If you’re in search of fresh and invigorating options to enhance your autumn garden, then you’re in luck! Here are ten breathtaking fall perennials that will breathe new life into your outdoor sanctuary. These magnificent plants surpass the common chrysanthemums by providing distinctive forms, surfaces, and tones. Ranging from lively asters to graceful Japanese anemones, there’s a perfect fit for every gardening taste and flair. Why settle for predictable fall blooms when you can spice up your yard with these dazzling perennial selections?

At our garden, we strive to maintain its beauty all year round by incorporating various fall perennial plants that bloom late in the season. Not only does this add diversity and color to our landscape, but it also supports our local butterfly, bee, and pollinator insect populations. While mums are popular, there are numerous fall perennials worth exploring. In fact, some of these perennials offer more than just blooming flowers – their foliage is equally attractive, if not more so.

Planting fall-blooming perennials is a wise decision for several reasons. Firstly, late-blooming perennials provide essential food for pollinators who struggle to find enough nourishment after summer. Secondly, keeping your landscape vibrant and colorful during autumn can boost your mood and mental wellbeing. Thirdly, some perennials like Sedum retain their attractive foliage through winter, creating pockets of color in an otherwise dull landscape. Finally, perennials require minimal maintenance and keep coming back year after year.

For an appealing fall landscape, start early and ensure your plants have sufficient time to establish themselves. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the blooming time of most perennials. If you’re looking to try out new fall perennial plants, consider our top 10 recommendations: Stonecrop, Japanese Anemone, Turtle Heads, Hardy Begonias, Autumn Crocus, Joe Pye Weed, Tickseed, Witch Hazel, Anise Hyssop, and Sneezeweed.

Looking for the perfect Sedum to add to your garden can be an exciting adventure, with numerous options to choose from. To make the best selection, it is important to conduct thorough research since Sedums vary in size, height, and blooming seasons. However, what sets them apart is their low-maintenance and carefree nature, making them an ideal addition to any garden. These perennials boast succulent leaves that come in a range of colors and textures that change throughout the seasons. Stonecrop is resistant to diseases, heat-tolerant, and rarely bothered by deer or rabbits, making it an excellent option for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. For the perfect fall-blooming Sedum varieties, consider “Autumn Joy,” “Beach Party,” “Cherry Truffle,” “Desert Red,” and “Matrona.” You can easily purchase seeds and plants on popular online stores like Amazon or Etsy.

In addition to Sedums, Japanese Anemones (Anemone x or Anemone hupehensis var.) are also great options for gardeners. These perennials bloom in late summer and fall, with bright, delicate flowers that come in shades of pink, white, or purple. They grow well in full sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Japanese Anemones can grow up to four feet tall and spread quickly, making them ideal ground covers. You can purchase Japanese Anemones both at your local nursery or online.

The Japanese Anemone is a breathtaking perennial that flourishes during the autumn season and makes a splendid addition to any garden. In contrast to other Anemone species, this type blooms in fall and offers a wide variety of cultivars to choose from. These cultivars exhibit 4-6 petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, with some having semi-double or double blooms that are stunning with over 30 petals. Each flower showcases a golden-yellow center stamen, which enhances its beauty. These charming flowers blossom from late summer until fall and endure for up to eight weeks. They grow on tall stems that are positioned above dark-green foliage and sway gently in the breeze. The Japanese Anemone is resilient to zones 5-8 and is available in numerous exceptional cultivars that include Pocahontas, September Charm, Honorine Jobert, Konigin (Queen) Charlotte, and Bressingham Glow. Alternatively, Turtle Heads (Chelone sp.) are another excellent option for your garden.

The Eastern Turtle Head, native to the region, has a distinct resemblance to a turtle’s head peeking out of its shell with its two-lipped hooded flowers. These perennials bloom in the fall, are low-maintenance, and are not very susceptible to pests and diseases. They also play a crucial role as a food source for hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant stands at an average height of 24-36 inches and consists of dark-green, upright, and clumping leaves. The Pink Turtlehead (C.lyonii) is hardy to zones 3-8, has pink flowers, while Twisted Shell Flower (C.obliqua), which has a pinkish-purple hue, is hardy to zones 5-9. In contrast, White Turtlehead (C.glabra) is hardy to zones 3-8 and bears white flowers. These unique perennials are not well-known but can add charm to any garden. An interesting fact about them is that they got their name from a Greek myth where a nymph named Chelone was transformed into a turtle as punishment for offending the gods by refusing to attend Zeus’ wedding.

Another excellent addition to your garden is the Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis).

