The Best Fall Flowers for Pots (Plus My Favorite Stunning Planter Recipes)

Bring vibrant color to your garden with these stunning fall flowers for pots! Discover the best blooms & foliage to create unique autumnal displays.

As the summer heat fades and a crispness fills the air, it’s time to transition our outdoor spaces for the beauty of fall. Container gardening is a wonderful way to embrace the season, adding pops of color and texture to porches, patios, and entryways. The key is selecting the right flowers and foliage that thrive in cooler temperatures and offer vibrant fall hues.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite fall flowers for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Plus, I’m sharing a few of my go-to planter recipes that combine these blooms into eye-catching container gardens. You ready? Let’s grow!

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Best Fall Flowers for Pots

Pansies (Zones 4-8)

Pansies flowers have cheerful faces that are a must-have for any autumn container. Their vibrant colors—ranging from deep purples and blues to sunny yellows and oranges—add a burst of life as other plants fade. I love using pansies as “filler” plants, tucking them in between taller flowers or cascading foliage to create a full and lush look.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: A wide variety of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, orange, white, and bi-colored varieties

Garden Mums (Zones 5-9)

No fall garden is complete without chrysanthemums! These classic fall flowers for pots come in a wide array of colors, from traditional yellows and oranges to vibrant pinks and purples. They’re perfect for adding a burst of color to your porch or patio. I love using mums as “filler” plants in larger containers, or as the main attraction in smaller pots.

• Bonus tip: Mums can be perennial so you can enjoy them for years to come! After their fall display, transplant them into your garden or overwinter them in a sheltered location.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and bronze

Celosia (Zones 2-11 as annuals)

With its feathery plumes or cockscomb-shaped flowers, celosia adds a touch of the exotic to fall containers. They come in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, creating a striking focal point. Celosia works well as a “thriller” plant.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Red, orange, yellow, and pink

Asters (Zones 3-8)

These daisy-like flowers bring a touch of wildflower charm to fall containers. They come in various shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Asters are great fall flowers for pots as they work well as “filler” plants, adding pops of color throughout your arrangements.

• Bonus tip: Asters are perennials, so consider transplanting them into your garden after their fall container show for continued enjoyment!
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Purple, pink, blue, and white

Strawflowers (Zones 3-10 as annuals)

Strawflowers are cheerful blooms that bring a touch of everlasting beauty to fall containers. Their papery petals come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. Strawflowers work well as “filler” plants and can even be dried for long-lasting arrangements. I usually start mine from seed every year, but sometimes you can find them at local nursery too.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Pink, red, yellow, and orange

Snapdragons (Zones 7-10 as perennials, grown as annuals in colder zones)

With their charming dragon-shaped flowers, snapdragons add a whimsical touch to fall containers. They come in various colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white. Snapdragons are perfect as “filler” or “thriller” plants, depending on the variety and size. While you can find them at your local garden nursery, I usually start my snapdragons from seed.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Pink, purple, yellow, and white

Dahlias (Zones 8-10 as perennials, grown as annuals in colder zones)

Dahlias are showstopping flowers that bring a burst of late-season color and drama to fall containers. They come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, from petite pompons to giant dinner plate dahlias. While they look beautiful if borders, dahlis are great fall flowers for pots because they can be either thriller or filler plants, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: A wide variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, yellow, orange, white, and bi-colored varieties.

Marigolds (Zones 2-11 as annuals)

These cheerful and easy-to-grow annuals add a burst of sunshine to fall containers with their bright yellow, orange, and red blooms. Marigolds are also known to deter pests, making them a practical addition to your garden. They are great fall flowers for pots as filler plants, adding pops of color throughout your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Yellow, orange, and red

Salvia (Zones vary by variety)

Salvia offers a burst of late-season color with its spiky flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and pink. It attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies to your fall containers. Salvia works well as a “thriller” or “filler” plant, depending on the variety and size.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Blue, purple, red, and pink flowers

Calamint (Zones 5-9)

