20 Fall Garden Plants for Cozy Autumn Color

3/18/2025By Gardener IdeaGarden Ideas

Autumn opens the door to a garden full of rich color and changing texture before winter arrives. This list rounds up 20 plants that hold up well in cooler weather, from cheerful mums to bold ornamental cabbages.

A cozy, colorful autumn garden is easier to build than most people think, and these picks are a great starting point.

Mums (Chrysanthemum)

Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums, bring bold color and layered texture to fall landscapes, making them one of the season’s most popular garden plants.

Colors range from deep purple to bright yellow, and bloom production ramps up sharply as summer shifts into fall.

These plants need well-drained soil and plenty of direct sunlight to bloom at their fullest.

Watering on a consistent schedule and deadheading spent flowers both stretch out the bloom period, which helps with fall curb appeal.

Since mums are perennials, they come back year after year, adding lasting value to a fall garden plan.

Pansies

Cooler fall temperatures bring out the best in pansies, a flower known for its adaptability.

Their large, heart-shaped petals come in a wide range of colors, instantly brightening a garden bed or walkway.

Frost resistance is one of their strongest traits, letting them stay in bloom well after other flowers have faded.

Pansies also do well in pots and containers, making them a solid choice for a patio or deck display.

Planted as a border or mixed among other flowers, they add a reliable splash of color to the overall fall layout.

Kale

Cool fall weather actually improves kale, and a light frost can sweeten its flavor even further.

This leafy green is loaded with vitamins and minerals, which is why so many health-focused gardeners keep it in rotation.

It also comes in several forms, including curly, flat, and ornamental varieties, giving a garden bed some visual variety alongside its nutritional value.

Kale is fairly low-maintenance to grow, and a single planting can keep producing fresh leaves for the table well into the season.

Ornamental Cabbage

Ornamental cabbage earns its place in a fall garden through bold, colorful foliage that stands apart from typical greenery.

It’s grown for looks rather than eating, with leaves that show off deep shades of purple, pink, and green.

Cold weather actually suits this plant well, which works in its favor once temperatures start dropping in fall.

Gardeners often use it in borders, containers, or mixed beds alongside other fall plants for added contrast.

The mix of textures and colors gives a garden design a distinct, layered look that’s hard to get from flowers alone.

Asters

Asters bloom from late summer into fall, bringing a strong burst of color right as many other flowers start to fade.

Their daisy-shaped blooms come in shades of purple and pink, a big reason they’re a longtime favorite among gardeners.

Bees and butterflies are drawn to asters as well, which makes them useful for supporting pollinators in a fall garden.

They do best in well-drained soil under full sun, and their tolerance for cooler temperatures makes them dependable as the season shifts.

Sedum

Sedum is a tough, drought-tolerant succulent that does well in full sun, which makes it a solid pick for fall planting.

Its thick, fleshy leaves and late-season flowers keep adding color and structure even as neighboring plants start to fade.

The ‘Autumn Joy’ variety, for example, produces pink-to-red blooms that draw in pollinators, and it needs very little upkeep once established.

Paired with other fall plants, sedum adds visual interest that carries a garden through the cooler months.

Marigolds

Marigolds require little upkeep and hold up well in fall gardens, with blooms ranging from deep orange to bright yellow that add warmth to any bed.

Known for repelling pests, they serve as a natural insect deterrent, making them beneficial companions for vegetable gardens.

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and their resilience allows them to bloom until the frosts settle in.

They’re an excellent choice for enhancing both beauty and health in a fall garden.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are vibrant, hardy annuals that add a splash of color to any fall garden.

With their unique flower shapes resembling a dragon’s mouth, they come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and even white.

These blooms thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for autumn.

Snapdragons are not only super pretty to look at, but they also bring in bees and butterflies, which is really cool.

Plus, they don’t need a lot of attention and can handle some light frost, so they’re perfect for planting in the fall. They’re a great choice all around!

Chrysanthemums for Fall Color

Chrysanthemums, also known as “mums,” are such pretty flowers that bloom in the fall. They really brighten up the garden and give it some life just as the weather starts to cool down.

Have you ever noticed how beautiful flowers can be? They come in so many different colors, like vibrant reds and soft yellows, and they can really add a pop of color to your garden or patio.

It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in brightening up your outdoor space!

These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, making them an ideal choice for sunny spots.

Not to mention, these plants are tough cookies! They’re able to handle the ups and downs of fall weather, keeping their beauty intact all the way from late summer to early winter.

Care is simple; occasional deadheading can promote new blooms and prolong their display.

Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese Maple offers stunning foliage that transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow during fall, making it a spectacular addition to any garden.

I love this little tree! It has these beautiful, intricate leaves that add such a nice touch of texture and grace.

Ideal for both small and large spaces, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Its graceful shape and colorful display create a stunning focal point, enhancing the beauty of your fall garden landscape.

