As fall approaches, it’s time to invigorate your garden with vibrant blooms that can lift your spirits. With the season changing, your backyard needs some attention.
As trees shift their colors, your yard can too. This month, summer annuals will start to fade, perennials will prepare for winter, and deciduous shrubs will transition to rich amber tones. However, fall is the perfect time to plant flowers that thrive in cooler weather.
With the arrival of rain and lower temperatures, it’s ideal for setting up your garden for spring. From bare-root plants to bulbs and winter-flowering annuals, many options can bring beauty throughout fall, winter, and into spring. Here are some top recommendations from gardening expert Laura Janney.
1. Pansies
Pansies are excellent for adding color to raised beds during fall. These flowers prove that blooms aren’t just for spring and summer. Laura Janney, founder of The Inspired Garden, emphasizes their vibrancy. “If you want vibrant color in your fall garden, pansies are a perfect choice,” she says. They bloom until temperatures drop into the low 40s, making them ideal for the seasonal transition.
With various colors available, you can easily find a pansy that complements your garden. Laura recommends Delta™ Pro Clear True Blue and Delta™ Pro Neon Violet for their vibrant hues. Grouping them in clusters of 3-5 will create a striking display.
2. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, known for its bright yellow, orange, and red blooms, is another great choice for fall gardens. Laura suggests treating perennials like annuals this time of year to avoid long-term commitment. “Rudbeckia adds a cheerful pop of color to your garden,” she explains.
While it can be invasive, treating it as an annual allows for easier management. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, as it’s also deer-resistant. Look for varieties like ‘Cherry Brandy,’ featuring dark burgundy petals.
3. Asters
Asters are delightful late-blooming perennials perfect for September planting. They feature daisy-like clusters in shades of purple and pink. “Asters are fun and playful,” says Laura. She recommends varieties like Shoemakers® ‘Blue Bayou’ and Henry™ ‘III Pink’ for their gorgeous colors.
Like pansies, Asters are also edible. They add beauty to your garden and can be used in culinary dishes if grown organically.
4. Ornamental Cabbages
Ornamental cabbages provide a unique texture and vibrant colors for your fall garden. Laura recommends varieties like ‘Color Up Purple.’ These plants are cold-tolerant and can sometimes last through winter. They look great in pots, especially when paired with gourds.
5. Celosia
For those looking to fill gaps left by summer flowers, Celosia is an excellent late-flowering option. Laura describes their fuzzy blooms in vibrant jewel tones as a great addition to fall gardens. “They add fun contrast to softer flowers,” she notes.
However, Celosia is not frost-hardy, so be sure to bring potted plants indoors during cold snaps.
6. Alliums
Fall is also the time to plant bulbs for spring blooms, with alliums being a favorite among gardeners. Laura highlights their pest-resistant properties and striking beauty. “They retain their charm even when dried,” she says. Allium azureum, with its powder-blue flowers, is especially lovely.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are often seen as traditional, but they remain a top choice for fall color. Laura recommends smaller mums that start to bloom in September for extended color. “Look for ones just beginning to open for the best display,” she advises.
With proper care, mums make stunning cut flowers that can last up to 14 days.
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