As the summer days wane and the cool air of fall sets in, many gardeners look for ways to extend the beauty of their gardens. Adding fall flowers to your garden is a fantastic way to keep your outdoor space vibrant and inviting during the autumn months. With a variety of fall-blooming flowers available, you can find the perfect blooms to suit your garden’s needs. Here are seven of the best fall flowers to consider, each offering its unique charm and resilience as the seasons change.
7 Best Fall Flowers
1. Black-Eyed Susan (American Gold Rush)
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Late summer to winter
The Black-Eyed Susan, with its daisy-like flowers and bright yellow petals, is a classic choice for autumn gardens. The ‘American Gold Rush’ variety is particularly striking, featuring a rich golden hue and dark center that draws attention.
Black-Eyed Susans thrive in full sun and soil that is properly drained. They are quite tolerant of various soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Watering needs are moderate—keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. To keep these flowers blooming, deadhead spent blooms regularly. In fall, mulch around the plants to help them retain moisture and protect their roots from early frosts. They are generally disease-resistant and low maintenance. These flowers are excellent for flower beds, borders, and even window boxes. Their bright colors make them a vibrant addition to any garden setting.
2. Geum
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Early fall
Geum is a lesser-known gem in the fall garden, boasting charming, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Their vibrant hues make them a striking addition to any autumn garden. It prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Deadhead flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. In colder climates, provide a layer of mulch to insulate the roots from frost. Geum’s compact growth makes it ideal for flower beds and containers. Ideal for both garden beds and hanging baskets, it adds a splash of color to various garden settings.
3. Fern-Leaf Yarrow
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Late summer to early fall
With its delicate, fern-like foliage and clusters of tiny, colorful blooms, Fern-Leaf Yarrow offers a soft, airy texture to fall gardens. It comes in shades of yellow, pink, and white. It enjoys full sun and thrives in well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, so it requires minimal watering.
Remove spent blooms to encourage new ones. Mulch in fall to protect the roots and prevent the soil from drying out. This flower is also resistant to deer and most pests. It is perfect for flower beds, borders, and even as a dried flower in bouquets. Its airy blooms make it a versatile choice for various garden designs.
4. Goldenrod (Fireworks)
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Summer to fall
Goldenrod ‘Fireworks’ lives up to its name with its explosive clusters of bright yellow flowers. The plant’s star-shaped blooms create a dazzling display in any fall garden. This variety of Goldenrod thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s adaptable to different soil types and needs moderate watering.
Regular deadheading during gardening season will help maintain its vibrant appearance. In fall, mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect against early frosts. Goldenrod is known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is ideal for adding height and color to flower beds and borders. It also works well in mixed containers and hanging baskets.
5. Blue Mistflower
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
The Blue Mistflower features clusters of small, vibrant blue flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. It offers a lovely splash of color as the weather cools. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering, especially during dry spells.
Also, remember to deadhead if you want to prolong blooming and keep the plant looking tidy. Apply mulch in the fall to help the soil retain moisture and protect the roots from frost. It is a great option for filling gaps in flower beds, borders, and containers. Its unique blue color attract pollinators and adds a refreshing contrast to other fall blooms, which makes it one of the most favorite fall flowers.
6. Goldenrod (Zigzag)
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Ending summer to early fall
The Goldenrod ‘Zigzag’ is known for its distinctive zigzag pattern of bright yellow flowers and are cool weather lovers. It’s one of the best fall blooming perennials and adds a unique texture and color to your fall garden. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively low-maintenance and requires moderate watering.
Like other Goldenrods, regular deadheading will keep it blooming. Mulch in the fall to help with moisture retention and root protection. It’s also a great choice for attracting pollinators. It works great when for adding visual interest to flower borders. It also works well in mixed containers and garden beds.
7. Bee Balm (Purple Rooster)
- Type: Perennial
- Bloom Period: Late summer to early fall
Bee Balm ‘Purple Rooster’ features vibrant purple flowers that are not only visually striking but also attract bees and butterflies. Its aromatic foliage adds extra interest. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering.
Encourage more flowers by removing deadhead for vibrant blooms. In fall, apply mulch to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the cold. Bee Balm can spread, so consider dividing the plants every few years. It is an ideal option for bloom beds, borders, and even containers. Its striking color and pollinator-friendly nature make it a favorite in any garden setting.
Conclusion
Adding fall flowers to your garden can extend the beauty and vibrancy of your outer space well into autumn. The seven fall-blooming flowers highlighted here—Black-Eyed Susan, Geum, Fern-Leaf Yarrow, Goldenrod (Fireworks), Blue Mistflower, Goldenrod (Zigzag), and Bee Balm (Purple Rooster)—offer a range of colors, textures, and heights to suit various garden settings. Whether you’re looking to brighten up flower beds, borders, or containers, these gorgeous fall flowers will ensure your garden remains a focal point of beauty throughout the season.
Enjoy the changing colors and extended bloom times that these resilient and adaptable plants provide!
