Fall brings cooler weather and changes the colors in gardens, with many plants thriving in autumn to add beauty and interest to borders as summer flowers fade.
Gardeners have a wide selection of plants to choose from that will enhance the appearance of their fall garden borders.
Planting fall-blooming border plants extends the growing season and keeps gardens lively through autumn.
These plants are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for any landscape design. Whether you’re looking for short ground covers or taller perennials, there’s a wide selection to complement every garden style.
1) Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are popular fall border plants that add vibrant colors to gardens, blooming in late summer and fall to bring beauty when other plants start to fade.
These flowers come in various shapes and sizes, with bloom forms ranging from single daisies to multi-petaled pompons, available in petite to giant blooms.
There’s a wide color palette available, allowing gardeners to select from shades of pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white to match their garden design preferences.
Specific types, such as the ‘Garnet King’ cultivar, might need extra support with stakes due to their large blooms, which can be as wide as 3 inches in diameter.
These plants are fairly hardy and can thrive in various climates. Most chrysanthemums are suitable for USDA zones 5-9, but specific hardiness depends on the cultivar.
For gardeners looking for a dense, compact option, ‘Ruby Mound’ chrysanthemums are a perfect choice. Their formal, rounded flowers make them ideal for borders and cottage gardens. These chrysanthemums have a flowering period from August to October.
2) Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular fall border plant that adds color and interest to gardens. This hardy perennial succulent captivates with its lush, domed clusters of flowers that beautifully bloom in the late summer through to fall.
The plant starts with green foliage in spring, which provides a nice backdrop for other flowers. As summer progresses, it produces pink buds that later blossom into large clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers.
‘Autumn Joy’ sedum is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for many garden settings. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.
This sedum reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet, making it a perfect middle-ground plant in borders. Its sturdy stems rarely need staking, even in windy conditions.
One of the best features of ‘Autumn Joy’ is its long-lasting appeal. The flower heads change color as the season progresses, starting pink and deepening to a rich russet red.
Gardeners appreciate this plant for its ability to attract pollinators. Butterflies and bees are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, adding life to the fall garden.
3) Asters
Asters are beloved fall border plants that bring vibrant color to gardens as summer fades. These daisy-like flowers bloom in purple, pink, and white shades, creating a stunning display.
Asters come in various sizes, making them versatile for different parts of the border. Shorter varieties work well in the front, while taller ones can be placed in the middle or back.
Among the popular types are New England and New York asters. New England asters generally reach a height of about 3 to 4 feet, making them taller than New York asters, which typically grow to about 2 feet tall.
These plants are excellent for attracting pollinators, particularly butterflies, which brings vibrancy to autumn gardens. Asters are straightforward to care for, thriving in both full sunlight and partial shade.
Combining different types of asters can produce a stunning fall border. Adding ornamental grasses alongside them boosts their visual appeal and introduces a lovely contrast in textures.
For a diverse garden, consider planting native aster species like calico aster, bigleaf aster, or smooth blue aster. These native varieties support local wildlife and add ecological value to the landscape.
4) Goldenrod
Goldenrod brings vibrant color to fall gardens with its showy yellow flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn.
This hardy perennial is easy to grow, adapts to many soil types, thrives in full sun, and tolerates dry conditions. Most varieties grow 3 to 5 feet tall, creating a striking vertical element in borders.
Contrary to common misconceptions, goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies. It actually attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Many goldenrod varieties work well in landscapes. Stiff goldenrod has flat-topped yellow flower clusters and grows in tough soils. ‘Little Lemon’ is a compact variety reaching only 12-14 inches tall, perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
Goldenrod pairs beautifully with other fall-blooming plants. Its yellow flowers complement the changing leaves of autumn trees and shrubs. For low-maintenance fall color, goldenrod is an excellent choice.
5) Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemones are stunning perennials that bloom in the fall, bringing grace and beauty to garden borders. Their delicate flowers, available in shades of pink and white, sit atop tall, slender stems, enhancing the garden’s aesthetics.
Japanese Anemones thrive in part shade but can handle full sun in cooler climates. They prefer moist, well-draining soil and can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
These versatile plants work well in various garden styles. They shine in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and woodland settings. Their airy flowers bring movement and height to garden designs.
