Fall brings cooler weather and changing colors to gardens, with many plants thriving in autumn to add beauty and interest to borders as summer flowers fade.
Gardeners can choose from a variety of plants that look great in fall garden edges.
Planting fall-blooming border plants extends the growing season and keeps gardens lively through autumn.
These plants come in different sizes, colors, and textures to suit any landscape design, offering options from short groundcovers to taller perennials for every garden style.
1) Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are popular fall border plants that bring vibrant colors to gardens. They bloom in late summer and fall, adding beauty when other plants start to fade.
These flowers come in various shapes and sizes, with bloom forms ranging from single daisies to multi-petaled pompons, available in petite to giant blooms.
Chrysanthemums offer a wide range of colors. Gardeners can choose from pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white varieties to suit their design preferences.
Some chrysanthemum types, such as the ‘Garnet King’ cultivar, may require staking due to their large blooms, which can reach up to 3 inches in diameter.
These plants are fairly hardy and can thrive in various climates. Most chrysanthemums are suitable for USDA zones 5-9, but specific hardiness depends on the cultivar.
Gardeners might consider’ Ruby Mound’ chrysanthemums for a compact, rounded plant with formal flowers. These are great for borders and cottage gardens, blooming from August to October.
2) Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular fall border plant that adds color and interest to gardens. This perennial succulent is known for its dense, domed flower heads that bloom in late summer and autumn.
The plant starts with green foliage in spring, which provides a nice backdrop for other flowers. As summer progresses, pink buds appear, eventually opening into large clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers.
‘Autumn Joy’ sedum is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for many garden settings. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.
This sedum reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet, making it a perfect middle-ground plant in borders. Its sturdy stems rarely need staking, even in windy conditions.
One of the best features of ‘Autumn Joy’ is its long-lasting appeal. The flower heads change color as the season progresses, starting pink and deepening to a rich russet red.
Gardeners appreciate this plant for its ability to attract pollinators. Butterflies and bees are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, adding life to the fall garden.
3) Asters
Asters are beloved fall border plants that bring vibrant color to gardens as summer fades. These daisy-like flowers bloom in purple, pink, and white shades, creating a stunning display.
Asters come in various sizes, making them versatile for different parts of the border. Shorter varieties work well in the front, while taller ones can be placed in the middle or back.
New England asters and New York asters are two popular types. New England asters typically grow taller, reaching 3 to 4 feet, while New York asters are shorter at around 2 feet.
These plants attract pollinators, especially butterflies, adding life to autumn gardens. Asters are easy to grow and maintain, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Mixing different aster varieties creates a beautiful fall border. Pairing them with ornamental grasses can enhance their visual appeal and provide contrast in texture.
For a diverse garden, consider planting native aster species like calico aster, bigleaf aster, or smooth blue aster. These native varieties support local wildlife and add ecological value to the landscape.
4) Goldenrod
Goldenrod brings vibrant color to fall gardens with its showy yellow flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn.
This hardy perennial is easy to grow, adapts to many soil types, thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions. Most varieties grow 3 to 5 feet tall, creating a striking vertical element in borders.
Contrary to common misconceptions, goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies. It actually attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Many goldenrod varieties work well in landscapes. Stiff goldenrod has flat-topped yellow flower clusters and grows in tough soils. ‘Little Lemon’ is a compact variety reaching only 12-14 inches tall, perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
Goldenrod pairs beautifully with other fall-blooming plants. Its yellow flowers complement the changing leaves of autumn trees and shrubs. For low-maintenance fall color, goldenrod is an excellent choice.
5) Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemones are stunning fall-blooming perennials that add grace and beauty to garden borders with their delicate flowers in shades of pink and white atop tall, slender stems.
Japanese Anemones thrive in part shade but can handle full sun in cooler climates. They prefer moist, well-draining soil and can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
These versatile plants work well in various garden styles. They shine in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and woodland settings. Their airy flowers bring movement and height to garden designs.
Japanese Anemones are low-maintenance and deer-resistant. They spread through underground rhizomes, which can be controlled by removing new sprouts.
Popular varieties include ‘Honorine Jobert’ with white flowers and ‘September Charm’ with pink blooms. These plants pair nicely with other fall bloomers like asters and sedums.
For best results, gardeners should water Japanese Anemones lightly and apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Adding mulch in the fall helps protect the plants from frost heaving.
Choosing the Right Fall Border Plants
When selecting fall border plants, it’s important to carefully consider your local climate and growing conditions to ensure the right choices thrive and provide vibrant autumn color.
Climate Considerations
Fall border plants need to be well-suited to your specific climate zone, so it’s essential to check your USDA hardiness zones for your area before making any purchases.
Choose plants that can handle the fall temperatures in your region, as some may tolerate light frost while others may need protection.
It’s also important to pick varieties that bloom at the right time for your area’s first frost date, ensuring you’ll get to enjoy the flowers before winter sets in.
Consider plants with colorful foliage that changes in fall. These add interest even after blooms fade.
Soil and Sunlight Requirements
Most fall-blooming plants require well-draining soil, so consider adding compost to enhance drainage if necessary.
It’s important to test your soil pH and select plants that are compatible with the results. Many fall bloomers thrive in slightly acidic soil.
Assess the sunlight in your border area, noting that some plants require full sun while others flourish in partial shade.
Group plants with similar water needs together. This makes watering easier and prevents over or under-watering.
Consider the mature size of plants when placing them. Put taller plants in the back and shorter ones in front for the best display.
Maintaining Fall Border Plants
To maintain healthy and vibrant fall border plants, it’s important to provide proper care. Regular watering and pruning play a crucial role in keeping these plants in good condition.
Watering Needs
As temperatures decrease, fall border plants require less water. Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting a finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water deeply.
Water your plants in the morning to prevent fungal growth. Aim for the base of the plants to keep the leaves dry. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help ensure efficient watering.
Mulching is beneficial for retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants, making sure to keep it away from the stems.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning keeps fall border plants tidy and promotes healthy growth.
Remove dead or diseased parts as soon as you spot them. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
After the first frost, cut back perennials. Leave some seed heads for winter interest and to support wildlife.
Lightly trim evergreen shrubs to preserve their shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may be vulnerable to frost damage.
To prevent the spread of disease, make sure to clean your tools between plants. Use sharp, clean pruners to make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Design Tips for Fall Borders
Creating stunning fall borders requires careful planning of colors and plant placement. Your garden can really stand out with the right combination of autumn hues and textures.
Color Combinations
Vibrant fall colors like reds, oranges, and golds create eye-catching borders.
You can mix warm tones with cool purples and blues for contrast, and consider pairing golden grasses with deep purple asters.
Using repetition of colors can create a visual flow, and grouping plants with similar hues together can make a strong impact.
Also, incorporating evergreens into the borders can provide year-round structure and contrast. It’s important to consider how colors will change as the season progresses, as some plants may start green and turn fiery red later in the fall.
Plant Arrangement
In terms of plant arrangement, varying plant heights can add visual interest. Taller plants like ornamental grasses can be placed at the back of the border, while medium-height plants go in the middle, and low-growing ground covers in front.
Create depth by interplanting tall, airy plants like verbena with fuller, mounded shapes.
Using odd numbers of plants in groupings can provide a more natural look.
Consider plant textures as well as colors. Mix fine, feathery foliage with bold leaves for contrast.
Adding vertical elements like tall grasses or spiky flowers can help break up mounded shapes. Finally, it’s important to allow room for plants to grow and spread over time by spacing them based on their mature sizes to avoid overcrowding.
