27 Best Fall Flowering Plants to Beautify Autumn Garden

Fall is a season of transformation; most plant leaves turn red and are prepared to shed in autumn. But if you want to celebrate this striking change with vibrant blooms, start growing fall flowering plants to beautify your garden.

Each plant has a specific growing season based on its ideal climate conditions. While spring is often the peak time for many flowering plants, some ornamentals thrive and bloom when most of them have finished for the season.

Chrysanthemums, Asters, Helenium or Sneezeweeds, Japanese Anemone, and Sedum are among those exceptional flowering plants that are known to produce blooms in autumn.

As summer draws to a close and winter is about to start its innings, autumn is the season that makes the weather cozy and loving.

Though the climate is cooler, flowering plants need water, as the soil is still warm enough for plant roots to grow.

Giving an adequate amount of water to these fall-blooming plants is essential to have healthy growth.

When to plant?

If you plant fall flowering plants through the division method, except for blossoms in the next few weeks, you may be disappointed.

The best time to plant these plants is in mid-September, before the last spring frost.

For instance, you can grow Mums indoors and relocate to a garden before fall.

In rare cases, plant mums by mid-October. These plants aren’t expensive, so you can give them a try.

27 Best Fall Flowering Plants to Beautify Your Autumn Garden

You can’t start growing all these flowering plants in your fall garden.

Start with a few, considering climatic conditions in your region.

As autumn is around the corner, it is recommended that you propagate these flowering plants through division.

Though most plants are tolerant and demand no extra care, as a first gardener, you must learn about the plant to provide proper care.

1. Chrysanthemums (Mums)

When you think of autumn flowers, you can’t ignore Mums. Suspended from hanging pots or standing in a container, mums can add unbeatable, vibrant color to your backyard.

Mums can be found in different colors. They start blooming in August, but fall is the peak time when they produce blooms.

Growing requirements of mums include:

• There should be at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but it should be protected from hot afternoon sunlight. Choose a location that gets morning light and shade in the afternoon.
• Overwatering is expected as the weather is cooler. However, underwatering is also an issue that can cause drooping. Check the soil moisture with your finger and water when the top soil is dry.
• Potting soil or garden soil should be well-drained, and mixing organic matter with the plant hole will give it an initial boost to growth.
• If your garden soil lacks essential nutrients, fertilize them in spring.
• The ideal temperature should be between 60-75F.
• Mums are hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.

2. Petunias

Petunias are a staple in many gardens, known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that cascade from hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds.

While they are often thought of as summer flowers, many varieties continue to bloom well into fall, adding rich color and texture to your autumn garden.

Their versatility and long-lasting blooms make them an excellent choice for extending the life of your flower beds.

Growing requirements for Petunias include:

• Sunlight: Petunias thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with intense afternoon heat, they benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
• Watering: Overwatering and underwatering can both be problems for petunias. It’s best to water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure proper drainage, as soggy roots can lead to rot.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil is ideal. Mixing in compost or organic matter when planting can help support healthy growth. Avoid soil that stays waterlogged.
• Fertilizer: For best results, fertilize petunias every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep the flowers blooming continuously throughout fall.
• Temperature: Petunias prefer cooler temperatures in the range of 60-80°F but will tolerate slight dips at night in the fall.
• USDA Zones: Petunias are typically grown as annuals in most regions, but they can be perennial in USDA zones 9–11, where winters are mild.

With proper care, petunias can bring a colorful finish to your fall garden, keeping it lively and full of charm until the first frost arrives.

3. Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)

Gomphrena is a vibrant, long-lasting flower with small, globe-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. These tough plants bring a whimsical look to your garden, even in fall, and are excellent for drying.

Growing requirements for Gomphrena include:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight will keep them blooming profusely.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering during hot, dry periods.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Adding compost or organic matter can improve soil structure.
• Temperature: Best grown in warm temperatures between 65-80°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 2–11, but grown as an annual in most areas.

4. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Autumn Sage is a late bloomer with red, pink, and white flowers that add color to the garden. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a favorite for fall.

Growing requirements for Autumn Sage include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant, but water regularly during extended dry periods.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly dry soil.
• Temperature: Ideal in mild fall climates with temperatures around 60-80°F.
• USDA Zones: Suitable for zones 7–9.

5. Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is known for its bright yellow flower clusters that appear in late summer and fall. It’s often mistaken for causing allergies, but its pollen is not windborne like ragweed.

Growing requirements for Goldenrod include:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: Water moderately; it is drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types, including poor soils, but prefers well-drained conditions.
• Temperature: Goldenrod grows well in temperatures between 50-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 3–9.

6. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet Alyssum produces tiny, fragrant white or purple blooms that spread beautifully along borders or in containers. Their delicate scent and compact growth make them a charming addition to fall gardens.

Growing requirements for Sweet Alyssum include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Watering: Needs regular watering, particularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil.
• Temperature: Thrives in cooler temperatures around 55-70°F.
• USDA Zones: Best in zones 5–9.

7. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Snapdragons are cool-season favorites, blooming from late summer into fall. Their bright colors and distinctive “dragon-shaped” flowers add vertical interest to gardens.

Growing requirements for Snapdragons include:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: Needs regular watering, but ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Temperature: Best in cool temperatures, ideally between 55-70°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 7–10.

8. Aster (Aster spp.)

Asters are quintessential fall flowers, known for their daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, and blue. They are magnets for butterflies, making them perfect for a pollinator-friendly garden.

Growing requirements for Asters include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can handle partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, but ensure good drainage.
• Soil: Prefers loamy, well-drained soil.
• Temperature: Asters thrive in cooler fall temperatures around 60-70°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 3–8.

9. Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

Sweet Autumn Clematis is a vigorous climber that produces a cascade of fragrant white flowers in late summer and fall. It’s ideal for covering fences, trellises, or arbors.

Growing requirements for Sweet Autumn Clematis include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun, but roots should be kept cool, so consider mulching around the base.
• Watering: Needs regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
• Temperature: Prefers mild fall temperatures between 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 4–9.

10. Dahlia

Dahlias are known for their large, bold blooms that continue through the fall. They come in a wide variety of colors and forms, making them a showstopper in any autumn garden.

Growing requirements for Dahlias include:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Temperature: Grows best in temperatures around 60-80°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 8–11 but can be grown as annuals in cooler climates.

11. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Oakleaf Hydrangea not only offers stunning white cone-shaped flowers that age to pink but also provides brilliant fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and purple.

Growing requirements for Oakleaf Hydrangea include:

• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given sufficient moisture.
• Watering: Requires consistent watering, especially during dry periods.
• Soil: Grows best in rich, well-drained soil.
• Temperature: Ideal in cooler fall temperatures around 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 5–9.

12. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are a symbol of late summer and early fall. They bring tall, cheerful blooms to the garden and provide a bright backdrop for shorter autumn flowers.

Growing requirements for Sunflowers include:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
• Watering: Needs regular watering, particularly in the growing stage.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil but tolerates poorer conditions.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 70-85°F.
• USDA Zones: Suitable for zones 4–9.

13. Shrub Rose (Rosa spp.)

Shrub Roses continue blooming into fall, bringing a touch of elegance and fragrance to your garden. Many varieties are repeat bloomers, providing color until the first frost.

Growing requirements for Shrub Rose include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct light.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging the roots.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
• Temperature: Best in temperatures between 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 5–9.

14. Celosia (Celosia argentea)

Celosia brings dramatic, flame-like blooms in red, orange, and yellow, adding warmth to the fall garden. Their unusual shapes and textures make them an attractive focal point.

Growing requirements for Celosia include:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of light.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
• Temperature: Grows best in temperatures between 65-80°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 2–10.

15. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Burning Bush is renowned for its vibrant red foliage in the fall, making it a striking addition to any autumn garden. The intense red color is its main attraction, and it also produces small red berries, which add to its appeal.

Growing requirements for Burning Bush include:

• Sunlight: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, although the foliage will be less vibrant in shadier spots.
• Watering: Needs moderate watering. Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture helps it thrive.
• Soil: Grows well in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
• Temperature: Ideal in cooler fall temperatures, typically between 55-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 4–8.

16. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are classic fall bloomers with bright yellow petals and dark centers, creating a bold contrast in the garden. These hardy plants are low-maintenance and attract butterflies.

