer and fall. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and even tolerates poor soil conditions. Contrary to popular belief, Goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies—its pollen is too heavy to become airborne! Instead, it attracts pollinators, helping support your garden’s ecosystem. Plus, it’s easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Growth Tip: For best results, plant Goldenrod in a sunny spot and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
3. Begonia
If you want something colorful that can tolerate shade, Begonia is your go-to annual. They offer bold foliage in a range of pink, red, and orange colors, adding brightness to your lawn even in shady areas. Begonias are known for their ability to withstand varying climate and even light frosts, making them a beautiful yet resilient choice for fall. Fun fact: Their blooms are edible and add a tangy flavor to salads!
Growth Tip: Begonias prefer well-drained, rich soil and regular watering. They’re ideal for containers or ground planting in shaded areas.
4. Boltonia
Boltonia, often called false aster, produces daisy-like flowers in white or pale pink. It’s a tall perennial, often reaching several inches tall, and looks stunning planted in masses along borders or in natural meadow landscapes. It blooms in early fall, creating a beautiful sea of color that complements the changing leaves. As an added bonus, Boltonia is resistant to most pests and can tolerate cold climate.
Growth Tip: Boltonia enjoys part sun and needs regular watering, especially in dry conditions. Deadhead the flowers to encourage continued blooming.
5. Chrysanthemum (Mums)
Mums are the quintessential fall flowering plants. Known for their stunning range of colors— from deep reds and purples to bright yellows and oranges—mums create a great fall color palette. They’re great for adding structure and vibrancy to your containers. Mums also have strong, sturdy stems that can survive light frosts and keep blooming through the autumn season.
Growth Tip: Deadheading spent flowers will extend their bloom time. Plant them in full sun for best results.
6. Aster
Asters are another star of the fall yard, often blooming in shades of purple, blue, and pink. The new england aster variety is especially popular, producing an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. They’re a favorite among butterflies, helping your lawn become a haven for wildlife. Asters thrive in full sun and are fairly low maintenance, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. Their ability to survive cold weather makes them a must-have for fall.
Growth Tip: Asters need good air circulation, so plant them with enough space to breathe. Water them regularly to keep the roots healthy, especially during dry spells.
7. “Flowering” Cabbage and Kale
Not all fall plants are about blooms! “Flowering” cabbage and kale are known for their stunning, colorful leaves in shades of purple, pink, and white. These ornamental plants can last well into winter. Their thick leaves add unique texture to your yard, providing a striking contrast to traditional flowers. While they’re called “flowering,” these plants don’t actually bloom, but their foliage creates a stunning display.
Growth Tip: Plant them in full sun for best color development. They’re also great for containers and make excellent companions to fall bloomers like mums and asters.
Conclusion
As the days grow cooler and the crisp autumn air sets in, your garden doesn’t have to lose its vibrancy or charm. In fact, fall is a season that presents unique opportunities to enhance your outdoor space with stunning plants that thrive in the cooler months.
By choosing fall plants, you can keep your garden alive with bursts of color, interesting textures, and captivating movement. While some summer plants may fade, fall bloomers like Chrysanthemums, Asters, and Sedums take center stage, offering hardy resilience against chilly nights and even light frost. These plants not only bring bright hues but also help create depth and contrast with their various shapes and growth habits, from the fluffy petals of mums to the delicate yet prolific blooms of asters.
With the right mix of fall flowering plants, your yard can be more than just a colorful display—it can become an inviting habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies seeking late-season nectar. Hardy perennials like Chrysanthemums add structure and drama, thriving even in the face of colder temperatures, while Asters offer a delicate charm that complements autumn’s natural palette.
By planting these fall beauties, you ensure that your lawn remains a focal point of life and color, even as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, truly showcasing the best of what fall gardening has to offer.
