Discover the best fall flowers to enhance your autumn landscape with vibrant colors, textures, and blooms. Perfect picks for a stunning seasonal display.
As the summer heat fades and the days grow shorter, it’s time to turn your attention to fall gardening. Fall garden flowers can provide a stunning display of colors and textures, extending the beauty of your garden well into autumn.
This guide will introduce you to the top picks for annuals, perennials, and shrubs that thrive in the fall, complete with details on USDA hardiness zones, light and soil conditions, and tips for incorporating them into both planters and borders.
You ready? Let’s grow!
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The Best Fall Flowers: Level Up Your Autumn Landscape
As the seasons shift and leaves transform, your garden doesn’t have to fade with it. Discover vibrant fall blooms that will paint your landscape with a rich autumn palette. This curated selection, while not exhaustive, showcases some of the season’s showstoppers.
The array of stunning flowers and brilliant foliage available might surprise you. For design inspiration and planting tips to create a captivating fall garden, check out my guide here.
Best Annual Fall Flowers
Pansies
Pansies are hardy annuals that provide bright, cheerful flowers even in cooler temperatures. Their wide range of colors makes them a versatile choice for fall planting.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Fall Appeal: Vibrant flowers that thrive in cool weather.
- Planters: Combine with ornamental kale for a colorful container.
- Borders: Use as an edging plant in garden beds.
Did you know that when you plant them in the fall they will bounce back and bloom again in spring in some growing zones? YES!
If you’ve never tried it before, give it a shot and see if it works in your hardiness zone. I am in Zone 6b and they return every spring. It is one of my best tips for saving money in the garden!
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Ornamental kale and cabbage are grown for their decorative foliage rather than flowers, but they sort of look like flowers, don’t they? Their ruffled leaves and vivid colors make them a striking addition to fall gardens and planters.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Colorful, textured foliage that lasts through frost.
- Planters: Mix with pansies for a dynamic fall container.
- Borders: Plant along pathways for a vibrant edge.
Calendula
Calendula (pot marigold) is a cheerful addition to fall gardens with its bright, daisy-like flowers. It’s easy to grow and makes a great companion plant in your flower and vegetable gardens.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Bright, long-lasting blooms.
- Planters: Perfect for small containers or window boxes.
- Borders: Ideal for front edges of garden beds.
Celosia
Celosia (cockscomb) is a real show-off in the fall. Its unique flame-shaped flowers come in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a fiery display that adds warmth to your garden as the days get cooler.
I started growing it several years ago and found it very easy-care with minimal maintenance. Although it is an annual in my zone 6b garden, it reseeds yearly so I don’t need to replant it.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Striking, colorful blooms.
- Planters: Excellent as a centerpiece in mixed planters.
- Borders: Plant in clusters for visual impact.
Strawflowers
Strawflowers are known for their papery-textured blooms that retain color even when dried, making them a great choice for fall gardens. They come in vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white so they look incredible in both fresh arrangements and dried floral crafts.
While I’ve found some at the nursery, strawflowers are so easy to start from seed. They get pretty tall in the garden and might need staking so they don’t fall over.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10 (can be grown as an annual in cooler zones)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Long-lasting, colorful flowers.
- Planters: Great for patio pots and hanging baskets.
- Borders: Use in mixed beds for a continuous display.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses provide texture and movement in fall gardens, with varied heights and forms that complement other plants. While not exactly flowers, ornamental grasses deserve a spot on this list for their role in adding texture and movement to the fall garden. Their feathery plumes and changing foliage hues create a captivating backdrop for other fall blooms.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies by species
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types
- Fall Appeal: Attractive seed heads and foliage.
- Planters: Use tall grasses as focal points in large containers.
- Borders: Ideal for backdrops and garden edges.
I had some pretty varieties like zebra and fountain grasses in my former garden. Here in my newer gardens, I’ve got some Japanese fountain grass which is a bit invasive so I’m hoping to get them out over the next year or so.