Growing requirements for Black-Eyed Susan include:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal blooming.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. They are drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but can grow in poorer soils.
• Temperature: Grows best in mild fall temperatures between 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 3–9.

17. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana)

Pansies are cold-tolerant and ideal for fall planting. They offer bright blooms in an array of colors, from deep purples to bright yellows, and they continue to bloom even after the first frost.

Growing requirements for Pansies include:

• Sunlight: Prefer full sun to partial shade. Too much shade may reduce flowering.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure good drainage.
• Soil: They thrive in rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
• Temperature: Pansies prefer cooler temperatures, typically between 45-65°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 6–9.

18. Chokeberry (Aronia)

Chokeberry is a deciduous shrub known for its beautiful red foliage in the fall. Its clusters of dark berries attract birds, adding both color and wildlife interest to the autumn garden.

Growing requirements for Chokeberry include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly until established, then it is relatively drought-tolerant.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
• Temperature: Thrives in cooler temperatures, typically around 50-70°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 3–8.

19. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses add texture and movement to the fall garden. Varieties like Miscanthus, Fountain Grass, and Switchgrass produce graceful plumes and foliage that change color as the season progresses.

Growing requirements for Ornamental Grasses include:

• Sunlight: Thrive in full sun, though some varieties can tolerate partial shade.
• Watering: Once established, they are very drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
• Soil: Prefer well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types.
• Temperature: Tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50-80°F, depending on the variety.
• USDA Zones: Depending on the species, they can be hardy in zones 3–9.

20. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen are cool-season bloomers that produce delicate, nodding flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Their unique, heart-shaped leaves add further interest to the garden.

Growing requirements for Cyclamen include:

• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade or indirect sunlight.
• Watering: Water when the soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogging as it can lead to rot.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is best for Cyclamen.
• Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures between 50-65°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 9–11, though they are often grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler regions.

21. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera is known for its colorful, mounded foliage that can range from deep purple to bright lime green. While grown primarily for its foliage, it also produces delicate flower spikes.

Growing requirements for Heuchera include:

• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates.
• Watering: Regular watering is needed, but make sure the soil drains well.
• Soil: Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with added organic matter.
• Temperature: Best grown in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 4–9.

22. Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Dusty Miller provides striking silver foliage that pairs beautifully with bright fall blooms. Its unique texture and color add contrast and interest to borders or containers.

Growing requirements for Dusty Miller include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: Water moderately; avoid waterlogging as it prefers drier conditions.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Dusty Miller’s success.
• Temperature: Thrives in cool to mild temperatures between 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 7–10.

23. Beautyberry (Callicarpa)

Beautyberry is a showy shrub that produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall. Its berries attract birds and make it a standout in the autumn landscape.

Growing requirements for Beautyberry include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in dry spells.
• Soil: Grows best in well-drained, loamy soil.
• Temperature: Performs well in cooler temperatures between 50-70°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 5–8.

24. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a fragrant herb and a fall-blooming plant with delicate blue or white flowers. It’s evergreen and thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall, making it an excellent addition to herb gardens.

Growing requirements for Rosemary include:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
• Watering: Water sparingly; Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil with good airflow.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 7–10.

25. Helenium (Sneezeweed)

Helenium is a hardy perennial with bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. It blooms from late summer into fall, adding vibrant color to the garden.

Growing requirements for Helenium include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
• Temperature: Grows best in cooler temperatures around 60-75°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 3–9.

26. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Autumn Crocus is a unique fall bloomer, producing large, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white. Unlike other crocuses, this species blooms in fall rather than spring.

Growing requirements for Autumn Crocus include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Water sparingly; once established, they are quite drought-tolerant.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
• Temperature: Grows well in cooler temperatures between 55-65°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 4–8.

27. Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigolds are one of the easiest and most vibrant fall-blooming plants. With bold shades of orange, yellow, and red, their long-lasting blooms make them a favorite for extending the color of your garden through autumn.

Growing requirements for Marigolds include:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid soggy soil.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-80°F.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 2-11

Conclusion

It’s not too late; choose your favourite fall flowering plant and start propagating through the division method.

As mentioned, autumn brings a cozy climate, and having vibrant coloured blooms in your backyard will add to your landscape.