Are you looking to add a burst of color to your garden as summer fades into fall? You’re in luck!
Late summer is the perfect time to plant a variety of stunning flowers that will bloom well into autumn.
These beauties will not only extend your garden’s vibrant display but also provide a vital food source for pollinators preparing for winter.
Let’s explore ten gorgeous fall-blooming flowers you can plant in late summer to create a dazzling autumnal garden.
From hardy perennials to show-stopping annuals, there’s something here for every gardener’s taste and skill level.
1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a garden superstar that truly lives up to its name. This hardy perennial boasts succulent-like foliage crowned with large, flat clusters of tiny pink flowers. As summer transitions to fall, the blooms deepen to a rich burgundy, creating a stunning display.
Sedums are incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them perfect for busy gardeners. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in rock gardens or mixed borders for year-round interest.
2. Joe Pye Weed
Don’t let the name fool you – Joe Pye Weed is no ordinary weed! This tall, majestic perennial is a butterfly magnet, producing large dome-shaped clusters of tiny pink-purple flowers. It’s a native plant that adds a touch of wildflower charm to any garden.
Joe Pye Weed prefers moist, rich soil and full to partial sun. It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens or naturalized areas. The plant’s height (up to 7 feet!) makes it perfect for the back of borders or as a stunning focal point.
3. Canna Lily
Want to add a tropical flair to your fall garden? Look no further than the canna lily! These exotic beauties feature large, paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. They’ll continue blooming from summer right through to the first frost.
Cannas love full sun and rich, moist soil. They’re perfect for adding height and drama to borders or containers. In colder regions, dig up the rhizomes before winter and store them indoors for replanting in spring.
4. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a cheerful addition to any fall garden. These daisy-like flowers feature golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. They’re not just pretty – they’re also excellent at attracting bees and butterflies.
These hardy perennials are easy to grow and tolerate a variety of soil conditions. They prefer full sun but can handle partial shade. Plant them in masses for a stunning late-summer display that will last well into fall.
5. Goldenrod
Goldenrod often gets a bad rap due to its association with allergies (though it’s actually ragweed that’s the culprit!). This native plant deserves a spot in your garden with its sprays of tiny, bright yellow flowers that light up the landscape in late summer and fall.
Goldenrod is incredibly easy to grow and adaptable to various conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Use it in wildflower gardens, meadows, or as a bright backdrop in perennial borders.
6. Dahlias
If you’re after show-stopping blooms, dahlias are the way to go. These tuber-based plants offer an incredible variety of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. From tiny pompoms to dinner plate-sized blooms, there’s a dahlia for every garden style.
Dahlias prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They make excellent cut flowers, so consider planting extras for beautiful fall bouquets. In colder regions, dig up the tubers after the first frost and store them indoors for winter.
7. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
No fall garden would be complete without chrysanthemums! These classic autumn flowers come in a rainbow of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples. Their compact, mounded shape makes them perfect for containers or garden borders.
Mums are widely available and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch them back in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
8. Asters
Asters are the unsung heroes of the fall garden. These daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, or white, providing a much-needed burst of color when many other plants are fading. They’re also a vital late-season food source for bees and butterflies.
Most asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’re perfect for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, or mixed perennial borders. Plant them alongside ornamental grasses for a stunning autumn display.
9. Sunflowers
Who says sunflowers are just for summer? Late-blooming varieties can add a cheerful touch to your fall garden. These iconic flowers come in various heights and colors, from classic yellow to rich burgundy.
Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’re perfect for adding height to borders or creating a natural privacy screen. Plus, the seeds will attract birds to your garden in the fall.
10. Japanese Anemone
For an elegant touch in your autumn garden, consider Japanese anemones. These graceful perennials produce delicate, windflower-like blooms in shades of pink or white. Their long stems add movement and height to the late-season garden.
Japanese anemones prefer partial shade and rich, moist soil. They’re perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders. These plants can spread over time, so give them room to grow or plant them where they can naturalize.
Conclusion
By incorporating these ten fall-blooming flowers into your late summer planting schedule, you’ll ensure a garden that remains vibrant and colorful well into autumn. Remember to consider your specific growing conditions and hardiness zone when selecting plants.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these flowers to create stunning combinations. Try pairing tall Joe Pye Weed with mounded chrysanthemums, or combine the tropical flair of cannas with the classic charm of Black-Eyed Susans.
