11 types of flowers that thrive in the crisp fall air

June 2024 · 6 minute read
2021-10-08T17:17:14Z

While we typically credit the spring and summer as the best times to plant and grow flowers, the autumn season brings about unique blooms that not only tolerate cooler temperatures but flourish in them and provide a picturesque aesthetic. 

While there are dozens of flowers that are great for the fall, these 11 are the most popular for their temperature tolerance and autumn appearance. The team at the gardening retailer and brand Proven Winners share their picks and tips on how to care for these autumn blooms.

1. Marigold

When you think of fall flowers, you likely picture marigolds. Shef-time/Getty Images

Arguably the quintessential autumn flower, the marigold is a carnation-like bloom that appears frequently in autumn bouquets. This annual is in the sunflower family Asteraceae and can be identified by its orange hue and clusters of petals.

2. Chrysanthemums

Planted mums are perennials, but potted mums should be treated as annuals. Grace Cary/Getty Images

Better known as mums, these flowers come in warm autumn shades of orange, red, pink, and yellow. For your mums to bloom in the fall when they are most popular, it is best to plant them in early spring. Mums can also survive early winter chills in November and December with proper care. 

3. Black-eyed Susan

The high-contrast black pistil makes the yellow flowers stand out. dolah/Getty Images

Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular wildflowers, distinguished by their sunflower or daisy-like appearance and black pistils. These flowers are native to North America and are well known for growing from early summer to mid-fall.

4. Sweet alyssum

Sweet alyssum have a strong floral fragrance. Sundry Photography/Getty Images

Sweet alyssum flowers are members of the mustard family (same as the purple cress and cut-leaved toothwort), therefore known for their strong fragrance as well as small, delicate blooms that come in pink, white, and yellow. Sweet alyssums make the perfect accent to any fall flower bouquet or hanging planter basket.

5. Dianthus

Dianthus not only thrive in the fall, but they smell like fall too. Mint Images/Getty Images

The spicy yet sweet-smelling scent of the dianthus flower mimics that of cinnamon or clove, making it a perfect autumn flower. Dianthus flowers are hardy, come in blooms of pinks and purples, and are quite low maintenance. 

6. False sunflower (Heliopsis)

Heliopsis adds a bright pop of yellow to a garden. Natalya Mamaeva/Getty Images

Also known as oxeye sunflowers, false sunflowers are wildflowers native to most of North America. These golden blooms give the appearance of a typical springtime daisy and will do best in warmer climates, but can tolerate cooler autumn temperatures.

7. Stonecrop (aka Sedum)

Stonecrop plants are actually a type of succulent. schnuddel/Getty Images

The stonecrop plant is a sedum succulent plant, which makes it hardy in warm weather and tolerant in cooler weather (even into winter) because of its water-storing abilities. The sedum genus includes about 600 species, all different colors, sizes, and shapes. 

8. Verbena

Verbena flowers grow in tight clusters. annrapeepan/Getty Images

Verbena flowers are renowned for their extremely long bloom times, drought resistance, and citrusy fragrance. These small blooms usually come in purple, pink, white, and red — perfect for a colorful fall bouquet. 

9. Aster

Asters are somewhat frost-resistant. typo-graphics/Getty Images

Aster flowers got their name from the ancient Greek word for star, a reference to their celestial appearance. These flowers usually come in hues of magenta, purple, and indigo. Asters are also well known to temporarily resist frost through early winter. 

10. Pansy

Pansies come in a wide variety of color combinations. greg801/Getty Images

With their heart-shaped "faces," pansies are one of the most popular, whimsical, and colorful flowers. Depending on the region you live in, pansies can be annual or perennial but are hardy in hot and cold weather. These flowers are a great colorful addition to any autumn garden. 

11. Russian sage

Russian sage doesn't need to be watered frequently. agatchen/Getty Images

The Russian sage flower is quite similar in appearance and fragrance to lavender, making it a favorite for the spring and fall seasons. This flower's preference for dry conditions is also perfect for those who often forget to water their plants and flowers. 

Insider's takeaway

Whether you're looking to start your flower garden, grow your current one, or just pick out some flowers for a homemade bouquet, these fall flowers can bring some much-needed color and drama to the grayness of autumn. As blooms that will hold up in crisp fall temperatures and generally need less water, these 11 options will flourish from summer to fall, offering a bit of extra life during the cooler months. 

spanDaniela is a freelance writer and editor covering plant care, product reviews, home organization, cleaning, and culture. Her work has been published at Insider, The Kitchn, Real Simple, and Apartment Therapy. She is a Chicana from Los Angeles living in San Diego./span L. Daniela Alvarez Daniela is a freelance writer and editor covering plant care, product reviews, home organization, cleaning, and culture. Her work has been published at Insider, The Kitchn, Real Simple, and Apartment Therapy. She is a Chicana from Los Angeles living in San Diego. Read more Read less

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