The 28 Best Flowers to Plant in the Fall (Complete Guide)

I can't think of anything better than fall flowers - they're just so lovely! Knowing which flowers to plant in the fall is important for all gardeners. 

Fall is a wonderful time to add a splash of color to your garden. As the leaves start to turn and the days become shorter, many flowers are just beginning to bloom, providing a vibrant contrast to the changing landscape. 

From bright marigolds and coral bells to classic chrysanthemums and cheerful pansies, fall blooms fill your garden with vivid color even as summer fades.  

Hardy annuals and perennials alike bring beauty and vibrancy to your yard and goldenrod spreads sunshine, while asters and anemones paint your beds in cool tones of purple and pink.  

And who doesn't love gorgeously full dahlias and ranunculus? Their petals are so lush and romantic.  Arrange some in a vase indoors so you can enjoy that autumnal charm.  

When it comes to fall flowers, there are so many wonderful options that will make your garden pop with color well into the chilly season. 

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, planting flowers in the fall can be a rewarding experience. Here are 28 flowers that you might consider for your fall garden.

Table of Contents

• 1. Canna Flowers
• 2. Canna Lilies
• 3. Roses
• 4. Nemesias
• 5. Sweet Alyssum
• 6. Celosia
• 7. African Daisies
• 8. Japanese Anemone
• 9. Goldenrod
• 10. Marigold
• 11. Asters
• 12. Fountain Grass
• 13. Shrub Rose
• 14. Black-Eyed Susan
• 15. Beautyberry
• 16. Coral Bells
• 17. Helenium
• 18. False Sunflower
• 19. Pansy and Viola
• 20. Snapdragon
• 21. Chrysanthemums
• 22. Lobelia
• 23. Autumn Sedum
• 23. Dahlia
• 24. Nasturtium
• 25. Toad Lily
• 26. Autumn Crocus
• 27. Cosmos
• 28. Zinnia

1. Canna Flowers

Canna flowers are a great choice for a fall garden. These tropical-looking flowers come in a variety of bright colors and can add a touch of exoticism to any garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they continue to bloom well into the fall, making them a perfect choice for adding color to your garden during the cooler months.

Varieties to Try: Tropicana, Los Angeles, Dwarf Cannas

2. Canna Lilies

Canna Lilies are another excellent choice for a fall garden. These beautiful flowers bloom in late summer and continue to bloom into the fall. They require a lot of sunlight, so be sure to plant them in a spot where they will get at least six hours of sun a day. I highly recommend considering this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall.

Varieties to Try: Tropicana, Los Angeles, Dwarf Cannas

3. Roses

Roses are a classic choice for any garden, and they can be particularly beautiful in the fall. With over 300 varieties to choose from, you're sure to find a rose that fits your garden's aesthetic. Roses continue to bloom into late fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the changing leaves.
Varieties to Try: Cabbage, Country

4. Nemesias

Nemesias are a unique and beautiful addition to any fall garden. These flowers are native to sandy soil and remain in bloom until the first frost. Their unique name and beautiful blooms make them a standout in any garden.

Varieties to Try: Bluebird, Blood Orange

5. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a great choice for a fall garden. These dainty flowers are quite hardy and can tolerate a few light touches of frost. They look beautiful tumbling over the edges of containers or spilling over walls, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.

Varieties to Try: Snow Princess, Dark Knight

6. Celosia

Celosia, also known as cockscomb, is a vibrant flower that can add a pop of color to your fall garden. These flowers have feather-like blooms in warm tones of pink, red, and burgundy, making them a stunning addition to any garden.

Varieties to Try: Flamingo, Celway, Bombay

7. African Daisies

African Daisies, also known as blue-eyed daisies, are known for their stunning gradient colorways. These flowers come in a variety of colors and often have blue or purple centers, making them a unique and beautiful addition to any fall garden.

Varieties to Try: Sunburst, Violet Ice

8. Japanese Anemone

Japanese Anemone is a beautiful perennial that blooms for weeks from late summer to fall. These flowers come in many shades from white to hot pink and slowly spread via underground rhizomes, making them a great choice for a fall garden.

Varieties to Try: Fall in Love Sweetly, Curtain Call Deep Rose

9. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a beautiful, hardy perennial that blooms in the late summer and fall, offering a splash of vibrant yellow to your garden. It's also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies that can help your garden thrive. Goldenrod is also drought-resistant, making it a great choice for areas with less rainfall.

Varieties to Try: Fireworks, Golden Fleece

10. Marigold

Marigolds are a classic fall flower, known for their rich, warm hues of orange, yellow, and red. They're not only beautiful but also have pest-repelling properties, making them a great addition to any garden. Plus, they're easy to care for, requiring only full sun and well-drained soil.

Varieties to Try: French Marigold, African Marigold

11. Asters

Asters are a fantastic choice for fall planting. Their daisy-like flowers bloom in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white, and they attract butterflies, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. They're also quite hardy, thriving in full sun or partial shade.

