Planting perennials in the fall can set the stage for a vibrant and beautiful spring garden. As the weather cools and the growing season winds down, fall offers a perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for a burst of color and life come spring. This article explores 15 top perennials to plant in fall, ensuring a stunning garden display in the warmer months.
Why Plant Perennials in Fall?
Planting perennials in the fall provides several advantages:
Root Development: Cooler temperatures encourage root growth without the stress of summer heat.
Less Maintenance: Fall planting requires less watering and care compared to spring planting.
Early Blooming: Perennials planted in the fall often establish themselves faster and can bloom earlier in the spring.
By selecting the right perennials, you can ensure your garden bursts into color and vibrancy as soon as the weather warms.
1. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Astilbe is known for its feathery, plume-like flowers that come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. These plants thrive in shaded areas and moist soil, making them ideal for woodland gardens. Planting astilbe in fall allows the roots to establish before the spring bloom.
Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
2. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are a favorite for shade gardens. Their large, lush leaves come in a variety of colors and patterns, from deep green to blue and gold. Hostas add texture to the garden and are known for their low maintenance requirements.
Height: 6-36 inches
Bloom Time: Summer
3. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are hardy perennials that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their daisy-like flowers, available in colors such as pink, purple, and white, are known for their resilience and ability to handle a range of soil conditions.
Height: 18-36 inches
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
4. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is an excellent choice for fall planting. These succulent perennials are drought-tolerant and come in various shapes and sizes. Their star-shaped flowers often bloom in late summer and fall, providing lasting color as other plants fade.
Height: 6-24 inches
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
5. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are incredibly versatile and come in a wide range of colors and forms. They are known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care. Planting daylilies in fall allows them to establish strong root systems for a robust display in spring and summer.
Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: Summer
6. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are renowned for their bright yellow flowers with dark centers. They are perfect for adding a burst of color to any garden. These perennials are resilient and adapt well to various soil types, making them an excellent choice for fall planting.
Height: 12-30 inches
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
7. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Hearts offer unique, heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately from arching stems. They thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas and provide a touch of elegance to the garden. Fall planting ensures they have a strong start for a beautiful spring display.
Height: 12-30 inches
Bloom Time: Spring
8. Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies are cherished for their large, fragrant blooms and strong stems. Planting peonies in the fall allows them to develop deep root systems, leading to more robust flowering the following spring. These perennials are long-lived and come in various colors, from white to deep red.
Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias are prized for their spikes of vibrant flowers, which can range from blue and purple to red and pink. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Planting them in fall helps them establish roots before the growing season.
Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
10. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is loved for its aromatic foliage and long-lasting lavender-blue flowers. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in a variety of soil types and conditions. Planting catmint in the fall allows it to establish itself well before the next growing season.
Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
11. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is known for its silvery foliage and spikes of purple flowers. It’s a robust plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions. Fall planting allows Russian Sage to establish strong roots, ensuring a stunning display of color in the summer.
Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
12. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort is valued for its early spring blooms and attractive foliage, which can be spotted with silver or white. It thrives in shady or woodland gardens and is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to these often-difficult areas.
Height: 8-12 inches
Bloom Time: Early spring
13. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral Bells offer a stunning array of foliage colors, from deep burgundy to bright lime green. They are excellent for adding year-round interest to the garden. Planting them in fall allows the roots to settle in before the growth season begins.
Height: 8-12 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
14. Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Foxgloves are known for their tall, dramatic spikes of tubular flowers. They come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Fall planting helps these striking plants establish themselves, so they’re ready to make a statement in the spring.
Height: 24-48 inches
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
15. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Shasta Daisies are a classic choice for brightening up any garden. Their cheerful, white petals with yellow centers provide a lovely contrast to other plants. Planting Shasta Daisies in the fall allows them to develop a strong root system for a bountiful display in the spring.
Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: Summer
see also: Plants for a North-Facing Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
Planting perennials in the fall is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits for a thriving garden. By choosing from this selection of 15 perennials, you can ensure a spring garden that is not only beautiful but also resilient and vibrant. Each of these plants offers unique attributes and advantages, making them perfect for a variety of garden conditions and aesthetics. As you prepare for the colder months, consider adding these perennials to your garden. Your spring garden will reward you with a stunning display of color and life, proving that the effort put into fall planting truly pays off.
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