22 Flowers That Bloom In Fall to Brighten the Dark Months
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about fall in the garden. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the flowers that bloom in fall, adding vibrant colors and cheerful vibes to our outdoor spaces.
From rich reds to brilliant golds, these blooms bring a pop of life just when the world starts to wind down. I’ve rounded up 22 stunning flowers that bloom in fall, guaranteed to brighten your garden and keep it lively through the season. Let’s dive into this colorful lineup!
1. Aster
Asters are like nature’s fireworks in the fall! These charming little flowers come in a range of colors, from soft whites and pinks to vibrant blues and purples. They start blooming in late summer and stick around to brighten up your fall garden. Plus, they’re a fantastic choice for attracting bees and butterflies, giving your garden a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
They thrive in sunny spots and are relatively easy to grow, making them a favorite among gardeners of all levels. Asters also make great cut flowers, so feel free to bring a bit of that fall charm indoors!
Popular Varieties
- New England Aster: Showcasing large, daisy-like blooms, this variety is a powerhouse for attracting pollinators.
- Chinese Aster: This variety offers a more compact form and vibrant colors, perfect for smaller gardens.
2. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, or “mums” as we lovingly call them, are the quintessential fall flower. With their fluffy petals and cheerful colors, they instantly bring warmth and joy to any garden. They bloom in a variety of hues, including red, yellow, orange, and even white, making them perfect for fall displays.
These beauties love the cooler temperatures of autumn, which means they can really shine when other flowers are fading away. Mums are also often used in fall decorations, from wreaths to centerpieces—talk about versatile!
Popular Varieties
- Garden Mum: A classic for outdoor gardens, these are available in tons of colors and shapes.
- Spider Mum: Known for its unique, elongated petals that resemble a spider’s legs, this variety adds a dramatic flair.
3. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that brings unique texture and color to your fall garden. With its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, sedum stands out against the backdrop of autumn foliage. They bloom in late summer and into fall, often attracting pollinators as well.
These resilient plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soil, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Plus, they add a lovely touch of interest with their varied colors, from deep greens to reds and golds!
Popular Varieties
- Autumn Joy: This variety features beautiful pink flowers that turn a deep rust as they age.
- Sedum Acre: A ground cover type, it has small and can handle tough conditions with ease.
4. Goldenrod
Goldenrod might get a bad rap for causing allergies, but in reality, it’s a stunning fall flower that brings a burst of golden-yellow color to gardens. Blooming in late summer through fall, goldenrod flourishes in sunny spots and can even tolerate poor soil conditions.
These plants are also great for supporting pollinators, especially bees, at a time when many plants are finishing up their blooming cycle. They’re tough, resilient, and add a wildflower vibe to your garden.
Popular Varieties
- Solidago rugosa: Known as rough goldenrod, this variety boasts tall spikes of golden flowers and sturdy stems.
- Solidago odora: Also called sweet goldenrod, this variety has aromatic leaves and is often used in herbal remedies.
5. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone is a true showstopper in the fall garden! With its elegant, cup-shaped blooms, this plant adds a graceful touch to any landscape. They typically bloom in late summer to early fall, producing delicate white or pink flowers that sway gently in the breeze.
These flowers are great for in shady areas and attract pollinators, too. Plus, their sturdy stems hold up well even during windy days, making them a reliable choice for your garden.
Popular Varieties
- Honorine Jobert: This variety features pure and is known for its robust growth.
- Charm: With charming pink blooms, this variety is perfect for adding a soft touch to your fall garden.
6. Helenium
Helenium, or sneezeweed, is a delightful flower that really shines in the fall! With its vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, this plant adds a warm glow to your garden as the weather cools. Helenium blooms from late summer through fall, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to extend the blooming season.
These flowers thrive in full sun and work wonderfully in mixed borders or as part of a wildflower garden. Plus, they’re great for and other beneficial insects!
Popular Varieties
- Mardi Gras: This variety features a mix of colorful blooms, like a cheerful party in your garden.
- Heliopsis: Known for its daisy-like flowers, it also makes a wonderful companion to other fall bloomers.
7. Toad Lily
Toad Lily is one of those enchanting flowers that surprises gardeners with its unique look. These little gems bloom in late summer to fall and produce intricate, speckled flowers that resemble tiny orchids. Their unusual appearance makes them a conversation starter in any garden.
They prefer shady spots and moist soil, which means they’re perfect for adding color to areas where other flowers might struggle. Plus, their delicate beauty is a real treat for anyone who stumbles across them!
Popular Varieties
- Tricyrtis hirta: Known for its charming, star-shaped flowers that feature purple and white speckles.
- Tricyrtis formosana: This variety has larger flowers and is perfect for adding height to your shady flower beds.
8. Autumn Crocus
Autumn Crocus, also known as Colchicum, is a delightful surprise that blooms when many other flowers are fading. These bulbs produce stunning cup-shaped flowers that emerge directly from the ground without any leaves, making them quite the spectacle.
Blooming in early fall, they come in shades of pink, purple, and white, adding a pop of color to your landscape just when you need it most. They’re also deer and rabbit resistant, making them a great choice for gardens with pesky critters!
Popular Varieties
- Colchicum autumnale: The classic variety, featuring large, lavender blooms that are sure to impress.
- Colchicum ‘Waterlily’: This variety has beautiful, double flowers that resemble water lilies.
9. Monkshood
Monkshood brings a touch of drama to the fall garden with its tall spires of deep blue or purple, hood-shaped flowers. These striking blooms appear in late summer and continue into fall, offering a rich contrast to the warmer tones typically seen during the season.
This plant prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, making it a great choice for woodland borders or shaded garden beds. Just a heads-up—while beautiful, Monkshood is highly toxic if ingested, so it’s best planted away from pets and children.
Popular Varieties
- Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii: One of the most reliable fall-blooming monkshoods, with intense violet-blue flowers.
- Aconitum napellus: Known for its classic helmet-shaped blooms in deep blue and lush green foliage.
10. Fall-blooming Phlox
Fall-blooming Phlox is a delightful addition to any autumn garden! With clusters of in shades of pink, purple, and white, this plant brings a lovely scent and vibrant color when many other plants are winding down. They bloom from late summer to fall, providing a sweet transition into the colder months.
Phlox thrives in sunny spots and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Plus, they’re fantastic for attracting butterflies, making your garden a lively hub of activity!
Popular Varieties
- Phlox paniculata: Known for its tall, sturdy stems and clusters of colorful blooms, perfect for back borders.
- Phlox bifida: A shorter variety, ideal for or as a ground cover.
11. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed Susan, is a classic fall flower that brightens up gardens with its sunny yellow petals and dark centers. These cheerful blooms start appearing in late summer and stick around into the fall, creating a warm autumn atmosphere.
They are super easy to grow and thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners. Plus, they’re excellent cut flowers, so don’t hesitate to bring some indoors!
Popular Varieties
- Rudbeckia hirta: The traditional black-eyed Susan, known for its bright yellow petals and easy-going nature.
- Rudbeckia subtomentosa: Featuring a more orange hue and a slightly taller stature, this variety is a real showstopper.
12. Dahlia
Dahlias are like the divas of the fall garden with their stunning, intricate blooms! Coming in a rainbow of colors and shapes, these flowers add dramatic flair to any arrangement. While they can bloom throughout the summer, many varieties continue to present their beauty well into the fall, making them a wonderful choice for autumn gardens.
These tuberous plants enjoy full sun and thrive in well-drained soil. They also make fantastic cut flowers, so don’t forget to trim a few for your home!
Popular Varieties
- Café au Lait: Known for its large, soft blush blooms that can be a stunning centerpiece in any bouquet.
- Bishop’s Children: A mix of shades ranging from deep red to dark purple, this variety is perfect for making a statement.
13. Cosmos
Cosmos are cheerful, easy-going flowers that bloom from summer into fall, adding a delightful touch of color to any garden! With their airy, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and purple, they bring a light and breezy feel to your garden.
These annuals thrive in sunny spots and are drought-tolerant, making them low-maintenance beauties. Plus, they’re known to attract butterflies, which is a bonus for any garden enthusiast!
Popular Varieties
- Cosmos bipinnatus: The classic variety, featuring large blooms and a tall growth habit, perfect for the back of borders.
- Cosmos sulphureus: Known for its bright orange and yellow flowers, this variety adds a fun pop of color.
14. Zinnia
Zinnias are the life of the party in the fall garden! With their bold colors and cheerful blooms, they create a festive atmosphere that lasts well into autumn. Zinnias are known for being incredibly easy to grow, making them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
They thrive in sunny spots and bloom in a variety of shapes and sizes, adding texture to any garden. Plus, they’re excellent for attracting butterflies and make great cut flowers!
Popular Varieties
- Zinnia elegans: The classic zinnia with large, colorful blooms, perfect for cutting and displaying indoors.
- Benary’s Giant: Known for its impressive size and vibrant colors, this variety is a real showstopper in any garden.
