The Best Plants for Autumn

Yes, now is the time to start thinking about your fall garden, even though we hit 98 degrees a few days ago and will likely hit 100 this weekend in my state. However, fall will arrive sooner than you think, so let's "fall" into the best plants for autumn.

1. Chrysanthemums, affectionately nicknamed mums, are a must-have for autumn gardens. This perennial is hardy and packs a colorful punch with yellows, oranges, reds, purples, and whites. Place them in a container or your landscape in the late summer, and they will bloom all of fall. Zones 5-9
2. Pansies love the cool weather, but they are no pansy when it comes to handling winter in some areas. I live in Zone 6B, which means I get snow in the winter and temperatures as cold as 5 degrees. But I've had pansies withstand the cold and return the next year. And if you had them blossoming in spring, chances are, they will come back for fall and put on a lovely display. If not, buy some at your local nursery and dress up a summer container or nestle them among your bushes that may be starting to lose their seasonal color. Zones 3-8
3. Primrose also enjoys the cooler weather, and these vibrant flowers also can handle the shade. The Primula genus boasts of at least 500 species, with an infinite number of hybrids and cultivars. With a hardiness zone of 3-8, you can grow them pretty much anywhere, and they will return yearly. Be careful, though; they're toxic to humans and pets.
4. Ornamental cabbage and kale can spark up a container with their purple hues. In fact, the colder it gets, the more vivid their colors tend to be, even putting on a deep pink or fuchsia show. Show them in the center of pots with sweet alyssum bordering them, and you will enjoy a beautiful display. They will even flower! Zones 2-11 will overwinter in many areas.
5. Asters show up in early fall and give a much-needed renewal of life from the summer heat. The New England Aster is often found in meadows and in full sun. If you have plenty of space, let them go wild, if not, there are compact plants you can get. They will spread but will get a maximum of a few feet. Zones 3-8.
6. Oakleaf hydrangea thrives in cooler weather. With firey-tinted leaves, they create a blaze of color. They blossom with cone-shaped heads that open white, turn red in late autumn, and then pink in winter. They grow about 6-8 feet tall, so perfect for a privacy hedge. Plant in part shade in zones 5-9
7. Fountain grass shines in autumn and, with the whish of the wind, sways gallantly. The soft texture of the bottlebrush-like heads enhances fall gardens and makes perfect additions to bouquets. Some may even boom into winter when all other plants die off. Plant in late summer sun when the humidity is high, and it will thrive! Zones 5-9

With the changing colors of autumn, you can enjoy a garden full of color, structure, and beauty.

Happy Gardening!!