20 Fall Flowers That Blooms With Brilliant Colors (2024)

Mums are herbaceous perennial plants often grown as annuals in colder climates. They are characterized by their tightly clustered blooms, which can be daisy-like or pompon-shaped.

Chrysanthemums bloom profusely in the fall, adding bursts of color to gardens and landscapes. These plants prefer well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Plant them in the spring or early summer to allow time for root establishment before the fall bloom.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil with good organic content
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Annual, except in zones 9–11
• Flower Tip: Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness and more blooms

Flowers of autumn, dahlias are a diverse group of flowering plants native to Mexico. They are commonly grown as annuals in many regions, though they can be perennial in warmer climates.

Dahlias are renowned for their wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and even bi-colors. They should be planted after the last frost date and spaced according to their mature size, typically between 12 and 36 inches apart.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Annual, except in zones 9–11
• Flower Tip:Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known as Meadow Saffron, is a captivating fall flower that blooms in late summer to early fall. The flowers typically bloom for several weeks, adding a burst of color to the autumn landscape.

One important thing to note about Autumn Crocus is that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Therefore, it should be handled with care, especially in households with pets or small children.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Generally zones 4–8
• Flower Tip: Plant bulbs in late summer or early fall, typically 4-6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart

Asters are more than just a pretty face. They're the champions of the fall garden that add vibrant color and attract pollinators when other blooms have faded. Reaching from 1 to 6 feet tall, asters offer versatility in the garden.

Shorter varieties work well on borders and edging, while taller ones make stunning backdrops. They provide a much-needed burst of color as other plants begin to wind down. Learn how to grow and care for aster flowers.

• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Varies by species, but typically zones 3–8
• Flower Tip: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and blooming

Pansies don't just belong to spring. They are surprisingly resilient and thrive in cool weather, making them perfect fall bloomers. Fall-blooming pansies, also known as winter pansies, typically start blooming in late September or October and continue well into spring.

Their compact, bushy growth habit makes them versatile—plant them in borders, containers, or as ground cover. You can learn how to care for pansy flowers and grow themhere.

• Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Typically zones 6–10
• Flower Tip: Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming; mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Commonly known as sneezeweeds, Heleniums are a genus of North American perennials that bloom just as summer starts to fade. Unlike many perennials, their daisy-like blooms reach their peak in late summer and fall, lasting until the first frost.

Their slender, lance-shaped foliage adds texture and contrast. These daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown provide a cheerful punch.

• Soil Needs: Moist, fertile soil with good drainage
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Varies by species, but typically zones 3–9
• Flower Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering period and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor

Japanese Anemones, also known as windflowers, bring a touch of magic to fall gardens with their saucer-shaped flowers. These late-season performers typically bloom from late summer to early fall, offering a vibrant splash of color when many other plants have faded.

Popular options include 'Honorine Jobert' (white), 'September Charm' (pink), and 'Whirlwind' (bi-color).

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
• Growing Zones: Typically zones 4–8
• Flower Tip: Provide support for taller varieties; divide clumps every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding

Unlike many flowers that bow out by summer's end, these succulent beauties burst into bloom right when fall colors start to steal the show. Typically, their star-shaped flowers appear from late summer to early fall, with some varieties continuing the display even into November.

Sedums come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering something for every garden. Upright varieties like Autumn Joy stand tall, adding height and structure. Others varieties, like Angelina Stonecrop, form low-growing mats, perfect for edging borders or cascading over rocks.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil, even poor soil types
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Varies by species, but typically zones 3–9
• Flower Tip: Prune back stems in early spring to promote compact growth

Often unfairly blamed for allergies (it's ragweed that's the culprit), goldenrod brightens fall landscapes with its golden-yellow plumes. It typically blooms from late summer to early fall, with some varieties continuing into October.

This late-season burst of color provides vital nectar for pollinators like butterflies and bees when other resources dwindle. Some varieties, like Solidago rugosa, stand tall at 5 feet, while others like Solidago sphacelata arch gracefully at 2 feet.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Varies by species, but typically zones 3–9
• Flower Tip: Cut back stems after flowering to prevent self-seeding and maintain plant vigor

A beautiful fall flower, the rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) truly shines during its blooming season. While they may start blooming in mid-summer, their peak flower show arrives in late summer and continues well into early fall.

Plant the rose mallows near ponds, streams, or rain gardens, or use them as stunning backdrops in borders. Due to their large size, it's best to give them adequate space (2-4 feet apart) so they don't crowd other plants.

