Autumn is a beautiful time in the garden, and adding fall-blooming flowers to your borders can make them shine even more. When designing a garden for the fall, it’s important to choose flowers that will bloom in the later months of the year. One gorgeous option is Kirengeshoma, a tall plant with yellow blooms that is hardy in zones 5–8. Salvia ‘Jobert’ is another exceptional pick, with its blue flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ is a useful fall-bloomer that can be grown in both sun and partial shade. Its large white blooms make a statement in any garden. For a splash of color, consider planting Petunia ‘Calamagrostis’. This annual has beautiful, narrow-leaf foliage and blooms in shades of pink and purple. Another option is the stunning Macranthopsis, a yellow-flowering plant that is known for its tall, upright stems.
If you’re looking for a fall-blooming flower that will last well into winter, consider Allium ‘Ozawa’. This plant produces beautiful purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It’s also deer resistant, making it a great option for gardens in areas with high deer populations. Asters are another popular choice for fall gardens, and there are many different selections to choose from. Some of the most spectacular options include Russian Sage, Pitcher’s Oat, and Stonecrop.
In addition to their beauty, fall-blooming flowers are also beneficial for the environment. They provide a source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators at a time when fewer flowers are in bloom. This helps to support these important creatures and ensures that they have enough food to survive through the winter. So, consider adding some fall-blooming flowers to your garden this year and enjoy the beauty they bring!
9 Extraordinary Fall-Blooming Perennials for the Autumnal Garden
When it comes to fall-blooming perennials, there are plenty of exceptional options to choose from. From vibrant colors to unique textures, these plants can add a touch of beauty and interest to your autumn garden. Here are nine extraordinary varieties to consider:
1. Aconitum (Eastern purple monkshood) – This fall-blooming perennial is known for its stunning blue flowers, which bloom from late summer into fall. It’s a perfect choice for a sunny garden and can grow up to 4 feet tall.
2. Andropogon (Blueberry bush) – With its vibrant red and orange tones, this grass is a showstopper in the fall garden. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can provide year-round interest.
3. Chrysanthemum (Garden mum) – Chrysanthemums are classic fall bloomers, with a wide variety of colors and flower forms to choose from. They are easy to grow and can add a pop of color to your landscape.
4. Eupatorium (Joe Pye weed) – This tall perennial is a late-season bloomer, with pink or purplish flowers that attract butterflies. It’s a great choice for a sunny border or meadow garden.
5. Hydrangea (Paniculata varieties) – Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful flowers, and some varieties can bloom well into the fall. Their stunning blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red.
6. Liriope (Big blue lilyturf) – This grass-like perennial is known for its narrow, arching leaves and spikes of purple or white flowers. It’s a great choice for adding texture and interest to your garden.
7. Symphyotrichum (New England aster) – With its daisy-like flowers and vibrant colors, this aster variety is a stunning addition to any fall garden. It can range from lavender to deep purple, and it attracts butterflies and bees.
8. Vernonia (Ironweed) – This tall, native plant produces clusters of small purple or pink flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It’s a great option for attracting pollinators to your garden.
9. Zizia (Golden alexanders) – This native plant features clusters of small yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. It’s a great choice for adding a splash of color to your fall garden.
These extraordinary fall-blooming perennials are sure to bring beauty and interest to your autumnal garden. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or unique textures, there is a variety for every gardener’s taste. So don’t let your garden go dull after summer – plant these late-season bloomers and enjoy the beautiful colors they bring!
These lesser-known stars will extend the season with unexpected color
Koehne Nettle (Urtica dioica) – This plant is a great addition to any garden. Its bright green leaves add color and texture, and it attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Rozanne Geranium (Geranium ‘Rozanne’) – This perennial is a favorite among gardeners. It has mounding foliage and produces beautiful blue-purple flowers throughout the fall season. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – This native perennial is known for its wispy foliage and golden fall color. It grows best in sunny to partially shady locations and prefers well-drained soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9.
