Want to grow a few flowering fall perennials this year besides the typical choice of mums?
When most people think of fall color in the garden, mums are usually the first flowers that come to mind. But there are plenty of other perennials that can bring just as much brightness and interest to your landscape once summer starts to fade. In fact, by mixing in a few different blooming perennials, you can extend your garden’s color palette well into the cooler months.
But perhaps best of all, by simply planting a few of these fall blooming perennials now, you can all but ensure that your landscape can remain bright and beautiful. Not just for this autumn season, but for future fall seasons as well!
With that in mind, here is a look at the best of the best of flowering perennials to grow this fall besides mums – along with some key tips and tricks to get the most from each plant!
3 Flowering Fall Perennials To Grow Besides Mums
#1 Fall Flowering Sedum
Sedum (pictured at the top of the article) is also often referred to as “Autumn Joy” – and it’s easy to see why! This perennial’s blooms actually start out as pale green clusters in late summer. But as summer turns to fall, those green clusters gradually turn a rosy pink hue that deepens as autumn progresses.
The flowers of sedum resemble clusters of tiny stars. And when in full bloom, they can really light up the landscape. When at their peak, they nearly cover the entire canopy of foliage with great fall color. Affiliate Link: Sedum Brilliant Award-Winning(2 Live Plant/Root) Perennials
Sedum are low-maintenance plants that thrive in well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They are also extremely drought tolerant and rarely if ever need watering. In fact, for these hardy perennials, overwatering is much more of an issue than underwatering.
Adding to their allure, sedum is quite the versatile plant. You can plant sedum in beds, borders, rock gardens, and they even grow well in large containers to spruce up sunny porches and decks in the fall. See: How To Pot Up Perennials In Containers – Create Gorgeous Low Cost Pots & Containers!
#2 The Perfect Fall Flowering Perennial To Grow Besides Mums – Asters!
Asters have become a hot commodity when it comes to decorating for fall. Known for their daisy-like blooms that come in wide a variety of shades, their gorgeous flowers can range in colors from deep purples to pale pinks – and they even include vibrant blues and whites.
Not only do their plentiful blooms add huge color and interest, they are also beloved by pollinators. In fact, asters are one of the biggest fall sources of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Especially since many of their other food sources are drying up as summer fades away.
Perhaps the best feature of asters is just how easy they are to take care of. The plant is both drought and deer tolerant. The only real key need for the plant is to give it well draining soil and adequate sunlight. For best blooming, asters should get six to eight hours of full sun each day.
Keeping Asters Alive Through Winter
Asters, like mums, are now easy to find in pots and containers in the fall. They are perfect for decorating sunny porches and patios – or planting directly into the ground to add flair to flowerbeds.
As your asters bloom, deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continuous fall blooming. Once the flowers fade for good, the plant can be cut back and mulched. In the spring, it will bounce back to life to grow and bloom again.
Asters are hardy from zones 4 through 8. If using potted asters, just as with mums, you will need to transplant into the ground in late fall or move them inside until spring to protect them from freezing out in their container.
You can easily replant each year back into containers or leave in the ground to fill flowerbeds. Asters should be divided every three to four years to keep the plants roots from overcrowding. Dividing and transplanting can be done in the fall after they bloom, or early in the spring.
Fertilize asters monthly with a light, all-purpose fertilizer throughout the growing season. They are not heavy feeders but providing them with a solid base of nutrients will help them to flower stronger and longer. One thing is for sure, asters are versatile plants that make a perfect fall addition to flowerbeds, containers and raised beds!
#3 Everblooming Blanketflower
Blanket flower is one of the biggest and longest blooming perennial flowers of all. It’s also a perfect option to grow in the fall besides just mums. Even better, it not only blooms in late fall – but blooms almost continually through the spring and summer too. Product Affiliate Link: Blanketflower Plants
The daisy like blooms of blanket flower will continue to form and flower as long as the plant remains deadheaded. Much like the other plants listed, it’s also incredibly drought and pest resistant. Deer do not like the foliage or blooms, so you can grow it almost anywhere to add big color from spring until the first frost!
Best of all, it’s small, compact nature makes it perfect for potting up and using in containers and pots. Especially in the fall when many of the potted plants from summer are starting to fade away. And because it doesn’t need a lot of nutrients, there is no need to change out the potting soil for the season!
Here is to adding big perennial flower power to your landscape this fall besides just mums – and to enjoying it for years to come!
Simple Garden Life
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