31 Perennials You Should Try Planting This Fall (2024)

Perennials are plants that grow and bloom year after year. Some species grow in full sun, while others prefer part sun or shade. Some do well in moist soils, and others thrive in dry soils. There are perennial ground covers and tall, vigorous shrubs.

Most are hardy and long-lived. Both those new to perennial gardening and experienced, avid gardeners with established plants will find inspiration from these 31 fall perennials you can plant before winter’s cold sets in.

Planning a Fall Perennial Garden

Before digging, select plants hardy to your climate and plant them in their preferred conditions. If you’re willing to go with native plants, native perennials are proven to support pollinators and local wildlife.

Once your plants are well-established, you will be rewarded with a hardy, low-maintenance flower garden. Whatever type of plant you are looking for, there’s probably a perennial for you.

Do a bit of advance planning and ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my location and USDA Hardiness Zone?
• How much space do I have?
• How much sun do I have?
• What is the soil quality and moisture retention capacity?
• Are there deer or rabbits that can access the plants?
• Do I want to attract butterflies, bees, or birds?
• Do I want ground covers or low-growing plants, mid-size plants, or large plants?

Once you know the answers to these questions, start looking at plants to fill your garden! Plant them on a cool day and thoroughly water them after putting them in the ground. Many plants will benefit from a layer of mulch to help protect them from temperature extremes through the winter months. Mulch in the summer can help keep the roots moist and reduce weed growth.

Allium, Ornamental Onion

Scientific Name: Allium caeruleum

• Plant Type: Bulb
• Geographic Origin: Central Asia
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 1-2 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Allium caeruleum, or ornamental onion, blooms in late spring through early summer. Large globe-like, pale purple blooms atop tall stems. The onion-like leaves often dry and shrivel shortly before flowering, so the flower stalk appears to emerge directly from the ground with no leaves. Plants are strongly onion-scented when crushed and resistant to deer and rabbits. Their striking and showy flowers attract butterflies and other insects.

Alliums grow well in dry to slightly moist soils. Soils should be rich but very well-drained. Add some sand if necessary to improve drainage, as allium bulbs are prone to rot if continually wet. Plant in full sun for best growth and blooming.

Basket-Of-Gold

Scientific Name: Aurinia saxatilis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Central and southeastern Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 6”-12”
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-7

Basket-Of-Gold, sometimes called Yellow Alyssum, is a low-growing fall perennial that makes an excellent ground cover. It grows well in a location with full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. In areas with hot summers, this plant appreciates a bit of afternoon shade, or the leaves may die back and look rather scraggly. If this happens, prune heavily after flowering to encourage better leaf growth.

Basket-of-Gold blooms in the springtime with a mass of small bright yellow flowers. Leaves are simple, oblong, and silvery green. It is resistant to drought and dry soils and would make a nice addition to a rock garden or along edges and borders.

Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

Scientific Name: Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

The ‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster is a cultivar that resembles the New England Aster in appearance but is much smaller. Because of its small size, it doesn’t require much pruning to keep it looking great. ‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster grows best in an area with full sun and average, well-drained soil.

‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster has a showy purple flower. Plants bloom in early fall and attract butterflies and other insects. Plants will spread over time, so give them plenty of space to grow and enjoy their annual abundance of flowers to welcome autumn.

Astilbe

Scientific Name: Astilbe var.

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia, North America
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade
• Plant Height: 1-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

There are many varieties of Astilbe, and all have beautiful feathery plume-like blooms. Flower colors include shades of white, purple, and pink. They bloom from late spring through early summer and attract a multitude of insects. Astilbe makes a delightful addition to any shade garden.

Astilbe grows best in areas of shade with dappled sunlight. They like moist, rich, well-drained soils. Plants will eventually form clumps that can be divided every few years, if desired, to prevent overcrowding.

Black-Eyed Susan

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Central United States
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 2-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-7

Black-Eyed Susan is a classic native wildflower that makes a wonderful addition to a sunny perennial garden. Plants reliably bloom each summer.

They produce an explosion of bright flowers with showy bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. Their stunning flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

These plants are easily grown from seed, and plants will readily self-seed. They can spread into a naturalized area, or you can remove new unwanted seedlings each spring to keep them contained in a particular area. Grow them in full sun with rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Bleeding Heart

Scientific Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
• Plant Height: 2-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

Bleeding hearts bloom each spring with clusters of unique drooping pink, heart-shaped flowers. The flowers are very showy. After blooming, the leaves typically die back. Grow it with other shade-garden staples, such as ferns or hostas, to fill in the space throughout the growing season after the Bleeding Heart leaves fade.

