Our Favorite Fall Blooming Perennials
A Guide to a Vibrant Autumn Garden
As summer begins to fade, many gardeners think their gardens will soon enter a period of dormancy. However, fall is a fantastic time to add a burst of color to your garden by planting fall-blooming perennials. These plants not only bring vibrancy to your garden through the cooler months but also provide critical resources for pollinators preparing for winter. At Scenic Roots Garden Center, we’re excited to share our top picks for fall- blooming perennials to plant in September. Whether you’re looking for bold, dramatic colors, subtle, elegant hues, or textured foliage, these perennials and ornamental grasses are sure to enhance your gardens beauty well into the fall.
1. Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters are a quintessential fall perennial, known for their daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. These hardy perennials bloom from late summer into fall, providing vibrant color when most other flowers have faded. Asters thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings. They are also beloved by pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
2. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, particularly the popular Autumn Joy variety, is a must-have for fall gardens. With its succulent leaves and large, flat-topped clusters of pink to rosy-red flowers, Sedum adds both texture and color. This low-maintenance perennial is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Sedums flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and its seed heads add winter interest to the garden, providing a food source for birds.
3. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
Japanese Anemones are elegant fall bloomers that bring a touch of grace to the autumn garden. With their delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and mauve, Japanese Anemones bloom from late summer into fall. They prefer partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. These perennials are perfect for brightening up shaded borders or woodland gardens, and they pair beautifully with ferns and hostas.
4. Dendranthema (Perennial Mum)
No fall garden is complete without these cheerful blooms. These hardy perennials come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and white, and their late-season blooms can last well into November. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and with proper care, they can return year after year. Look for Sheffield Pink, October Glory, and Bolero.
5. Montauk Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum)
Montauk Daisy, also known as Nippon Daisy, is a robust and cheerful perennial that blooms from late summer through the first frost. With its crisp white petals and sunny yellow centers, Montauk Daisy adds a fresh, clean look to the fall garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is remarkably tolerant of coastal conditions, making it a great choice for gardens near the shore. The sturdy stems of Montauk Daisy make it resistant to wind, and its flowers are excellent for cutting.
6. Pennisetum Hameln (Dwarf Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum Hameln, commonly known as Dwarf Fountain Grass, is a fantastic choice for adding texture and movement to your fall garden. This ornamental grass features graceful, arching plumes that emerge creamy white and mature to a soft tan. It provides a striking contrast to bold fall colors and adds an element of softness to the garden. Hameln thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to your landscape.
7. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is a fantastic fall-blooming perennial with its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and adds a lovely, soft texture to the garden. Russian Sage pairs well with other fall bloomers like Sedum and Asters and is a favorite among pollinators.
Additional Ornamental Grasses to Consider
Panicum ‘Prairie Sky’ (Switchgrass ): With its fine-textured, blue-silver foliage and airy plumes, Prairie Sky adds height and movement to fall gardens with its gold fall color. It is also a great source of food for birds in the winter.
Panicum ‘Cheyenne’ (Switchgrass): Known for its blue-green foliage that turns red mid summer, it is the purple panicles that appear late summer that are the autumn stunners. Cheyenne provides vertical interest and looks stunning when planted en masse.
Planting and Care Tips for Fall Perennials and Grasses
When planting fall-blooming perennials and ornamental grasses, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Water newly planted perennials and grasses well to help them establish strong root systems before the firstfrost. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and protect roots during the winter months.
By choosing the right mix of fall-blooming perennials and ornamental grasses, you can enjoy a garden full of vibrant colors, textures, and movement well into the cooler months. At Scenic Roots Garden Center, we’re here to help you select the best plants for your garden and provide expert advice on planting and care. Visit us today to explore our wide selection of fall bloomers and ornamental grasses and get started on creating a stunning autumn garden!
