10 Vibrant Outdoor Plants Thriving in Fall
Bee Balm (Monarda)
As summer gives way to fall, don’t let your gardening enthusiasm wane. Embrace the cooler weather with vibrant fall plants, starting with Bee Balm or Monarda. Known for attracting pollinators, these late-summer bloomers thrive in partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Plant them in autumn to enjoy a burst of red, salmon, or pink tubular flowers the following summer.
Heuchera
Inject color into shady corners with Heuchera, a beloved evergreen among gardeners. This low-growing plant features flower spikes throughout the season, making it an excellent border filler or choice for damp garden spots. Explore varieties like “Silver Gum Drop” for silvery foliage with a touch of rosy goodness, enhancing your garden’s appeal.
Petchoa
A newcomer to the gardening scene, Petchoa, a Petunia and Calibrachoa hybrid, is a low-maintenance annual perfect for fall. Adding early and late-season color to gardens and containers, Petchoa thrives in cooler weather. Ideal for hanging baskets, these plants flourish in full or partial sunlight, offering a delightful addition to your outdoor space.
Sedum (Stone Crop)
For a hardy addition to your fall garden, consider Sedum or Stone Crop. Long-blooming and low-maintenance, Sedums prefer full sun and minimal watering, showcasing drought tolerance. Versatile in design, they serve as ground covers or potted plants, with varieties like “Thunderhead” and “Lime Zinger” adding unique colors to your outdoor palette.
Echinacea “Cheyenne Spirit”
Diversify your garden with Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower. Opt for the “Cheyenne Spirit” variety, displaying fall-appropriate hues of oranges, yellows, and reds. This drought-resistant perennial adds dimension to your garden beds, growing between 18 to 30 inches in height. Flourishing in full sun with minimal water needs, it promises a beautiful display of blooms in its first year.
Chrysanthemums
As summer concludes, Chrysanthemums signal the arrival of fall. While the common garden mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is widely recognized, explore unique varieties for a funky twist. From tiny blooms to show-stopping flowers resembling dahlias, Chrysanthemums offer diverse options. Available in late summer, these plants thrive in USDA zones 7 through 9, adding a burst of color to your fall landscape.
Celosia
Eye-catching Celosia, an annual with feather-like blooms, introduces vivid colors to your fall garden. Varieties like “Fresh Look Red” provide a dramatic tone, and the cut flowers can be dried to retain their hues for at least six months. Thriving in full sun, Celosia is a radiant addition to your garden, offering a delightful visual appeal.
Asters
For a pop of interesting color during fall, consider Asters. The “Bluebird” variety produces hardy blooms through the season, displaying a beautiful pale blue hue. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, Asters grow up to 4 feet tall, making them a perfect choice for areas requiring additional height in your garden.
Perovskia “Russian Sage”
Introduce a unique pop of color with Russian Sage (Perovskia), featuring violet-blue perennials with dusty-colored foliage. Flourishing in full sun from summer through fall, Russian Sage is hardy and adaptable to both beds and containers. Loved by butterflies and bees, it adds charm to your garden while remaining drought-tolerant.
Violas
Violas, often mistaken for pansies, are cool weather staples with small, fragrant blooms. Explore varieties like “Northern Lights” for a saturated color palette, transitioning from bright yellow centers to deep purple edges. Ideal for beds or container gardening, violas thrive in part-sun exposure with regular watering, contributing a fragrant and colorful touch to your fall garden.
