
Looking to keep the vibrant colours going in your garden throughout fall/autumn? This article will introduce you to ten of the best autumn flowering perennials.
Just a note on terminology: As an English gardener, I naturally use the word ‘autumn’ instead of ‘fall’. So, I hope that my US readers will forgive me and in their minds read ‘fall’ every time I use the word ‘autumn’ below.
Flowering perennials brighten up your garden and also attract pollinators, providing essential support for the ecosystem as the long summer days fade into a memory.
I try to have lots of Autumn flower perennials in my garden as a way to keep my spirits up as the weather cools and I harvest the last of the summer vegetables.
This is quite important for me as I feel the end of summer quite keenly and I get a bit sad and melancholy as the winter approaches.

My favourite autumn flowering perennial is actually the Dahlia. I haven’t featured it here as I have multiple other dahlia focused articles. Go to our Dahlia hub to find out more and discover more about the huge range of Dahlia varieties.
So, here is a selection of other autumn flowering perennials to keep the summer buzz going in your garden as long as possible.
1) Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Technically, the genusSedum’ has been re-named ‘Hylotelephium., but I still think of these plants as Sedums (as do most people). So I will use that name for this article.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a fantastic choice for autumn flowering perennials in your garden. This perennial stands out with its tall, upright form and fleshy, pale green leaves.
In late summer and autumn, expect to see clusters of star-shaped flowers. These flowers start off in a pink hue and mature to a coppery red.
Plant Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ in well-draining soil and ensure it gets full sun exposure. This plant is heat and drought tolerant, making it a resilient choice for many gardens.
When planting, space the plants at least 1 foot apart to allow them to form clumps over time. Adding Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ to your garden brings beautiful colour and texture during the autumn months.
Explore more about growing this lovely sedum at The Spruce and Gardener’s Path.
2) Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is another of my favourites for its sunshine flowers, its powerful presence and its long-lasting display. This perennial features bright, golden-yellow blooms with black centres, adding a splash of colour to any garden.
Growing to about 2-3 feet tall, ‘Goldsturm’ offers a bushy, upright habit. It’s perfect for borders or mass planting. You will find it thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
As mentioned, one of the pleasures of ‘Goldsturm’ is its long blooming period. Expect flowers from midsummer to autumn, making it an excellent choice for extended garden interest.
A great thing about ‘Goldsturm’ is its hardiness. It is suitable for USDA zones 3-9 and can tolerate light shade, though it flowers best in full sun.
For those interested in adding ‘Goldsturm’ to their gardens, check out our complete guide to Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’.
3) Aster ‘Little Carlow’

Aster ‘Little Carlow’ is also known as Symphyotrichum ‘Little Carlow’. It blooms in early autumn, providing a burst of colour just when other plants start to fade.
The flowers of Aster ‘Little Carlow’ are a lovely lavender-blue, with golden-yellow centres. They grow on soft stems, making them perfect for adding a gentle touch to your garden.
This perennial is fairly compact, reaching about 1 to 1.2 metres in height. Its mid-green, heart-shaped leaves add to its attractiveness. It fits well at the front of borders or as a striking centrepiece.
Aster ‘Little Carlow’ is also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, which can help the rest of your garden thrive. The vibrant blooms add life and movement, making your garden a lively spot throughout the autumn months.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.
4) Helenium spp

Heleniums dazzle with their copper-ruby, red, bronze, orange and yellow flowers flowers. From mid-summer to early autumn, these blooms bring rich, warm tones to your garden. This variety is perfect for hot planting schemes.
Place Heleniums in a sunny spot for the best results. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This ensures prolific blooming.
Plant in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. Avoid wet and soggy conditions to prevent root rot. Water the plant as needed to keep the soil moist.
These cheerful blooms will attract bees and butterflies, adding to the pleasure of your Fall garden.
For more details, visit our complete Helenium growing guide.
5) Echinacea ‘Purpurea’

Echinacea ‘Purpurea’, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is a stunning addition to any autumn garden. This perennial is part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies.
Purple coneflowers are known for their tall stems, reaching up to 36 inches. They are characterised by large, daisy-like flowers with purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone-shaped centre.
You can easily grow Echinacea ‘Purpurea’ from seed. Plant the seeds in a sunny spot in your garden and ensure the soil is well-drained. For better results, space the plants 1 to 3 feet apart.
Once established, purple coneflowers require minimal maintenance. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, especially in dry periods. Adding a thin layer of compost and mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. They thrive in USDA zones 3 to 10, making them a versatile choice for many regions.
For more details on growing and caring for Echinacea ‘Purpurea’, visit this guide.
6) Chrysanthemum ‘Clara Curtis’

