Fall is the perfect time for gardening! The weather is pleasant, and it’s great to feel the soil in your hands before the first frost appears.
It’s also the perfect time to start preparing for your spring garden. Perennials are the backbone of a beautiful flower garden, so planting them in the fall gives them plenty of time to settle into their new home and establish a strong root system before winter arrives.
If you want a showy garden in the spring and summer, one brimming with vibrant color and exotic flowers, then planting your perennial flowers in the fall is a smart choice! You won’t regret the extra work once you see that first flower peek through the soil.
There are various flowers you can plant ahead; some are beloved classics, while others are ones you might not have seen before. Let’s look at this list and see what catcher your eye!
1) Aster
Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8
While chrysanthemums are always all the rage come September, asters are actually a much superior flower when it comes to having a positive effect on the environment.
Asters attract and feed pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is beneficial for other plants, especially fruits and vegetables.
They might remind you of daisies because of their size and the shade of their petals, but they’re much more interesting to look at, given their lovely purple hue and bright yellow center.
They’re long bloomers, too, making them a good investment.
They’ll bloom from late summer through autumn. Plant them in containers and sicpaly them on your front porch during fall!
They can be found in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white.
Like most perennials on this list, they like well-drained soil and lots of sunlight.
Water regularly until established so they grow a strong root system. They’ll become more drought-tolerant after that.
Be proactive about deadheading spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce a continuous display of blooms.
2) Chrysanthemum
Plant Hardiness Zone: 5-9
This is probably the most popular Fall flower. Chrysanthemums bring vibrant color to your fall garden. These popular perennials come in various hues, from sunny yellows to deep purples. You can find them in various shapes and sizes, perfect for any garden style.
Planting chrysanthemums in autumn gives them time to establish strong roots before winter. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Space the plants about 18 inches apart to allow for growth.
Water your newly planted chrysanthemums regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Add a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from frost.
To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the tips of new stems in spring and early summer. This will result in more blooms come fall.
Chrysanthemums are relatively low-maintenance once established. They benefit from deadheading spent flowers to prolong the blooming period.
3) Hellebore
Plant Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Hellebores are stunning perennials that thrive when planted in the fall. These elegant flowers, also known as Lenten roses, bloom in late winter or early spring, adding beauty to your garden during colder months.
You’ll find hellebores easy to grow in partial to full shade. They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Plant them in a spot protected from harsh winds to ensure their delicate flowers remain intact.
These hardy plants come in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and even dark burgundy. Their nodding blooms and evergreen foliage make them a charming addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Hellebores are deer-resistant and low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
Once established, they require minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry spells.
When planting hellebores, space them about 15 inches apart to allow for growth. Add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and protect the roots during winter.
4) Iris
Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Irises are stunning perennials that add a touch of elegance to any garden. Fall is an excellent time to plant these beauties, giving them a chance to establish strong roots before winter.
You’ll find irises in a wide range of colors, from deep purples to vibrant yellows and soft pinks. Their sword-like leaves provide year-round interest, even when the flowers aren’t in bloom.
When planting irises, choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the rhizome and place it just below the soil surface.
Water your newly planted irises thoroughly and mulch around them to protect against winter frost.
Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Irises are relatively low-maintenance once established. They’re drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
5) Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is an excellent choice for fall planting. This hardy perennial thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. You’ll love its low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance.
Sedum comes in various shapes and sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to taller, upright varieties. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it resilient during dry spells.
In late summer and fall, sedum bursts into bloom with clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms attract butterflies and bees to your garden, adding life and color.
Popular varieties include ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Brilliant’, which produce pink to rust-colored flowers. ‘Blue Spruce’ offers unique blue-green foliage that adds interest year-round.
Plant sedum in groups for a striking visual impact. It pairs well with ornamental grasses and other fall-blooming perennials.
You can also use it in rock gardens or as a border plant.
Sedum is easy to propagate. Simply break off a stem and stick it in the ground – it will root quickly. This makes it a cost-effective way to expand your garden.
6) Coneflower
Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Coneflowers are among the most beneficial perennial plants you can grow. I highly recommend them, even to beginners; they were among the first flowers I grew.
They’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and long-blooming. They can also withstand high temperatures better than many other flowers.
The best part about them is their benefit to pollinators and birds, who love to eat their pollen and seeds at the end of the growing season.
Their large cone and downward-facing blooms make them a unique flower many gardeners love. They grow generous foliage, too, which means they make great fillers in containers.
They’re not too fussy about soil but love getting plenty of sunlight. Water them well before the winter temperatures settle in.
Purple coneflowers, as they’re popularly known, can produce new blooms when deadheaded regularly.
Plant them in your cut garden, too! They make lovely cut flowers that look beautiful in arrangements.
7) Coral Bells
I can’t say enough about the beautiful contribution that coral bells make in a fall container arrangement or in the ground.
Also known as Heuchera, these useful plants can be found in deep shades of purple and green. The purple varieties are a must come autumn weather, though! They make a lovely contrast against other fall-blooming flowers.
You can enjoy their foliage year-round and their flowers from late spring through mid-summer, which feed hummingbirds and butterflies.
Use these beauties as a ground cover, filler in your containers and landscape, and even in rock gardens.
If you enjoy creating potted arrangements, coral bells will be a staple for you!
Plant coral bells in early fall to establish roots before winter. This hardy perennial tolerates cold and thrives in spring.