This aromatic herb not only adds fragrance but also attracts pollinators with its clusters of tiny purple flowers. Its minty scent is a delightful bonus! Calamint are great fall flowers for pots that work well as a “filler” plant.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Green foliage with purple flowers

Euphorbia (Zones vary by variety)

Euphorbia offers a unique architectural element with its upright stems, colorful bracts and unique blooms. Choose from varieties with chartreuse, red, or even variegated foliage to get more bang for your dollar in fall pots. Euphorbia works well as a “thriller” plant.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Chartreuse, red, or variegated foliage

Rudbeckia (Zones 3-9)

A true native beauty, Black-eyed Susans bring a burst of sunshine to fall containers with their cheerful golden-yellow petals and distinctive dark centers. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. These cheerful blooms work wonderfully as “filler” plants, adding a touch of wildflower charm to your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Golden-yellow petals with dark brown centers

Sedums (Zones 3-9)

Sedums are succulent plants that offer both blooms and a unique texture and form to fall containers. Their fleshy leaves come in various colors, including green, purple, and red. Sedums are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. They work well as “filler” or “spiller” plants.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Green, purple, and red foliage

Beyond Annuals: Perennials for Fall Containers

While annuals provide a vibrant seasonal show, consider incorporating perennials into your fall containers for long-lasting blooms. These fall flowers for pots can be transplanted to your garden after their container display, giving you year-round enjoyment! Some fantastic options for fall containers include:

• Asters
• Heuchera (Coral Bells)
• Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
• Salvia
• Dahlia (depending on your zone you might need to dig up and overwinter indoors)

Foliage Plants that Add Color, Texture, and Dimension

While we can chat about blooms all day long, foliage plants are the true starts of autumn adding lots of texture, dimension and color to your planters. Consider tucking these plants in to level up your potted fall flowers.

Ornamental Kale & Cabbage (Annuals)

These dramatic plants bring texture, color, and a touch of the unexpected to fall containers. Their ruffled leaves come in shades of purple, pink, green, and cream. I like to use them as “thriller” plants or “spillers,” allowing their leaves to cascade over the sides.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Purple, pink, green, and cream

Heuchera (Coral Bells) (Zones 4-9)

While coral bells produce dainty blooms in summer, it’s their colorful foliage that adds year-round interest to containers. Heucheras especially stunning in the fall when its leaves deepen in color. Choose from varieties with purple, bronze, chartreuse, or even silver foliage. Heuchera works beautifully as a “spiller” or “filler” plant, adding texture and contrast to your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Colors: Purple, bronze, chartreuse, or silver foliage

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

This ornamental grass adds height, movement, and a touch of elegance to fall containers. Its graceful arching foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for other plants. Fountain grass is ideal as a “thriller” plant, adding vertical interest to your arrangements. I like to plant mine in the late spring so I can underplants them with warm season annuals for summer and cool season flowers for fall.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Green or purple foliage with feathery plumes

Sedge (Zones vary by variety)

Sedges bring a touch of grassy elegance to fall containers. Their fine-textured foliage comes in various shades of green, bronze, and even variegated patterns. Sedges work beautifully as “filler” or “spiller” plants, adding a soft and delicate touch to your arrangements.

• Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Green, bronze, or variegated foliage

Hot Peppers (Annuals)

Ornamental hot peppers add a fiery touch with their vibrant fruits in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They’re not just for looks – you can even harvest and use them in your cooking!

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Green foliage with red, orange, or yellow fruits

Creeping Jenny (Zones 3-9)

This versatile groundcover adds a touch of whimsy with its trailing stems and bright green or golden foliage. Creeping Jenny is perfect as a “spiller” plant.

• Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Green or golden foliage

Small Grasses (Zones vary by variety)

Many varieties of small ornamental grasses are perfect for adding texture and movement. Look for varieties with interesting foliage colors or seed heads. Small grasses work well as “filler” or “spiller” plants.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Varies depending on the variety

English Ivy (Zones 4-9)

This classic vine adds a touch of timeless elegance with its trailing stems and glossy green leaves. English ivy is ideal as a “spiller” plant, cascading over the edges of your pots and softening their lines.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Colors: Green foliage

Hens and Chicks (Zones 3-8)

These adorable succulents form tight rosettes of fleshy leaves, resembling a mother hen surrounded by her chicks. They come in various colors, including green, purple, and red. Hens and Chicks are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. They work well as “filler” plants, adding texture and interest to your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun
• Colors: Green, purple, and red foliage

Swiss Chard (Annual)

This edible ornamental plant adds a burst of color with its vibrant stalks in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink. Swiss chard is not only beautiful but also delicious! It works well as a “thriller” or “filler” plant, depending on the variety and size.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Green leaves with red, yellow, orange, or pink stalks

Dwarf Japanese Maples (Zones 5-8)

These miniature trees bring a touch of Asian elegance. Their delicate leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Dwarf Japanese maples work well as “thriller” plants, creating a focal point in your arrangements but you’ll still need a big pot for it!

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Colors: Green foliage that turns red, orange, or yellow in fall

Hakone Grass (Zones 5-9)

This graceful ornamental grass adds movement and texture to fall containers. Its arching foliage comes in shades of green, yellow, or variegated patterns. Hakone grass works well as a “spiller” or “filler” plant, adding a soft and delicate touch to your arrangements.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Colors: Green, yellow, or variegated foliage

My Favorite Fall Planter Recipes

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with a wide variety of autumn flowers and plants, discovering some true favorites that always shine in fall containers.

I’m a big fan of the “thriller, filler, and spiller” method for container garden design. This approach creates a balanced and visually appealing arrangement with a tall, eye-catching centerpiece (the “thriller”), mounding plants to fill in the gaps (the “filler”), and cascading plants that soften the edges (the “spiller”).

When it comes to garden mums, timing is everything. They don’t tend to last long into the season, so I recommend buying them later in the fall, looking for plants with buds that haven’t opened yet. This will ensure a longer bloom time for your container gardens.

Since fall is fleeting, I like to pack my containers with plants to achieve a lush, full look right from the start. Unlike spring and summer plantings, you won’t have as much time for the plants to fill in, so don’t be afraid to “stuff” them in there!

Keep in mind that plant availability can vary by region, so these recipes are meant to inspire you rather than provide a strict blueprint. Feel free to substitute with similar plants that are readily available in your area.

Plants for Fall Garden Urns

A few years ago, I found these large beautiful kale and cabbage plants when I was ready to plant that looked incredible in my front porch planters. (You can get the full tutorial for this particular fall container garden design here)

Here are the autumn flowers and plants that I used.

• 1 Millet
• 1 Pansy
• 2 Celosia
• 2 Orange Mums
• 1 Ornamental Kale
• 1 White Boo Pumpkin

Plants for Fall Garden Window Boxes

I LOVE these beautiful copper window boxes that I added to shed makeover a few years ago. They looked so beautiful on our old garden shed and added so much detail, don’t they? I haven’t found the right place to use them here yet. But I’ve got a few ideas. To jazz up the window boxes for autumn, these are the fall garden plants that I used:

• 1 Sedge
• 2 Purple Celosia
• 2 Orange Mums
• 2 Yellow Pansies
• 4 Ornamental Kale
• 1 Field Trip Pumpkin
• 2 White Boo Pumpkins

Fall Flowers for Pots in Whiskey Barrels

I have three of these old whiskey barrels in the backyard. Aren’t they so cool? I actually bought them in spring HERE and they add so much character to the backyard. If you are looking for something similar, I would get them.

The quality is amazing but heads up – they are super heavy without anything in it. Here’s how I planted them for fall:

• 1 Millet
• 2 Purple Celosia
• 1 Orange Celosia
• 1 Pink Mum
• 1 Orange Mum
• 2 Yellow Pansies
• 2 Ornamental Kale
• 1 Field Trip Pumpkin

Fall Flowers for Pots: My Thrift Flip Design

One year, I found this incredible copper boiling pot at the outdoor flea market in Vermont and thought it would be perfect for a fall garden. So I potted my thrifted find and created this easy fall garden planter from it.

As an aside, you can find the coolest garden treasures at the flea market or thrift store. So keep you eyes open for items that would make unique planting vessels.

