13 Fall Plant Ideas for an Autumnal Refresh
Fill your planters with the best plants for fall.
As the seasons change , we love thinking about the best fall plants to go with our autumnal decor. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right plants for fall and how to style them, such as the cooler weather and shorter daylight hours. We've put together a list of 13 fall plant ideas to help you gather inspiration for showing off your autumn botanicals.
1. Build a Beautiful Fall Palette
Chrysanthemums are a fall staple that brighten up your garden. These low-maintenance perennials come in several shades, including lavender, orange, purple, white, yellow, and maroon, so you can easily use them to build a festive fall palette. To let colorful chrysanthemums really shine, plant them in neutral pots. In the photo above, we love how the bright blooms pop against the light gray planter.
For a beautiful fall plant idea, try an unexpected color combo: pink and green. In darker, more muted tones, these two colors add a refreshing twist to the typical fall palette. Use fall plants to bring these two hues to your front door – we love pairing ferns and vines with pink panicle hydrangeas (like in the photo above). The two colors complement each other and make the warm shades of the pumpkins really pop.
If you're looking for bright sunny color, black-eyed Susans are one of the best plants for fall. This easy-to-care-for type of daisy blooms in mid-summer to late fall, and then can be taken inside to protect them from winter weather. These perennials need moist, well-drained soil, so we recommend planting them in terracotta pots. The terracotta material is porous, which is ideal for proper drainage and air circulation. Plus, the dark orange hue is perfect for matching a warm fall palette.
Similar to chrysanthemums, dahlias are another one of the best plants for fall. These long-lasting flowers bloom in mid- to late-summer and last through the fall. Dahlias come in an array of bright colors like yellow, purple, red, orange, and pink, so for a rustic twist, we love placing them inside metal planters. We love how the galvanized finish and bucket-style silhouette pairs with the colorful blooms.
Keep your pansies protected from the cold with a mini greenhouse. Though pansies are a cool-weather perennial that's often planted in the spring, they can be planted (or re-planted) when the weather cools down. A greenhouse adds a layer of protection from the elements and extends the growing season for your fall plants.
Yellow is a warm and sunny addition to any fall color palette. Opt for a bright yellow flower like Marguerite daisies or strawflowers to add vibrant color to a fall porch. Plant the flowers in a matching yellow planter for an extra pop of color.
Hanging planters are perfect for fall plant ideas. These planters draw the eye upward and add an eye-catching element to your porch or patio. The best plants for fall for planting in hanging baskets include coral bells, verbenas, or mums. Each type of flower comes in a range of stunning shades, so it's easy to find one that matches your outdoor decor.
Tip!
Not sure how to install hanging planters? Check out our guide How to Hang Plants From the Ceiling for step-by-step instructions.
8. Opt for Colorful Planters
Make a statement with bright, rainbow-hued planters to complement your fall flowers. Think blue planters paired with orange flowers, or green planters combined with pink and red flowers. With plenty of colors and a fade-proof finish, we recommend choosing fiberglass planters. Fiberglass is an incredibly lightweight and durable material that provides insulation to protect your plants as the weather cools down.
Tip!
Need help choosing the right material for an outdoor planter? Check out our guide The Best Planter Materials for Your Garden to find simple tips.
9. Create a Cluster of Small Planters
Whether you have limited outdoor space or prefer to stick with small plants, we love adding clusters of smaller plants to create a layered look. Place a pair of small planters on the porch steps and a tall planter near the front door. Choose plants with slightly staggered heights or different textures to create visual interest. Fall plants, such as goldenrod or Russian sage, add the right amount of height and color to create a stylish space.
From changing leaves to pumpkin patches, orange is a classic fall color. Coordinate your fall plants with your fall decor by focusing on shades of orange. Add in planters filled with marigolds or zinnias to bring brilliant orange color to your outdoor space, and choose orange throw pillows, wreaths, or outdoor rugs to complete the look.
For an easy fall plant idea, add festive details to your plants. Swap out an existing planter with one that features fall-themed motifs, such as a fun leaf pattern or a turkey-shaped silhouette. Or place two or three pumpkins next to the planter for a seasonal touch. The vivid green leaves work well with the warm orange tones of the pumpkins.
Fall plant ideas don't always have to highlight orange, red, or yellow – the bright green foliage in the photo above is perfect for the first weeks of fall. We love using a variety of plants to fill the space with nature, while the subtle fall-themed decor eases the seating area into the new season.
Make your outdoor space feel like an autumnal oasis with plenty of leafy plants. For outdoor autumn plant ideas, make sure to choose a plant that doesn't require much direct sunlight and can withstand the cooler temperatures. Use a trailing plant like ivy or pothos to let the vines cascade around the seating area, or opt for an autumn fern for an eye-catching addition to your patio.
