Seven vibrant, blooming perennials for a chromatically rich garden:
Are you ready to keep that garden of yours colorful and lively, even as the sun starts to set on the summer? Say goodbye to that saggy, fade-away look and embrace a stunning display of fall-blooming perennials that love the cooler weather!
These hearty autumn heroes take over where the summer flowers wane, showcasing a cheerful mix of warm hues that echo the season's rich tapestry. Whether you're into the bright and sunny or prefer something a bit more earthy and mysterious, there's a perennial that'll speak to your gardening soul.
Let's dive into these seven phenomenal fall-blooming perennials that'll put you at the top of the neighborhood's envy list:
7 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Fall Blooming Perennials
1. The Showstopper: Blanket Flower
Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia) steal the show with their vibrant, rich hues of red, orange, and yellow - like having a kaleidoscope growing right before your eyes! These daisy-esque flowers appear from early summer and spritz the garden until the first frost, with peak bloomyness typically in late summer to early fall. It's like an explosion of sunsets in your orchard, with these flowers popping against the changing leaves. They offer both single and double flowers depending on the variety, and they're total earworms for butterflies, making them must-haves for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Blanket Flowers have a mounding habit, typically reaching a height of 1 to 2 feet with the same to spread. Ideal for gardens in hotter, drier climates, they prefer full sun exposure and kick ass in even the poorest of soil conditions. As a sweet bonus, these babies are deer-resistant, keeping your hard work safe from unwanted grazers.
2. The Iconic: Chrysanthemum
No garden is complete without these classic fall bloomers known as Mums. From bright pinks and purples to warm oranges and deep reds, there's a chrysanthemum for every flower child. These beauties bloom big with clusters of flowers that go ape bananas in the fall season, usually from early fall until the first frost. They're great for mixing borders, containers, or mass plantings for some serious WOW factor.
Mums require well-draining soil and full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Throw them in the ground during mid-summer to give them time to establish themselves, bees 'n' butterflies included, before the flowers start to play ball.
3. The Air Brush: Boltonia
Lose yourself in a dreamy sea of tiny flowers with boltonia, otherwise known as false aster. These clouds of tiny daisy-like flowers bloom from late summer into the fall, providing a delightfully soft, airy vibe that complements the other fall bloomers. Boltonia has an upright, vigorous growth habit, growing up to 6 feet tall, with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, making it a perfect addition to the back of flower beds.
This flower thrives in full sun and tolerates light clay soil. It's easy to see why gardeners in hotter, drier climates have fallen head over heels for it.
4. The Humble Hero: Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is a low-key legend in the fall garden game. With its bright yellow petals and its sleek, dark central cones, these flowers give off the laid-back, sunny vibes we love about fall. Blooming from mid-summer through fall, these flowers create a sunny focal point you can't miss. They're also incredibly versatile, thriving in full sun and various soil types, including clay.
These stunning flowers grow to 2 to 3 feet with a spread of about 18 inches and are attractive to butterflies and bees – perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens.
5. The Tropical Touch: Canna
Want to bring a little taste of the tropics to your yard? Get your ass up and meet Canna! With its bold, banana-like leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, Canna adds a tropical flair with its late summer to fall blooms. Plant them in full sun, well-drained soil with a rich, organic content, and get ready for some exotic eye-candy.
Canna plants can grow up to 4 to 6 feet tall and have a spread of 1 to 2 feet, depending on the variety. These hardy perennials have minimal pests and can handle light drought once established. For maximum effect, sow these bad boys in groups or as a mesmerizing focal point in your garden.
6. The Wild Spirit: American Blue Vervain
American Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a wild beauty that adds a touch of magical mystery to your garden. Growing tall spikes of delicate, sky-blue flowers from mid-summer through fall, this native perennial is perfect for naturalistic plantings, rain gardens, or mixed borders, where its upright form can add exciting, vertical interest.
It has an easy-going nature, thriving in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil. American Blue Vervain reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet and has a spread of 1 to 2 feet. As a cherry on top of this wildflower sundae, it's also deer-resistant, ensuring that your hard work remains untouched by Bambi and friends.
7. The Grandeur: Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass, especially the popular Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'), adds natural elegance to any fall garden. The unique, arching plumes on this grass your garden will be the envy of your haters. Blooming from late summer through fall, this ornamental grass provides the perfect accent to create movement and texture in your garden design.
Fountain Grass grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. It has an upright, clumping habit and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet with a spread of about 2 to 3 feet. Plant it in groups with other fall bloomers for a show-stopping display that'll keep the buzz going from sunup to sundown.
Bonus Tips for a Colorful Fall Garden
- Planning is key! Research the best times to plant each perennial and ensure you give them plenty of time to establish before the blooms start bursting from the ground.
- Mix and match your blooms for a dynamic display that captures the essence of the autumn season.
- Consider incorporating seasonal color themes or colors that work well with the changing leaves, such as deep reds, yellows, oranges, and purples.
- Don't forget about the other elements of your garden, such as trees, shrubs, and hardscaping. Use them to create focal points, provide shelter for wildlife, or create a sense of dimension in your space.
- Get your hands dirty! Gardening is a great way to release stress, exercise your body, and connect with nature.
Now go forth and create a luscious, vibrant garden that'll have your neighbors green with envy – and not just because of your green thumb, you show-off! Enjoy the beauty of the season, and may your garden be your oasis of calm and joy.
Incorporate these incredible fall-blooming perennials into your home-and-garden lifestyle for a breathtaking and colorful outdoor space: Blanket Flower, Chrysanthemum, Boltonia, Black-Eyed Susan, Canna, American Blue Vervain, and Fountain Grass. By carefully planning your planting schedule and mixing these vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple, you'll create a stunning mosaic that mirrors the rich tapestry of fall.
