As the heat of summer gives way to the crisp air of autumn, your garden can continue to flourish with the right selection of plants. The fall season offers an opportunity to refresh your garden with vibrant autumn flowers that can withstand cooler temperatures and even the first frost. Whether you’re looking to add bright yellow blooms or graceful lavender flowers to your fall landscape, choosing the right plants is key. This guide will introduce you to the 9 best fall plants to grow, offering tips on how to incorporate them into your lawn for a season-long display of color and beauty.
Best Fall Plants to Grow
1. Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem is a native grass that adds texture and color to your fall garden. This deciduous shrub features slender, upright stems that turn a stunning crimson as the season progresses. The grass also produces tiny, fluffy seed heads that catch the light, adding visual interest to your lawn. Little Bluestem thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a drought-tolerant option for gardeners. It’s a perfect choice for adding height and movement to your fall landscape, especially when paired with bright yellow blooms or colorful autumn flowers.
Growing Tip: Plant Little Bluestem in a spot where it can enjoy a lot of brightness. It’s hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it a great option for early fall planting. Its vibrant color can last well into late fall, offering a striking contrast to your other fall plants.
2. Strawberry Shake Hydrangea
Strawberry Shake Hydrangea is a showstopper with its large, conical clusters of white flowers that gradually turn pink and then a rich strawberry red as the fall season progresses. This deciduous shrub is perfect for adding color year-round, especially in early fall when the blooms are at their peak. Growing up to five feet tall, it’s an excellent choice for creating focal points in your yard or as a backdrop for other fall flowers.
Growing Tip: Plant Strawberry Shake Hydrangea in well-drained soil. It prefers cooler temperatures and can handle a bit of frost, making it a reliable option for extending the bloom season into late fall.
3. Plumbago
Plumbago is a versatile perennial with bright blue flowers that create a striking contrast with the typical warm tones of fall. It blooms from late summer into early fall, providing a splash of cool color just as other plants begin to fade. Plumbago is also known for its vibrant foliage, which turns a deep red in autumn, adding to the plant’s appeal.
Growing Tip: Plumbago thrives in full sun to part sun and well-drained soil. It’s heat tolerant, making it a great choice for gardens that experience warmer autumns. Use Plumbago to add a pop of blue to your fall lawn, or pair it with other fall plants like Sedum for a stunning combination.
4. Miss Molly Butterfly Bush
The Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is a magnet for pollinators, with its bright pink, fragrant flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. This hardy shrub can grow up to five feet tall and is perfect for attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects to your garden. The vibrant blooms of Miss Molly add a bold splash of color to your fall lawn, making it a must-have for any garden.
Growing Tip: Plant Miss Molly in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, making it low-maintenance. Place it in the background of a flower bed or as a stand-alone feature to create a stunning focal point in your fall garden.
5. Evolution Emerald Ice Sedum
Evolution Emerald Ice Sedum is a fall lawn favorite, known for its tiny pink flowers and thick, succulent foliage. This plant begins blooming in late summer and continues well into fall, providing season-long color. The flowers start as pale green buds, turning to pink and eventually deepening to a rich burgundy. Sedum is also highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for gardens that receive less rainfall during the cooler months.
Growing Tip: Sedum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for adding to rock gardens, borders, or ground cover. Pair it with other fall options like Helenium or Black Eyed Susan to create a dynamic display of fall color.
6. Beyond Midnight/Bluebeard
Beyond Midnight, also known as Bluebeard, is a compact deciduous shrub that produces striking lavender flowers in late summer through early fall. The dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright blooms, creating a rich visual effect. This plant is not only attractive but also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for many gardeners.
Growing Tip: Bluebeard prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a great option for adding color to your fall garden when many other plants have finished blooming. Use it in borders or as a low hedge to define spaces in your yard.
7. Helenium
Helenium, also known as Sneezeweed, is a cheerful addition to any fall garden. With its daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, Helenium adds warmth and vibrancy to your landscape. It blooms from late summer into early fall, making it a perfect transitional plant as the season changes.
Growing Tip: Plant Helenium in full sun with well-drained soil. It attracts butterflies and is hardy enough to withstand cooler temperatures, making it a reliable performer in the fall yard. Use Helenium in the middle or back of borders to add height and color.
8. Pugster Pink
Pugster Pink is a dwarf butterfly bush with bright pink, fragrant flowers. Despite its compact size, this plant produces large, abundant blooms from early summer through fall. Pugster Pink is perfect for smaller gardens or container planting, where it can add a burst of color without taking up too much space.
Growing Tip: Plant Pugster Pink in full sun with well-drained soil. It can handle a range of temperatures, making it a versatile choice for fall planting. Use it to fill gaps in your flower beds or as a vibrant centerpiece in your garden.
9. Grace N’ Grit Roses
Grace N’ Grit Roses are known for their toughness and beauty. They offer a continuous display of colorful blooms from early summer through fall. These roses are disease-resistant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including bright pink, red, and white, adding elegance and charm to any garden.
Growing Tip: Plant Grace N’ Grit Roses in full sun with well-drained soil. They are hardy enough to withstand cooler temperatures and even a light frost, making them perfect for extending the bloom season into late fall. Use them in mixed borders, as hedges, or in containers to create a classic, timeless garden look.
Conclusion
With the right selection of fall plants, your garden can remain vibrant and full of life well into the cooler months. From the fiery red hues of the Strawberry Shake Hydrangea to the delicate lavender flowers of Bluebeard, they offer a diverse range of colors, shapes, and textures that can enhance your landscape. By choosing plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and are frost-tolerant, you can enjoy a beautiful garden throughout the fall season. Whether you’re adding to an existing garden or starting fresh, these autumn flowers will ensure your garden is a standout feature in your home landscape.