This perennial makes an excellent addition to a moist, fertile shade garden. It grows best in partial shade. Soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. Ensure this plant doesn’t sit in wet or saturated soils, or the roots may rot and die.

Blue False Indigo

Scientific Name: Baptisia australis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Eastern United States
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 3-4 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

Blue False Indigo is a wildflower native to the eastern United States. It blooms in early to mid-summer and attracts butterflies. The flowers are very showy, pale purple, and pea-like. Flowers appear on tall spikes above the leafy base for a standout perennial bloom.

These plants grow best in full sun. They prefer average, well-drained soil. They enjoy moderate moisture but also do well in dry soils and tolerate some drought. This fairly large plant would be a good garden focal point. You can also grow it in a large area like a naturalized prairie garden.

Butterfly Milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Of all the fall perennials, this one attracts the most butterflies. This native plant is a primary host plant for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar, and many species of butterflies and bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers grow in large orange clusters and bloom in early to mid-summer.

Butterfly Milkweed grows best in full sun. They prefer well-drained soils but are not too picky about soil quality. Plants are resistant to deer and rabbits, and established plants are quite resistant to drought.

Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 2-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ is a hardy variety of mum that makes a fine addition to the perennial flower garden. There are many varieties of chrysanthemum, each with its own unique flower colors and forms.

‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ blooms in profusion each autumn until the first frost. Flowers are cheerful salmon pink with yellow centers and attract butterflies.

Grow chrysanthemums in a sunny spot. They do best with well-drained soil rich in organic matter and consistently moist. Plants will slowly spread over time and can be divided every few years, as needed. These plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

Scientific Name: Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

• Plant Type: Vine
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, North & South America
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to part shade
• Plant Height: 7-10 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ is a climbing vine with many stunning, showy purple flowers. ‘Jackmanii’ blooms annually in mid-summer. This variety of Clematis is an active climber and needs a trellis, arbor, or fence to cling to.

It is resistant to deer and rabbits. These plants are long-lived and, in ideal conditions, can live for up to 50 years!

They grow best in areas with full sun but also tolerate some afternoon shade. Give them a place with consistently moist soil and protect the roots with mulch or by planting other shade-providing perennials around them.

Columbine

Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 1-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Columbine is a wonderful spring-blooming native wildflower for the perennial garden. You can establish plants in the fall. The native species of columbine has red flowers, but many cultivars are available with flowers in shades of purple, pink, and yellow. Its flowers are uniquely shaped, dangle downwards, and are quite attractive.

Columbines attract hummingbirds but are resistant to deer and rabbits. In hot or sunny areas, the leaves may wither in the summer months. If this happens, prune off dead foliage.

Plants will regrow the following spring. Columbines are easily grown from seed and readily self-seed. Plants will bloom in the second year after sprouting and bloom reliably each spring.

Coral Bells

Scientific Name: Heuchera var.

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

There are many varieties of coral bells. These low-growing plants make an excellent ground cover for a shade garden or around a rock wall.

Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in white, pink, and red shades. The leaves also vary in color and can be quite showy. Coral bells’ leafy rosettes will slowly spread over time, creating a mass of greenery. Divide as necessary to control outward spread.

Coral bells do well in an area with partial shade. Its soil should be moist, rich, and well-drained. Apply mulch in areas with cold winters to help protect the roots from frost, but remove heavy layers of mulch in the spring to encourage fresh spring growth.

Coreopsis

Scientific Name: Coreopsis lanceolata

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 1-2 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

There are several species of coreopsis, and any would be a fine addition to a perennial garden. The lanceleaf coreopsis (C. lanceolata) is a wildflower native to the central and eastern United States. This plant has delicate feathery foliage and cheery, bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

The flowers are showy and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Deer and rabbits don’t generally bother these plants. Coreopsis looks great in any perennial garden.

They are not too picky about soil quality, although they prefer well-drained soil with regular moisture. Plants readily self-seed, so deadhead spent flowers to prevent extra seedlings, or be prepared to thin them regularly to control growth.

Cranesbill Geranium

Scientific Name: Geranium sanguineum

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

This low-maintenance geranium grows into attractive clumps. Solitary pinkish-purple flowers appear from late spring through early summer, and leaves turn red in the fall. This plant is home in perennial gardens, borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. Geraniums are resistant to both deer and rabbits.

The cranesbill geranium does best in areas with full sun to partial shade. They prefer average-quality soil that is moist but well-drained. The plants can be quickly grown from seed, cuttings, or by division.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Scientific Name: Hydrangea quercifolia

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 6-8 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Need an attractive native shrub for a sunny to partially shaded area? This hydrangea has large, deeply lobed green leaves and large clusters of white flowers that bloom from late spring through mid-summer.