In this planter, I used a few varieties of millet but created a deconstructed look by planting around it with kale, heucheras and celosia with a pumpkin.

Beyond the Blooms: Accents to Level Up Your Fall Flowers for Pots

Don’t stop at just flowers and foliage! Take your fall containers to the next level by incorporating festive accents. These seasonal touches can add personality, texture, and a bit of whimsy to your arrangements.

Pumpkins and Gourds

These quintessential fall symbols come in a delightful array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Nestling a few miniature pumpkins or colorful gourds amongst your plants adds instant autumnal charm. You can even try painting or decorating them for a personalized touch.

Colorful Fall Foliage

As the leaves start to change, gather some of the most vibrant ones to incorporate into your containers. Red, orange, and yellow leaves can be tucked into the soil or arranged around the base of the pot for a natural and textured look. Branches with berries or even dried seed heads can also add visual interest.

Natural Elements

Bring a touch of the outdoors into your containers with natural elements like pinecones, acorns, small twigs, or decorative stones. These can be scattered on the soil surface or nestled amongst the plants for a rustic and organic feel.

Upcycled Items

Get creative and repurpose old items into unique planters or decorative accents. An old watering can, a vintage tin, or a woven basket can all be transformed into charming container gardens.

Seasonal Decor

If you want to add a touch of whimsy with miniature scarecrows, tiny pumpkins, or festive ribbons, they make great additions to fall container garden designs.

Tips for Using Fall Accents

• Choose accents that complement your plant choices. Consider the colors, textures, and overall style of your container garden when selecting accents.
• Don’t overdo it. A few well-chosen accents can make a big impact. Avoid overcrowding your containers with too many decorative elements.
• Change things up throughout the season. As the fall progresses, you can swap out accents to keep your containers looking fresh and festive.

General Tips for Fall Container Gardening

• Choose the right pot size and material: Select pots that are large enough to accommodate the mature size of your plants. Terracotta, plastic, and metal are all good options for fall containers.
• Use well-draining potting mix: A good quality potting mix will ensure proper drainage and aeration for your plants.
• Water and fertilize appropriately: Fall containers may need less frequent watering than summer containers, but be sure to check the soil regularly and water when it’s dry to the touch. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or mix in a slow release fertilizer so it is set and forget.
• Protect containers from frost: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider moving your containers to a sheltered location or covering them with frost blankets on cold nights.
• Thrifty Tip: Don’t discard those summer annuals just yet! Many, like marigolds, petunias, and coleus, can add a final burst of color to your fall containers before the frost hits.

Final Thoughts About the Best Fall Flowers for Pots

Creating stunning fall container gardens is a joy! With a little planning and the right selection of flowers and foliage, you can transform your outdoor spaces into vibrant autumnal displays. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and let your creativity shine!

I hope these ideas inspire you to create your own beautiful fall containers. Happy gardening!

Do you have an autumn flower or plant that you love to use in your fall garden containers? I would love to know more in the comments below.

What do you think of some of those plant combinations? Aren’t they great?

For more information about fall gardening in planters, please read this article from the Penn State Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:

• Flower Gardening 101
• Growing a Cut Flower Garden for Beginners
• Container Garden Ideas for Beginners
• How to Start a Vegetable Garden
• Herb Gardening for Beginners

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

More Outdoor Planter Garden Design Ideas

• Container Garden for Fall
• Winter Garden Planter Ideas
• Budget-Friendly Winter Outdoor Planter Ideas
• How to Plant a Container Garden
• How to Plant a Window Box for Spring
• Spring Flowers Container Garden
• Outdoor Spring Planter Ideas for Sun

Come See What’s Happening in My Friends’ Gardens

I love to drop by and see what’s growing in my friends’ gardens across the nation.

Let’s pop in and see what’s happening in their gardens.

Life at Bella Terra

My good friend Mary from Life at Bella Terra shares her October garden update in Arizona.

It is so cool to see how different our seasons are!

Chas Crazy Creations

And my good friend Chas from Chas Crazy Creations shares her tips for winterizing a garden in her Colorado climate.