25 Autumn Flowers Perfect for Your Seasonal Garden

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, you may find yourself wanting to add some seasonal flair to your garden. Autumn can be a wonderful time to showcase a different array of flowers that thrive in cooler weather. Which flowers are best for bringing color and charm to your garden during the fall season?

This article will guide you through 25 stunning autumn flowers that can add vibrant hues and textures to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, you’ll find flowers that are easy to grow and maintain. Get ready to explore a variety of blooms that will make your autumn garden truly stand out.

1. Chrysanthemums

• Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum x morifolium
• Meaning: Joy and optimism
• Growing Zones: 4 to 8
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-fall

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a wonderful addition to your autumn garden. They are known for their bright, cheerful flowers that come in many colors, including orange, red, yellow, and white.

These plants typically grow up to 24 inches tall. They need full sunlight to thrive, so pick a sunny spot in your garden for them.

Fall is the best time for mums to shine. They can brighten up your garden just as other summer flowers start to fade. Enjoy the colorful blooms of chrysanthemums during the cool season!

2. Pansies

• Botanical Name: Viola × wittrockiana
• Meaning: Thoughtful remembrance
• Growing Zones: 4-8
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Fall and spring

Pansies are popular autumn flowers. They come in many colors, like purple, yellow, and blue.

You can plant them in the fall for a burst of color. They do well in cool weather.

Make sure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Water them regularly but don’t let the soil get too soggy.

Pansies thrive in full sun to partial shade. They brighten up gardens and containers.

3. Helenium

• Botanical Name: Helenium autumnale
• Meaning: Inspiration and beauty
• Growing Zones: 3-8
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

Helenium, also known as Sneezeweed, adds vibrant color to your garden in the late summer and fall. You will love its daisy-like flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Plant Helenium in a sunny spot with well-drained, moist soil. Space your plants 3 to 4 feet apart for good airflow. Remember to keep the soil moist and water as needed.

Pinching the plants in the spring encourages them to branch out more. Deadheading spent flowers will help your Helenium produce more blooms through the season. This flower can create a cheerful and lively look in your garden.

4. Japanese Anemone

• Botanical Name: Anemone japonica
• Meaning: Anticipation, Protection
• Growing Zones: 3-7
• Soil Needs: Light, well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Regular watering, but not waterlogged
• Sunlight Needs: Part shade to full sun
• Bloom Time: Fall

Japanese Anemones are graceful and delicate flowers that add elegance to your garden. They bloom in the fall, providing color when many other plants are fading.

You will find these plants do best in part shade but can also do well in full sun, especially in cooler climates. Their tall stems and fluttery flowers make them stand out in any mixed border.

Planting Japanese Anemones in light, well-drained soil helps them thrive. Tubers can be planted in the fall or spring, with regular watering especially in the beginning.

These flowers can grow up to 5 feet high, adding vertical interest to your garden. They pair beautifully with other fall-blooming plants like asters and sedum.

5. Asters

• Botanical Name: [Aster spp.](https://morflora.com/blue-flowers/)
• Meaning: Patience, Daintiness
• Growing Zones: 3-8
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, average soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

Asters bring vibrant color to your garden when most plants start to fade. They come in shades like lavender, blue, pink, and white.

You’ll love their star-shaped flowers that can brighten up an autumn day. Asters can grow between 1 to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety.

To keep your asters happy, add compost to the soil each spring. Water them moderately, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Consider adding mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

If your asters grow over 3 feet tall, you might need to stake them so they don’t fall over. Pinch the tops in late June for more blooms.

6. Sedum

• Botanical Name: Sedum
• Meaning: ‘Stonecrop’
• Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Water Needs: Low
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

Sedums are hardy, easy-to-grow plants that thrive in various conditions.

These succulents have thick leaves that store water, making them drought-tolerant. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, from ground covers to tall, upright varieties.

You’ll love the way sedums bloom in late summer to fall, bringing bright colors to your garden. Their flowers can range from pink and red to yellow and white. They are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

7. Goldenrod

• Botanical Name: Solidago spp.
• Meaning: Encouragement, cheerfulness
• Growing Zones: 4-8
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall

Goldenrod is a bright, cheerful flower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It adds a splash of yellow to gardens and meadows.

This plant is a favorite for many butterflies, including monarchs. It helps provide much-needed food for these insects as they prepare for migration.

When planting goldenrod, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Goldenrod can grow in zones 4 through 8, making it versatile for many gardens.

Transplanting goldenrod is simple. If you plan to move a potted plant into your garden, do so in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that fits the root ball and water it well after planting.

8. Ornamental Kale

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
• Meaning: Beauty in Fall Gardens
• Growing Zones: 2-11
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Autumn and winter

Ornamental kale is a fantastic addition to your autumn garden. Its frilled and colorful leaves bring life to any container or garden bed. Though it’s related to edible kale, ornamental varieties are bred for their looks, not taste.

You can plant ornamental kale seeds in small pots around July. They need about an inch of water each week and can handle cool weather well. Plant seedlings in mid-August for the best fall display. Start them indoors to get a head start.

