As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, many gardens start to lose their summer luster. But don’t put your trowel away just yet! Fall is the perfect time to inject some fresh, vibrant color into your garden. September is the ideal planting time for several fall-blooming perennials that will not only thrive this season but come back year after year to put on a stunning show. Here are five of the best fall bloomers you can plant now for an instant garden refresh.
1. Asters
Asters are the quintessential fall flowers. These daisy-like blooms come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Not only are they a stunning addition to any garden, but they are also a pollinator’s dream. You’ll find your asters buzzing with bees and butterflies, making them perfect for supporting late-season pollinators.
Why Plant in September?
Asters are hardy and love the cool weather. Planting them in early fall ensures they have time to establish roots before winter, and they’ll reward you with a burst of color that lasts well into October.
Pro Tip:
Give them full sun and well-drained soil for best results, and don’t be afraid to pair them with grasses or sedum for a beautiful autumn display!
2. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with impressive fall blooms, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is your answer. This succulent-like perennial starts with green, fleshy foliage in spring and summer, but it’s the fall flowers that steal the show. As September rolls in, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ produces clusters of pink flowers that gradually turn deep red as temperatures cool.
Why Plant in September?
Sedum thrives in the cooler days of autumn, and by planting it now, you’ll enjoy beautiful blooms that persist even after the first frost.
Pro Tip:
Sedum looks fantastic alongside ornamental grasses, and it’s a great option for gardeners who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach.
3. Japanese Anemone
Graceful and elegant, Japanese Anemones are a fall favorite. Their delicate, cup-shaped flowers float on tall, wiry stems and come in soft shades of pink, white, and purple. They add a touch of sophistication to any garden, providing a late-season pop of color and charm.
Why Plant in September?
Japanese Anemones thrive in cooler temperatures, and planting them in early fall gives them the chance to settle in before winter. Come next fall, these perennials will bloom profusely, making them a long-lasting addition to your garden.
Pro Tip:
Plant these beauties in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Their height makes them a perfect backdrop for shorter fall bloomers.
4. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod often gets a bad rap for being mistaken as a culprit of seasonal allergies, but it’s time to give this beauty its rightful place in the garden. With its towering spikes of golden-yellow flowers, Goldenrod is an eye-catching addition to any fall garden. Plus, it’s a fantastic pollinator plant, attracting bees and butterflies right up until the first frost.
Why Plant in September?
Goldenrod is incredibly hardy and loves the cool, crisp air of fall. September planting ensures it has time to settle in and put down strong roots, which means even more blooms next year.
Pro Tip:
Goldenrod looks stunning in mass plantings or as a bold accent in perennial borders. It’s also deer-resistant, which makes it a great choice for gardens with frequent visitors of the furry kind.
5. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
What’s fall without mums? These beloved perennials are the stars of autumn gardens, offering an explosion of color in shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, and white. While mums are often sold as annuals in garden centers, they’re actually hardy perennials that can come back year after year with the right care.
Why Plant in September?
Mums love cooler temperatures and shorter days, making September the perfect time to plant them. Choose perennial varieties to ensure they establish themselves before winter sets in, and next fall, you’ll have a garden bursting with color!
Pro Tip:
Plant mums in full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch back spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering, and don’t be afraid to mix and match colors for a vibrant display.
Ready to Add Some Fall Flair?
September is the perfect time to plant these fall-blooming perennials and enjoy their vibrant colors for years to come. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, create stunning fall displays, or simply extend the beauty of your garden into the cooler months, these plants have you covered. So, grab your gardening gloves, head outside, and get ready to fall in love with your garden all over again!
Happy planting! 🌿🍂