Ready or not, fall is upon us and our gardens are changing. Odds are, most of the summer color has left your garden, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up for the season! There are plenty of wonderful ways to give it a boost of fall color, including several fall-blooming flowers we’ll share below!
Keep reading to check out fifteen incredibly inspiring autumn gardens and flower varieties.
1. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, fondly known as “mums,” undoubtedly take the spotlight as one of the best fall flowers.
These radiant blooms come in a splendid array of warm hues, including rich oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows, perfectly complementing the vibrant colors of autumn.
Their resilience and ability to flourish in cooler temperatures make them an ideal choice for fall gardening.
As other flowers fade away, chrysanthemums stand tall, adding a touch of natural elegance to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Their enchanting beauty and symbolic association with positivity and joy make them a cherished emblem of the season.
Whether adorning doorstep planters or gracing decorative vases indoors, chrysanthemums infuse any setting with a delightful dose of autumnal charm.
2. Nasturtiums
Nasturtium, a delightful and versatile flower, proves to be an excellent choice for the fall season.
With its vibrant blooms in shades of warm oranges, yellows, and fiery reds, Nasturtium brings a burst of autumnal colors to any garden or outdoor space.
These hardy flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for fall planting and landscaping.
Their trailing or climbing growth habit allows them to cascade beautifully over borders, containers, or trellises, adding a touch of charm and elegance to the surroundings.
As an added bonus, Nasturtium flowers are edible, boasting a peppery flavor that can enhance salads and other culinary creations.
As summer fades, Nasturtium continues to shine, making it a wonderful choice for bringing joy and beauty to the fall season.
3. Ornamental Cabbages
Incorporating ornamental cabbages and gourds into fall landscaping is a fantastic way to create a captivating and unique display that celebrates the season’s charm.
Ornamental cabbages, with their striking ruffled leaves in shades of purple, green, and white, add a touch of elegance and texture to flowerbeds and containers.
These hardy plants thrive in cooler temperatures, maintaining their vibrant colors throughout the autumn months.
4. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear adds texture to this garden that’s filled with Autumn Joy Sedum, Echinacea and more. All great options for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!
5. Autumn Joy Sedum
Autumn Joy Sedum is a stunning choice for any fall garden, especially combined with other greens and purples. It is very hardy, and enjoys dryer soil.
6. Ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses can be quite stunning on their own. Choose a handful of different varieties as shown in the images above.
7. Pumpkins and Gourds
Add a few pumpkins to your patio garden for instant color.
Gourds, with their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors, bring a whimsical and rustic element to the landscape.
From miniature pumpkins to warty gourds, they can be arranged in decorative clusters, spilling from planters or adorning staircases, adding a playful touch to the outdoor setting.
Gourds are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal choices for fall landscaping.
8. Colorful Trees
You don’t necessarily have to stick to smaller plants… consider bushes and trees that change color in the fall as well.
9. Purple Hues
Purples can be very autumnal, especially when combined with beautiful ornamental grasses.
10. Vibrant Color Combinations
This vibrant color combination is proof that warmer reds and oranges aren’t the only option for fall.
11. Goldenrod
Planting goldenrod (Solidago spp.) can offer several benefits to your garden and local ecosystem. Goldenrod is a flowering perennial plant and is a native plant in many regions.
It provides essential habitat and food sources for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Planting goldenrod can contribute to the overall biodiversity of your garden and support local ecosystems.
When planting goldenrod, make sure to choose a species that is native to your region, as non-native species can potentially become invasive and disrupt local ecosystems.
12. Bugbane
Bugbane, also known as Actaea (formerly known as Cimicifuga), is a unique and attractive perennial plant.
It’s worth noting that Bugbane can have a toxic component, especially in its roots and seeds, so caution should be exercised when handling the plant.
As with any gardening choice, it’s important to select Bugbane species that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions, and to be aware of any potential allergenic reactions or sensitivities that might arise from handling the plant.
13. Marigolds
Marigolds are popular annual flowers that can be planted in various seasons, including fall. Marigolds thrive in cooler temperatures.
Fall planting helps them avoid the stress of extreme heat, which can impact their growth and flowering.
14. Asters
Asters are perennial flowers that belong to the Asteraceae family and are known for their daisy-like blooms.
By planting in the fall, asters can avoid the stress of hot and dry summer conditions. This stress can sometimes stunt growth and inhibit flowering.
15. Fill in the Garden with Fall Annuals and Perennials
This fall garden from Shiplap and Shells is the perfect summer to fall transitional garden.
Head over and check out all Kim’s tips for making your fall garden a success, including watering, planting, and ornamental fall foliage.
Use our free downloadable garden planner
We made a free downloadable and easily printable garden planner to track your plant care, watch seedling growth, monitor pests and plan out my garden beds.
Hopefully this will help get you organized and your garden thrive!
Get the free downloadable garden planner here.
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- Easy DIY Boho Chic Fall Wall Hanging
- Amazing Fall Decor Ideas for Every Style, Budget, and Room
I just moved to prescott Valley AZ.
I would love to make a colorful fall garden I’m from CA. Would like to know some perineals. Here
Those first two photos are lovely, but THEY ARE DAHLIAS, not crysanthemums!
Good catch, thank you! Updated. 🙂