These plants thrive in cool conditions and look their best as temperatures drop. Their vibrant colors and unique leaf textures make them an eye-catching feature for your fall decorations.

9. Sunflowers

• Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
• Meaning: Adoration and loyalty
• Growing Zones: 4-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

Sunflowers are a garden favorite, bringing brightness and warmth to any space. They are easy to grow and can reach impressive heights.

The ‘Autumn Beauty’ sunflower is known for producing multiple stems and blooms, creating a stunning display. It typically grows between 5 to 7 feet tall.

Another variety, the ‘Sunrich Lime’, offers unique green-and-gold centers. These sunflowers can grow up to five feet tall and bloom within 60 days.

10. Dahlias

• Botanical Name: Dahlia
• Meaning: Elegance and dignity
• Growing Zones: 8-11
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Needs: Regular watering
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: July to first frost

Dahlias bring bright, cheerful colors to your fall garden. These flowers come in various shapes and sizes, adding diversity and charm to your landscaping.

To grow dahlias, plant the tubers in well-drained soil after all danger of frost has passed. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Dahlias love sunshine and will perform best with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

When fall approaches, and after the first hard frost, cut back the blackened stems to about 6 inches above ground. Carefully dig up the tubers and rinse off the soil, allowing them to dry upside down for a few days before storing them for winter.

11. Marigolds

• Botanical Name: Tagetes
• Meaning: Passion and creativity
• Growing Zones: 2-11
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Spring to frost

Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that add a burst of color to your fall garden. They are known for their rich oranges and yellows.

You don’t need to deadhead marigolds. They keep blooming right up until the first frost. This makes them a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.

Deer and rabbits usually avoid marigolds. They are also quite resistant to common flower diseases and pests. This resilience makes them an excellent choice for your garden.

Incorporate marigolds into your autumn garden for reliable and vibrant color. Their care requirements make them easy to grow, even for beginners.

12. Chinese Lantern Flower

• Botanical Name: Physalis alkekengi
• Meaning: Protection and prosperity
• Growing Zones: 3-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

Chinese Lantern Flowers brighten up your garden with their unique look. Their bright orange, papery husks look like little lanterns, adding a pop of color to your autumn landscape.

These perennials do best in well-drained soil. You’ll want to water them moderately, making sure they don’t dry out but also avoiding soggy conditions. They thrive in full sun but can also handle some shade.

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Regular checks help keep your plants healthy and looking their best.

13. Hardy Fuchsia

• Botanical Name: Fuchsia spp.
• Meaning: Elegant grace
• Growing Zones: 6 to 10
• Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
• Water Needs: Regular, consistent moisture
• Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

Hardy Fuchsia is known for its vibrant, hanging flowers that brighten up autumn gardens. You can find these plants in various shades, including pinks, purples, and reds.

They thrive in well-draining, fertile soil. Make sure you keep the soil moist without letting it get soggy.

These plants love partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if they have some protection during the hottest part of the day. They bring elegant grace to your garden from summer to fall.

14. Toad Lily

• Botanical Name: Tricyrtis formosana
• Meaning: Graceful or elegant
• Growing Zones: 4-9
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
• Water Needs: Regular watering
• Sunlight Needs: Part shade to full shade
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall

Toad Lily brings delightful color to your garden during the fall. Its small, orchid-like flowers are unique and eye-catching.

The plant’s variegated foliage adds extra charm. You can enjoy its stunning flowers, brightly speckled with purple and highlighted by a yellow throat.

It’s ideal for shady spots in your garden. Give it moist, well-drained soil, and it will thrive with regular watering. This lovely perennial will surely brighten up your autumn garden.

15. Russian Sage

• Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia
• Meaning: Wisdom and healing
• Growing Zones: 4-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: July to October

Russian sage is a wonderful addition to your autumn garden. Its lavender-blue flowers can bring vibrant color to your yard from summer all the way into fall.

This plant grows best in sunny spots. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure to plant it in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

It’s also a low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires very little water. This makes it perfect for dry landscapes or gardens with less frequent watering. Consider planting Russian sage for an easy and beautiful fall display.

16. Coneflowers

• Botanical Name: Echinacea
• Meaning: Strength and Health
• Growing Zones: 3-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to Fall

Coneflowers are a delightful addition to your autumn garden. They come in various colors, including purple, yellow, orange, and red.

These flowers are very low-maintenance and can tolerate drought, poor soil, and even deer. They grow about 26-30 inches tall with a spread of 16-18 inches, so make sure they have enough space.

Coneflowers also attract butterflies and bees, adding even more life to your garden. With their long bloom time from summer to fall, you’ll enjoy their beauty for months.

17. Montauk Daisy

• Botanical Name: Nipponanthemum nipponicum
• Meaning: Loyalty and Devotion
• Growing Zones: 5-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Fall

Montauk daisies, also known as Nippon daisies, are native to coastal Japan. These plants thrive in USDA growing zones 5 through 9. They grow well in areas with full sun and need well-drained soil to flourish.