Begonia is a diverse species that includes mostly annual plants that cannot withstand the cold winter in the United States. However, there is an exceptional variety of Begonia called Hardy Begonia that can tolerate low temperatures and is ideal for perennial gardens in autumn. This type of Begonia has distinct olive-green wings with red veins that resemble angel wings. Its delicate pink flowers have four petals and have bright yellow pom-pom stamens that stand out from the center. The flowers dangle beautifully from red stems that arch over the foliage, making them a lovely addition to any garden. They blossom through the summer till late fall, adding a touch of sweetness to the surroundings. Hardy Begonia grows best in partially shaded areas, and its large winged foliage makes it attractive even without flowers. It is hardy to zones 6-9.5. Another plant that is perfect for autumn gardens is Colchicum sp. or Autumn Crocus.

When thinking about the beautiful blooms of Crocuses, we often associate them with springtime. However, there is a flower that can bring the same joyful feeling to your autumn garden! Although they aren’t technically Crocuses, Autumn Crocuses are just as charming and lovely. These flowers belong to the Colchicum/Lily family, which is different from genuine Crocus flowers that belong to the Iris family. Autumn Crocuses have tulip-like dark green leaves and wide, goblet-shaped flowers that come in pink, purple, or white. They grow up to 14 inches tall and bloom in early fall, producing 1-10 stalks per flower bulb. The clustering growth pattern gives the impression of a bouquet of flowers blooming from the ground. Even though the leaves may wither, be patient because the flower stalks will soon follow. Autumn Crocuses are hardy in zones 4-9. However, the common name can be deceiving. Another flower, the true Autumn Crocus (Crocus sativa), also called the Saffron Crocus due to the culinary saffron it produces, is hardy in zones 6-9 and has light purple blooms that appear in the fall. This flower is another great choice for a fall garden. You might even consider harvesting some saffron, but be careful not to gather the stamens of Colchicum species as they could be dangerous. Another fantastic option for a fall garden is the Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium sp.).

If you’re looking for an eye-catching addition to your fall perennial garden, consider planting the Joe Pye Weed. This tall flower is native to the region and produces stunning dark purple or pink blooms that are large, broad, and slightly rounded. From late summer through fall, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators flock to the Joe Pye Weed for its nutritious nectar. Growing up to 6-8 feet tall, this plant makes a bold statement in any garden and can be used as a background plant, centerpiece, or along pathways. Additionally, the Joe Pye Weed is resistant to pests and disease and deer tend to leave it alone. To top it off, its delightful vanilla fragrance adds to its appeal. Give this versatile plant a try in zones 3-8.

Tickseed is a captivating plant that blooms in the fall and boasts numerous varieties and hybrid cultivars. It derives its name from its seed pods that resemble ticks, despite having no tick-repelling properties. Tickseed is a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant that provides a friendly habitat for butterflies and bees. It comes in an array of colors, ranging from yellow, orange, red, bicolor, pink, to purple. Regularly removing spent blooms is crucial for prolonging its blooming season. When selecting Tickseed, ensure it is a late-blooming perennial and check the hardiness zone, which varies by species. Among the top fall-blooming perennials are Mercury Rising, Red Chiffon, Dyer’s Tickseed, Threadleaf Coreopsis, Tall Tickseed, Pink Tickseed, Lobed Tickseed, and Witch Hazel.

The striking yellow blossoms of the Witch Hazel shrub will leave you wondering why fireworks aren’t this vibrant hue. This beautiful shrub is a native species and blooms in the fall after all its leaves have fallen. The delicate, ribbon-like petals are golden-yellow with a crumpled and curled appearance, as if they’ve just popped out of the branch. The Witch Hazel grows in groups on the bare branches, creating an awe-inspiring display of color that can last well into December. It can reach a height of up to 20 feet, so ensure you have adequate space for it. If you’re interested, there are several native North American species, such as the Ozark Witch Hazel, which has smaller orange flowers and blooms from January to April. There are also two other species of Witch Hazel from Japan and China, but it’s recommended to choose a native variety. Another fascinating plant to check out is the Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum).

Looking for a striking addition to your fall garden? Consider the Anise Hyssop! Its lavender flowers and sweet fragrance make it a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Standing at 24-36 inches tall, this plant has muted green leaves and dense flower spikes covered in little purple blooms. Unlike other mints, Anise Hyssop isn’t invasive, making it a low-maintenance and deer-resistant option. Varieties like “Alabaster,” “Blue Blazes,” and “Black Adder” offer different color options. Hardy to zones 4-8, the Anise Hyssop is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Another great option is the Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale).