8 Flowers That Grow & Bloom in Fall

The leaves are starting to change and there’s a crispness in the air. Summer flowers on your patio are probably becoming dormant and have been producing fewer blooms for quite some time. Don’t worry! You can easily update your outdoor space for cooler weather and still make a statement. With a few tips and ideas, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful porch or patio that will carry you into the next season.

Why Plant Fall Flowers?

Planting fall flowers offers more than just aesthetic appeal – it provides numerous benefits that can improve the health of your garden. One of the key advantages of fall flowers is their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are still active during the cooler months. Flowers like Black-eyed Susans and Goldenrod are most effective at attracting these pollinators and help maintain a thriving garden as other sources of nectar become scarce. This not only supports pollinators but also contributes to the overall health of your garden by increasing pollination.

Another benefit of fall flowers is their extended bloom time. While many plants start to fade as the weather cools, certain fall flowers continue to bloom well into early winter. This extended bloom time keeps your garden lively and colorful long after other plants have gone dormant. By incorporating fall flowers into your garden, you can enjoy an extended season of beauty.

Commonly referred to as mums, these gorgeous flowers are the epitome of fall. Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of colors and instantly add that extra pop that your patio is in need of. Many homeowners choose to pick a few different colors in hues of either red, orange, yellow, or white. Grouping mums together in different sizes also adds interest and depth to your space. Most Do it Best stores carry a variety of sizes from small to extra large, making this a great option to mix and match!

These large yellow beauties are usually displayed during the fall because it takes all summer long for them to grow. Sunflowers are an easy addition to your patio! They can be used in small potted arrangements or as accents for other fall plants. The bright leaves and dark centers are a natural addition to wreaths or patio décor as well. Consider planting a row of sunflowers on the edge of your patio for long lasting sunflower growth that will accent any fall outdoor décor that you choose.

Adding fall colors to your entry door will instantly spruce up the overall look of your outdoor space. Consider snipping off a few blossoms from your potted plants and create a wreath that features burnt yellow, orange, and brown foliage. Even something as simple as adding a few twigs and pieces of straw can easily create an upgraded patio area.

Also known as the Montauk Daisy, this late blooming flower will begin to bloom towards the end of summer and into early fall. The gorgeous white coloring of the daisy will add a simple touch to your patio. This particular daisy enjoys well drained soil, so potted plants should be under cover to help manage the water it receives. Also, be aware that this flower does give off an odor, which makes it an easy choice for outdoor use instead of indoor use.

Black-eyed Susans are a perfect fall flower with bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. These perennials bloom from late summer into fall and add a burst of color to any garden. Their daisy-like flowers are perfect for creating beautiful garden borders or adding height to container arrangements. Black-eyed Susans also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant them in a sunny spot and they’ll thrive with minimal care while bringing vibrant color to your garden.

Celosia is a stunning fall flower that stands out with its flame-like blooms, in shades of red, orange, and yellow. These are perfect for adding a pop of color to garden beds and also make excellent cut flowers for autumn bouquets or wreaths. Celosia is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Its texture and bold colors make it stand out in any fall garden.

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a star-shaped cluster that blooms in the fall. Sedums grow year-round, but the real show begins in late summer and early fall when the flowers start to bloom in shades of pink, red, or yellow. Sedum is a great choice for rock gardens or borders as it requires low maintenance and is able to thrive in poor soil. Plant Sedum in a sunny spot, and enjoy its colorful blooms well into the fall months.

If you are looking for a more subdued fall look consider picking up one of the native grasses that are available at your local Do it Best store. Many grasses bloom in fall with stalks of wheat-looking tops making them a great addition to your fall outdoor décor. The height and unique qualities of the grass will add interest as well as a slight nod to the changing of the season. Buffalograss and Goldenrod are a particularly popular option as they're not only ornate, but are resistant to weeds and drought.

Tips on Planting & Caring for Fall Flowers

When it comes to planting fall flowers, the timing and conditions are crucial to ensure that your garden is healthy throughout the season. First, it’s important to plant your flowers early enough in the fall to allow them to establish strong root systems before the first frost. For example, chrysanthemums should be planted several weeks before the expected first frost. This early planting gives them the necessary time to settle in and begin blooming as the temperatures start to drop.

Understanding the soil and sunlight requirements of your fall flowers is also important to their success. Different flowers thrive under different conditions. For instance, Celosia performs best in well-drained soil and full sun, where its flowers can truly shine. On the other hand, Goldenrod is a more adaptable plant and thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and it can tolerate a variety of soil types. By catering to the needs of each flower, you can ensure that your garden stays colorful and healthy throughout the fall season.

Maintaining Your Fall Flowers

To keep your fall flowers looking their best throughout the season, regular maintenance is essential. One of the most effective ways to extend the blooming of your fall plants is through deadheading, which is removing dead flowers after the summer season. This is particularly important for flowers like Chrysanthemums and Celosia, as it helps the plants to produce more blooms and ensures that your garden stays colorful for as long as possible.

As fall progresses, it’s also important to prepare your flowers for the coming winter. This might include adding a layer of mulch around the base of perennials like Sedum and Black-eyed Susans to protect their roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch acts as an insulating barrier and helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels, which is crucial to keep these plants living through the cold months. 

Ensuring that any fall-planted bulbs are insulated with mulch will help them in the winter and grow strong and healthy in the spring. By practicing this, you’re sure to have a healthy garden that continues to thrive in the cooler months.

Enjoying your patio during the fall season is a great idea, given the cooling temperatures and fewer bugs in the air. Consider sprucing up your outdoor living space by adding color to your fall landscaping with varying plants in different sizes. You’ll have the best decorated porch in no time, and you’ll be the envy of your neighbors!