Autumn is a fantastic time to add a splash of color to your garden with vibrant autumn flowers. Planting in the fall allows flowers to establish their roots before winter, ensuring a strong start for spring blooms. Here are some of the best flowers to plant in autumn and tips for successful planting:
#1. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are quintessential autumn flowers, offering a variety of colors from deep reds to bright yellows.
- Planting Tips: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant mums in early autumn to allow time for root development.
- Care: Water regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
#2. Asters
Asters provide beautiful late-season blooms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Planting Tips: Plant asters in rich, well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight.
- Care: Keep the soil moist and provide support for taller varieties to prevent flopping.
#3. Sedum
Also known as stonecrop, sedum is a hardy perennial that thrives in late summer and autumn.
- Planting Tips: Sedum prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Plant in full sun for the best color.
- Care: Minimal maintenance is required. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
#4. Heuchera
Heuchera, or coral bells, adds vibrant foliage and delicate flowers to autumn gardens.
- Planting Tips: Choose a location with partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant heucheras in groups for maximum impact.
- Care: Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
#5. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Ornamental varieties of kale and cabbage offer striking foliage in shades of purple, red, and white.
- Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sunlight. Space plants adequately to allow for mature growth.
- Care: Water consistently and protect from frost using row covers if necessary.
#6. Pansies
Pansies are versatile annuals that bloom well into the autumn months, providing bright colors even as temperatures drop.
- Planting Tips: Plant pansies in rich, well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight. They can be grown in containers or garden beds.
- Care: Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent seed formation.
#7. Dahlias
Dahlias add dramatic blooms and a range of colors to autumn gardens, blooming from summer until the first frost.
- Planting Tips: Plant dahlia tubers in late summer, ensuring they are not exposed to frost.
- Care: Stake tall varieties to support heavy blooms and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
#8. Sunflowers
While typically associated with summer, certain dwarf varieties of sunflowers continue to bloom into the autumn.
- Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose varieties that are known for their autumn bloom period.
- Care: Water regularly and provide support for taller varieties to prevent flopping.
By incorporating these autumn flowers into your garden, you can enjoy a vibrant and colorful landscape well into the cooler months. Proper planting and care ensure that your autumn blooms are healthy and long-lasting, adding beauty and interest to your garden year-round.