22 Gorgeous Perennial Fall Flowers for Your Garden

Last Updated on September 18, 2021 by April

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The air becomes crisp and cool, leaves turn a variety of colors, and yes – there’s plenty to do outside! One thing that is often overlooked about fall in the garden is the wide selection of perennial flowers that bloom in this season.

We have put together a list for you with gorgeous perennials perfect for autumn gardens. These are plants that will grow reliably every year without needing much care or tending from you. All it takes is some annual pruning to keep them healthy and looking their best!

Why You Should Plant a Fall Flower Garden:

-Fall flowers are a great way to add color and beauty this time of year.

-Fall flowers have a much lower water requirement than in the summer, which means you can decorate your garden with them and not be overwhelmed by their upkeep.

-The cooler temperatures of fall allow for more vivid colors on some plants that would normally fade to other shades or even disappear during hotter weather.

-Most will last for years in the garden – giving you plenty of long-term benefits from these plants!

Tips for Fall Gardening:

– Plant in full sun or light shade.

– Fertilize monthly with compost tea, fall fertilizer, or slow-release fertilizers.

– Water plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

– Watch for pests and battle with organic pest control methods such as ladybugs or predator insects.

– Prune plants in early spring to keep them healthy and looking their best.

FAQ About Perennial Fall Flowers

What is an adequate size for a fall perennial garden:

At least a quarter of the backyard should be dedicated to fall perennials. This will allow for plenty of room and lots of variety in flowers!

When should I plant my fall perennials:

Typically, they should be planted in the early fall – around September or October.

Do you need to trim the flowers in fall plants:

It is a good idea to trim any plants that are getting too leggy. Cutting them back by one-third will allow for more blooms and more attractive plants.

Looking for flowers that will bloom during a cold winter? Check out these beautiful cold-resistant winter garden ideas.

Best Perennial Fall Flowers You Should Plant in Your Garden

Here is a list of fall flowers with scientific names and some fun facts like watering, shade, zones, and plant care.

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta):

The Black Eyed Susan is native to most of eastern and central North America, where it can grow to heights ranging from 1 foot (30 cm) to 2 feet (60 cm). Its slender stems extend outward on a single plane from the center of these clumps; its large, dark green leaves are deeply cut into triangular shapes that resemble petals, while its daisy-like flowers come in shades of white or yellow and display a sweet scent.

The Black Eyed Susan can withstand drought conditions quite well. It is a resilient plant that requires only an inch of water per week, and it will grow in full sun or light shade.

Cut Leaf Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia):

Cut Leaf Coneflower, or Echinacea Angustifolia, is a perennial flower that blooms in the fall. These flowers can grow to be over five feet tall and only blossom for three months each year. The flowers are purple with white centers with a cone-like center. They are originally found in the prairies of eastern North America, which is why they are called Cut Leaf Coneflower.

Dutchman’s Breeches/Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa):

Dutchman’s Breeches is a perennial plant that grows in rich, fertile soil. There are multiple varieties of Dutchman’s Breeches, some of which include flowers on the stem and others with only the flowers at the top of the stem. The Dutchman’s Breeches also have a variety of leaves from small, round, lobed leaves to long linear leaflets up to 8 inches long (Asclepias tuberosa).

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis):

Goldenrod is not a true grass but is instead classified as an herb. It has been in use for over two centuries. The flowers on Goldenrod are edible and have a distinct taste that is sweet and nutty.

Goldenrod is a perennial plant with a unique appearance. The flowers are yellow in color and can grow up to 3 feet tall. There is also a fragrance produced by the Goldenrod, reminiscent of thyme or honey.

Golden Aster (Chrysopsis):

The Golden Aster plant is native to North America and its flowers bloom in the fall. One of the varieties of this flower is yellow which can be found in places like Connecticut and New York. The yellow Golden Aster also has darkened foliage.

The blooming of this flower during fall provides a nice contrast to other autumn leaves and gives some color to the ground as well. This perennial plant grows up to 1 meter (3.28 ft) in height with a width of 1 meter (3.28 ft). It has a preference for limestone soils and it can grow without any problems in these areas as well.

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum):

The Joe Pye Weed is also known as the “old man’s weed” and is native to North America. The plant has become a symbol of autumn because the blooms appear around that time. It is also known as the “harvest weed” because it was traditionally harvested and used in medicines.

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae americanae):

Symphyotrichum novae americanae, commonly known as New England aster, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is named for the region of New England where it was first discovered. The plant is native to eastern and central North America from Ontario to Nova Scotia and south to Alabama.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):

The purple coneflower is a perennial plant that thrives in full or partial sun. The pink to purple petals are an eye-catching addition to any garden. The autumnal flowers also attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

The purple coneflower is at its peak between late summer and early fall. During this time the flowers will be predominantly open and available for pollination. Also during this period, the seeds from the cone will colorfully stand out against the other green foliage. This larval stage of the plant feeds on echinacea’s leaves and flower heads before it turns into a mature butterfly or moth.

Queen Anne’s Lace/Wild Carrot (Daucus carota ssp. carota):

Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as the Wild Carrot, is a herbaceous biennial plant. It is typically grown in temperate regions around the world. The flowers of the Queen Anne’s Lace plant have a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other insects to pollinate them. The erect flower spikes can grow up to 3 feet tall.