• Soil Needs: Moist to wet, fertile soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: 5–9
• Flower Tip: Provide ample water, especially during dry spells

Black-eyed Susans, also referred to as Rudbeckias, are not just summer bloomers. They are a type of flower that starts blooming in late July or early August and continues their show until the first frost arrives.

These plants are versatile and can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, or even meadows. They pair well with other fall favorites like asters, mums, and goldenrods, creating a stunning autumnal display.

• Soil Needs: Average, well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: 3–9
• Flower Tip: Deadhead regularly for prolonged blooming

Crocosmia, also known as "falling stars" or "montbretia," boasts sword-like leaves and clusters of tubular blooms. These flowers come in shades of orange, red, yellow, and even bi-colors.

But what truly sets them apart is their unique personalities and easy-going nature. These perennials have a clumping growing habit, forming dense, upright masses of sword-like foliage that can reach 2-4 feet tall.

• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: 6–9
• Flower Tip: Plant the crocosmia 3–4 inches deep in spring

Coneflowers are remarkably versatile and adaptable, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil. They're native to North America and tolerate a wide range of climates, making them suitable for USDA zones 3–9.

Moreover, these plants are drought-resistant and require minimal care. They thrive in flower beds, borders, meadows, and even containers. Learn how to grow and care for coneflowers.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: 3–9, depending on the species
• Flower Tip: Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor

Commonly known as sage, Salvia offers a vibrant burst of color that extends well into the fall when most gardens start winding down.

Fall-blooming salvias typically start their floral display in late summer and continue until the first frost. These flowers paint the garden with shades of red, purple, pink, white, and even blue.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Varies by species, typically zones 4–10
• Flower Tip: Cut back stems after flowering to encourage bushiness and new growth

Petunia are excellent choices for containers like hanging baskets, window boxes, and planters. While they often bloom throughout spring and summer, they also thrive in cooler fall temperatures.

Petunias tend to slow down their blooming during the hot summer months but put on a spectacular show with vibrant and abundant flowers come fall. If you want to learn more about this plant, here is a cost-effective petunia care technique for beginners.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: Annual in most zones
• Flower Tip: Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and blooming

Canna lilies are vibrant additions to any garden, but their fall flowering habits require specific planting locations for optimal success. Full sun is crucial for the best flowering and vibrant foliage. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Plant them near taller structures like walls or fences for support, or use them as focal points in borders or beds. They pair well with other warm-season bloomers like gladiolus, zinnias, and marigolds.

• Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial shade
• Growing Zones: Typically zones 8–11, but some varieties can be grown as annuals in cooler zones
• Flower Tip: Plant rhizomes horizontally in the soil, about 4-6 inches deep

Bidens, also known as tickseed sunflowers or golden glow, are known for their cheerful daisy-like flowers that bloom continuously throughout the fall.

Bidens grow 12–16 inches tall and spread about 18–24 inches wide. They make excellent border plants, adding color and texture to beds. Also, these flowers cascade beautifully from hanging baskets and containers, making them perfect for patios and balconies.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Annual in most zones; some perennial species in zones 9–11
• Flower Tips: Protect from frost if you live in colder climates

Taller varieties of flossflower (up to 3 feet tall) can be planted in the middle of a border. Meanwhile, shorter varieties (6–12 inches tall) look great at the front.

Moreover, shorter varieties are ideal for lining pathways. They are also perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and pots. Use a high-quality potting mix that retains water well.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Annual in most zones; typically grown as an annual bedding plant
• Flower Tip: Plant Flossflowers after the danger of frost has passed, usually in late spring or early summer

Nemesias are charming little flowers that can add a vibrant splash of color to your fall garden or indoor space. In the fall, when the sun is lower in the sky, ensure they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

If planting indoors, place them near a south-facing window for maximum light. Theseeasy-to-grow small flowers come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and whites, making them perfect for creating eye-catching displays.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Growing Zones: Annual in colder zones, perennial in warmer zones (typically zones 9–11)
• Flower Tip: If you live in a hot climate, you may want to plant them in a location that receives afternoon shade

Unlike many other flowers that fade in the fall, Russian sage keeps its gorgeous lavender-blue blooms from mid-summer all the way through October.

The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall, making it a perfect choice for the back of borders or as a specimen plant. They are one of the bestlavender companion plants to grow together.

• Soil Needs: Well-drained, even poor soil
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun
• Growing Zones: 4–9
• Flower Tip: Cut back in early spring to promote new growth and maintain shape