15 Best Perennials to Plant In Fall For Stunning Landscapes
After the harvest wraps up in our gardens, nothing feels better than those first warm days of fall before the cool air rolls in. Here on the East Coast, autumn bursts with color followed by a quick cooling, tempting us to dive into winter cocooning. But before the chill settles in, there’s still work to be done. Fall is the perfect time to plan colorful additions for next year’s landscape. We always make time for a few fall perennial additions to our acreage, and we never have regrets! Well, not entirely true—there’s always the regret of not planting more.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Perennials
Fall is ideal for planting perennials. The cool weather curbs rapid weed growth reduces pest activity, and allows plants to focus on root development. I always say that fall is less stressful for the plants and the gardener. The article below will guide you through the 15 best bang-for-your-buck perennials that even beginner gardeners can plant for great results. Follow our tips, and soon you’ll have regrets about not planting more too!
14 Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Perennials to Plant in Fall
Each perennial will include descriptions, USDA hardiness zones, fall planting tips, long-term care instructions, and companion plant suggestions.
Important Notice
Check Before You Plant – Invasive Species by Region
Before planting any of the recommended plants in your garden, it is essential to check with your local extension service or invasive species council. While many of these plants are beloved for their beauty and benefits, some may have the potential to spread aggressively or become invasive in certain regions. Always ensure that the plants you choose are suitable for your specific area to promote a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm’s bright red, pink, and lavender blooms add a touch of vibrant beauty to the garden with their soft, flowing petals. These flowers also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, inviting life and movement into the garden.
- Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide.
- Colors: Red, pink, purple, white.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Aromatic green leaves.
- USDA Zones: 4-9.
- Fall Planting Tip: Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Space plants allow for good air circulation to avoid mildew issues.
- Long-term Care: Deadhead spent flowers divide plants every 2-3 years.
- Best Companion Plants: Combine with Phlox, Coneflower, and Salvia for vibrant, bee-friendly borders.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
The vibrant golden-yellow petals of the Black-eyed Susans encircle deep, dark centers, creating a stunning contrast that captures the attention. Their blossoms act like magnets for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, infusing the garden with a lively buzz.
- Height/Spread: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: Yellow petals with dark brown centers.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Coarse green leaves.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Fall Planting Tip: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly until frost.
- Long-term Care: Drought-tolerant and easy to maintain. Divide every 3-4 years.
- Best Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with Ornamental Grasses and Sedum for a natural meadow effect. We planted 6 black-eyed susan plants the first year we moved into our home, and it is now the star of our backyard garden every September. My only regret, like I said, was that we never planted more that first year because that display is so lovely I cannot get enough.
See our complete guide on how to grow Black-eyed Susans from seed to flower. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but can save a considerable amount of money if you have the time!
3. Catmint (Nepeta)
The delicate, lavender-blue flowers of catmint stand out vividly against its silvery-green foliage, creating a tranquil atmosphere in the garden. This plant has been a favorite in herb- and cottage-gardens for its ability to withstand drought. It is commonly utilized to border pathways or add a soft touch to the borders of flower beds.
- Height/Spread: 1-2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide.
- Colors: Purple-blue blooms.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Aromatic gray-green foliage.
- USDA Zones: 3-8.
- Fall Planting Tip: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Catmint thrives in dry conditions, so avoid overwatering.
- Long-term Care: Cut back after flowering to encourage reblooming.
- Best Companion Plants: Plant with Peonies or Daylilies for a harmonious mix of textures and colors.
Grow catmint from seed! It does take more time, but we have the entire process laid out step by step to make it easier for you if you want to give it a go!
4. Coneflower (Echinacea)
The vibrant, daisy-like petals of coneflowers make a striking display in the garden, with their unique upward-facing centers adding visual interest. These hardy perennials are also recognized for their medicinal properties, historically used to enhance the immune system and alleviate various ailments.
- Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: Pink, purple, yellow, white.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Lance-shaped green leaves.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Fall Planting Tip: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Make sure the crown is level with the soil to prevent rot.
- Long-term Care: Deadhead for prolonged blooming; divide every 3-4 years.
- Best Companion Plants: Pair with Russian Sage or Black-eyed Susans for a pollinator-friendly garden. This is exactly what we did around the permitter of our vegetable garden, I only wish we had planned it a bit better for a more consistent visual display, so let my mistake be your tip! The number of pollinators this combo attracts is absolutely wild!
Coneflowers are the quintessential wildflower. If wildflowers are your thing, check out our complete guide on how to grow a thriving wildflower garden.
5. Coreopsis
The cheerful yellow and orange blooms of coreopsis bring a sunny brightness to the garden. Their delicate petals resemble little rays of sunshine. This hardy perennial is prized for its long blooming period, making it a popular choice for adding vibrant color to borders and meadows throughout the summer.
- Height/Spread: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: Yellow, red, pink, orange.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Fine green foliage.