Japanese Anemones are low-maintenance and deer-resistant. They spread through underground rhizomes, which can be controlled by removing new sprouts.
Popular varieties include ‘Honorine Jobert’ with white flowers and ‘September Charm’ with pink blooms. These plants pair nicely with other fall bloomers like asters and sedums.
For best results, gardeners should water Japanese Anemones lightly and apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Adding mulch in the fall helps protect the plants from frost heaving.
Choosing the Right Fall Border Plants
When selecting fall border plants, it’s important to carefully consider your local climate and growing conditions to ensure the right choices thrive and provide vibrant autumn color.
Climate Considerations
When choosing fall border plants, it’s crucial to select those that are compatible with your specific climate zone. Always start by verifying your area’s USDA hardiness zones before buying any plants.
Choose varieties capable of withstanding the fall temperatures of your region; while some plants can handle a light frost, others might require some form of protection.
It’s also important to pick varieties that bloom at the right time for your area’s first frost date, ensuring you’ll enjoy the flowers before winter sets in.
Consider plants with colorful foliage that changes in fall. These add interest even after blooms fade.
Soil and Sunlight Requirements
To ensure the best care for fall-blooming plants, it’s necessary to have well-draining soil. If drainage is an issue, adding compost can be helpful.
Also, conducting a soil pH test is crucial, as many fall bloomers flourish in slightly acidic conditions. Planning according to the sunlight availability in your garden space is also essential, recognizing that certain plants need full sun while others thrive in partial shade.
For efficient watering and to avoid problems related to over- or under-watering, it’s recommended that plants with similar water requirements be grouped.
Finally, consider the mature size of the plants when arranging them—placing taller plants at the back and shorter ones in front achieves the most visually appealing display.
Maintaining Fall Border Plants
To maintain healthy and vibrant fall border plants, it’s important to provide proper care. Regular watering and pruning are crucial in keeping these plants in good condition.
Watering Needs
As the temperature drops, fall border plants don’t need as much water. To check if it’s time to water, insert your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water the plants thoroughly.
It’s best to water your plants in the morning to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Make sure to water at the base of the plants, keeping the leaves dry, to further prevent issues.
For efficient watering, consider using a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Just be sure to keep the mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential problems.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning keeps fall border plants tidy and promotes healthy growth.
Remove dead or diseased parts as soon as you spot them. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
After the first frost, cut back perennials. Leave some seed heads for winter interest and to support wildlife.
Lightly trim evergreen shrubs to preserve their shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may be vulnerable to frost damage.
To prevent the spread of disease, make sure to clean your tools between plants. Use sharp, clean pruners to make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Design Tips for Fall Borders
Creating stunning autumn borders in your garden requires thoughtful planning in terms of color selection and the arrangement of plants. Achieving a standout garden is possible with the right mix of fall colors and textures.
Color Combinations
To enhance your garden’s appeal during the fall, choose vibrant colors such as reds, oranges, and golds to create eye-catching borders. For a striking contrast, pair these warm tones with the cool shades of purples and blues, and consider pairing golden grasses with deep purple asters.
Using repetition of colors can create a visual flow, and grouping plants with similar hues together can make a strong impact.
Don’t overlook adding evergreens, as they add structure and contrast throughout the year. It’s also crucial to anticipate the seasonal progression of colors since some plants may transition from green to a fiery red as autumn advances.
Plant Arrangement
In terms of plant arrangement, varying plant heights can add visual interest. Taller plants like ornamental grasses can be placed at the back of the border, while medium-height plants go in the middle, and low-growing ground covers in front.
Create depth by interplanting tall, airy plants like verbena with fuller, mounded shapes.
Using odd numbers of plants in groupings can provide a more natural look.
Consider plant textures as well as colors. Mix fine, feathery foliage with bold leaves for contrast.
Adding vertical elements like tall grasses or spiky flowers can help break up mounded shapes. Finally, it’s important to allow room for plants to grow and spread over time by spacing them based on their mature sizes to avoid overcrowding.