8) Anemone
Anemones bring delightful pops of color to your fall garden. These charming perennials, also known as windflowers, bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Plant anemone tubers or divisions in early fall for beautiful flowers the following year. Choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Anemones prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Space the plants about 12 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Water thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch to protect the roots during winter.
Anemones are low-maintenance plants that attract pollinators to your garden. They pair well with other fall-blooming perennials like asters and sedums.
With proper care, your anemones will return year after year, providing lovely late-season blooms. These graceful flowers add movement and elegance to any garden bed or border.
9) Russian Sage
Russian sage is a stunning perennial that thrives when planted in the fall. Its delicate lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage add a ethereal touch to any garden.
This hardy plant loves full sun and well-drained soil. You’ll appreciate its drought tolerance once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Russian sage grows into a bushy mound, reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet. It’s an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a standalone focal point.
Plant it in groups for a dramatic effect, or pair it with other fall-blooming perennials for a vibrant display.
Its aromatic foliage also helps deter deer and rabbits.
Give your Russian sage plenty of space to spread out, as it can grow quite wide. Regular pruning in early spring will keep it compact and encourage fuller growth.
This perennial is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Its long-lasting blooms provide color from midsummer well into fall.
10) Pansy
Pansies are cheerful, vibrant flowers that thrive when planted in the fall. These hardy plants can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frosts, making them perfect for autumn gardens.
You’ll love the variety of colors pansies offer, from deep purples and blues to bright yellows and whites. Their charming “faces” add personality to your flower beds and containers.
Plant your pansies in well-draining soil and choose a spot with partial to full sun.
They prefer cooler temperatures, so fall planting allows them to establish strong roots before winter.
Water your pansies regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to protect their roots during colder months.
With proper care, your fall-planted pansies will reward you with blooms through winter in milder climates. Come spring, they’ll burst into a colorful display that brightens your garden.
11) Columbine
Columbine is a charming perennial that adds a touch of whimsy to the garden. Its delicate flower demand attention during spring and early summer.
You’ll love how easy columbine is to grow. It adapts well to various soil types and prefers partial shade to full sun.
Plant it in the fall to give it time to establish strong roots before winter.
Columbine comes in a rainbow of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues. You can choose from single or double-flowered varieties to suit your garden’s style.
This versatile plant works beautifully in borders, rock gardens, or woodland settings. It’s also a great choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard.
Columbine is relatively low-maintenance once established.
You’ll appreciate its ability to self-seed, creating natural clusters throughout your garden over time.
Remember to deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
12) Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are vibrant and cheerful perennials that can enhance the beauty of your fall garden. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and maintain, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
When you plant Black-eyed Susans in the fall, you give them time to establish strong roots before winter sets in. This head start allows them to bloom more profusely the following summer.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun for the best results. These flowers thrive in well-draining soil, so make sure to prepare the area before planting.
Water them regularly during their first growing season to help them establish.
You’ll love how these golden-yellow flowers with dark centers attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
They’re excellent for cut flower arrangements too, bringing a touch of sunshine indoors.
Black-eyed Susans are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance addition to your perennial garden.
Benefits of Planting Perennials in the Fall
Fall planting gives perennials a head start for the next growing season. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for establishing new plants in your garden.
Establishes Strong Root Systems
Fall’s mild temperatures and moist soil provide perfect conditions for root growth. Your newly planted perennials can focus their energy on developing strong root systems without the stress of hot summer weather.
This robust root development helps plants establish themselves more quickly. When spring arrives, your perennials will be ready to put out new growth and flowers.
Fall-planted perennials often outperform their spring-planted counterparts in the following year. The extra time for root growth gives them a significant advantage.
Optimized Growth Cycle
By planting in fall, you align with many perennials’ natural growth cycle. These plants naturally enter a period of dormancy as temperatures cool.
This dormancy allows them to conserve energy and prepare for winter. When spring arrives, your perennials will be well-established and ready to burst into growth.
Fall planting also gives you a longer growing season. Your plants will have time to settle in before winter and will start growing earlier in spring.
Reduces Watering Needs via Rainfall
Fall brings increased rainfall in many regions, reducing the need for manual watering. This natural moisture helps your new perennials establish themselves with less effort on your part.
Cooler temperatures also mean less water evaporation from the soil. Your plants can retain moisture more effectively, reducing stress and promoting healthy growth.
You’ll save time and water by planting in fall. Your perennials will require less frequent watering compared to those planted in spring or summer.
Prepare Your Soil for Best Results
Proper soil preparation is crucial for the success of your fall-planted perennials. Good soil health ensures your plants thrive and establish strong roots before winter.
Test the Soil pH
Test your soil pH before planting. Use a home testing kit or send a sample to a local extension office. Most perennials prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. Mix in sulfur or peat moss for overly alkaline soil to lower the pH.
Retest after amendments to ensure you’ve reached the desired range.
Amend Your Soil
Organic matter improves soil structure and fertility. Mix 2-3 inches of compost, aged manure, or leaf mold.
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage in clay soils. Incorporate more organic matter to increase water retention in sandy soils.
Use a garden fork or tiller to work amendments into the top 8-12 inches of soil.
Consider adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
Add Mulch
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your newly planted perennials. Then, leave a small gap around the stems to prevent rot.
Organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or leaf litter work well. They help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
In colder regions, you should add an extra inch of mulch after the ground freezes to protect roots from winter damage.
Each spring, refresh your mulch layer. Add more as needed to maintain the proper depth.
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