Oakleaf hydrangea is a low-maintenance plant. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. These plants are sensitive to extreme cold and may need a bit of extra winter mulch in colder climates. The flowers bloom on old wood, so these should be pruned immediately after flowering ends if pruning is needed.

Ice Plant

Scientific Name: Delosperma cooperi

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southern Africa
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 3”-6”
• USDA Plant Zone: 6-10

If you live in a warmer climate zone and are looking for an attractive ground cover, consider ice plant. These plants look great in a rock garden or along the edge of a wall or other border. Delosperma cooperi’s flowers are showy and vibrant pink, blooming from summer through early fall. Its leaves are juicy and succulent, and they remain attractive in warm climates throughout the winter.

Ice plants love full sun conditions. Grow them in dry, well-drained soil, as these plants are not tolerant of wet or soggy soils. Deer and rabbits don’t generally bother them.

Lantana ‘Miss Huff’

Scientific Name: Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff’

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Geographic Origin: Central and South America
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Height: 3-4 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 7-10

Many lantana varieties are hardy only in the warmest climate zones, but ‘Miss Huff’ is hardy to zone 7. Give it a hard pruning each winter after the first frost, and add a layer of winter mulch. In the spring, the plant will regrow into a substantial shrub. Lantana likes a location with medium-moisture, well-drained soil.

Lantana plants bloom profusely each year. From mid-summer through frost, clusters of small multicolor blooms cover the plant. Yellow, orange, and pink flowers often appear in a single cluster. The leaves are strongly fragrant, and the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Lambs’ Ear

Scientific Name: Stachys byzantina

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Middle East
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 6”-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Lambs’ ear is best recognized for its soft, fuzzy leaves. This low-growing plant makes an excellent ground cover and can be used as a filler plant for the perennial garden. Plant it in corners, along edges, and around borders. This plant slowly spreads and can be divided every few years, as needed, to keep it tidy.

Lambs’ ear is resistant to both rabbits and deer. This plant does well in average to poor-quality soil as long as the soil is well-drained. It performs best in full sun but may die back in mid-summer if it gets too hot and dry. Remove dead leaves to help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of rot.

Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 1-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-8

Lavender, or English lavender, is a woody herb with highly aromatic leaves and flowers. The pale purple spikes bloom in mid-to-late summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Grow lavender in the herb garden, perennial garden, or cottage garden. The plants grow best with full sun. Lavender does well in average-quality soils that are dry to medium moisture.

Its soil should be well drained because plants are prone to root rot. Prune lavender every couple of years to encourage fresh, robust growth.

Lenten Rose

Scientific Name: Helleborus orientalis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Middle East
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
• Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Lenten rose is a mainstay for the shade garden. These plants are hardy and resistant to deer and rabbits. They tolerate heavy shade and poor soils. Lenten rose will tend to spread by self-seeding. Divide clumps every few years, as needed, to prevent overcrowding.

Lenten rose is an evergreen plant; its leaves remain green throughout the winter, and the flowers emerge in early to mid-spring. All of the flowers are relatively large and showy, in shades of pink or white. This attractive plant is low-maintenance and a welcome addition to the landscape.

Lupine

Scientific Name: Lupine var.

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 3-4 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Lupines grow best in cooler climates. They are not tolerant of long hot summers and high humidity. Many hybrid varieties are well-suited for the perennial garden. Lupines tend to be short-lived perennials or grown as annuals.

The flowers appear in late spring through mid-summer. Tall spikes of pea-like flowers appear atop large compound leaves. These plants are resistant to both deer and rabbits, and the flowers attract butterflies.

Peony

Scientific Name: Paeonia lactiflora

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 2.5-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Peony is a classic garden perennial. Many varieties have been developed, each with unique flowers. Peonies bloom from mid to late spring. The flowers are large and extremely showy. Peonies benefit from support to prevent the large leaves and flowers from leaning toward the ground.

Peonies do best in an area with full sun to partial shade. The soil should be rich, fertile, and well-drained. Keep the roots moist and mulch in the winter to help protect them from freezing. These plants resist rabbits and deer, and their flowers attract pollinators and butterflies.

Pink Muhly Grass

Scientific Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris

• Plant Type: Ornamental grass
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 2-3 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Ornamental grasses can be a pleasing addition to the perennial garden. Pink muhly grass is a low-maintenance grass with showy autumn blooms. During the summer months, the leaves form a dense, rounded clump. Its flowers appear through mid-to-late fall, creating a beautiful pink haze around the plant.

