As summer winds down in Michigan, many homeowners think the landscaping season is over. But fall is one of the most vibrant times of year for your yard, if you choose the right plants. From bright red foliage to late-blooming flowers, the right plants will keep your landscape looking stunning well into the cooler months. With thoughtful planting, you can extend your yard’s color and texture long after most gardens have faded.
1. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Nothing says fall quite like chrysanthemums. These seasonal favorites are available in rich colors such as orange, yellow, red, and burgundy, making them perfect for adding warmth to garden beds, borders, or container displays. Hardy and versatile, mums thrive in cooler weather, ensuring your yard stays vibrant well into autumn. For maximum impact, group them in clusters along walkways or around your porch.
2. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a perennial that earns its name. Its clusters of pink blooms darken to a deep red as the season progresses. Not only does this plant add a pop of color, but its succulent leaves are low-maintenance and drought tolerant. This makes it ideal for busy homeowners who still want a showy fall landscape without the extra upkeep.
3. Ornamental Kale & Cabbage
For a unique look, ornamental kale and cabbage are excellent choices. Their ruffled leaves come in shades of green, purple, and white, providing bold contrast against traditional fall flowers. These cool weather plants thrive in crisp autumn temperatures and often last well after the first frost, giving your landscape lasting visual interest. They look especially striking when planted in decorative pots alongside pumpkins and gourds.
4. Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are cheerful perennials that bridge the gap between summer and fall. Their golden yellow petals and dark centers provide bright bursts of color just when other flowers start to fade. They pair well with ornamental grasses and mums creating a natural transition into fall’s darker colors. Best of all, they attract pollinators, keeping your garden lively.
5. Switchgrass
Ornamental grasses like switchgrass bring texture and movement to a fall landscape. Their tall blades and plumes move in the breeze, creating a lot of interest in your yard. Switchgrass develops tones of red, orange, and gold as the season progresses, complementing other fall colors beautifully. It’s also a hardy, low maintenance option that provides structure throughout the winter months.
6. Burning Bush
Few shrubs can compete with the show-stopping display of a burning bush. True to its name, this plant turns a brilliant scarlet red in autumn, becoming a focal point in any yard. Its dramatic foliage can anchor your fall landscape and works well as a hedge, border, or standalone feature. Just be sure to give it space as it can grow quite large over time.
7. Asters
Asters bloom later in the season, making them a must have for fall landscapes. Their star shaped flowers come in purple, pink, and blue complementing the warm colors of other fall plants. These hardy perennials not only add variety but also attract butterflies and bees, extending the life of your pollinator-friendly garden.
Tips for a Beautiful Fall Display
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Mix textures and heights: Pair tall grasses with low growing kale and bold mums for depth and balance.
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Use containers: Decorative pots filled with asters, ornamental cabbage, or chrysanthemums are easy to move and rearrange for seasonal displays.
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Add seasonal accents: Pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and rustic planters make excellent pairings to your fall plantings.
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Think ahead: Many of these plants, such as switchgrass and sedum, offer visual interest through the winter months as well.
Fall doesn’t have to mean the end of a beautiful landscape. With the right combination of plants, your yard can be just as colorful and welcoming in October as it is in June. From the fiery foliage of burning bushes to the rich blooms of chrysanthemums, these seven plants are sure to make your outdoor spaces shine well into the season. Ready to update your landscape for fall? Contact us today to bring your autumn vision to life!