As fall arrives and summer winds down, there's no reason to scale back on outdoor floral displays. Fall is a gorgeous time of year and particularly suited to certain flower varieties. When planning for a fall wave of floral color, you have several options that look great in any landscape.
Better known as mums, chrysanthemums are the “king” of fall flowers. These dense, colorful blooms are a sure sign that school is back and football is being played. Mums come in just about every color but blue. They’re easy to care for and are often transplanted in full bloom. Mums need full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
A curious source of fall color actually comes from plants that are typically regarded as strictly foods. Ornamental cabbage and peppers are technically vegetables, but they provide a bright display of fall color that complements traditional flowers. Both of these ornamental vegetables change colors as temperatures begin to cool. As summertime chlorophyll (which makes plants green) begins to decrease, peppers and cabbage become different shades of red, purple and even black.
Ornamental grasses are another non-traditional source of fall color and texture. Many grasses grow into the fall and can be used as a backdrop for other plants or to fill a space on their own. Grasses are economical in terms of both cost and time, because they can fill out a considerable space relatively quickly.
Finally, not-living fall decorations such as corn stalks, hay bales, and pumpkins are unmistakably autumn. Adding a few of these throughout your plant beds and around your front door is an easy way to ring in this gorgeous season.
Summer may be on its way out, but you can still create gorgeous fall displays.