Pink muhly grass grows best in full sun. The soil should be well-drained, with dry to medium moisture, and this plant is tolerant of sandy, poor-quality soils. It may spread by seed, but it generally is not an aggressive spreader. Deer and rabbits do not bother this grass.

Purple Coneflower

Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 2-5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Purple coneflower is a native wildflower of the eastern United States. It blooms from mid-summer through fall with tall, showy, pinkish-purple flowers. This hardy perennial is an excellent addition to a pollinator or wildlife garden. Its distinctive flowers attract butterflies in the summer and seed-eating birds in the fall.

Purple coneflowers are low maintenance and grow best in full sun, but they will tolerate some light shade. They grow in average, well-drained soil with low to medium moisture levels. These plants will spread over time by self-seeding, and can be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Russian Sage

Scientific Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia

• Plant Type: Woody perennial
• Geographic Origin: China
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 2-4 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Russian sage is an attractive sage variety that looks like it belongs in a desert landscape. It has pale silvery green leaves and tall spikes of small purple flowers that attract various pollinators. The leaves are fragrant when crushed. To keep plants neat and compact, prune severely in late winter to encourage fresh growth.

Russian sage grows best in a location with full sun, dry soil, and excellent soil drainage. Low maintenance, they are resistant to browsing deer and rabbits. Once established, these plants are also tolerant to drought and poor soil.

Shasta Daisy

Scientific Name: Leucanthemum spp.

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 1-2 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

This classic daisy-like flower has white petals and large yellow centers. The white flowers complement just about any other perennial in the garden. They bloom from early through mid-summer and attract butterflies.

This perky plant grows to a medium height in full sun and moderately moist soils. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prune plants back after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Individual Shasta daisy plants are somewhat short-lived, but they will form clumps that can be divided.

Siberian Iris

Scientific Name: Iris sibirica

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Siberian irises are hardy and low-maintenance plants. They grow best in full sun but will tolerate some shade, though they may not bloom as well with less light. Plant them in a location with average to rich, moist soil. Plants will spread outwards by rhizomes, and larger clusters can be easily divided.

There are many varieties of Siberian iris. Although many other cultivars exist, classic colors include single white, yellow, or purple flowers. The Siberian iris is a reliable bloomer from late spring through early summer. The flowers have a slight fragrance, and these plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Speedwell ‘Georgia Blue’

Scientific Name: Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Plant Height: 6”-9”
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Many species are within the genus Veronica, and several are hardy garden perennials. The speedwell known as ‘Georgia Blue’ is a low-growing plant that makes an excellent ground cover.

Grow it in full sun or a spot with afternoon shade, average moisture, and well-drained soil. It tolerates deer and rabbits and would look very nice as a border plant or in a rock garden.

‘Georgia Blue’ has pretty violet-blue flowers, each with four petals. It blooms primarily in spring but may develop a few additional blooms throughout the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn deep reddish brown before dying back for the winter.

Stonecrop

Scientific Name: Sedum acre

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Africa, Asia, Europe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 3”-6”
• USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Stonecrop, or moss stonecrop, is one of many varieties of Sedum. This particular species is a very easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial. It makes an excellent ground cover for a rock garden or border. These plants grow best in full sun with average medium-dry soil.

Moss stonecrop blooms reliably each spring. The flowers are small and yellow, growing in clusters atop taller stems. Their small green succulent leaves are evergreen and look fresh throughout winter. This stonecrop is tolerant to both deer and rabbits and is easily propagated by rooting stem sections.

Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus spp.

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Mediterranean region
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 3”-6”
• USDA Plant Zone: 5-8

Thyme is a familiar garden herb and an excellent addition to the perennial garden. There are many different species and cultivars; many are evergreen, slightly woody-stemmed, and creeping ground covers, but not all. Leaves are fragrant, and the small flowers typically attract butterflies and other pollinators. Thyme is not bothered by browsing deer or rabbits.

Thyme grows well in dry to medium soil. Its soil should be well-drained and allowed to dry between waterings. Thyme spreads freely by creeping and can be cut back periodically to control growth and maintain a dense, lusher appearance.

Vervain

Scientific Name: Verbena hastata

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Height: 2-6 feet
• USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Vervain, or blue vervain, is an attractive native plant that would make a lovely addition to a perennial, wildflower, or butterfly garden or in many moist naturalized areas. It blooms from mid to late summer and attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Vervain’s flowers are showy spikes of small purple flowers.

Grow vervain in a location with full sun, but it tolerates dappled shade. This plant tolerates moist to wet soil and does not require much maintenance. It will spread by runners and self-seeding, so give it plenty of space or be prepared for regular thinning.