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Mums are often seen as the classic sign that the growing season is winding down and cooler weather is approaching. But that doesn’t mean your gardening has to stop. In fact, it’s the perfect time to plant vibrant flowers that aren’t mums. These stunning fall-blooming plants can add bright color to your garden, keeping it lively all season long. Whether they bloom in fall, are planted in summer for autumn color, or thrive in cooler temperatures, these flowers are great alternatives to mums. Here are some of the best fall-bloomers to consider for your garden this year.
Aster
Asters come in various shades of purple, pink, and yellow, making them perfect for fall gardens. These daisy-like flowers attract pollinators and are beloved for their abundant late summer and fall blooms, adding a burst of color to any garden.
These hardy perennials are adaptable and thrive in various soil types, moisture levels, and USDA hardiness zones 3-9. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Asters attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, contributing to garden biodiversity.
Turtlehead
Named for its unique flower shape, which resembles a turtle’s head, Turtlehead thrives in moist, shaded areas, providing late-season color with its pink or white blooms. This plant pairs nicely with small shrubs. Zone 3-8
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod is a plant that blooms in late summer, showcasing tall spikes filled with small, bright yellow flowers. It does best in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. The vivid yellow flowers of Goldenrod act like a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
African Daisy
African Daisies, also known as Osteospermum, can be grown as either perennials or annuals, depending on the climate. In colder climates—zones 9 and below—they are generally treated as annuals and must be replanted annually.
Autumn Crocus
Autumn crocus, colchicum, or meadow saffron is a captivating bulb flower that blooms in late summer or early fall. The flower is delicate, goblet-shaped in purple, pink, or white shades.
This unique plant emerges directly from the soil without any foliage, earning it the nickname “naked lady.” While admired for its ethereal beauty, autumn crocus is important to handle carefully, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.
Anemone
Fall-blooming with simple, poppy-like white flowers that are soft and delicate looking. It is best to plant in partial shade in fertile, moist soil that drains well but doesn’t dry out quickly. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and produce more plants.
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Helenium
Also known as sneezeweed, Helenium blooms in late summer to fall, featuring rich, warm orange, red, and yellow tones. Its bright, daisy-like flowers add vibrant colors to the garden. Zone 3-10
Calendula
Calendula seeds sown in August will produce a glorious display of early spring blooms, ideal for pollinating insects as they emerge from hibernation.
Sedum (Autumn Joy)
Sedum varieties are completely maintenance-free and love the sun. They provide late-season blooms and are excellent for attracting butterflies. These flowers are long-lasting and dry well for winter arrangements. Zones 3-9
Petunia (Petunia × hybrida)
Petunias are prolific bloomers, offering a range of trumpet-shaped flowers in purple, pink, white, and red. Their stunning display makes petunias a garden favorite. They are excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens, blooming continuously with regular deadheading. Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. These plants will bloom until the first frost to a garden full of vibrant colors and lush growth.
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Coreopsis is known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, gold, orange, and sometimes red or pink. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant blooms from early summer to fall, adding lasting color to the garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy-care option for various settings. Zones 4-9
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