Zinnias
Zinnias are happy-go-lucky flowers that refuse to fade away. They start blooming in summer and last well into fall. Zinnia flowers are beloved for their bright, long-lasting blooms that come in a variety of colors. I love to grow them because they are super easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Bold, colorful flowers.
- Planters: Ideal for adding color to patio containers.
- Borders: Use in cutting gardens and mixed borders.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are cool-season flowers that will bring vertical interest to your fall garden. Their stunning spikes of blooms come in a plethora of colors, and they have a unique way of opening and closing like little dragon mouths—hence the name!
While you can find them at the nursery, you’ll have a much greater selection if you start them from seed during winter. They slow down their bloom production in summer when the weather is hot, but wow do they put on quite a show spring and fall.
Snapdragon blooms make great additions to any cottage garden or cut flower garden. I love cutting and making flower arrangements with them all season long!
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Fall Appeal: Bright, tall spikes of blooms.
- Planters: Perfect for tall accents in containers.
- Borders: Plant in rows for striking vertical interest.
Tithonia
Tithonia (Mexican sunflowers) brings a burst of bright orange hues to the fall garden. These tall and vigorous plants create a stunning visual impact and are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
These pretty flowers grow tall so you may want to give them additional support to keep them from toppling over after a storm or other inclement weather. I’ve not seen these sold at nurseries, but you can easily start them from seed like you would sunflowers.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11 (grown as annuals in cooler zones)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Large, vibrant blooms.
- Planters: Suitable for large containers.
- Borders: Plant in the back of borders for height.
Marigold
Marigolds are popular for their bright and sunny blooms. They add a cheerful touch to any garden summer through fall. Plus, their strong scent can help deter pests, making them a great companion plant.
While they are considered to be more of something you plant in spring for summer blooms, don’t overlook marigolds as a fall garden flower. To save yourself some money in the long run, plant them in spring so you don’t have to replant in fall.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Bright orange and yellow flowers.
- Planters: Use in mixed containers for a pop of color.
- Borders: Plant in masses for a bold display.
Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Chrysanthemums are a classic choice in fall gardens as they are known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms that come in a variety of colors. They thrive in cooler weather (please don’t buy them when the weather is still hot) and add an autumnal splash of color to any garden.
I know they are considered perennial and can return the following year. But I’ve probably had a 50% success rate with that so I prefer not to waste the garden space on them. To me, I grow them as annuals and that’s why they are grouped here!
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Bright, varied blooms in autumn hues.
- Planters: Use as a centerpiece in mixed containers.
- Borders: Plant en masse for a bold border display.
Best Perennial Fall Flowers
Asters
Asters are probably one of my favorite fall-blooming flowers. They bring a touch of star-shaped beauty with their bright, colorful blooms. These daisy-like flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and they provide essential late-season nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Fall Appeal: Late-season blooms that attract butterflies.
- Planters: Use as a filler in large containers.
- Borders: Plant in clusters for a mass of color.
Garden Tip for Growing Asters: Keep the plant cut back halfway until July 4 to encourage a bushy habit. Without cutting it back, asters get very leggy.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a low-maintenance perennial with succulent-like leaves and star-shaped flowers. It’s ideal for dry, sunny spots in the garden.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil, drought-tolerant
- Fall Appeal: Succulent foliage with vibrant autumn blooms.
- Planters: Combine with other succulents for a low-water container.
- Borders: Use in rock gardens or as a ground cover.
To me, they are one of the best plants for the fall garden because they are super easy to grow, propagate with ease, and do so much in the garden.
They are a four-season plant. Here’s why. When it breaks ground in spring it adds lushness to the growing garden. In summer, it produces chartreuse flower heads that brighten up summer borders, adding color, texture and dimension.
As summer transitions to fall, sedum autumn joy flower heads slowly open to a light pink and deepen in color as the fall season progresses. After the blooms dry out in fall, the flower heads can be used in planters for winter. And if left in the garden, look amazing with snow sitting on them.
Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye weed is a tall perennial with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers. It thrives in moist areas and attracts lots of pollinators.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Tall, striking flowers that attract butterflies.
- Planters: Suitable for large, deep containers.
- Borders: Use as a backdrop in mixed borders.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod adds a splash of yellow to the fall garden. Non-invasive varieties are recommended to avoid aggressive spreading so read plant labels and descriptions carefully.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Bright yellow flower spikes.
- Planters: Combine with purple asters for contrast.
- Borders: Plant in groups for a natural look.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells are known for their colorful foliage and delicate flower spikes. They provide year-round interest and are super easy to grow. While they produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer, it’s their foliage that steals the show, especially in the fall. I love to decorate with them in pots on the porch and then transplant them to the ground before winter.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Colorful foliage that lasts through fall.
- Planters: Perfect for mixed containers.
- Borders: Use as an edging plant or in shaded areas.
Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus produces large, tropical-looking flowers that add a dramatic touch to fall gardens. As the flowers slow down their production, the foliage is incredibly beautiful and looks amazing in the autumn landscape.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Showy, tropical blooms.
- Planters: Suitable for large containers.
- Borders: Plant as a focal point in garden beds
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed Susans, are a true symbol of late summer and fall. Their golden-yellow flowers with dark centers attract butterflies and bees, ensuring your garden remains a hub of activity even as the temperatures cool.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Vibrant yellow blooms.
- Planters: Ideal for larger containers and mixed planters.
- Borders: Use in mass plantings for a striking border.
Dahlias
I mean, how spectacular are dahlia flowers? Dahlias are tender perennials known for their diverse and vibrant blooms, which continue to flower until the first frost. They require a little more time and energy but are overall easy to grow with rewarding blooms.
These flamboyant flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors, making them the true divas of the fall garden. Whether you prefer bright and bold or soft and romantic, there’s a dahlia for every taste.
Since they are tender for me here in New Jersey, I need to dig them up and overwinter them indoors. If you want to learn more about how to lift and overwinter dahlia tubers and other tender perennials, click here.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 (lift and store tubers in colder zones)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, rich soil
- Fall Appeal: Large, showy flowers in a range of colors.
- Planters: Ideal for large pots on patios.
- Borders: Plant in mixed borders for dramatic color.
Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones are elegant perennials that produce delicate, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white, blooming in late summer and fall. Pollinators love them and they couldn’t be easier to grow.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Graceful, long-lasting blooms.
- Planters: Suitable for large containers.
- Borders: Plant in groups for a naturalized look.
Flowering Shrubs for Fall
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas might be associated with summer, but some varieties extend their blooming period well into fall. The mophead and lace-cap hydrangeas are particularly famous for their ability to retain their blooms as the weather cools. The changing colors of their flowers can be quite a spectacle to see as they fade in fall.
Panicle hydrangeas and oakleaf hydrangeas produce large, cone-shaped flower clusters that transition from white to pink as they age. Both are highly adaptable and provide a showy display in the fall.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Fall Appeal: Showy blooms that change color.
- Planters: Use in large pots for patios.
- Borders: Plant as a focal point in mixed borders.
As those blooms fade, you can easily dry the flowers to use as home decor or make a DIY wreath.
Viburnum
Viburnum shrubs are known for their attractive berries and fall foliage. They add texture and interest to fall gardens and can serve multiple landscape purposes.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Berries and colorful foliage.
- Planters: Suitable for large containers.
- Borders: Use as a hedge or background plant.
Caryopteris
Caryopteris (bluebeard) is a compact shrub with blue flowers and aromatic foliage. It’s a great addition to fall gardens for its color and fragrance.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Blue flowers and aromatic foliage.
- Planters: Use in medium to large containers.
