X

The Best Flowers for Fall Planting If You Want the Biggest Springtime Blooms

Give your springtime garden a head start by planting these flowers in the fall

Lennie Larkin and Heather Arndt Anderson

It’s not just bulbs that benefit from fall planting. Did you know that many spring blossoms will bloom earlier, for longer periods, and on taller stems if planted in the fall? And some seeds won’t even germinate without a cold stratification period. These are some of our favorites for fall planting— put them in the ground now and then sit back and enjoy fuller, healthier blooms in the spring.

1 /11

Geum (Geum coccineum)

Dainty 1" orange flowers form atop wispy stems in this prolific perennial. Geums are happiest in partial shade with well-drained soil, and will remain evergreen in most climates. ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a favorite for the designer’s garden as its petals resist shattering when cut.

2 /11

Rudbeckia triloba

Fall planting should always include a stalwart bloomer like brown-eyed Susan. Towering upright stems form a sea of wildflowers, in sharp contrast to this plant's traditional, tame cousin the Black-Eyed Susan. Planted in full sun along a border, it will self-support and grow up to 3' tall. If planted in shade, support netting may be necessary as stems will elongate and weaken.

3 /11

Panda Anemones (Anemone coronaria)

Grown from small tubers, anemones are a much-loved flower of early spring. The dramatic black eye surrounded by paper-thin white petals is unparalleled for its dramatic effect. Anemones begin to peter out once temperatures climb towards 70, making them prime candidates for fall planting.

4 /11

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Most foxglove species are biennials, meaning that they’ll flower and set seed in the second year. An exception is the first-year-flowering ‘Dalmation’ series. Bell-shaped speckled flowers form along one side of tall 4' spikes. They can tolerate full sun, but will thrive under afternoon shade in hotter climates.

5 /11 Photo by Flickr user Stefano

Coreopsis

Another outstanding specimen for fall planting, and one of the more unusual Coreopsis varieties. 'Ruby Mist' has striking red and white rays, and grows to more than 2 feet tall.
6 /11

Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)

Layers of soft petals make for a huge, lush flower head that resembles garden roses. Grown from small tubers or "corms," ranunculus are known for their soft pastels from the ‘La Belle’ series. They put on their show in mid-spring and feature longer stems if planted in the fall.

7 /11

Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)

While the phlox family is largely perennial, we love the showy annual varieties for their vigor. Choose from Phlox drummondii ‘Cherry Caramel’ or ‘Sugar Stars’ for gorgeous coloration and pillowy flowers atop 18” stems. Plant close together for tallest stems, and choose an area with rich soil and full sun.

8 /11

Ornamental Allium (Allium)

There are about 500 species in the allium family, including the kitchen staples of onions and garlic. Our favorite ornamental varieties include Allium sphaerocephalon, Allium cristophii, and Allium schubertii. They prefer rich, sandy soil, and will appreciate division after a few years. Close relative Sicilian honey lily (Nectaroscordum sicilum) is another gorgeous bloomer that should be added to a fall planting plan.

9 /11

Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)

Slender, elegant 2-4' stems hold small nodding flower heads with intricate patterns. A short-lived perennial, columbine grows best in well-drained soil with afternoon shade. Cut back spent stems to encourage a second flush. We love the ‘Barlow’ series for its unique range of colors.

10 /11 Photo by selimaksan / Getty Images

Dianthus

Sweetly spice-scented and a staple of bouquets, Dianthus will perform much better if included in a fall planting plan than if you wait for spring. Add it to borders where you need a touch of pink, white, red, or yellow (and shades in between).
11 /11

Fritillaria (Fritillaria meleagris)

Common in English gardens, word of fritillaria (aka checker lily) is just making its way over the pond to a new generation of American gardeners. F. meleagris is much loved for its tiny checkered flower heads on short dainty stems. They’ll perform best in sheltered, woodland gardens in dappled shade.