Wind Dancer Mums (Chrysanthemum × rubellum ‘Wind Dancer’) – These beautiful mums bloom from late summer to early fall. Their blossoms range from pink to purple and are perfect for adding color to the garden. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Bidens (Bidens pilosa) – These plants feature sunny yellow flowers and attract butterflies and bees. They are low-maintenance and bloom year-round in warmer climates. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Canna Lily (Canna indica) – These plants are known for their large, scented flowers and tropical appearance. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty to the garden. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida) – These plants have lovely pink or white flowers and are great for shady areas in the garden. They bloom from late summer into fall and add a nice contrast to other plants. They prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Leucosceptrum ‘Golden Angel’ (Leucosceptrum japonicum ‘Golden Angel’) – This plant has stunning chartreuse foliage and adds a unique touch to any garden. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – These perennial flowers have bright yellow petals and a dark center. They bloom from mid-summer to fall and are great for attracting butterflies and bees. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) – This ornamental grass has tall, graceful plumes that add movement and texture to the garden. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) – These daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom throughout the fall season. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Bugbane (Actaea racemosa) – This plant features tall spikes of white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. It is great for adding height and interest to the garden. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Aconitum angustifolium ‘Bicolor’ (Aconitum angustifolium ‘Bicolor’) – These flowers have stunning blue and white blossoms and bloom in late summer to early fall. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
Variegated Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) – This grass has beautiful variegated foliage and adds a pop of color to shady spots in the garden. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Pennisetum ‘Hameln’ (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’) – This ornamental grass has fluffy white plumes that bloom in late summer to early fall. It adds texture and movement to the garden and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
With these fall-blooming flowers, you can extend the season and enjoy unexpected bursts of color in your garden. Whether you have a sunny spot or a shady corner, there are plenty of options to choose from. From Russian Sage to Black-eyed Susan, these lesser-known stars will brighten up your autumn garden and make the season last a little bit longer.
Spectacular plant picks for sunny spots
Your sunny garden provides the perfect backdrop for a stunning display of fall-blooming flowers. Here are some spectacular plant picks that will thrive in the sun and add color to your autumn landscape.
Monkshood (Aconitum) is a tall, elegant plant with stunning blue or purple flowers that resemble the hoods worn by monks, hence the name. It blooms in late summer to early fall and is known for its showy flower heads.
Rozanne geranium is another great choice for sunny spots in your garden. This perennial produces an abundance of beautiful violet-blue flowers from June until frost. It’s a popular plant that will provide color year-round.
Perovskia, or Russian sage, is a woody shrub that is covered in blue or purple flowers in late summer to early fall. It is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for sunny spots where water may be limited.
Toad lilies (Tricyrtis) are unique and eye-catching plants that bloom in late summer to early fall. Their speckled star-shaped flowers add interest to any garden, and they are known for their ability to thrive in shade and partial shade.
Narrow-leaf ironweed (Vernonia) is a native wildflower that produces masses of purple flowers in late summer to early fall. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil.
The ‘Cheju-do’ redbud (Cercis) is a stunning small tree that provides a burst of color in the fall. Its heart-shaped leaves turn a brilliant yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety. It’s a great choice for sunny spots in your garden.
Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia) is an attractive perennial that features variegated leaves and small flowers. It blooms in late summer to early fall and is a low-maintenance plant that will persist year after year.
Lilies are a classic fall-blooming flower that adds elegance and beauty to any garden. The Oriental lily (Lilium orientalis) is known for its large, showy flowers and sweet fragrance. The ‘Black Beauty’ variety has dark burgundy-red flowers that stand out in the garden.
Hubricht’s flossflower (Ageratina hubrichtii) is a tall, upright perennial with delicate white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. It is a great choice for adding height and texture to your garden.
Grasses are a popular choice for sunny spots in the garden, and the ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is no exception. It is a clump-forming grass with narrow, upright leaves and feathery plumes that add interest to the landscape.
Painted ironweed (Vernonia crinita) is a late-blooming perennial that produces clusters of deep purple flowers in late summer to early fall. It is a favorite among butterflies and provides nectar for them during their fall migration.
The ‘Caradonna’ sage (Salvia nemorosa) is a compact perennial that produces spikes of deep purple flowers in late summer to early fall. It is a great choice for sunny spots in your garden and pairs well with other perennials.
The ‘Karalee Petite Pink’ rose (Rosa) is a miniature rose that blooms in late summer to early fall. It produces clusters of small, double pink flowers that have a sweet fragrance and add a pop of color to the garden.
As you can see, there are plenty of spectacular plant picks for sunny spots in your autumn garden. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colors or delicate and elegant blooms, there is a flower that will thrive in your garden and provide a beautiful display all season long.