Chrysanthemum ‘Clara Curtis’ has daisy-like flowers with light pink petals and a cheerful yellow centre, creating a vibrant display from late summer through to mid-autumn.
This variety reaches 18 to 24 inches in height and spreads about 18 inches. Its upright stems and deeply lobed foliage add an attractive texture to your garden bed.
Known for its ease of care, you can simply plant ‘Clara Curtis’ in well-drained soil and provide it with full sun. It thrives with regular watering, but ensure the soil doesn’t get waterlogged.
A major plus is its long flowering season, making it a reliable source of colour as other blooms begin to fade.
7) Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’

Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ features pure white flowers with bright yellow stamens. You’ll appreciate how these blooms stand out in evening light, providing a fresh look from late summer through to the autumn.
This perennial thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, making it quite versatile. You should plant it in a spot with sun or partial shade. It is particularly effective when placed against a darker background to highlight the gleaming white flowers.
The flowers of Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ appear slightly cupped and sway gracefully on tall, slender stems. These blooms can bring a touch of elegance and light to shaded parts of your garden, especially in the evening.
8) Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is one of the most striking perennials for autumn blooms in your garden. Its fiery red flowers add a vibrant splash of colour to any herbaceous border.
This cultivar, known scientifically as Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, was created by Victor Lemoine in 1879.
You’ll want to plant Crocosmia corms at least 2 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. Ensure they are spaced 18 inches away from other plants to allow ample room for growth.
Crocosmia thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 8.0. It prefers a location that receives full to partial sun. This plant is dependable in Zones 5 to 9, making it a hardy choice for many gardens.
During the blooming season, deadheading spent flowers can help the plant direct its energy towards producing more blooms. Regular watering and occasional fertilising can keep your Crocosmia healthy and vibrant.
9) Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, often known as Dwarf Plumbago, is an excellent choice for your garden. It is a shrubby perennial and works well as a ground cover due to its spreading habit. It plant grows up to 30 cm (1 foot tall) tall and can spread 45 cm (18 inches) wide, filling in gaps beautifully.
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is great for erosion control. It’s suitable for sunny or partly shaded areas and can thrive over small rocks, making it adaptable in different garden settings. During autumn, its bright blue flowers add a pop of colour.
This plant is resistant to damage by deer, so you won’t have to worry about wildlife disturbing it. The leaves turn a stunning bronze-red in autumn, adding seasonal interest. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet striking addition to your garden, consider Ceratostigma plumbaginoides.
10) Colchicum autumnale

Colchicum autumnale, also called autumn crocus, is a delightful addition to any garden. This perennial is known for its charming, crocus-like flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of pink, lavender, or white.
Growing these flowers is quite simple. They are half-hardy and thrive in USDA zones 5-9. The plants prefer well-draining soil with moderate moisture levels.
Each corm can produce multiple blooms, making the display even more spectacular. Plant them in your garden beds or borders to enjoy bursts of colour in autumn.
These perennials grow to about 4-6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. They can bring a unique touch to your garden when many other plants are starting to fade away.
Like many plants, autumn crocus needs careful watering. Too much water can rot the corm, while too little can dry them out. Water them about once a week during the spring and reduce watering as the foliage dies.
Caring for autumn flowering perennials
Taking care of autumn flowering perennials involves focusing on proper soil preparation, correct watering, and timely pruning. These practices help ensure your plants thrive and bloom beautifully in the cooler months.
Soil and planting tips
The type of soil you use plays a key role in the health of your autumn flowering perennials. Most of these plants prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Use a mixture of compost and garden soil to provide the right nutrients. For optimal results, test your soil’s pH and adjust it based on the needs of your specific perennials. Generally, a slightly acidic to neutral pH works well for many plants.
Proper spacing is also crucial. Make sure to plant them at the recommended distance to allow adequate air circulation, preventing fungal diseases.
Watering and fertilisation
Autumn perennials may need extra watering during dry spells. Water deeply to reach the plant’s root zone, encouraging strong root development.
Do this in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilisation is equally important. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser works best. Apply it at the beginning of the growing season and periodically according to the plant’s needs. Over-fertilising can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer blooms, so follow the instructions carefully.
Pruning and deadheading
Pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your perennials. Remove any dead or damaged stems to allow better air circulation and light penetration. This reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period.
Use clean, sharp tools to make smooth cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Regularly check your plants and remove faded flowers promptly. This not only tidies up the plant but also redirects energy towards producing new blooms rather than seed development.
Designing your autumn/fall garden
Designing your autumn garden involves thoughtful planning around colours, your garden’s design, and ensuring smooth seasonal transitions. Focus on using plants that thrive in cooler temperatures, and create a landscape that remains vibrant and healthy.
Choosing colour schemes
When selecting colours for your autumn garden, aim for a cohesive palette. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow can create a welcoming atmosphere. Combine these with deep purples and golds for a rich, layered effect.
Many of the perennials listed here will flower from late summer into autumn, ensuring your garden stays lively. Balance your bright colours with greenery to prevent overwhelming the senses.
Create visual interest by grouping plants in odd numbers. This helps in achieving a natural and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Also, consider the bloom time of plants to maintain a harmonious look throughout the season.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.