Most people don’t think to plant anything as the colder weather approaches, believing that spring and summer are the only times you can plant. In reality, there are lots of plants that should be planted in the fall in order to get beautiful spring blooms. There are also several plants which can actually thrive outside in the colder months. Here are some of the best outdoor plants to consider planting this fall for a garden that stays vibrant or blooms beautifully when spring arrives.
Tulips
Planting tulips in the fall is essential for vibrant spring blooms. Tulip bulbs need the cooler autumn soil to establish strong roots before winter sets in. Plant them in well-drained soil, about 6-8 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Choose a sunny spot for best results, and by early to mid-spring, you’ll be rewarded with their beautiful, colorful flowers. Tulips are low-maintenance, making them a perfect choice for adding elegance to your garden year after year.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod’s vivid yellow blossoms are ideal for a fall color scheme. Bees are drawn to this late-blooming perennial wildflower native to North America, which should not be confused with ragweed. From late August to early October, it can blossom. Because it’s quite tall and only really spectacular when it blooms, combine it with a lovely border.
Snapdragons
In search of a true show-stopper? Snapdragons enjoy the crisp fall weather. They may even continue to bloom through the winter if you live somewhere with warm winters. It is commonly considered as an annual, so don’t worry too much about the hardiness zone with this short-lived perennial.
Asters
Because asters bloom late, they will help your garden seamlessly transition from summer to October. These daisy-like flowers, which come in purple, blue, white, and pink, draw a lot of pollinators, so you’ll enjoy both the blossoms and the visits. Just make sure you give your plant full sun.
Landscape Roses
Landscape roses, sometimes known as shrub roses, are dependable and durable plants, and newer types are more resistant to disease. These lovely plants bloom well throughout the season, with early to mid-autumn seeing an exceptionally lovely rush of blossoms on several varieties.
Black-Eyed Susan
These adorable plants resemble smiling faces! Make sure you’re buying an annual or perennial black-eyed Susan by reading the tag. When planting in the fall, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil to give them the best chance to establish before winter.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often known as mums, are available in every hue of the rainbow! Although they are officially perennials, if you don’t plant them far enough ahead of fall, they probably won’t return the following spring. Not to worry! Treat them as annuals because they are reasonably priced.
Marigolds
Marigolds have been a favorite flower for millennia for a reason. From the time they are planted in early spring until the first hard cold, these hardy annuals will bloom. Plant early in the fall and, similar to other fall-blooming plants, make sure they are located in a spot with a lot of sunlight.
Sedums
Sedums come in a number of forms, but this autumn variation is distinguished by its upright growth habit (it may reach heights of two feet and widths of three feet) and vivid pink blooms that appear in late summer and early fall. This autumn perennial produces blooms that attract pollinators and stay for weeks!
Sunflowers
The height of a sunflower can vary from a few feet to over ten feet! Since the seeds take about 60 days to flower, late summer planting is the key to fall-blooming sunflowers—as long as you live somewhere with mild weather throughout September and early October, that is.
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Originally published: September 11, 2024
Last updated: September 13, 2026
