Summer is now at an end, and with that thought, it’s easy to think that your garden color is fading as well. However, fall is actually one of the most vibrant times of the year to plant! The color takes on a whole new palette and vibe, and it’s stunning! Cooler temperatures mean less stress on plants (and gardeners, too), and many blooms actually thrive in autumn’s golden light. Whether it’s a bold porch displays that make a statement with fall’s best colors and textures, or quiet beauty in the garden bed that silently stuns– here are some of OUR favorite fall annuals and perennials, that are sure to liven up your fall garden and prove that the show is far from over!

 

Colorful and cold-hardy, these fall ‘rockstars’ prove planting season is far from over!

Annuals

Mums

Mums are the ‘quintessential fall flower”- and for good reason! They provide a brilliant splash of fall color for your garden- and offer a very full, mounded shape for variety! Coming in an array of shades- from deep burgundies to rustic oranges and bronzes- to mystical purples and pinks- it’s no wonder mums are so popular. They thrive in full sun and will bloom prolifically from late summer through fall, but keep in mind that their bloom times will depend on the weather.

Pro Tip: To expand the blooms’ lifespan, cut back the spent flowers regularly. Make sure your mums are watered consistently, but not soggy.

Pansies & Violas

These charmers may look delicate, but they’re tough when it comes to fall weather! They thrive in cooler temperatures. Their colorful “face-like” blooms are available in a rainbow of hues, and are perhaps the most distinct and striking in blues and indigos. Plant them in pots or beds to liven up your garden with color in the fall. They are one of the only fall flowers that have such a diverse array of colors.

Fun Fact: Pansies are edible and make a great garnish for fall salads and desserts! Their vibrant petals are not only eye-catching but also delicious. Their taste can be described as “subtly sweet” and “peppery.”

Ornamental Kale & Cabbage

Ornamental kale not only withstands the fall chill… They have a cool tone and are full of texture- a combination that makes it oh so striking! Their foliage turns stunning shades of pink, purple, and white as the weather cools. They don’t bloom like most flowers, but their intricate leaves bring visual interest and dimension. They can tolerate light frosts, so they’ll offer their vibrant color well into late fall and even early winter (depending on the weather).

Design Tip: Pair ornamental kale and cabbage with rich-toned mums and pumpkins for a “sophisticated yet natural” garden display.

 Snapdragons

A surprise hit in the early fall! Snapdragons especially bring the rich color and vertical interest. In addition to adding height, use snapdragons to fill in the middle of a container. The brightness of the spring and summer seasons stays with your garden through the fall when snapdragons are part of the show!

Design Tip: Pair the bright snapdragons with rich, autumnal textures and tones.

Purple Fountain Grass

A striking ornamental grass that’s super sought-after! It’s known for its graceful, arching deep purple foliage and soft, feathery plumes. The plumes appear in late summer and continue through fall. The rich color combined with the airy, flowing texture make it a true standout in beds, borders, and containers! It’s low-maintenance too, thrives in full sun, and will add movement and visual interest to any fall landscape.

Design Tip: Use as a dramatic focal point in your container or bed by pairing it with contrasting textures and colors (like trailing sweet potato vine, golden coleus, deep red celosia, or silver dusty miller).

Perennials

Sedum

Here’s a distinct, low-maintenance perennial that offers reliable color and texture throughout the fall months! Sedum, (varieties like Autumn Joy in particular) sport fleshy, succulent-like leaves and bring a touch of ‘desert’ to your fall garden! With the desert vibe, they are drought tolerant and can thrive in poor soil. In the early fall, their pinkish-red flower clusters transform into beautiful, rich, and rusty hues- perfect for the change in the seasons and mixing up your garden color palette! Not only do Sedum look stunning, bees and butterflies love them.

Garden Tip: Sedum is fantastic for both xeriscape gardens (low-water gardens) and pollinator gardens!

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

They’re not typically known for their flowers- but Coral Bells are recognized by their fabulous foliage that steals the fall garden show. They give off a mystical vibe, differing from other fall plants that are warm-toned and full of color pop. Their colorful leaves range from deep purples, burgundies, and reds to coppery oranges. They can even have bright lime green leaves! Thriving in part shade, these gorgeous additions will add a unique color to shady corners or fall combo containers. As the weather cools, their foliage deepens in color- creating a rich, glowing effect! Their foliage is also dense, making it a good groundcover for filling gaps in your garden.

Garden Tip: Heuchera does best when the soil is amended (we always recommend a leaf/mushroom compost) to ensure good drainage and nutrition. This goes for all perennials!

Asters

Yes, there are both annual and perennial asters! We offer both at Ebert’s. The perennial aster blooms from late summer into fall, and comes in colors ranging from pinks and purples to whites! They have naturalistic, soft hues that blend beautifully into richer fall shades. Their annual counterparts come in slightly more vibrant and showy blues and purples (both are a stunning addition to your garden)! These hardy plants bloom late in the season, making them a great plant to “wake up” your garden in the fall.

Design Tip: Pair asters with ornamental grasses for a beautiful contrast of texture and color!

Conclusion

Personally, my other favorite fall plants include Millet, Celosia, and Dusty Miller. The three of these have very diverse color spectrums, textures, and aesthetics! The earthy millet offers bright green foliage with a fun, spiky plume! Celosia brings the fiery heat to any fall garden (flame-like plumes in hot colors like pink, red, yellow, and orange). Dusty Miller is the silvery, cool-toned mystic of the three- cooling off any warm fall palette while giving a calming vibe.

To see all of these beauties in person (and so many more options)- Stop by Ebert’s Greenhouse Village. There you’ll see our full selection in an array of creative autumn displays. Now is the time to get your fall garden going. We’ve got plenty of ideas to help you keep your garden alive and thriving this fall!

Happy Fall Planting!