Who says spring gets to have all the fun? While many gardens start to wind down as the days get shorter, these fall bloomers are just getting started, bringing a surprising burst of color to the second half of the year.
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++Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum)
Originally from East Asia, “Mums” have become a staple in gardens everywhere. Their massive popularity is definitely thanks to their late bloom time. You’ll usually see the first buds opening in August, and depending on how the weather holds up, they can keep the show going all the way into November. They are true marathon runners of the fall garden and a total joy to have around.
++Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
Tall Verbena (or Argentinian Vervain) shows off stunning clusters of bluish-purple flowers. While they start popping up in July, they often stick around until October. Just a heads-up: they aren’t fully winter-hardy and can be a bit sensitive to long, deep freezes. However, they are champion self-seeders! They’re so easy to propagate that you can easily treat them as annuals and enjoy them year after year.
++Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
The Chaste Tree is another great pick for blooms that last through October. These plants are super low-maintenance and look fantastic in a garden bed. It’s not just about the pretty spikes of flowers, though—the green foliage smells amazing, too! It has a lovely, natural look that fits into almost any garden style. Pro tip: try planting them in a sheltered spot near a house wall for a little extra protection.
++Fall Asters (Aster dumosus)
Fall Asters are easily one of the most popular perennials for late-season color. They feature delicate, daisy-like petals with bright yellow centers. To get the best out of them, mix a little sand and compost into the soil at their planting site. This ensures they get the nutrients they need to really pop in autumn. If you notice the blooms starting to fade after a few years, it’s probably time to divide them or give them a rejuvenating prune.
++Gladiolus (Gladiolus)
With their incredible range of colors, “Glads” are a fall favorite for a reason. You’ll see them everywhere from professional flower farms to backyard borders. Their tall, flower-heavy spikes are unmistakable. Depending on how much TLC they get, they can bloom through the end of September, handing off the baton to the later fall varieties.
++Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod keeps the garden glowing with tiny yellow flowers well into October. These plants are famously easy to care for and are a total magnet for pollinators. By planting Goldenrod, you’re not just making your yard look good; you’re also doing a huge favor for the local bees and butterflies. Many varieties are very winter-hardy, so you won’t have to worry about them when the frost hits.
++Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Think of the Autumn Crocus as the fall version of the spring crocus. The flowers look very similar, though they are quite a bit larger. They bloom from September to October, bringing a little bit of that “springtime feeling” to the end of the season. They’re a wonderful way to keep the garden feeling fresh as the leaves start to turn.
++Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile)
Stonecrop (also known as Sedum) is a succulent, meaning it’s great at storing water. This helps the plant produce beautiful, thick flower heads even late in the year. The Stonecrop bloom time usually lasts well into September, adding rich texture and color to your garden beds. It’s an incredibly hardy, “set-it-and-forget-it” plant that provides a vital late-season food source for insects.