According to conservationist Ellen Ziegler, Queen Anne’s Lace plants are threatened due to pesticides used in food production. She also states that “10 out of 13 populations exist only because they were once or still are cultivated.”

The Queen Anne’s Lace plant has heart-shaped leaves that range in color from light green to dark green. They may also be purple.

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum):

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a hardy and dependable perennial that can grow up to 2 feet in height. The flowers are bell-shaped with deep purple petals, and they produce a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies. The flowers last for a long time and are very fragrant.

The Shasta Daisy is the state flower of California so it comes as no surprise that it was introduced there. It is now grown on the East Coast as well as the West Coast and can be found all around Europe, Asia, and even Australia.

Tall Bellflower (Campanula Americana):

The Tall Bellflower is a perennial flower that blooms in the fall season. The flowers are small, white with a blue stripe and they grow on an 8- to 12-inch tall stem. The flowers grow in clusters and have a pleasant scent. They bloom from August through October. The Tall Bellflower plant is part of the Campanula family which has around 600 species of perennials, annuals, bulbs, and biennials.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritime):

Sweet alyssum is a perennial plant that has a range of colors but is mainly white to pink and lavender. It is an easy-care plant that does well in dry conditions. Sweet alyssum can be found in many gardens as it blooms from early summer until winter. The flowers are delicate and create low ground cover. It prefers light shade and does not require much water or fertilizer.

Japanese Anemones (Anemone x hybrida):

Japanese Anemones are beautiful perennials that bloom in the fall. They have dark green foliage that is shaped like a lance and they come in many different colors including pink, white, red, yellow, orange, and purple.

Japanese Anemones are usually about six inches in height and they grow best in moist soil with a lot of sun exposure. The flowers on these plants are medium-sized but they can get up to 2 inches wide. These flowers will last for about three weeks before wilting away.

Blowout Penstemon (Penstemon grandiflorus):

Blowout Penstemon (Penstemon grandiflorus), also known as Desert Penstemon in the wild, is a perennial that thrives in full sun or light shade. The flowers bloom a lighter yellow and have purple spots on their petals. This plant reaches heights of 2-3 feet tall and has leaves that are dark green, ovate, and serrated.

Bluestone Daisy (Bellis perennis):

Bellis perennis, also known as the bluestone daisy, is a perennial plant that is very common in North America. Flowers are white with a touch of blue and can be found from August to October. These plants are not picky about soil and grow well in most soils. They produce lavender-blue flowers all season long and are a great addition to any fall garden.

Crimson Clover/Purple Prairie Clover (Petalostemum purpureum):

The purple prairie clover (Petalostemum purpureum) is a perennial flower that blooms in the fall. It has pink, purple, and white flowers with bright yellow centers. This flower is native to the prairies of North America and has a long blooming period for months on end. This perennial plant will grow in most types of soil, so it’s easy to maintain!

Golden Fleece Daisy/Woolly Sunflower (Erysimum asperum):

Golden Fleece Daisy/Woolly Sunflower (Erysimum asperum) is a species of the genus Erysimum. These plants are perennial and fall in the following categories: Herbaceous Flowering Plants, and Eurasian native plants. The flowers look like daisies, but they are smaller and less colorful.

Tall Bearded Iris (Iris x hollandica):

The tall bearded iris (Iris x hollandica) is a perennial plant that blooms during the fall season. This iris produces flowers in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, purple, and pink. The flowers can grow up to six inches in height and are characterized by their fuzzy appearance. This flower typically grows well in zones three to nine.

Queen of the Prairie/King’s Crown (Filipendula rubra):

The Queen of the Prairie/King’s Crown is a beautiful ornamental plant that blooms in the fall. The leaves are usually green on a stalk and point upwards, but if they become dry they will start to droop. The flower petals are 3-6 inches long and range from pink to purple in color.

The Queen of the Prairie/King’s Crown is a perennial plant that can grow up to 12-15 inches tall. It blooms anytime between September and November, which is typical for flowers in the fall season.

This is a good plant for gardens because it can grow in most clay or loamy soil as long as it has access to full sun during part of the day. It also does well in dry and/or sandy soil types.

White Snakeroot/False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa):

White Snakeroot, also known as False Solomon’s Seal, is a perennial, ornamental flowering plant that thrives in the fall season. It is native to temperate regions in Eastern North America and some of Western Europe. Its flowers are white with green or purple tints and bloom from early to mid-fall.

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum):

Anise Hyssop has lance-shaped leaves and is a member of the Mint family. It grows up to three feet tall and bears fluffy, yellow blossoms.

It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile plant for many garden styles.

 Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

This yellow flower is a tall annual that grows up to four feet high. Its leaves are three-lobed and heart-shaped, with a dark green color that contrasts nicely against a light red fall color. It is one of the first blooms in the fall garden.

Fall is the perfect time to plant flowers in your garden. If you’re looking for something that will provide color without too much work, this list of perennials should do the trick! These plants are easy to grow and bloom until snowfall-making them a great choice for gardens with limited sunlight or less than ideal soil conditions.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our article about gorgeous perennial fall flowers for your garden today! Let us know what type of flower you would like to read more about next by leaving a comment below.