Fall-Blooming Flowers: A Guide to 24 Stunning Perennials for Your Garden

ByWayne Brown
Fall-Blooming Flowers: A Guide to 24 Stunning Perennials for Your Garden

Are you ready to elevate your garden with a burst of color and beauty that lasts all the way into the fall season? Planning ahead is key to having a garden filled with gorgeous fall-blooming flowers. Whether you plant in late fall for blooms next year or in early spring to allow your perennials to establish themselves, you can create a stunning garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

To ensure your fall-blooming flowers thrive, it’s essential to consider your plant’s growing zones. In warmer climates, some perennials may bloom in mid-summer, while in colder zones, they need to bloom before frost hits. If you’re uncertain about the best planting time for your area, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your local nursery or county extension service office. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy a vibrant perennial garden filled with beautiful fall blooms.

Let’s explore 24 fall-blooming flowers that will add a touch of color and elegance to your garden:

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

  • Name: Autumn Crocus
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

The Autumn Crocus bulbs are planted in late summer and bloom the following fall, boasting beautiful flowers up to four inches across. Be cautious, as all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals. Divide the bulbs every few years to maintain healthy clumps.

Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ Autumn Joy)

  • Name: Autumn Joy Sedum
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: No

Autumn Joy Sedum is a low-maintenance plant that offers year-round interest with minimal care. Pruning in early July can help promote bushier growth. Keep in mind that this plant is not deer-resistant.

Autumn Phlox ‘Laura’

  • Name: Autumn Phlox ‘Laura’
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Autumn Phlox ‘Laura’ is available in various colors and blooms from mid-summer to mid-fall. Removing faded flower panicles can prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding. This plant attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators.

Autumn Sneezeweed

  • Name: Autumn Sneezeweed
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Russet-toned
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Autumn Sneezeweed blooms resemble small coneflowers and prefer cool roots and warm tops. Mulch can help keep the roots cool, while full sun promotes top growth.

Balloon Flower

  • Name: Balloon Flower
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Balloon flower blooms profusely in the summer and can also bloom in the fall with proper deadheading. Pruning and minimal maintenance make this plant a great addition to any garden.

Bengal Tiger Canna Lily

  • Name: Bengal Tiger Canna Lily
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Organically rich, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Orange
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

With stunning yellow and green striped leaves, the Bengal Tiger Canna Lily produces vibrant orange blooms from July to October. Ideal for mass plantings and landscape borders.

Blue Mist Shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis)

  • Name: Blue Mist Shrub
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

The Blue Mist Shrub blooms in late summer or fall, attracting butterflies and bumblebees. Pruning in early spring helps maintain its size and shape.

Blue Pitcher Sage

  • Name: Blue Pitcher Sage
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Known for its sky-blue tubular flowers, Blue Pitcher Sage blooms from mid-summer to fall. Pruning in late spring can promote fuller growth.

Goldenrod

  • Name: Goldenrod
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Goldenrod blooms from August to October, providing a late-season burst of color. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its clusters of tiny yellow flowers.

Japanese Anemone

  • Name: Japanese Anemone
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Part shade
  • Soil: Rich, well-drained
  • Flower Color: White or pink
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Japanese Anemone blooms from late summer to frost, attracting butterflies. Minimal maintenance is required once established.

Joe Pye Weed

  • Name: Joe Pye Weed
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Mauve
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Joe Pye Weed grows in erect clumps with mauve blooms from midsummer to early fall. Cutting back in late winter helps prevent flopping.

Leadwort

  • Name: Leadwort
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Leadwort is an aggressive ground cover with true blue flowers and beautiful fall leaf colors. Provide a light winter mulch for plants to winter over in cooler climates.

Mexican Bush Sage

  • Name: Mexican Bush Sage
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Mexican Bush Sage is a perennial with velvety purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Ideal for gardens with rich soil and even moisture.

Mums

  • Name: Mums
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

A fall garden staple, Mums offer brilliant blooms and are best planted in the spring to establish before cold weather. Ensure plants are well-watered and mulched before winter.

New England Aster

  • Name: New England Aster
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

New England Asters produce large, purple flowers from August to October, attracting bees and butterflies. Cut plants back after flowering for strong new growth.

New York Aster/Michaelmas Daisy

  • Name: New York Aster/Michaelmas Daisy
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

These daisy-like blossoms bloom from late August to frost. Pinching back stems can create dense mounds with numerous flower buds.

Perennial Sunflower

  • Name: Perennial Sunflower
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Perennial Sunflowers bloom in the fall with smaller daisy-like flowers in abundance. Ideal for adding a pop of color to your garden.

Russian Sage

  • Name: Russian Sage
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Russian Sage flowers from late summer to early fall, boasting stunning blooms. Prune in late winter for optimal growth and blooming.

Strawflower

  • Name: Strawflower
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Strawflowers bloom from late spring to frost, retaining their shape and color when dried for arrangements. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming.

Sweet Alyssum

  • Name: Sweet Alyssum
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Sweet Alyssum makes a colorful ground cover with tiny flowers that bloom in cool seasons and can rebound in the fall. Be cautious, as it can be invasive in some regions.

Stonecrop ‘Lidakense’

  • Name: Stonecrop ‘Lidakense’
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Stonecrop is a ground cover with a creeping habit, making it ideal for rocky areas or pollinator gardens. Trim after flowering to maintain shape.

Sweet Autumn Clematis

  • Name: Sweet Autumn Clematis
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: White
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Sweet Autumn Clematis is a self-seeding perennial vine with fragrant blooms that attract pollinators. Prune in fall or spring for optimal growth.

Tickseed

  • Name: Tickseed
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Varies
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Tickseed is available in various cultivars, with many blooming throughout the summer season. Pruning after flowering can lead to a beautiful fall display.

Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)

  • Name: Turtlehead
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Light: Part shade to shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Flower Color: Pink or white
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

Turtlehead blooms shaped like turtles’ heads are a unique addition to shady gardens. Prune lightly in late fall or spring for optimal flowering.

These 24 fall-blooming flowers offer a diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes to enhance your perennial garden. From striking orange blooms to delicate pink blossoms, there’s a fall-flowering perennial for every gardener’s taste. By planning ahead, following planting guidelines, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a stunning garden filled with vibrant fall blooms that will dazzle your senses and attract pollinators throughout the season. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties and combinations to create a truly unique and beautiful garden that reflects your personal style and showcases the beauty of autumn. Happy gardening! 🌼🍂

Similar Posts