Garden

32 Best Fall Flowers that Bloom in Autumn

Written by Emily Belkoff

As the leaves start to change and there’s a crisp chill in the air, I can’t help but get excited about my fall garden. 

There’s something magical about the way autumn transforms our outdoor spaces. 

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you some of my favorite fall flowers that bring vibrant colors and cozy charm to our yards during this beautiful season.

Fall Flowering Plants

1. Pansy

Pansies are my go-to for adding a pop of color to my fall garden. These resilient beauties are perfect for planting in late summer. With proper care, they’ll continue to bloom throughout fall and even into winter, adding a cheerful touch to those gray days.

2. Dahlia

I absolutely adore dahlias! These stunning perennials can live for over two years with the right support. They’re not fans of frost, so they thrive best in warmer climates. I remember the first time I successfully overwintered my dahlias – it felt like such an accomplishment!

3. Golden Rod

Golden Rod is a vibrant flowering plant that adds a lovely charm to any fall garden. What’s even better is its known anti-inflammatory properties. I love incorporating plants that are both beautiful and beneficial.

4. Sweet Alyssum

These tiny flowers hold a special place in my heart. Available in white and pink shades, they form a vibrant carpet in my garden. The sweet, subtle scent they add is simply delightful on crisp autumn mornings.

5. Flowering Kale

Flowering kale is a dual-purpose plant that I can’t get enough of. Its pretty shades of pale pink and purple not only add beauty to my fall garden but flavor to my autumn recipes too!

6. Chrysanthemum

No fall garden is complete without chrysanthemums. These iconic autumn flowers continue to bloom for 4 to 8 weeks, adding lasting beauty to my outdoor space. They’re like the energizer bunnies of the fall flower world!

7. Celosia

Celosia’s fiery hues make it look like my garden is ablaze with autumn colors. They usually bloom from June until frost sets in, and I typically grow them as annuals. Their unique shape always draws compliments from visitors.

8. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are my reliable friends in the garden. Blooming from June to November, they’re perfect for adding a sunny touch to fall containers. I love how they keep my patio cheerful well into autumn.

9. Dianthus

Dianthus has become a staple in my garden borders and balcony boxes. Its spicy aroma and long blooming period from May to November make it a favorite. The scent reminds me of cloves and cinnamon – perfect for fall!

10. Aster

Available in purple, white, and pink shades, asters are relatively low-maintenance beauties in my garden. As a bonus, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies, turning my backyard into a delightful wildlife haven.

11. Cosmos

Cosmos flowers are my secret weapon for extending color in the garden. They bloom for several months into fall in shades of crimson, white, yellow, and pink. I love how they dance in the autumn breeze.

12. Balloon Flower

Balloon flowers are a whimsical addition to my fall garden. Before they blossom, they truly resemble little hot air balloons! They come in lovely shades of white, blue, and pink, adding a touch of magic to autumn days.

13. Sunflower

Nothing says “cheerful” quite like sunflowers. These sunny blooms brighten up my fall garden and come in various colorful varieties. They’re like a final burst of summer before the cooler weather sets in.

14. Canna

Cannas liven up my autumn garden with their spotted variations of red, orange, yellow, pink, and scarlet flowers. They add a tropical flair that contrasts beautifully with traditional fall colors.

15. Verbena

Verbena has become one of my favorites for its sweet-smelling, tidy flowers in clusters. Available in shades of red, pink, white, purple, and blue-violet, they’re a versatile addition to any fall garden palette.

16. Sneezeweed

Despite its name, Sneezeweed doesn’t make me sneeze! Instead, it covers my garden with vibrant yellow, red, or orange daisy-like flowers during the otherwise dull months of autumn.

17. Japanese Anemone (Thimbleweed)

This tall perennial, also known as Japanese thimbleweed, bears delicate foliage and flowers in shades from pure white to creamy pink. They add a touch of elegance to my late summer and fall garden.

18. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

Although not a true crocus, this plant produces a beautiful bouquet of flowers in early fall. I love the surprise of their pink, lilac, white, and violet blooms popping up when other plants are winding down.

19. Marigold

Marigolds are my go-to for adding a hot and pretty charm to my autumn garden. Available in mahogany, red, orange, and yellow, they seem to capture the essence of fall in their petals.

20. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)

Million Bells create mounds of interesting foliage and flowers in my garden. Their shades of pink, blue, yellow, magenta, and white add a playful touch to fall containers and hanging baskets.

21. Sweet Autumn Clematis

This plant is a show-stopper in my fall garden. It starts with fragrant tiny white flowers in August and matures into a fluffy-headed silvery mass that looks stunning against autumn foliage.

22. Hibiscus

Varieties like Rose of Sharon and Giant Rose Mallow flower beautifully in fall, adding vibrant colors to my garden when many other plants are fading.

23. Shrub Rose (Landscape Roses)

Cultivars like Lambert cloth and Knockout offer a beautiful display of blooms during fall. They’re my secret to keeping the romance of roses alive well into autumn.

24. Hardy Fuchsia

Hardy fuchsias bloom in various colorful shades during the fall months, adding a burst of unexpected color to my garden. Their dangling blooms always remind me of tiny ballerinas.

25. Pigweed

This herbaceous annual flowers in summer, fall, and early winter. Its burgundy, red, orange, pink, and green blooms add an interesting texture to my autumn garden.

26. Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)

Gomphrena’s bright magenta, clover-like flowerheads shine from summer to frost in my garden. They’re fantastic for adding vibrant color and are great for dried arrangements too.

27. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a unique addition to my fall and winter garden. Its yellow flowers tinged with red or orange add beauty when other plants have dropped their foliage.

28. Perennial Sage

Perennial sage flowers from summer to fall and is a favorite of butterflies and bees in my garden. These fragrant, drought-tolerant beauties are ideal for cutting and bringing autumn scents indoors.

29. Turtlehead

Turtlehead blooms during the fall with purple, pink, and white flowers that truly resemble a turtle’s beak. They add a unique charm and are always a conversation starter in my garden.

30. Autumn Monkshood

Autumn Monkshood showcases bold spikes of violet hooded blooms with blue undertones during mid-fall. They add a dramatic, almost mysterious touch to my autumn garden.

31. Heather

Heather blooms in beautiful purple or mauve shades, making it a must-have for my autumn garden. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for rock gardens or as a ground cover.

These fall flowers have transformed my garden into a colorful, vibrant space that celebrates the season’s beauty. From my balcony to my backyard, each of these plants adds its own special touch to the autumn palette.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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