Autumn Joy Sedum Variety

Have you heard of Autumn Joy Sedum? It’s such a beautiful perennial plant that really shines in the autumn garden with its vibrant colors.

This plant is so cool because it has these really thick, juicy leaves and strong stems. And guess what? It even has these big clusters of beautiful rosy-pink flowers that bloom all the way from late summer until autumn. Isn’t that amazing?

Not only does it add a pop of color, but it’s also drought-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice.

This plant just loves soaking up the sun or finding a cozy spot in the shade, and best of all, it attracts butterflies, making your garden look even more stunning and lively!

Growing Goldenrod in Fall

Goldenrod is absolutely gorgeous in the fall! Its beautiful yellow flowers bring so much life to gardens from late summer all the way through fall.

Plus, it’s a hit with bees and butterflies, so it’s like a party for the whole ecosystem!

Goldenrod thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent option for borders or wildflower gardens.

Its hardiness and adaptability ensure it can flourish in various conditions, providing beauty well into autumn.

Hellebores for Cooler Months

Hellebores are a charming addition to any fall garden. Known for their resilience, these perennial plants bloom in late winter to early spring, often pushing through the snow.

Our flowers come in all sorts of colors – white, pink, purple, and even green! They really bring some life and color to your garden or yard.

You know, these shade-loving plants just love to be in well-drained soil and they really don’t ask for much maintenance.

That’s why gardeners just love them! And get this – hellebores are like superheroes because they’re deer-resistant! Those pesky animals won’t even touch ’em. How cool is that?

Overall, they provide beauty and interest during typically less colorful months in the garden.

Winterberry Holly Highlights

Winterberry Holly is a striking deciduous holly, renowned for its vibrant red berries that persist through the winter, providing essential food for birds.

Unlike many hollies, the female plants produce the colorful fruits, while male plants are necessary for pollination.

This shrub thrives in wet, acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Winterberry Holly is a great plant for your fall garden because it’s super low maintenance and looks beautiful all year round.

Plus, the bright colors it adds really make the garden come alive and bring in all sorts of cool wildlife too!

Black-eyed Susans in the Garden

I love having Black-eyed Susans in my garden during the fall – they really brighten things up with their vibrant colors!

Known for their cheerful yellow petals and dark brown centers, these perennials thrive in a variety of conditions, making them easy to grow.

They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, often attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Blooming from late summer into fall, they provide a stunning visual display while requiring minimal maintenance, allowing gardeners to enjoy their beauty throughout the season.

Foxglove Blooms and Care

Foxglove is such a beautiful flower to add to your fall garden! It has these tall spikes of tubular flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, and white – so pretty!

This plant loves some shade and well-drained soil, which makes it a great choice for adding a pop of color when other plants are starting to wilt. It’s a biennial, so you can enjoy it for a couple of years in a row. Just a lovely addition to any garden!

Not only does foxglove attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, but its foliage also provides lush greenery throughout the season.

Just remember, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so it’s best suited for ornamental purposes in gardens away from pets and children.

Growing Sage This Fall

Sage is a versatile herb that thrives in fall gardens. Its aromatic leaves add flavor to a variety of dishes, making it a favorite in culinary uses.

This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, making it an ideal choice for cooler months.

Sage is not only gorgeous with its pretty gray-green leaves, but it also brings a nice pop to your garden. And the best part is, it’s super easy to take care of – just water it every now and then once it’s settled in.

So whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, sage is a great choice for your garden.

Thyme for Fall Gardens

Thyme is a versatile herb perfect for fall gardens. With its strong aroma and flavor, it enhances various dishes, from roasted meats to hearty soups.

This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots, making it relatively easy to cultivate.

Thyme also attracts beneficial insects, which can help keep your garden ecosystem balanced. Plus, its resilience allows it to withstand cooler temperatures, ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs throughout the fall season.

Planting Garlic in Autumn

Garlic is a fantastic addition to any fall garden.

Not only does it make your food taste better, but it’s also really simple to grow.

Planting garlic in the fall allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter, leading to a healthier crop in the spring.

This plant loves to be in soil that drains well and it really enjoys soaking up the sunlight.

Regular watering and mulching can help protect the garlic during colder months, ensuring a bountiful harvest when the warm weather returns.

Fall-Ready Lettuce Varieties

Lettuce is a fantastic choice for fall gardens, thriving in cooler temperatures that enhance its flavor.

This leafy green is not only easy to grow but also a quick crop that can be harvested in about 30 to 60 days.

If you’re looking to spruce up your garden, consider adding some romaine, butterhead, or leaf lettuce varieties! They come in a range of textures and colors that can really liven up your space.

Ensuring consistent moisture and some protection from frost will help you enjoy a bountiful harvest even as the weather turns chilly.