- Borders: Plant in mixed borders or as an edging.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa)
One of my favorite fall shrubs is callicarpa, aka beautyberry. Although it doesn’t flower in the fall, it produces these amazing, bright purple berries that are just stunning in the fall garden.
The beautyberry bush, with its stunning violet-purple berries, steals the spotlight in fall. Not only do the berries add visual interest, but they also serve as a valuable food source for birds. So, it’s a win-win for both gardeners and wildlife!
I first fell in love with beautyberry when I was walking Freylinghuysen Arboretum many years ago when I was in the Master Gardener Program with Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
When I first saw it in those gardens, I knew I had to have it. So I planted it in my former garden and loved how it complimented my limelight hydrangea. Isn’t that a gorgeous fall plant combination?
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Clusters of bright purple berries.
- Planters: Best in large, deep containers.
- Borders: Plant as an accent or in small groups.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon produces large, showy flowers from late summer to fall. It’s a hardy shrub that adds a tropical feel to gardens and is tolerant of a range of conditions.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Large, colorful flowers.
- Planters: Suitable for large containers.
- Borders: Use as a focal point or in mixed shrub borders.
Abelia
Abelia shrubs have small, fragrant flowers and glossy foliage, providing year-round interest in the garden. They are versatile and can be used in various landscaping scenarios.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Fall Appeal: Fragrant flowers and glossy foliage.
- Planters: Ideal for medium to large pots.
- Borders: Plant as an edging or in mixed borders.
Best Fall Flowers for Pots
Creating stunning fall container gardens is a great way to extend your garden’s seasonal appeal. Pots and containers offer versatility, allowing you to showcase a variety of fall flowers in any space, from patios and porches to balconies and entryways.
When choosing flowers for your fall pots, consider plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and provide vibrant colors, interesting textures, and long-lasting blooms. Additionally, the portability of pots allows you to easily move them to optimal light conditions and protect them from early frosts.
Combining different plant heights, colors, and textures can create visually appealing arrangements that capture the essence of autumn. With the right selection, your fall container garden can be a focal point of beauty and interest throughout the season.
- ornamental grass
- garden mums
- pansies
- ornamental kale and cabbage
- salvia
- celosia
- calamint
- strawflowers
- ageratum
- rudbeckia
- sedums
This year, I designed a gorgeous container garden for fall with some of the coolest fall garden flowers. You can check out the fall planter recipe here. But here’s a quick list of plants I love to use in container gardens for fall.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fall Flowers
So there you have it, a beautiful array of fall garden flowers that will keep your outdoor space vibrant and cheerful as the seasons change. From sedum autumn joy to strawflowers, these blooms are the real MVPs of the autumn landscape.
Remember to plan and choose a mix of these flowers to ensure continuous blooming from summer to fall.
Happy gardening! 🌼🍁🍂
For more fall flowering plant ideas, see this article from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.
Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xoxo
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Wait until you see these gorgeous fall garden tips, tricks, home decor and DIY inspiration!
Click on the names below to check out these amazing garden ideas and inspiration!
But you’ve got to see the limelight hydrangeas that I planted last fall!
They did really well this year and are putting on quite a show in my cutting garden.
Don’t they look gorgeous with the plumes of zebra grass and sedum autumn joy?
These hydrangea blooms are perfect for drying right now too!
Because sedum autumn joy is so easy to divide, I started the shed garden with several plant divisions and have it in every garden.
As an aside, I am really glad I gave this garden shed a makeover in spring.
Wait until you see what it looked like before.
This garden looks so much better now.
Thanks so much for stopping by the garden today!
I hope you got some good planting ideas for your fall garden.
I LOVE how they looked a few years ago on my front porch.
And I also tucked them in here and there in small doses just to add pops of autumn to my outside fall decor.
In addition to my gardens, I added a few garden mums with some pansies and pumpkins to my outdoor living spaces too.
And I even tuck a few on my potting bench.
My husband built this bench for me for Mother’s Day using wood scraps from the yard.
