You know what used to break my heart? Watching my garden turn into a boring brown mess every fall.
But that all changed when I discovered these amazing fall-blooming flowers! Now my garden stays colorful and cheerful well into autumn, and I’m excited to share these game-changers with you.
1. Goldenrod
My gardening friends used to warn me about goldenrod, but I’m so glad I didn’t listen! These sunny yellow flowers are total showstoppers from August through October.
They grow about five feet tall, with clusters of tiny yellow flowers that look like fireworks on stems.
The butterflies and bees absolutely go crazy for them in my garden. Just remember – these plants love to spread! I learned the hard way that you need to cut off the flower heads before they go to seed if you don’t want them taking over.
2. Joe Pye Weed
Want to know my secret weapon for a stunning garden backdrop? Joe Pye Weed! These gentle giants grow up to six feet tall and create the perfect garden “wall.”
The mauve-colored flower clusters start blooming in mid-summer and keep going strong through early fall. The best part? They smell like vanilla!
My top tip: Give them a haircut in late winter to keep them from flopping over. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
3. Chrysanthemums
Here’s a secret that changed my garden game: don’t wait until fall to plant mums! Pop them in the ground in spring instead.
I keep my mums happy with regular watering, especially when it’s super hot outside.
Before winter comes, I tuck them in with a nice layer of mulch to keep their roots cozy and warm.
4. Sneeze Weed
Don’t let the name scare you away! These pretty flowers look like rusty-colored daisies and add such a lovely touch to my fall garden.
They can grow pretty tall, so I either stake them or pinch them back to keep them tidy.
These flowers are kind of like me – they like their feet cool (with mulch around the roots) but their heads in the warm sun!
5. Tick Seed
These easy-going flowers have become my go-to for low-maintenance beauty. They pump out cute daisy-like blooms all summer long.
Want to know my trick for getting an amazing fall show? Just give them a little trim after their summer blooms fade.
The butterflies love them, and I barely have to water them unless we’re in a serious dry spell.
6. Turtle Head
These quirky flowers get their name because – you guessed it – they look just like little turtle heads! They’ve become my favorite solution for that damp, tricky spot in my garden.
They grow in nice, neat clumps and don’t try to take over like some other plants do. The flowers keep blooming for weeks!
I get so much joy watching hummingbirds visit these flowers for nectar. A light pruning in fall or spring keeps them looking sharp.
7. Helianthus
If you love sunflowers but hate how they flop over, let me introduce you to their better-behaved cousin – perennial sunflowers!
These beauties give you tons of smaller, daisy-like flowers instead of those huge dinner-plate blooms. And the best part? They stand up straight!
Just keep them watered and throw some fertilizer their way if your soil isn’t great. They’re pretty chill about everything else.