Varieties to Try: Purple Dome, Wood's Pink

12. Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is a versatile ornamental grass that adds texture and movement to your garden. Its feathery, arching plumes catch the light and sway in the breeze, creating a beautiful, dynamic display. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice.

Varieties to Try: Hameln, Karley Rose

13. Shrub Rose

Shrub roses are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering continuous blooms from summer to fall. They're hardy, disease-resistant, and come in a variety of colors, making them both beautiful and practical. Plus, their fragrant blooms are a delight for the senses.

Varieties to Try: Knock Out, Bonica

14. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are a classic choice for fall, with their bright yellow petals and dark centers. They're drought-resistant and attract butterflies, making them both beautiful and beneficial to your garden. Plus, they're easy to care for, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.

Varieties to Try: Goldsturm, Little Goldstar

15. Beautyberry

Beautyberry is a unique shrub that produces clusters of vibrant purple berries in the fall, adding a pop of color to your garden. It's also a great choice for attracting birds and other wildlife, and should definitely consider this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and thrives in a variety of soil types.

Varieties to Try: Profusion, Early Amethyst

16. Coral Bells

Coral bells are a versatile perennial that offers both beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers bloom in the spring and fall, while their colorful leaves add interest to your garden year-round. Plus, they're deer-resistant and attract hummingbirds.

Varieties to Try: Palace Purple, Lime Rickey

17. Helenium

Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, is a stunning fall flower that comes in warm hues of red, orange, and yellow. It's a great choice for adding height and color to your garden, and it attracts butterflies. Plus, it's deer-resistant and thrives in full sun. Should definitely consider this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall.

Varieties to Try: Mardi Gras, Moerheim Beauty

18. False Sunflower

False sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any garden, with their bright yellow petals and dark centers. They bloom from summer to fall, providing long-lasting color. Plus, they're drought-tolerant and attract pollinators, making them both beautiful and beneficial.

Varieties to Try: Summer Sun, Goldilocks

19. Pansy and Viola

These charming flowers are perfect for fall planting. Pansies and violas are hardy and can withstand frost, making them a great choice for the cooler months. Their vibrant colors, ranging from purple to yellow, add a pop of color to your garden when most other flowers have stopped blooming.

Varieties to Try: Matrix Sunrise, Sorbet Lemon Chiffon

20. Snapdragon

Snapdragons are a classic garden favorite known for their tall, vibrant spikes of flowers. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can bloom well into the fall, providing a beautiful display of color. Plus, they attract pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to your garden.

Varieties to Try: Rocket Mix, Sonnet Crimson

21. Chrysanthemums

Often simply referred to as mums, these are the quintessential fall flower. Their bright, bold colors and large blooms make a striking statement in any garden. They are also quite hardy and can withstand frost, making them perfect for fall planting. Should definitely consider this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall.

Varieties to Try: Clara Curtis, Sheffield Pink

22. Lobelia

This delicate flower is a great choice for fall planting. Its vibrant blue flowers add a unique color to your garden. Lobelia is also a great choice for hanging baskets or containers, as it spills over the edges in a beautiful cascade of color.

Varieties to Try: Crystal Palace, Riviera Midnight Blue

23. Autumn Sedum

Autumn sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that blooms in the fall. Its flowers are a beautiful pink or red color and it's incredibly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for those looking for low-maintenance plants. I highly recommend considering this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall.

Varieties to Try: Autumn Joy, Matrona

23. Dahlia

Dahlias are a showstopper in any garden. Their large, vibrant blooms come in a variety of colors and they bloom well into the fall. They also make excellent cut flowers, so you can bring a bit of your garden indoors.

Varieties to Try: Cafe Au Lait, Bishop of Llandaff

24. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are a versatile flower that can be planted in the fall. They have a unique, peppery flavor making them a great addition to salads. Plus, their bright, cheerful flowers can add a pop of color to your garden. I highly recommend considering this as one of the flowers to plant in the fall.

Varieties to Try: Jewel Mix, Empress of India

25. Toad Lily

Toad lilies are a unique and exotic-looking flower that blooms in the fall. Their spotted, orchid-like flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden. Plus, they're shade-tolerant, making them a great choice for those tricky shady spots in your garden.

Varieties to Try: Samurai, Miyazaki

26. Autumn Crocus

Despite its name, the autumn crocus is not a true crocus, but it does bloom in the fall. Its beautiful, delicate flowers are a welcome sight in the garden as the weather begins to cool.

Varieties to Try: Waterlily, Conqueror

27. Cosmos

Cosmos are a great choice for fall planting. They're easy to grow and their bright, daisy-like flowers can add a cheerful touch to your garden. Plus, they're great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Varieties to Try: Sonata Mix, Double Click Mix

28. Zinnia

Zinnias are a great choice for fall planting. They're heat-tolerant and bloom well into the fall, providing a vibrant display of color. Plus, they're easy to grow from seed, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Varieties to Try: Zahara Double Fire, Queen Lime Orange.

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