Fall is the perfect season to refresh your container garden with vibrant, hardy plants that can withstand cooler temperatures and shorter days. These fall container plants are perfect for adding a pop of color to your porch for a stunning autumn display.
Best Fall Container Plants
Let’s dive into the best fall container plants that will keep your outdoor space thriving all autumn long.
1. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are quintessential fall flowers known for their vibrant blooms in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, orange, and pink.
These hardy perennials are perfect for fall containers due to their ability to thrive in cooler temperatures.
Plant them in late summer to early fall for the best display.
Ensure they get plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms will keep them looking their best.
2. Pansies
Pansies are excellent for fall containers due to their cold tolerance and cheerful blooms.
Available in a myriad of colors, pansies can brighten up any fall arrangement.
Plant them in early fall for vibrant displays.
They thrive in well-draining soil and spots that get partial to full sun. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
3. Ornamental Cabbage/Kale
Ornamental cabbages and kales are visually striking and incredibly resilient, making them ideal for fall containers.
Their ruffled leaves in shades of green, purple, and white add unique texture and color.
Plant them in early fall to enjoy their beauty throughout the season.
They thrive in cooler temperatures, prefer full sun to partial shade, and need well-drained soil.
4. Asters
Asters bring a burst of color with their star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.
These hardy perennials are great for fall containers as they bloom well into late autumn.
Plant them in late summer to early fall for a stunning display.
They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
5. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a drought-tolerant plant that adds texture and color to fall containers.
Their succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers make them low-maintenance.
Plant sedum in late summer to early fall.
They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering once established.
6. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are ideal for fall containers with their tall spikes of colorful flowers.
They thrive in cooler weather and can add vertical interest to your garden.
Plant snapdragons in early fall for prolonged blooming.
They prefer well-draining soil and spots with full sun to partial shade. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming.
7. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a fantastic choice for adding bright yellow color to fall containers.
This hardy perennial is easy to grow and attracts pollinators.
Plant goldenrod in late summer to early fall for the best display.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Minimal care is required, but occasional watering during dry spells helps.
8. Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers, adding a cheerful touch to fall containers.
These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant them in late summer to early fall.
They require regular watering and occasional deadheading to maintain their vibrant appearance.
9. Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones bring elegance to fall containers with their delicate, cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink and white.
They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Plant them in late summer for fall blooming.
Regular watering and mulching to retain soil moisture will keep them thriving.
10. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing plant with tiny, fragrant flowers that bloom well into the fall.
It’s perfect for filling in the gaps in container arrangements.
Plant sweet alyssum in early fall.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
11. Petunias
Petunias are versatile and colorful, making them great for fall containers.
Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in various colors and patterns.
Plant petunias in early fall for continuous blooms.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms will keep them vibrant.
12. Heuchera
Heuchera, or coral bells, are valued for their attractive foliage in shades of burgundy, bronze, and green.
These perennials add unique texture to fall containers.
Plant them in early fall for a season-long display.
They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching to retain soil moisture will ensure their health.
13. Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is perfect for adding height and movement to fall containers with its graceful, arching blades and fluffy plumes.
Plant fountain grass in late summer to early fall.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering once established.
They add a striking vertical element to any arrangement.
14. Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, or million bells, are small petunia-like flowers that bloom profusely.
They are ideal for hanging baskets and containers.
Plant them in early fall for a vibrant display.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization will keep them blooming beautifully.
15. Coleus
Coleus is known for its stunning foliage in a variety of colors and patterns, making it perfect for adding a bold splash of color to fall containers.
Plant coleus in early fall.
They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
Regular watering and pinching back new growth will keep them bushy and vibrant.
16. Begonia
Begonias are versatile plants with beautiful flowers and foliage.
They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for fall containers.
Plant begonias in late summer to early fall.
Regular watering and avoiding waterlogged soil will keep them healthy and blooming.
17. Marigolds
Marigolds are hardy annuals that bloom well into the fall.
Their bright yellow and orange flowers add a cheerful touch to any container garden.
Plant marigolds in late summer to early fall.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading will ensure continuous blooms.
18. Helenium
Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, features daisy-like flowers in warm hues of yellow, red, and orange.
These perennials bloom in late summer and continue into fall.
Plant helenium in late summer for a vibrant autumn display.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering.
19. Salvia
Salvia is a wonderful addition to fall containers with its spikes of vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage.
These perennials attract pollinators and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant salvia in late summer to early fall.
Regular watering and deadheading will keep them blooming profusely.
20. Verbena
Verbena is perfect for fall containers with its clusters of small, colorful flowers.
It blooms from summer into fall and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant verbena in early fall for a season-long display.
Regular watering and occasional fertilization will ensure continuous blooms.
21. Dahlias
Dahlias offer a spectacular display of blooms in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant dahlias in late summer for fall blooming.
Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms will keep them looking their best.
22. Celosia
Celosia, with its unique, flame-like flowers, adds a bold and exotic look to fall containers.
Plant celosia in early fall for vibrant displays.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Regular watering and deadheading will encourage continuous blooming.
23. Zinnia
Zinnias are beloved for their bright, cheerful flowers that bloom until the first frost.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, adding vibrant color to fall containers.
Plant zinnias in late summer to early fall.
Regular watering and deadheading will keep them blooming beautifully.
24. Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving plants with delicate flowers that can add color to fall containers.
They thrive in partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
Plant impatiens in late summer to early fall.
Regular watering and avoiding waterlogged soil will keep them healthy and vibrant.
25. Ornamental Peppers
Ornamental peppers add a unique and colorful touch to fall containers with their bright, glossy fruits.
These peppers come in a range of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and purple.
Plant ornamental peppers in late summer to early fall.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a vibrant addition to any autumn garden.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fall container plants can transform your garden into a colorful and lively space, even as the temperatures drop.
From the vibrant blooms of chrysanthemums and pansies to the unique textures of ornamental cabbage and kale, there are endless options to create stunning autumn displays.
Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix that suits your style and enjoy a beautiful container garden all season long.