Autumn foliage sets the stage for these fabulous perennials that bloom in the fall.
And fall is a great time to plantperennials.
All those warm foliage colors provide the perfect backdrop for autumns blooms.
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Picture purple asters blooming against the jewel-toned foliage of stewartia.
However, not all mums reliably return from year to year, especially in the southeast.
Pinch back the stems in spring or early summer as soon as the flower buds appear.
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This will encourage branching for denser growth and greater flower production, as well as delay blooming until fall.
Smooth aster makes a gorgeouscompanion to sunflowers, goldenrod, and other golden blooms.
Plants are drought tolerant once established.
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Narrowleaf Sunflower
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Narrowleaf sunflower is a beacon in the autumn garden.
A profusion of sunny yellow blooms opens late in the season, primarily in the month of October.
Blooms are followed by small seed heads that are a favorite of songbirds.
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However, it is known and named for its wonderful late-season display.
Autumn sage is adaptable to a range of soils and is quite tolerant of heat and drought.
Plants grow two to three feet tall and wide, with an open canopy of small, aromatic leaves.
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Clusters of showy pink, purple, or white flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
Plants grow in a low mound and will slowly spread by rooting at the nodes.
Deadhead spent flowers to keep plants compact and flowering.
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The striking red blooms stand atop tall stems rising one to two feet from the ground.
Each flower stalk contains four to six two-inch blooms, arranged in a spoke.
Flowers have long stamens that give the blooms a spidery-like appearance.
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Foliage emerges after the flowers fade and persists throughout the winter.
Spider lilies look most at home emerging through a low groundcover.
Blooms are produced on spikes standing up to three feet tall.
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Attractive foliage is held on arching stems in a ladder-like arrangement.
Toad lilies tolerate deep shade and make a lovely addition to woodland gardens.
Cut plants back in early summer to encourage branching and increased blooming.
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This drought-tolerant succulent thrives in a variety of tweaks, from shallow, rocky outcrops to clay soil.
Cut or pinch plants back in early spring to maintain a bushier habit and encourage thick stems.
The display is unique among goldenrods and quite stunning.
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The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Plants tolerate both dry and wet soils and spread slowly by rhizomes.
Divide plants every three to four years.
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The large, lily-like flowers arise nakedthat is, without the accompaniment of foliagein early fall.
Foliage emerges separately in spring.
Autumn crocus performs well in rock gardens, where they benefit from good drainage.
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Avoid planting colchicum in locations where they will be covered by falling leaves in autumn.
Flowers are followed by tan seed heads that hold through winter, offering food for birds.
Blue mistflower blooms over a long season, providing eight weeks of color from late summer until frost.
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Birds enjoy the seeds that follow the blooms.
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