I’ve had so many customers looking for late summer color—some because they just decided they want to accent that deck, patio or porch, and others because their summer annuals are starting to look a little “tired.” They want pretty fall colors.
Pansies and mums are reliable favorites for fall color. There are other plants that will also give us beautiful fall colors. Here are some of my other favorites:
Plants for Beautiful Late Summer and Fall Color
Amsonia
Also known as Blue Star. Amsonia is a perennial that provides beautiful spring color in full to part-sun and, in the fall, the leaves turn a luscious golden yellow.
Asters
Perennial asters have pretty daisy-like flowers late summer into fall. They come in a wide range of colors from soft pastels to rich magentas and purples. They’re pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant.
Caryopteris
Low maintenance, pollinator attractive, deer–resistant—what more can you ask for? Caryopteris, sometimes called Blue Beard, has showy flowers late summer into fall.
Fall Crocus
Most crocuses are beautiful harbingers of spring, but there are varieties that bloom at summer’s end—including the Saffron Crocus—from which the expensive spice saffron is obtained.
Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives, like its cousin regular Chives, is grown for the mildly garlic/onion flavor of the leaves. But did you know that come August/September, it’s absolutely covered with showy white bee and butterfly friendly flowers?
Goldenrod
Related to asters and sunflowers, Goldenrod is Mother Nature’s way of gently reminding us fall is on the way. Rich lush spires of sunny gold provide a late summer/early fall feast for pollinators. By the way, Goldenrod is not what’s making you sneeze—that’s ragweed which blooms about the same time.
Heliopsis
Known as False Sunflower, Heliopsis has daisy-like flowers from mid-summer through fall—as long as you deadhead it (remove spent flowers.) Very attractive to pollinators.
Lycoris
“Surprise Lilies,” “Naked Ladies”—Lycoris are bulbs that send up leaves in the spring then, surprise! Here come showy gorgeous flowers out of nowhere in the fall.
Ornamental Grasses
They grow all summer, with their beautiful flowing foliage—but fall is when some ornamental grasses come into their own. Grasses like Fountain Grass or Pink Muhly Grass are adorned with attractive and showy flower heads. This is what you waited all summer for.
Ornamental Peppers
They are fun, showy, and great in containers. They are edible, but because they have been bred for their looks most people find them hot to the taste but lacking in flavor.
Pineapple Sage
One of my favorite herbs, Pineapple sage is planted in spring for the lush pineapple scented foliage. Come early fall, it sports bright red flowers which are hummingbird magnets. It doesn’t usually make it over the winter but is well worth planting every spring for the fabulous show it puts on in the fall.
Russian Sage
A perennial with gorgeous silvery foliage and striking lavender-purple flowers, Russian Sage produces flowers all the way until frost. It’s hardy and drought-tolerant.
Sedum “Autumn Joy”
The name says it all. This is a touch durable perennial for sunny dry areas that really shines in the fall with reliable pollinator-friendly flowers.
Snapdragons
Great fall color in a wide range of shades. Snaps are tough and durable. You can also plant them in spring for fall—just keep them deadheaded over the summer.
Get Personalized Recommendations for Your Garden Conditions
This is by no means a complete list. There are many many other plants out there—including some grown for gorgeous fall foliage. Come in and see us and let us show you our favorites. We can also share recommendations based on your garden conditions.
Stop by now for the best selection!
Hi Bonnie!
Does TGBG have fall vegetables too? I would like to plant some for good eating later!
Thanks!
Sharon
Yes! We have both “starts” (young plants in four packs) and seeds for fall veggies–remember certain crops should be planted from seed–peas, radishes, beets, carrots–all root crops–because they do not transplant well. We’ll even have “sets” for both onions and garlic in a week or two!
Bonnie…hello….do you have any int or chocolate mint plants.
Never grown herbs before, bu thinking about the above to start.
Hi Ruth! Yes, we do have a few chocolate mint plants left and we’ll be getting new plants in the spring. Mint is pretty easy to grow–remember some people even suggest growing it in containers because it can sometimes get a little TOO happy and starting spreading everywhere! But Chocolate mint is a fun one to grow. I also like orange mint–it’s nice added to iced tea.
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for the mention of snapdragons – they are a personal favorite. Though listed as an annual, I have always had a few that overwintered even through some of our coldest winters. They also self seed to create new colors and color combinations. I can’t call them a reliable perennial, but that makes them even more happy surprises in the spring. I don’t provide any special care, I just get some new cell packs in the spring in fill in any sunny bare spots.
Oh, I love my snapdragons. Most of mine will make it over winter and some years–like this past winter–all of them did. What a treat!