10 Excellent Alternatives to Fall Mums: Spice Up Your Autumn Garden

Are you tired of the same old mums in your fall garden? It’s time to shake things up! While chrysanthemums are beautiful, there’s a whole world of autumn-blooming plants waiting to add vibrant colors and unique textures to your outdoor space.

Let’s explore ten fantastic alternatives that will make your garden stand out this season.

1. Asters: The Stars of Fall

Asters are like nature’s fireworks, bursting with daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. These North American natives are pollinator magnets, providing a crucial food source late in the season.

Most asters thrive in full sun and grow between 2-4 feet tall. They’re perfect for adding height and structure to your autumn garden beds. Plus, their star-shaped flowers will have your garden twinkling with color well into the cooler months.

2. Sedum: The Succulent Sensation

Looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance? Say hello to sedum! The popular ‘Autumn Joy’ variety showcases pink, broccoli-like flower clusters that transform to a rich rust color as temperatures drop.

Other eye-catching options include ‘Neon’, ‘Brilliant’, and ‘Matrona’. These drought-tolerant succulents are a dream for busy gardeners. Bonus: bees and butterflies adore them, making your garden a bustling autumn oasis.

3. Goldenrod: Not Just a Wildflower

Forget what you’ve heard about goldenrod being a weed – there are many well-behaved cultivars perfect for your garden. ‘Golden Fleece’ and ‘Baby Gold’ are excellent choices that bring a burst of sunshine to your fall landscape.

These native plants produce showy yellow flowers that thrive in full sun. By planting goldenrod, you’re not just adding color – you’re supporting local pollinators and bringing a piece of wild beauty into your garden.

4. Dahlias: The Showstoppers

If you’re after drama and variety, dahlias are your go-to fall flowers. From petite pompoms to dinner plate-sized blooms, these stunners come in an array of colors and shapes to suit any garden style.

Dahlias make fantastic cut flowers, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors. Just remember, in colder climates, you’ll need to dig up the tubers and store them over winter. It’s a small price to pay for such spectacular blooms!

5. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Edible Art

Who says vegetables can’t be decorative? Ornamental cabbage and kale offer a feast for the eyes with their vivid foliage in shades of purple, pink, and white. As temperatures cool, their colors intensify, creating a living painting in your garden.

These frost-tolerant plants are versatile superstars. Use them in containers for a pop of color on your porch, or plant them in beds for an interesting ground cover. They’re the perfect way to add texture and interest to your autumn landscape.

6. Amsonia (Blue Star): A Three-Season Wonder

Amsonia, also known as Blue Star, is the plant that keeps on giving. In spring, it graces your garden with delicate blue flowers. Summer brings billowy, willow-like foliage. But it’s in fall when this native North American plant truly shines, transforming into a blaze of yellow to orange.

Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, Amsonia hubrichtii is a must-have for any gardener looking to extend their landscape’s seasonal interest. It’s like having three plants in one!

7. Toad Lily: The Woodland Jewel

For those shady corners of your garden, meet the toad lily. This unique perennial produces orchid-like spotted flowers in early fall, bringing an exotic touch to woodland gardens.

Toad lilies pair beautifully with ferns and other shade-loving plants. Their unusual blooms are sure to be a conversation starter, adding intrigue and whimsy to your autumn landscape.

8. Salvia: The Hummingbird Magnet

Fall-blooming salvias, like ‘Autumn Sage’, are the secret weapon of late-season gardens. Their vivid flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, and red add vertical interest and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Once established, salvias are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for water-wise gardens. Their aromatic foliage is an added bonus, releasing a pleasant scent when brushed against.

9. Ceratostigma (Plumbago): The Ground-Hugging Beauty

Ceratostigma, commonly known as plumbago, is a versatile little powerhouse. This low-growing perennial offers intense blue flowers in late summer and fall, followed by show-stopping reddish-maroon foliage.

Use plumbago as a colorful groundcover or to soften the edges of rock gardens. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

10. Vernonia (Ironweed): The Towering Pollinator Paradise

Last but certainly not least, we have Vernonia, or ironweed. Tall varieties like New York ironweed make a bold statement, while compact types like ‘Iron Butterfly’ are perfect for smaller spaces.

Vernonia produces stunning purple flower clusters that are irresistible to butterflies. These native plants add height and drama to your fall garden while supporting local ecosystems.

Embracing Autumn’s Diversity

By incorporating these alternatives to traditional mums, you’re not just creating a more diverse and colorful fall garden – you’re also supporting pollinators and local ecosystems. Many of these plants are native species that provide crucial late-season food sources for bees and butterflies.

Remember, the key to a successful autumn garden is variety. Mix and match these plants to create interesting combinations of heights, textures, and colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment – gardening is all about discovering what works best in your unique space.