15 Perennials to Grow This Fall

Fall is a great time to plant perennials, as the cooler weather allows them to establish strong roots before winter. 

By choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy beautiful blooms and lush foliage throughout the seasons. Here are 15 perennials to consider growing this fall:

Asters

Asters are known for their star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer to fall, adding bright purple, pink, or blue hues to your garden. 

They attract butterflies and are perfect for garden borders or wildflower meadows. Asters thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for fall planting.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedums are hardy, drought-tolerant perennials that offer stunning late-season color.

With fleshy, succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, sedum varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ bloom from late summer into fall. 

They are low-maintenance and can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover.

Japanese Anemones

Japanese Anemones, also known as windflowers, bloom from late summer through fall with delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. 

They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) features silvery foliage and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late summer into fall. 

It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its airy, aromatic blooms add texture and color to mixed borders or xeriscape gardens.

Helenium (Sneezeweed)

Helenium produces daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding warmth to fall gardens. 

These sun-loving perennials bloom from late summer into fall and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant them in well-drained soil for a striking display.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, offers bright yellow or pink daisy-like flowers that bloom from late summer into fall. 

These sun-loving perennials are easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil. They are ideal for borders, containers, or wildflower gardens, providing long-lasting color.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea, or coneflowers, are a staple in fall gardens due to their long blooming period and ability to attract pollinators. 

Available in a variety of colors like pink, purple, and white, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or prairie plantings.

Hardy Geranium

Hardy Geraniums, or cranesbills, are versatile perennials with long-lasting blooms from late spring to fall. 

They come in a range of colors, from soft pinks to vibrant blues. These plants thrive in sun or partial shade and are great for ground cover, borders, or woodland gardens.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-Eyed Susans are a fall favorite, featuring bright yellow petals with dark centers. 

These hardy perennials bloom from late summer into fall and are easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil.

They add a cheerful touch to borders, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera, or coral bells, are known for their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep purples to bright greens. 

While they do produce delicate flowers, it’s their leaves that make them a standout in fall gardens.

Plant them in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are classic fall perennials that offer a wide range of colors, including reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. 

They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are perfect for adding late-season color to borders, containers, or window boxes.

Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum) blooms in fall with crocus-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. 

These low-maintenance perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a burst of color to rock gardens, borders, or woodland settings.

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)

Hellebores are shade-loving perennials that bloom in late winter to early spring, but planting them in the fall gives them a head start. 

With their nodding, cup-shaped flowers in various colors, they add beauty to shaded garden beds and borders.

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s Ear is a low-growing perennial with soft, silvery foliage that provides year-round interest.

It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great ground cover or border plant. 

The velvety leaves add texture and contrast to fall gardens.

Balloon Flower

Balloon Flowers (Platycodon) get their name from their balloon-like buds that open into star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. 

They bloom from summer into fall and thrive in full sun to partial shade. These perennials are perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or mixed flower beds.

Conclusion

Planting perennials in the fall ensures they have time to establish strong roots before winter, leading to healthier and more vibrant growth in the spring. 

These 15 fall perennial choices will add color, texture, and interest to your garden year after year. 

Whether you’re looking for bold blooms, delicate foliage, or low-maintenance options, there’s a perennial here to suit every garden style.