They usually grow 18 to 36 inches tall and form wide clumps. To keep your Montauk daisies looking their best and prevent flopping, prune them in early spring and again in midsummer.

These daisies give a lovely fall bloom, making them a perfect addition to your autumn garden. Make sure to water them moderately and provide plenty of sunlight.

18. Celosia

• Botanical Name: Celosia argentea
• Meaning: Bold and unconventional
• Growing Zones: 2-11
• Soil Needs: Well-draining
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

Celosia, also called woolflower, is known for its bright and unusual blooms. The flowers can look like flames, feathers, or even brain coral.

You can plant celosia in garden beds or containers. Just make sure the soil drains well. They need moderate watering, so keep the soil moist but not soggy.

These plants love the sun. Place them in an area where they can get full sunlight. They bloom from summer through fall.

Celosia also makes great cut flowers. You can even dry them and use them in arrangements later. Just hang the cut stems upside-down in a warm, dark place.

19. Cosmos

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
• Meaning: Love and Whimsy
• Growing Zones: 2-11
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, average to poor soil
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to early autumn

Cosmos flowers are bright and cheerful, perfect to add color to your autumn garden. They come in various colors including pink, white, red, yellow, orange, and purple.

These flowers can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 1 to 6 feet. Cosmos are versatile and can thrive in many different conditions, as they tolerate average to poor soil.

You don’t need to water Cosmos frequently. They prefer full sunlight to show off their best blooms. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.

Cosmos are easy to grow from seeds and can start blooming in just about 70 to 120 days. Their delicate petals and vibrant colors make them an excellent choice for cutting gardens and borders.

20. New England Aster

• Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
• Meaning: Wisdom and patience
• Growing Zones: 4-8
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

New England Asters are beautiful, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. They can grow several feet tall and come in shades of purple and pink.

These flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden late in the season. You should plant them in well-drained, loamy soil and water them moderately.

They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep an eye out for their lovely blooms towards the end of summer and into autumn.

21. Autumn Crocus

• Botanical Name: Colchicum
• Meaning: Endurance and beauty
• Growing Zones: 5-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: Fall

Autumn Crocus is a beautiful fall-blooming flower that adds charm to your garden. Often seen in shades of pink, purple, and white, its cup-shaped flowers brighten up the garden when many other plants are fading.

These flowers need well-drained soil and do best in areas that get full sun to partial shade. Plant the corms about 4-6 inches deep and space them 6-8 inches apart for the best results.

Water the plants weekly in the spring, providing about one inch of water. When the foliage dies back, reduce the watering. Increase watering again when the flowers appear in autumn. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can cause the corms to rot.

22. Black-eyed Susan

• Botanical Name: Rudbeckia
• Meaning: Justice, encouragement
• Growing Zones: 3-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful, bright flowers that bring life to your garden. They feature bold yellow petals and dark brown or black centers. These flowers can grow up to 3 feet tall and are perfect for adding height to your flower beds.

You’ll love how easy they are to take care of. They thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil. With moderate water needs, they don’t demand a lot of attention. Their long bloom time from summer to early fall ensures your garden stays vibrant.

Whether you choose Rudbeckia hirta ‘Autumn Colors’ with its large, colorful blooms or Rudbeckia hirta ‘Maya’ with its yellow double flowers, Black-eyed Susans offer plenty of variety. Plant these lively flowers, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.

23. Coreopsis

• Botanical Name: Coreopsis
• Meaning: Tickseed
• Growing Zones: 4-9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, average soil
• Water Needs: Moderate; water during dry spells
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a vibrant autumn flower. You’ll love its bright yellow and orange blooms.

This plant attracts butterflies and bees. It requires full sun to thrive and brightens up any garden.

Remember to water it during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Dividing every 2-3 years helps maintain its vigor.

24. Verbena

• Botanical Name: Verbena
• Meaning: Healing and Creativity
• Growing Zones: 7-11 (varies by species)
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
• Bloom Time: Spring to Fall

Verbena is a beautiful flower that can brighten up your garden from spring through fall. It comes in various colors such as purple, pink, blue, red, and white.

Plant your verbena in well-drained soil. Make sure it gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. This plant loves the sun and will thrive in bright conditions.

Water verbena moderately, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soaking. It’s best to water at the base, keeping the foliage dry. This helps prevent diseases and keeps your verbena healthy.

Verbena can be grown from seeds or cuttings. You can take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. Dip the stem in rooting hormone, plant it in moist potting soil, and place it on a sunny windowsill.

25. Sweet Alyssum

• Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
• Meaning: Beauty and simplicity
• Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Water Needs: Regular watering, keep soil moist but not soggy
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom Time: May through October

Sweet Alyssum is a charming and easy-to-grow flower. You can start the seeds indoors a month or two before the last frost. Scatter the seeds over the soil’s surface, as they need direct light to germinate.

Plant them in well-drained soil. Water them regularly but avoid waterlogging. These flowers thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

As they grow, make sure each plant has about six inches of space. This allows them to spread and flourish. Sweet Alyssum can bloom from late spring until fall, adding a sweet fragrance to your garden.