Looking for ways to give your autumn garden a boost? Look no further! We’ve got ten stunning fall perennials that will transform your outdoor space. While chrysanthemums are a popular choice, these plants offer unique shapes, textures, and colors that will take your garden to the next level. From vibrant asters to elegant Japanese anemones, there’s something for everyone. Don’t settle for the same old fall flowers – try these dazzling perennials instead!

At our garden, we make sure to keep it beautiful throughout the year by incorporating various fall perennials that bloom late in the season. This not only adds diversity and color to our landscape, but also supports our local butterfly, bee, and pollinator insect populations. While mums are popular, there are many other fall perennials worth exploring. Some of these perennials offer more than just blooming flowers – their foliage is just as attractive, if not more so.

Planting fall-blooming perennials is a wise choice for several reasons. Firstly, late-blooming perennials provide crucial food for pollinators who struggle to find enough nourishment after summer. Secondly, keeping your landscape vibrant and colorful during autumn can boost your mood and mental wellbeing. Thirdly, some perennials like Sedum retain their attractive foliage through winter, creating pockets of color in an otherwise dull landscape. Finally, perennials require minimal maintenance and return year after year.

To achieve a stunning fall landscape, start early and allow your plants sufficient time to establish themselves. Removing spent flowers can prolong the blooming time of most perennials. If you want to experiment with new fall perennial plants, consider our top 10 recommendations: Stonecrop, Japanese Anemone, Turtle Heads, Hardy Begonias, Autumn Crocus, Joe Pye Weed, Tickseed, Witch Hazel, Anise Hyssop, and Sneezeweed.

Discovering the perfect Sedum to enhance your garden can be a thrilling odyssey, with an array of options available. It’s important to conduct comprehensive research to make the best selection, as Sedums differ in size, height, and blooming seasons. Nonetheless, what makes them stand out is their low-maintenance and hassle-free character, making them a superb addition to any garden. These perennials flaunt succulent leaves with varied colors and textures that alter as the seasons change. Stonecrop is immune to diseases, tolerates heat, and seldom bothered by deer or rabbits, making it a fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. To have an ideal fall-blooming Sedum variation, you may consider “Autumn Joy,” “Beach Party,” “Cherry Truffle,” “Desert Red,” and “Matrona.” You can conveniently purchase seeds and plants on popular online stores like Amazon or Etsy.

Apart from Sedums, Japanese Anemones (Anemone x or Anemone hupehensis var.) are also excellent choices for garden enthusiasts. These perennials blossom in late summer and fall, flaunting bright, delicate flowers in pink, white, or purple hues. They thrive well in full sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Japanese Anemones can reach up to four feet tall and expand rapidly, making them suitable ground covers. You can acquire Japanese Anemones either at your local nursery or online.

The captivating Japanese Anemone is a perennial that thrives in the autumn season and can elevate the beauty of any garden. Unlike other Anemone species, this variety blooms during the fall and comes in a diverse range of cultivars. These cultivars display lovely 4-6 petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, with some having semi-double or double blooms that have over 30 petals. The golden-yellow center stamen of these flowers further enhances their attractiveness. These delightful flowers bloom from late summer to fall and last for up to eight weeks. They grow on tall stems above dark-green foliage and sway gently in the breeze. The Japanese Anemone can endure harsh weather conditions in zones 5-8 and is available in several outstanding cultivars such as Pocahontas, September Charm, Honorine Jobert, Konigin (Queen) Charlotte, and Bressingham Glow. Another great option to consider for your garden is Turtle Heads (Chelone sp.).

The Eastern Turtle Head plant, which is indigenous to the area, has a distinctive appearance similar to that of a turtle’s head peeking out of its shell. It boasts two-lipped hooded flowers that bloom in the fall and requires minimal upkeep while being relatively resistant to pests and diseases. These perennials also play an essential role in providing food for hummingbirds and butterflies. Standing at an average height of 24-36 inches, the plant comprises dark-green, clumping, and upright leaves. The Pink Turtlehead (C.lyonii) is resilient to zones 3-8, has pink-colored flowers, whereas the Twisted Shell Flower (C.obliqua), with a pinkish-purple hue, thrives in zones 5-9. In comparison, the White Turtlehead (C.glabra) can withstand zones 3-8 and produces white flowers. Despite being relatively unfamiliar, these stunning perennials can bring a unique charm to any garden. It is interesting to note that they received their name from a Greek myth about a nymph named Chelone, who was turned into a turtle as a punishment for offending the gods by refusing to attend Zeus’ wedding.
Another plant species that can be an excellent addition to your garden is the Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis).

