As the weather starts to cool, you might think your gardening days are numbered, but fall is the perfect time to create stunning container arrangements that bring vibrant color to your doorstep, balcony, or patio! Fall container gardening is a fantastic way to extend the beauty of your garden into the cooler months and create eye-catching displays that celebrate the season. With just a few carefully chosen plants, you can transform any outdoor space into a fall paradise brimming with rich hues and interesting textures.
I know how tempting it can be to let those empty pots sit idle as summer fades, but trust me, a bit of fall planting can make all the difference! Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators or just want a cheerful burst of color to greet you each day, there are so many options to choose from. Let’s explore some of my favorite plants for fall containers that will add both beauty and resilience to your outdoor space!
Heuchera: The Colorful Foliage Champion
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is one of my absolute go-to plants for fall container arrangements. These perennial beauties offer an incredible variety of foliage colors, from deep purples to bright lime greens, providing a gorgeous backdrop for any fall display. What I love most about Heuchera is that their leaves maintain their vibrant color all season long, even when the temperatures start to drop. And they are super hardy! They can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, making them incredibly versatile in containers.
Heuchera is native to North America, particularly the woodland areas, so they’re well-suited to handle our climate changes. And don’t worry about them becoming invasive; these plants stay in their place and won’t overrun your other garden favorites. I often mix Heuchera with taller grasses or trailing plants in a container to create a dynamic look. The foliage adds such a rich depth of color and texture, and they even attract hummingbirds in the summer months when they flower!
Ornamental Kale: The Edible Beauty
Ornamental kale is another fantastic choice for fall containers, and I have to say, I’m a big fan of its bold, ruffled leaves that come in shades of green, purple, pink, and white. Unlike traditional flowering plants, ornamental kale provides a unique structural element to your containers with its dense rosettes that can handle frost like a champ. As the temperatures drop, the colors of ornamental kale actually become more vibrant, which is why they make such an excellent choice for fall arrangements.
Originating from the Mediterranean and not considered invasive, ornamental kale is easy to grow and can be edible too, although it’s usually grown for its stunning appearance. I love planting ornamental kale in the center of a large container and surrounding it with smaller, contrasting plants like pansies or violas. The kale serves as the star of the show, while the smaller plants add splashes of color that complement its gorgeous leaves. Plus, ornamental kale is low maintenance—just give it some sun and water, and it will reward you with beauty all season long.
Pansies: The Cold-Hardy Charmers
Pansies are a classic for fall container gardening, and for good reason! These charming little flowers come in nearly every color imaginable, and they can handle the cooler temperatures of fall with ease. Pansies are one of those plants that bring instant cheer to any garden space, with their bright, smiling faces and delightful fragrance. They’re also great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects, which might still be active during the early fall days.
Native to Europe, pansies are not considered invasive, so you don’t have to worry about them taking over your garden. I often plant pansies around the edges of my containers to create a soft, flowing border. Their mounding habit makes them perfect for filling in spaces and creating a lush, full look. Plus, they’re edible! Add a few flowers to your salads or use them to garnish desserts for a fun, seasonal touch.
Sedges: The Graceful Grasses
If you want to add a bit of movement and texture to your fall containers, don’t overlook sedges! These grass-like perennials have slender leaves that arch gracefully, adding a sense of flow and elegance to any arrangement. Sedges are incredibly versatile and come in a range of colors, from bright green to coppery brown, making them a great choice for creating a dynamic look in your fall displays. They’re also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, which means they’ll keep looking good without a lot of fuss!
Native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, sedges are generally not considered invasive, but they do spread slowly over time, which can be a benefit if you want to divide them in the future. I love using sedges in taller containers or window boxes, where their arching leaves can cascade over the edges. Combine them with plants that have bold foliage or bright flowers for a striking contrast that will catch the eye and bring your containers to life!
Chrysanthemums: The Fall Favorites
When I think of fall container gardening, chrysanthemums—or mums, as they’re often called—are the first plants that come to mind. These beloved perennials are synonymous with autumn, bursting into bloom with a range of warm colors like gold, burgundy, orange, and pink. Mums are incredibly versatile and can be used to create both traditional and contemporary looks in your fall containers. Plus, they’re a great way to attract late-season pollinators like bees and butterflies!
Mums have their origins in Asia and northeastern Europe, and they are not invasive, which means they play nicely with other plants in your garden. I enjoy placing them in the front or middle of my containers to create a full, layered effect. They pair beautifully with grasses, ivy, or even small evergreens, adding that perfect pop of color that everyone associates with fall. Just be sure to deadhead them regularly to keep those blooms coming all season long.
Ivy: The Trailing Evergreen
Ivy might not be the first plant you think of for a fall container, but its glossy, evergreen leaves make it an excellent choice for adding a bit of depth and contrast. Ivy’s trailing habit is perfect for spilling over the edges of containers, softening the look and providing a beautiful backdrop for brighter flowers or foliage. It’s hardy, adaptable, and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it a reliable plant for almost any container.
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, ivy is known for its resilience, but be mindful—it can become invasive in some areas if left unchecked. I like to use ivy in moderation, combined with other plants that offer a range of colors and textures. In fall arrangements, ivy’s dark green leaves create a stunning contrast against silver-foliaged plants like dusty miller or bright blooms like chrysanthemums. And there’s just something so charming about those trailing vines, don’t you think?
Asters: The Late-Season Blooms
Asters are another excellent choice for fall container gardening. These perennials burst into bloom just when most other plants are winding down, offering a delightful display of star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. Asters are wonderful for attracting bees, butterflies, and even migrating birds, who enjoy the seeds after the flowers fade. I love how asters can transform a fall container from good to great with their abundant blooms!
Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, asters are not considered invasive, making them a safe bet for container gardens. I often plant them in the center or towards the back of my containers, surrounded by lower-growing foliage or flowers. Their upright growth habit provides height and visual interest, while their bright colors add a much-needed pop to any fall display. And don’t worry—asters are pretty hardy and can handle the cool nights of fall with ease!