15. Marigold
Marigolds are the cheerful little nuggets of the autumn garden! These bright, sunny flowers bloom from summer through fall, adding a splash of color wherever they grow. With their rich gold, orange, and yellow hues, they mimic the colors of the fall leaves, making them a perfect fit for the season.
Marigolds are also known for their pest-repelling properties, making them a great companion plant in vegetable gardens. Plus, they’re super easy to grow!
Popular Varieties
- French Marigold: Compact and vibrant, these flowers come in a mix of colors and are great for borders.
- African Marigold: Known for its large blooms and strong fragrance, this variety can grow quite tall.
16. Bellflower
Bellflowers, or Campanula, are delicate yet striking flowers that bloom in the late summer and fall. They come in various shapes and sizes, often featuring lovely bell-shaped blooms that can be blue, purple, or white. These flowers add a charming touch to any garden, especially when cascading over walls or in containers.
Bellflowers thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for different garden setups. They also attract pollinators, adding to the garden’s lively atmosphere!
Popular Varieties
- Campanula carpatica: Known for its charming blue bell-shaped flowers and compact growth habit.
- Campanula poscharskyana: A trailing variety that’s perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over garden walls.
17. Scabiosa
Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flower, offers an unusual shape and texture that can spice up any fall garden. With its tufted blooms in shades of purple, blue, and pink, they create a whimsical look that’s truly enchanting.
These flowers bloom from summer into fall and are great for attracting butterflies. They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making them a solid choice for most gardens.
Popular Varieties
- Scabiosa caucasica: The classic variety, known for its large, frilly blooms and long blooming season.
- Scabiosa atropurpurea: This darker variety features deep plum-colored flowers, adding a touch of drama to your garden.
18. Verbena
Verbena is a fantastic choice for adding vibrant color to your fall garden! These resilient flowers bloom from summer well into fall, producing clusters of tiny blooms in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. They’re perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover.
Verbena thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option. Plus, they attract butterflies and other pollinators, which is a lovely bonus!
Popular Varieties
- Verbena bonariensis: A tall variety with delicate, airy blooms that attract butterflies like crazy.
- Verbena rigida: Known for its compact growth habit and vibrant colors, great for edging and containers.
19. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, or tickseed, is the perfect flower to brighten up your fall garden! These cheerful blooms come in sunny yellows and golds, providing a warm glow as the weather cools. They bloom from summer into fall, attracting various pollinators along the way.
These hardy plants thrive in sunny spots and are drought-tolerant, making them easy to care for. Plus, they bring a touch of wildflower charm to any landscape!
Popular Varieties
- Coreopsis tinctoria: Known as the plains coreopsis, this variety features bright yellow flowers with red centers.
- Coreopsis grandiflora: This variety has larger blooms and is perfect for creating a bold statement in the garden.
20. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a delightful little flower that blooms in late summer and fall, bringing a sweet fragrance to your garden. With its tiny, delicate blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple, it adds a soft touch to any landscape.
These flowers are great for filling in gaps in your garden and thrive in sunny spots. They’re also known for attracting beneficial insects, making them a fantastic addition to veggie patches!
Popular Varieties
- Lobularia maritima: The classic variety, known for its sweet scent and ability to spread easily.
- Alyssum ‘Carpet of Snow’: This variety features pure white flowers that create a stunning, frothy look.
21. Cyclamen
Cyclamen are a unique and charming addition to any fall garden! These lovely flowers bloom in late summer to fall, showcasing heart-shaped leaves and delicate, upswept blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. They thrive in shady spots, making them perfect for adding color to areas that don’t get much sunlight.
Cyclamen are also winter-hardy in many regions, meaning they’ll come back year after year, which is always a plus for gardeners!
Popular Varieties
- Cyclamen hederifolium: Known for its attractive marbled leaves and delightful pink flowers, this variety is a favorite for shady gardens.
- Cyclamen coum: A smaller variety, often blooming in vibrant pinks and whites, perfect for rock gardens.
22. Japanese Blood Grass
Japanese Blood Grass is the ultimate showstopper for fall! With its striking red-tipped blades, it adds a bold and dramatic touch to any garden. While it doesn’t produce flowers in the traditional sense, its ornamental value is unmatched, especially as it turns vibrant shades of red in the fall.
This grass is perfect for borders or as a focal point in your garden, thriving in sunny spots. Plus, it’s relatively low-maintenance, making it a great choice for busy gardeners!
Popular Varieties
- Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’: The classic variety, known for its stunning red-tipped foliage that brings life to any garden.
- ‘Red Baron’: A selected cultivar that boasts even more vibrant color and a great growth habit, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.