40 Best Fall Flowers to Plant for Autumnal Color

Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Mums are quintessential fall flowers. They start blooming in September and last until frost. And the many species come in various bloom shapes and colors. When selecting mums for fall planting, look for a plant that isn’t in full bloom yet. It will struggle less with transplanting. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy for the best flowering.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, white, red, purple, bicolors
• Bloom Time: Late summer to mid fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Rich, humusy, moist, well-drained
  

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Marigolds will first bloom in the late spring to early summer. And if you continuously deadhead your plants (remove the spent blooms), they can stay in bloom through fall, though flowering might slow in the peak heat of the summer. These plants feature daisy-like flowers that typically come in yellow or orange. They are typically grown as annuals but might self-seed in your garden. 

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)
• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, cream, pink
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
  

Red Salvia (Salvia splendens)

Also called scarlet sage, this flower is a tender fall perennial often grown as an annual outside of its hardiness zones. Its bright red flowers stretch around 2 inches long and grow in clusters on erect stems above the foliage. It can bloom from June until the first fall frost. Plants can be potted in the fall for overwintering indoors.

• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
• Color Varieties: Red
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet alyssum spreads with mounds of gray-green, lance-shaped foliage. Its clusters of small, four-petal, sweet-scented flowers first bloom in the spring. Then, the plant will often decline in the heat of summer. Cut it back by half at this point. Once cool temperatures return in the fall, its foliage should perk up again, and it often repeat blooms. You also can plant seeds in August for fall flowers.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: White
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
  

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.)

Nasturtium species can be annuals or perennials with different shapes, including bushy, climbing, and trailing growth habits. Most plants in the genus feature brightly colored flowers. In general, they flower from May to September, though the exact timing depends on the species and climate. These are typically low-maintenance plants, appreciating watering during periods of drought.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, pink, yellow, cream
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

Violet (Viola spp.)

There are hundreds of species in the Viola genus. In general, violet refers to the low-growing, mounding plants that spread readily in the garden. Many species struggle in the summer but will revive and bloom in the fall with their showy five-petal flowers. Use a slow-release fertilizer in late summer to encourage fall flowers. 

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Blue, purple, white
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
  

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Snapdragons are tender perennials that are also grown as annuals. They can flower from spring to frost in the fall in cool climates. In climates with hot summers, they often slow down in the heat but pick up with their blooming when cool weather returns. The plants get their common name because the tubular flowers somewhat appear like a dragon's head.

• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
• Color Varieties: White, yellow, red, orange, pink, purple
• Bloom Time: Early spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
  

Cockscomb (Celosia argentea)

Cockscomb flower heads have a feathery appearance in a rainbow of bright yellow, warm orange, scarlet red, and deep burgundy or purple accents for fabulous fall color. This annual stretches 4 to 10 inches long with densely packed blooms on upright stems. You can start seeds indoors roughly six to eight weeks before your area’s projected last frost date in the spring for earlier bloom.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)
• Color Varieties: Red
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

New England Asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England asters offer vivid fall color with their showy flowers. The flowers have a daisy-like look, stretching almost 2 inches across. Pink to purple petals extend out from bright golden centers. They can be planted all season, from spring to fall. Plants will often self-seed if you leave the spent flower heads on; otherwise, you can cut the plants to the ground for a tidier look.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
• Color Varieties: Pink-purple, purple
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
  

Nippon Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum)

The flowers on the Nippon daisy, also known as the Montauk daisy, feature white petals and green centers. They form on long stems and stretch around 2 to 3 inches across. They tend to make long-lasting cut flowers. To encourage continued blooming, deadhead the spent flowers. Plant it in the early spring or fall.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: White
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
  

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod is a perennial wildflower with tiny yellow blooms that form in clusters on upright stems. They are pretty attractive to butterflies and bees. Remove the spent flower clusters to prolong blooming. It is usually planted in the spring or fall.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Yellow
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
  

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye weed is another perennial wildflower that grows in upright clumps. The domed clusters of tiny flowers offer delicate fall interest, and the blooms have a pleasant vanilla scent. Cut your plants to the ground in the winter to maintain vigorous growth. And don't be put off by the name. This North American native isn't classed as invasive.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
• Color Varieties: Mauve, white
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis)

Bluebeard, also known as blue mist, blooms roughly from July to September. It’s a small, mounded shrub with aromatic foliage. The flowers come in tiny clusters that resemble clouds of blue mist on the plant, hence its common name. Ensure your plant has good soil drainage; it does not tolerate soggy soil.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: Blue, purple, pink
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
  

Autumn Joy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium telephium 'Herbstfreude' (‘Autumn Joy’)

'Autumn Joy' stonecrop is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can thrive in many different growing conditions. It prefers soil with sharp drainage. The plant blooms with small, star-shaped flowers that start pink but darken to red in the fall. Pinch the plant back in the spring to encourage bushier growth. It's best planted in the spring to deliver fall garden splendor.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Pink, red
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Sandy, well-drained
  

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

The autumn crocus grows from a bulb that you must plant in well-drained soil. Plant it in the late summer for fall bloom. The bulb sends up foliage only in the spring, which dies back by summer. Fall flowers rise on bare stems. 

• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
• Color Varieties: Lavender-pink, lilac-pink
• Bloom Time: Early fall to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
  

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a woody long-blooming perennial with gray-green foliage that is aromatic when crushed. The small, tubular flowers thrive in a sunny spot. While Russian sage can tolerate a bit of shade, the stems might flop over without enough sun, and flowering will likely be diminished. Cut plants back in the early spring for renewed growth.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: Blue, lavender
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
  

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are show-stopping annuals that make a great addition to any garden, and they're also lovely for fall flower arrangements. Their blooms can stretch 3 to 6 inches wide atop tall stems. And they typically feature yellow petals with brown centers. Different sunflower varieties bloom at different times. Many stretch their bloom season into fall. Consider harvesting seeds from the flower heads to plant the following growing season. 

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)
• Color Varieties: Yellow, red, brown
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained
  

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Helenium, or sneezeweed, is a clump-forming perennial wildflower with a long blooming period. The daisy-like blooms stretch around 2 inches across and have domed centers. Cut back the plants at least six weeks before blooming begins. Pruning will encourage more branching and, thus, more flowers.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Red, yellow, orange, gold, copper
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
  

Petunia (Petunia spp.)

Petunias are tender perennials commonly grown as fall annuals in most climates. The flowers are generally large and funnel-shaped, coming in various colors. Although they can bloom from spring to fall, flowering might slow down in the summer heat. If your petunias decline in the summertime, cut them back. Trimming will encourage them to bloom again in the fall.  

• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
• Color Varieties: Red, yellow, orange, pink, purple, white, green
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
  

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x Grandiflora)

Blanket flowers are short-lived, fast-growing perennial flowers. The bright, showy, daisy-like flowers can stretch 3 to 4 inches across, and they form above the foliage on upright stems. If flowering slows in the summer, cut back the plants to encourage fall flowers. 

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
• Color Varieties: Red, yellow, orange
• Bloom Time: Early spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
  

Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

Looking for a long-lasting swathe of color to cover your landscape? Why not pick a plant from the Argeratum genus? There are over 40 species to choose from, but the most popular species to grow in North America is the annual floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum). Providing you can offer the bright and moist spot these plants appreciate, you'll be rewarded with a mass of purplish-blue flowers for much of the year, well into fall.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as a true annual)
• Color Varieties: Purplish blue; pink and white cultivars are also available
• Bloom Time: Late spring through the first frost
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs:  Moist, well-drained soil
  

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)

There's a reason hydrangeas are amongst the most popular ornamental shrubs. The large, colorful flower heads make a statement in any garden. Fast-growing, versatile, and diverse, there are many hydrangea types to choose from. And they often continue to produce those beautiful blooms well into the fall. Some varieties can handle light shade, but many plants bloom best in full sun and rich soil.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
• Color Varieties: White, blue, pink, red, purple, green
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late fall
  
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a perfect choice when you're looking to fill your deck or porch with some bright fall flowers. These plants come in a wide range of colors and are known for being prolific bloomers well into fall—providing you top-up on fertilizer and cut them back towards the end of the summer. You can plant them in the ground, but they also thrive in containers. And as a bonus, these self-cleaning plants don't need deadheading.

• USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
• Color Varieties: Coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, burgundy, lavender, cream
• Bloom Time: Late spring to mid fall
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained
  

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Low-maintenance, hardy, dependable native wildflowers are the perfect addition to cottage and meadow gardens. Daisy-like, bright black-eyed Susans will keep pollinators topped up on nectar from early summer to late fall, when adequate nutrient levels are extra important for overwintering. Pop them in a sunny spot and watch them thrive.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  

Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)

Select stunning strawflowers if you want a species you can add to your cut flower arrangements from late spring to fall. And these plants don't just hold their shape and look great for a long time in a vase. These long-blooming but short-lived perennials add vivid color to your landscape, providing you deadhead them throughout their growing season.

• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11
• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red, white, pink
• Bloom Time: Late spring until fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
  

Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus, Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos flowers are ideal when you simply want to sprinkle some seeds in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, and then let them do their thing. These fast-blooming annuals are cottage garden favorites and magnets for pollinators. As long as you can offer a sunny spot, they'll keep blooming well into the fall with little to no interference, no matter the conditions.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
• Color Varieties: Golden yellow, white, pink, magenta, orange, yellow, red, chocolate
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Well-drained

Fuchsias

Shrubby, evergreen fuschias are the perfect fall spillers for your container gardens. The bright teardrop-shaped blooms are hummingbird favorites, and these part shade-loving flowers are ideal for warm-weather yards that don't see a lot of intense sun as the seasons progress. Fuschias are cold-sensitive species, and they aren't exactly low maintenance. However, if you can offer the right moisture and humidity levels along with a high-quality soil, these stunning plants are worth the extra effort.

• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
• Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, violet, purple
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Part
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained

Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)

Late-season flowers don't come much brighter, bigger or more beautiful than dahlias. There are lots of types of dahlias to choose from, and the large blooms on these upright warm-weather plants make them an ideal thriller plant in mixed containers or flower borders. To see the best blooms, pick a sunny spot and water regularly. Keep these flowers out of reach of your dog or cat as they are toxic to pets.

• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
• Color Varieties: Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Purple, White
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
  

Canna Lily (Canna spp.)

If you love the tropical vibe, even after the summer ends, consider the Canna lily as a warm-weather fall garden addition. Despite their exotic-looking appearance, these tall flowers are easy to grow in a full sun position, providing you offer a moist soil and adequate space. And, unlike true lilies, these plants are pet-friendly.

• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, pink, cream, white; solid color or with contrasting spots
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining

Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Try planting hardy, drought-tolerant sedum as a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover in gardens that don't see much rain in fall. The tiny flowers attract pollinators and are a popular choice for xeriscape landscapes. Most sedum varieties are non-invasive, deer-resistant plants that you can't go wrong with, providing you don't overwater or plant them in soil that isn't well-drained.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
• Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, white
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
  

Roses (Rosa spp.)

Everyone loves a rose, and there are many cultivars and wild types of roses to choose from that continue to produce beautiful, fragrant blooms well into fall. These aren't the most low-maintenance shrubs, and you'll need a careful watering and fertilizing schedule, the right amount of sun, and good deadheading and pruning habits to see your rose bush bloom into fall. But, the effort is worth it with these long-lived classics. As fall blooms fade, prep your roses well for winter so they flourish again the next year.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11, depending on type
• Color Varieties: White, red, pink, yellow, orange
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

African Daisies (Osteospermum spp.)

The bright colors of African daisies are what sets them apart from other daisy-like flowers, and these tender perennials will bloom well into fall when temperatures are mild enough. While they bloom from late spring, be aware they take a blooming break in the hottest part of the summer. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but a full sun position in an organically rich soil is best for most prolific blooming.

• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
• Color Varieties: Purple, pink, yellow, orange, white
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained

Begonia (Begonia spp.)

There are so many species of begonia to choose from that there is bound to be one with a color, shape, and size right for your garden. These shade-loving plants continue to bloom with less sun than many other fall flowers. And it's not just the blooms that begonias are grown for. Their foliage adds additional textural interest. Begonias are relatively low-maintenance, as long as you can provide the shady, warm, evenly moist conditions they love.

• USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10 (depending on variety)
• Color Varieties: Pink, red, white, yellow, orange
  
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Part, shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, rich

Pansies (Pansies spp.)

Fast-growing, colorful pansies are favorites for fall flower beds and containers. The distinctive, delicate, heart-shaped, overlapping petals brighten gardens almost year-round when temperatures are mild enough. A part shade rather than full sun position is best to help the blooms retain their vigor, and these long bloomers are heavy feeders.

• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
• Color Varieties: White, yellow, purple, blue, red, pink
• Bloom Time: Early spring to fall or winter frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
  

Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)

Similar in structure to dahlias but less particular about care and conditions, zinnias are perfect fall flowers for low-maintenance gardens. These annual flowers are easy to start from seed, and there are many zinnia varieties to choose from. Popular, tall Zinnia elegans is a drought-tolerant favourite for the back of fall borders, provided you can offer a sunny spot and well-draining soil.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
• Color Varieties: Pink, purple, yellow, orange, white, red, green
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Well-drained

Marguerite or Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

This cheerful, drought-tolerant perennial wildflower grows freely in informal meadow gardens, and butterflies and other pollinators love it. It's easy to grow from seed and just needs a sunny spot to thrive. However, it's such a vigorous grower that it's classed as an invasive species in some parts of the United States. Only plant this sweet species if your region permits it.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: White with gold-yellow centers
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full, part
• Soil Needs: Well-drained

Bidens (Bidens spp.)

The long-lasting blooms of these bright tender perennials provide a splash of color in your garden from late spring well into fall when conditions are right. Bidens love fertile soil and full sun position. But other than that, they are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. Although they are grown as annuals in regions with cold winters, they are pretty easy to grow from seeds.

• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11
• Color Varieties: Yellow, gold, white, pink, orange
• Bloom Time: Late spring to mid fall
• Sun Exposure: Full
• Soil Needs: Well-drained

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

If you're a fan of attractive edible landscaping plants, try introducing annual amaranths to your fall flowers collection. The single, large reddish flowers on the end of the tall plants are striking, but the foliage with prominent veining also adds interest. You can harvest the leaves, but the seeds are most prized and are a popular addition for a warming fall morning porridge. Provide ample air circulation and good drainage to see them thrive.

• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
• Color Varieties: Red
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, part
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained

Sumac (Rhus spp.)

There are around 35 species in the easy-to-grow and adaptable Rhus genus of flowering shrubs or small trees. While their fall-blooming flowers aren't always the most spectacular, they have earned a spot on this list because their fall foliage is typically a bright red, yellow or orange. And their bright late fall fruits (drupes) add extra color and are a great food source for wild birds visiting your garden.

If you're planting one of these shrubs or trees, watch out you don't accidentally opt for a poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) which is toxic to people and pets.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Yellow flowers and red drupes
• Bloom Time: Spring flowers, but the drupes appear in fall
• Sun Exposure: Full, part
• Soil Needs: Well-drained

Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Dusty Miller is a herbaceous tender perennial celebrated for its striking silvery, woolly foliage. It also produces tiny yellow or cream daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring right through to fall. The flowers contrast well against the foliage. However, some gardeners choose to remove the blooms to direct all the energy to growing the fantastic foliage, which continues to add color until the fall frosts arrive.

These easy to grow plants are drought-tolerant and pest-free, but keep them away from kids, kitties, and canines. Dusty Miller plants are toxic to people and pets.

• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
• Color Varieties: Cream, yellow
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall frosts
• Sun Exposure: Full, part
• Soil Needs: Well-drained