- USDA Zones: 4-9.
- Long-term Care: Shear after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance.
- Best Companion Plants: Combine with Shasta Daisies and Lavender for a cheerful, low-maintenance bed.
6. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Often overlooked in favor of more showy blooms like phlox or rudbeckia, coral bells offer subtle beauty with their diverse foliage colors, providing essential texture and contrast in garden design. Their understated elegance complements vibrant flowers, making them a perfect choice for adding depth and interest to shaded areas
- Height/Spread: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide.
- Colors: Foliage in purple, silver, green.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Ruffled, colorful leaves.
- USDA Zones: 4-9.
- Long-term Care: Remove old leaves in spring, and mulch in winter for root protection.
- Best Companion Plants: Pairs well with Hostas and Lungwort for a shady garden bed.
See our guide dedicated to growing coral bells. The guide contains everything you need to know to choose the right varieties and help you with planting and care to ensure your coral bells thrive.
7. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies, with their bright, trumpet-shaped blooms, bring a splash of color to the garden, blooming in a variety of hues from vibrant yellows to rich purples. Known for their resilience and low maintenance, these perennials are perfect for creating lush, layered landscapes while providing a reliable burst of beauty each season.
- Height/Spread: 1-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide.
- Colors: Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Strap-like green foliage.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Long-term Care: Divide every 3-4 years for best performance.
- Best Companion Plants: Combine with Catmint or Coneflower for contrasting foliage and bloom shapes.
8. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden phlox stands tall and elegant in the garden, boasting sturdy stems bursting with abundant clusters of vibrant blossoms that make a dazzling visual statement.
- Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide.
- Colors: Pink, purple, white, red.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Green, lance-shaped leaves.
- USDA Zones: 4-8.
- Long-term Care: Prune for air circulation to prevent mildew, and deadhead regularly.
- Best Companion Plants: Mix with Bee Balm or Peonies for bold summer color.
9. Hellebore (Helleborus)
Hellebores, often blooming in early spring, showcase exquisite, cup-shaped flowers that emerge in a stunning array of colors, from soft pastels to deep, rich tones. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.
- Height/Spread: 1-1.5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: White, pink, purple, green.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Dark green, leathery foliage.
- USDA Zones: 4-9.
- Long-term Care: Low maintenance, just remove old leaves after winter.
- Best Companion Plants: Combine with Ferns and Hostas in a shaded woodland garden.
10. Hosta
Hostas are highly valued for their lush, wide leaves that come in many hues, ranging from vibrant greens to captivating blues and intricate variegated patterns. Their abundant foliage brings a sense of opulence and tactile appeal to shaded garden spaces and also serves as a contrasting canvas for complementing flowering plants.
- Height/Spread: 1-4 feet tall, 1-6 feet wide (varies by cultivar).
- Colors: Green, blue, yellow, variegated foliage.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Broad, ribbed leaves.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Long-term Care: Divide every 4-5 years, mulch to retain moisture.
- Best Companion Plants: Perfect for pairing with Coral Bells and Astilbes in shaded garden beds. I can honestly say that I was never a big fan of hostas, but over the years they have grown on me, especially how they have filled my shady spots under my trees and created beautifully lush long-lasting displays.
13. Liatris (Blazing Star)
Blazing star, also known as Liatris, is not only admired for its striking appearance but also for its unique flowering pattern, where the blooms open from the top down. Known for attracting pollinators, this hardy perennial adds a striking touch to borders and meadows, bringing both color and movement as it sways gently in the breeze
- Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: Purple, pink, or white blooms.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Grass-like green leaves.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Fall Planting Tip: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space plants adequately to allow for air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
- Long-term Care: Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Divide every 3-4 years to encourage healthy growth.
- Best Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and ornamental grasses for a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden.
12. Peony
While you technically can plant peonies in spring, the ideal time is to plant in fall. Fall gives peonies the root development start they need before they start to put energy into flowering.
Yes, the short lifespan of peonies is a sad affair – but while they’re in bloom, they bring so much joy! With just a few peonies planted a few years back we’re now greeted each spring with an abundance of blooms for a few sweet-scented weeks.
- Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide.
- Colors: Pink, white, red, yellow.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Glossy green leaves.
- USDA Zones: 3-8.
- Long-term Care: Long-lived, requires staking and regular watering.
- Best Companion Plants: Pair with Russian Sage or Daylilies for a beautiful summer border.
13. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage, despite its name, is not a true sage but a member of the mint family, known for its aromatic foliage and tall, airy spikes of lavender flowers that sway gracefully in the breeze. Its unique, silvery-gray leaves and resilience in poor soil conditions make it a standout for any gardener.
- Height/Spread: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide.
- Colors: Lavender-blue blooms.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Silvery-gray foliage.
- USDA Zones: 4-9.
- Long-term Care: Cut back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
- Best Companion Plants: Pairs well with Coneflower or Sedum in sunny, dry areas.
14. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a fascinating succulent known for its remarkable ability to thrive in harsh, dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. Its unique fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to flourish in poor soils, while the clusters of star-shaped flowers attract pollinators, creating a lively habitat for beneficial insects. Additionally, some varieties change color with the seasons, offering a dynamic display that evolves throughout the year.
- Height/Spread: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide.
- Colors: Pink, red, yellow.
- Leaf Structure/Color: Fleshy green or red foliage.
- USDA Zones: 3-9.
- Long-term Care: Drought-tolerant, minimal care needed.
- Best Companion Plants: Looks great with Ornamental Grasses and Coreopsis for texture contrast.
Fall Planting Tips for Success
Here are the planting tips you need to be successful with your fall-planted perennials. Be sure to read the planting instructions included with your plants as each one will have all the exact planting requirements laid out for you, but we wanted to include our best tips that we know work that those little tags on the plants don’t usually include.
When to Plant
Timing is crucial! Aim to plant your perennials 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. For Northern Zones (USDA Zones 3-5), this means early to mid-September. In Southern Zones (USDA Zones 6-9), you can plant from late September to October.
Soil Preparation
Start by loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Add compost to enhance fertility and drainage. Test the soil pH—most perennials prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering
After planting, water deeply to settle the soil around the roots. Monitor moisture levels regularly and water as needed until the ground freezes.
Mulching
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and insulate roots during winter.
Fertilizing
Use a slow-release fertilizer sparingly, focusing on root establishment rather than encouraging new top growth.
Design Tips for Gorgeous Visual Displays
Creating a captivating garden with your fall-planted perennials involves thoughtful planning and creativity. We wanted to provide you with lots of ideas and inspiration of how to plan and utilize these perennials all through your landscape to create wonderous displays!
Color Schemes
- Complementary Colors: Choose plants with colors that complement each other. For instance, pair the vibrant yellows of Black-eyed Susans with the deep purples of Catmint for a lively contrast.
- Monochromatic Palettes: Create a serene look by using varying shades of a single color. Plant different varieties of Coneflower in shades of pink and purple, mixed with the silver foliage of Russian Sage for a cohesive yet dynamic appearance.
Height Variation
- Layering: Position taller plants like Peonies or Garden Phlox at the back of your garden beds, with medium-height plants like Daylilies in the middle, and shorter perennials such as Coral Bells or Sedum at the front. This creates depth and ensures that each plant is visible.
- Vertical Elements: Introduce vertical gardening elements like trellises or decorative stakes to add height and interest. Climbing plants or even ornamental grasses can help guide the eye upward.
Foliage Texture
- Mixing Textures: Combine plants with diverse leaf shapes and textures to add visual interest. For example, pair the broad, ribbed leaves of Hostas with the fine, airy foliage of Ornamental Grasses.
- Colorful Foliage: Incorporate perennials with colorful foliage, such as Coral Bells, to create contrast and intrigue, especially in the off-blooming seasons.
Seasonal Interest
- Staggered Bloom Times: Select perennials that bloom at different times to ensure color in your garden from spring through fall. For instance, Hellebores bloom early, while Sedum adds color in late summer and fall.
- Winter Structure: Choose plants that provide visual interest in winter, such as the seed heads of Echinacea or the evergreen foliage of Hellebore, to maintain a beautiful landscape year-round.
Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
- Diverse Plantings: Create a pollinator haven by selecting plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Include Bee Balm, Coneflower, and Black-eyed Susans, interspersed with herbs like Catmint to create a lively, buzzing garden.
- Native Plants: Incorporate native perennials, as they are often better adapted to local conditions and attract local pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
Garden Pathways
- Define Spaces: Use perennials to frame pathways or garden borders, guiding visitors through your space. Low-growing plants like Coreopsis can soften edges, while taller varieties create a sense of enclosure and depth.
- Layered Borders: Create layered borders with varying heights and colors along pathways, inviting exploration and providing visual delights from all angles.
Seasonal Decor
- Incorporate Seasonal Elements: Enhance your displays with seasonal decorations like ornamental pumpkins in the fall or twinkling lights during winter. These elements can complement your perennials, adding charm and character to your garden.
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Learn More about Perennials
And if you want even more inspiration on what to plant this fall, we have several articles about perennials that will help you on your way.
Conclusion
Planting perennials in the fall is a rewarding endeavor that sets the stage for a vibrant and thriving garden come spring. With careful planning, proper care, and thoughtful design, you can create stunning visual displays that not only enhance your landscape but also support local wildlife.
Are you ready to transform your garden? Gather your favorite fall-planted perennials, prepare your soil, and get planting! Share your gardening journey with us in the comments below, and let us know which perennials you’re excited to add to your landscape. Happy gardening!
Author: Laura Kennedy
Writer & Owner of Little Yellow Wheelbarrow