Begonia is a species that mainly consists of annual plants that are unable to survive the harsh winter weather in the United States. Nonetheless, there’s a remarkable type of Begonia known as Hardy Begonia that can withstand low temperatures and is an excellent choice for perennial gardens in autumn. This particular variety of Begonia features unique olive-green wings with red veins that appear like angel wings. Its delicate pink flowers have four petals and possess striking yellow pom-pom stamens that stand out from the center. The flowers hang elegantly from red stems that arch over the foliage, making them a beautiful addition to any garden. They bloom during the summer season until late fall, bringing a touch of charm to the surroundings. Hardy Begonia flourishes best in partially shaded areas, and its large winged foliage makes it visually appealing even without flowers. It can endure temperatures from zones 6-9.5. Besides, Colchicum sp. or Autumn Crocus is another plant that’s ideal for autumn gardens.

When we think of Crocuses, we usually associate them with springtime, but there is a flower that can bring the same joy to your autumn garden. Autumn Crocuses, although not technically Crocuses, are just as delightful. These flowers belong to the Colchicum/Lily family, which is different from genuine Crocus flowers that belong to the Iris family. Autumn Crocuses have tulip-like dark green leaves and wide, goblet-shaped flowers that come in pink, purple, or white. They grow up to 14 inches tall and bloom in early fall, producing 1-10 stalks per flower bulb. The clustering growth pattern gives the impression of a bouquet of flowers blooming from the ground. Despite the leaves withering, be patient as the flower stalks will soon follow. Autumn Crocuses are hardy in zones 4-9. However, don’t be misled by the common name. Another flower, the true Autumn Crocus (Crocus sativa), also called the Saffron Crocus due to the culinary saffron it produces, is hardy in zones 6-9 and has light purple blooms that appear in the fall. This flower is another great choice for a fall garden. You might even consider harvesting some saffron, but be careful not to gather the stamens of Colchicum species as they could be dangerous. Another fantastic option for a fall garden is the Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium sp.).

If you want to enhance your autumn perennial garden’s appearance, then why not consider adding the Joe Pye Weed? This tall flower is indigenous to the area and produces stunning pink or dark purple blooms that are sizeable, broad, and curved. From the end of summer until fall, pollinators like bees, butterflies, and others are attracted to the Joe Pye Weed due to its nutritious nectar. Growing up to 6-8 feet high, this flower makes a statement in any garden and can function as a backdrop, center of attention, or pathway arrangement. In addition, the Joe Pye Weed is impervious to pests and disease and is usually not consumed by deer. To top it off, its delectable vanilla scent increases its appeal. Why not attempt to cultivate this adaptable plant in zones 3-8?

Tickseed is a charming plant that bursts into bloom during autumn and boasts several types and hybrid cultivars. Its name stems from its seed pods that resemble ticks, even though they don’t have any tick-repelling qualities. Tickseed is a stress-free and drought-resistant plant that creates a welcoming environment for butterflies and bees. It offers a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, bicolor, pink, and purple. It’s essential to remove spent blooms frequently to ensure prolonged blooming seasons. When selecting Tickseed, make sure it’s a late-blooming perennial and check the hardiness zone, which differs by species. Mercury Rising, Red Chiffon, Dyer’s Tickseed, Threadleaf Coreopsis, Tall Tickseed, Pink Tickseed, Lobed Tickseed, and Witch Hazel are some of the most popular fall-blooming perennials.

The Witch Hazel shrub is a sight to behold with its bright yellow petals that are reminiscent of fireworks. This shrub is a native species that blooms during fall after shedding all its leaves. Its delicate, ribbon-like petals have a crumpled and curled appearance, making them look as if they’ve just sprouted from the branch. When in full bloom, the Witch Hazel can form groups on bare branches, creating an awe-inspiring display of color that can last until December. With a maximum height of 20 feet, it’s essential to ensure that you have enough space for it to grow. If you’re interested, you can also explore various native North American species like the Ozark Witch Hazel, which has smaller orange flowers and blooms from January to April. While there are two other Witch Hazel species from Japan and China, it’s recommended to opt for a native variety. If you want to discover another fascinating plant, consider checking out the Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum).

Are you on the hunt for a unique addition to your garden this autumn? Look no further than the Anise Hyssop! This eye-catching plant boasts beautiful lavender flowers and a sweet scent that attracts all sorts of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Growing up to 36 inches tall, it features muted green leaves and dense flower spikes covered in tiny purple blooms. And the best part? Unlike other mint plants, the Anise Hyssop won’t take over your garden – it’s a low-maintenance and deer-resistant option. With varieties like “Alabaster,” “Blue Blazes,” and “Black Adder,” you can choose from a range of different color options. Hardy to zones 4-8, the Anise Hyssop is a must-have for any gardening enthusiast. And if you’re looking for another standout plant, consider the Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale).