Planting perennials in the fall allows your garden to establish strong roots before the growing season begins in spring. Fall planting gives perennials a head start, helping them bloom beautifully year after year. Here’s a list of 15 perennial flowers that you can plant in the fall, along with tips on how to plant and care for them.
Peonies
Peonies are known for their large, fragrant blooms and can live for decades if planted properly. Plant them in well-draining, rich soil with full sun exposure. Water them deeply after planting, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer, and in colder climates, cover them with a layer of mulch for winter protection. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Peonies just click here.
Irises
Irises are hardy perennials that bring vibrant color to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun. Water sparingly, as they prefer drier conditions. Fertilize in early spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. To overwinter irises, trim back the leaves after the first frost and mulch lightly to protect the rhizomes. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Irises just click here.
Daylilies
Daylilies are low-maintenance perennials that can thrive in various soil types. Plant them in well-draining soil with full to partial sun. Water them regularly but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize once in spring with a balanced fertilizer. For overwintering, cut back the foliage after frost and add mulch to protect the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Daylilies just click here.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, or echinacea, add bright color and attract pollinators. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water them occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. To overwinter, leave the seed heads intact for wildlife and cover with mulch for insulation. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Coneflowers just click here.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a drought-tolerant perennial that requires minimal care. Plant it in well-draining soil with full sun. Water sparingly, as it thrives in dry conditions. Sedum rarely needs fertilizer but benefits from a light application in spring. Overwintering is simple—leave the dried foliage to protect the plant, and add mulch in colder climates. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Sedum just click here.
Hostas
Hostas are shade-loving perennials that add lush foliage to your garden. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. For overwintering, cut back the foliage after the first frost and mulch heavily to protect the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Hostas just click here.
Phlox
Phlox provides fragrant blooms in various colors. Plant them in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Overwinter phlox by cutting back the foliage and applying mulch around the base to protect against frost. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Phlox just click here.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart is a shade-loving perennial with unique, heart-shaped flowers. Plant it in well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring. For overwintering, cut back the foliage after frost and add a layer of mulch for protection. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Bleeding Heart just click here.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials that bloom in late summer and fall. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun. Water occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. To overwinter, leave the seed heads for birds and add mulch to protect the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Black-Eyed Susans just click here.
Asters
Asters add late-season color to your garden with their daisy-like flowers. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. For overwintering, cut back the foliage after frost and apply mulch to insulate the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Asters just click here.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort thrives in shade and adds color with its spotted leaves and delicate flowers. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Overwinter lungwort by cutting back the foliage and applying mulch to protect it from freezing temperatures. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Lungwort just click here.
Columbine
Columbine is a spring-blooming perennial that thrives in partial shade. Plant it in well-drained soil and water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. To overwinter, cut back the foliage after frost and add mulch for insulation. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Columbine just click here.
Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies produce classic white blooms that brighten any garden. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. For overwintering, cut back the foliage after frost and mulch to protect the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Shasta Daisies just click here.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera adds beautiful foliage to your garden with its colorful leaves. Plant it in well-drained soil in partial shade. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Overwinter heuchera by cutting back the foliage and adding mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Heuchera just click here.
Lupines
Lupines provide tall spires of colorful blooms and add vertical interest to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. To overwinter, cut back the foliage after frost and mulch heavily to protect the roots. For more in depth post on planting and caring for Lupines just click here.
How to Plant Perennial Flowers in the Fall
Planting perennials in the fall is all about timing and preparation. Begin by selecting healthy plants or bulbs from a local nursery. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility.
- Timing: Plant your perennials about six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. This gives the roots time to establish before winter sets in.
- Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing for each plant to ensure they have room to grow. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and disease.
- Planting Depth: For plants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil. For bulbs, plant at a depth two to three times their height, pointed end up.
Caring for Fall-Planted Perennials
Once your perennials are in the ground, water them deeply to help them settle in. Water consistently during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture and protect the roots during winter.
Overwintering Tips for Perennials
In colder climates, overwintering is essential to protect your fall-planted perennials. After the first frost, cut back any dead foliage to prevent disease. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the roots and keep the soil temperature more stable. If you have tender perennials that may not survive harsh winters, consider covering them with frost blankets or digging them up and storing them indoors until spring.
Happy Gardening!
Planting perennials in the fall gives your garden a head start for the next growing season. By selecting hardy flowers like peonies, irises, and hostas, and following proper planting and care techniques, you’ll enjoy a vibrant and healthy garden for years to come. Pay attention to soil, light, water, and overwintering needs to ensure your perennials thrive through the colder months and burst into bloom when spring arrives.
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