Planting perennials in the fall is one of the best decisions you can make for your garden’s future. There’s something magical about tucking new plants into the soil just as the growing season seems to be winding down, only to have them burst back to life when spring arrives! Fall planting gives perennials time to establish their roots in the cooler, wetter months, so they’re ready to flourish when temperatures start to rise again. And let me tell you, as a gardener, there’s no better feeling than seeing those first green shoots after a long winter.
I know how tricky it can be to decide which perennials to plant—there are so many wonderful options! The key is to choose varieties that can handle the cooler weather and will come back even stronger when the season turns. Plus, by planting in fall, you’re giving these plants a head start to establish themselves, resist pests, and make the most of the early spring growing season. So, here are ten hardy perennials that will reward you with a stunning garden come spring!
Salvia: The Bee Magnet
Salvia, sometimes known as sage, is a perennial that is as tough as it is beautiful! Originating from the Mediterranean region, Salvia boasts stunning spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers that bloom profusely from late spring to early fall. It’s one of those plants that’s practically irresistible to pollinators – bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will flock to it, creating a lively buzz in your garden. Salvia’s leaves also emit a lovely, slightly minty fragrance when brushed, making it a delight for gardeners and garden visitors alike.
Planting Salvia in the fall allows its roots to settle in and develop a strong foundation before winter hits. This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, though it can handle a bit of partial shade. While not considered invasive, Salvia can spread and form a delightful, bushy mass that fills your garden with color. It’s a low-maintenance plant, so you won’t have to worry too much about pests or diseases – a huge relief for any gardener who knows how frustrating that can be!
Siberian Iris: The Elegant Survivor
One of my all-time favorite perennials to plant in the fall is the Siberian iris. Native to Europe and northern Asia, this elegant beauty can handle just about anything nature throws at it. It thrives in a wide range of soil types, from clay to sandy, and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established. With tall, slender leaves and delicate blooms in shades of blue, purple, white, and yellow, the Siberian iris brings a touch of sophistication to any garden.
What makes the Siberian iris particularly special is its ability to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, while being resistant to pests that tend to plague other garden plants. It’s not invasive, so you won’t have to worry about it taking over, but it does have a knack for spreading to form lovely clumps over time. If you’re looking to add a bit of elegance and resilience to your spring garden, Siberian iris is a fantastic choice. And planting it in the fall will give it the chance to root deeply, ensuring a beautiful bloom come spring!
Peonies: The Timeless Garden Classic
Peonies are an absolute must-have in any perennial garden, and fall is the perfect time to get them in the ground. Originating from Asia, Europe, and North America, these plants are known for their show-stopping blooms that range from soft pastels to vibrant pinks and reds. They can live for decades, even generations, often outlasting the gardener who planted them! Peonies attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden while providing a glorious visual display.
Peonies do best when planted in the fall, as they need the cool months to establish their roots before bursting into bloom in late spring. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade. And while they’re not invasive, peonies do need space to grow – they dislike being crowded. You might find their hefty blossoms can attract ants, but don’t worry; ants on peonies are normal and won’t harm the plants. In fact, some gardeners believe they help the buds open, so it’s a win-win!
Hellebores: The Early Risers
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are among the earliest bloomers in the spring garden, sometimes even flowering through snow! Native to Europe and Asia, these hardy perennials produce nodding, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and even green. They thrive in shady spots, making them a fantastic option for those darker corners of your garden where other plants struggle to grow. And, let’s be honest, it’s such a joy to see those early blooms when most of the garden is still asleep.
What makes hellebores particularly special is their resistance to deer and rabbits – a lifesaver if you live in an area where these critters like to munch on your plants! They also have leathery, evergreen leaves that provide interest year-round, even when they’re not in bloom. Hellebores aren’t considered invasive, but they do self-seed readily, which means more plants for you! Planting them in the fall will give their roots time to settle in, and by spring, you’ll be rewarded with their charming flowers that signal the end of winter’s gloom.
Catmint: The Resilient Charmer
Catmint, or Nepeta, is a perennial that combines toughness with charm, making it a favorite for fall planting. Originating from Europe, Asia, and Africa, catmint is incredibly hardy, with soft, gray-green foliage and spikes of blue or lavender flowers that bloom from late spring well into the summer. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies – what more could you ask for?
Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s remarkably forgiving of poor soil conditions. While it isn’t invasive, it can spread to form a beautiful ground cover if left unchecked. But don’t worry – this spreading habit makes it perfect for filling in gaps in the garden or creating a natural border. Planting it in the fall allows it to establish strong roots, making it even more resilient in the face of tough weather. And did I mention that cats love it too? If you’re a cat lover, you might find your feline friends rolling around in its fragrant foliage!
Coreopsis: The Sunshine of Your Garden
Coreopsis, often known as tickseed, is like a little burst of sunshine in your garden! Native to North America, this hardy perennial comes in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, brightening up any garden bed with its cheerful blooms. It’s incredibly easy to grow, thriving in poor, sandy soils where other plants might fail, and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Fall planting is ideal for coreopsis, as it allows the plant to establish itself and be ready to bloom prolifically by spring. It’s not considered invasive, but coreopsis can self-seed, leading to more of these sunny beauties popping up in unexpected places! Butterflies and bees adore coreopsis flowers, which makes them a great choice for supporting local pollinators. And let’s not forget that its blooms are long-lasting and make fantastic cut flowers, too – so you can bring a little bit of that sunshine indoors!
Echinacea: The Prairie Beauty
Echinacea, or coneflower, is a true staple for any perennial garden, especially if you’re looking for something hardy and low-maintenance. Native to North America, particularly the prairies, echinacea is beloved for its daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. These plants are tough as nails, able to withstand drought, heat, and poor soil, and they’re an absolute magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!
Echinacea’s deep roots help improve soil structure and retain moisture, making it a great addition to any sustainable garden. It’s not invasive, but it can self-seed readily, providing a continuous supply of new plants year after year. And if you leave the spent flowers on the plant, they provide seeds for birds like goldfinches to feast on in the winter – talk about a plant that gives back! Fall is the perfect time to plant echinacea, allowing it to establish a strong root system that will support its growth and blooms for years to come.
Black-Eyed Susan: The Bold and Bright
Black-eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia, is another North American native that is perfect for fall planting. With its bright yellow petals and dark, central cones, this perennial is hard to miss and adds a cheerful touch to any garden. It’s a favorite among bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring your garden stays buzzing with activity throughout the growing season.
Planting black-eyed Susan in the fall allows it to develop a robust root system that will support its tall, sturdy stems and abundant blooms in spring and summer. This plant is not invasive, but it can spread by self-seeding, which is great if you want a natural-looking, meadow-style garden. Black-eyed Susans are also incredibly resistant to deer and drought, making them a resilient choice for gardeners facing these challenges. Plus, their long-lasting blooms make them a great cut flower, so you can enjoy their sunny disposition indoors as well!
Yarrow: The Garden Protector
Yarrow is a perennial that every gardener should consider, not only for its beauty but also for its beneficial qualities. Native to Europe and Asia, yarrow has flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. It’s known for attracting a host of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and predatory wasps, which help keep pest populations in check.
Planting yarrow in the fall gives it plenty of time to establish a deep root system that makes it drought-resistant and incredibly hardy. It’s not considered invasive, but yarrow can spread by rhizomes, forming a dense ground cover that helps suppress weeds. The feathery foliage of yarrow also adds a soft, textural element to garden beds, and its flowers can be used in dried arrangements, providing beauty both in and out of the garden!
Lungwort: The Shade Lover
Lungwort, also known as Pulmonaria, is a wonderful perennial for shady spots in the garden. Native to Europe and western Asia, lungwort is beloved for its unique foliage, which is often splashed with white or silver, and its clusters of small, tubular flowers that can range from pink to blue. It blooms in early spring, providing one of the first food sources for pollinators like bees, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
Lungwort thrives in cool, moist, shaded conditions, and fall planting is ideal as it allows the plant to settle in without the stress of summer heat. It’s not considered invasive, but it will slowly spread to form a beautiful ground cover, which is great for filling in bare patches under trees or in other shady areas. Plus, lungwort is deer and rabbit resistant, a real bonus if you’ve ever felt the frustration of finding your garden nibbled to bits!
