Plants That Thrive When Planted in Fall
Fall offers the perfect balance of warm soil and cool air, making it one of the best times to plant. Trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs all thrive when planted now—giving you stronger roots and healthier growth next spring.
Why Plant in Fall?
Fall isn’t just a good time to plant - it’s often the best time to give perennials, trees, and shrubs a head start. With warm soil and cooler air, plants experience less stress while putting energy into root development. The result is stronger, more established growth when spring arrives.
Perennials for Fall Planting
Perennials planted now have months to establish before dormancy and burst back with energy in spring. Great choices include:
Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’): Iconic fall bloomer with long-lasting flower heads.
Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Sombrero Rosada’): Vivid pink blooms and a sturdy, compact habit.
Ornamental Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’): Fine-textured foliage with graceful movement.
Aster (Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’): Compact plant loaded with purple fall flowers.
Trees That Settle In Best
Young trees benefit from fall planting, when root growth outpaces top growth. Consider:
Maple (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’): Brilliant late fall color and strong shade canopy.
Oak (Quercus coccinea): Long-lived tree with striking red autumn foliage.
Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'): Four-season interest with spring flowers and fall berries.
Shrubs That Thrive
Shrubs planted in fall are quick to establish and bring structure to the garden. Top performers include:
Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanilla Strawberry’): Cone-shaped blooms aging from white to strawberry-pink.
Viburnum (Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’): Glossy leaves, pink-to-blue berries, and excellent fall color.
Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’): Reliable evergreen structure for year-round interest.
Bulbs for Next Spring
Fall is the only window to plant spring-blooming bulbs. Tuck them into beds and borders now for a colorful payoff in early spring:
Tulip: A classic red tulip with bold, early-season color.
Daffodil: Large golden-yellow blooms, deer resistant and reliable.
Hyacinth: Fragrant, deep blue flowers in dense clusters.
Bring It All Together
By focusing on plants that thrive when planted in fall, you’re not only setting up your landscape for immediate impact but also ensuring a stronger, healthier display next spring. Pair perennials with structural shrubs, layer in spring bulbs, and you’ll enjoy a garden that looks intentional and well-planned from season to season.
Plan Ahead for Success
Want to dive deeper into why fall is the best planting season? Read our full guide, The Fall Planting Advantage, and don’t forget to grab your free Fall Planting Toolkit, complete with a step-by-step checklist, plant shopping list, and sketch page to help you design your garden with confidence.