It’s fall, and you want to remove a few of those less-than-hardy annuals from your containers and turn on the fall glory of reds, oranges, and yellows. But where to begin? Here are a few ideas for fall container gardening arrangements that will make your front porch or sunroom shine!
Mary Ann already mentioned the fall mum. These short, stout plants are full of brilliant fall color, and what’s more, they’re hardy to Zone 3.
The aster is a daisy-like flower that is also very hardy. For those who want a big, beautiful flower to act as a backdrop to fall colors, choose white asters. Asters also come in pinks and purples for a stunning red, pink and white display.
Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is another wonderful background plant that is as beloved for its leaves as it is for its flowers. This plant produces many small flowers in red, white and pink tones. It is an annual in cooler climates and is hardy in the southern US.
Fall heathers such as Calluna vulgaris and Erica vagans make lovely low plants for containers. Tiny pink and red flowers dot spectacular green foliage. These plants transplant easily into a garden bed in later fall when your seasonal containers are done for the year.
Kale might have a reputation as the vegetable that sits on the side of your plate, but both the edible and ornamental varieties add plenty of beauty to your container gardens as well. White and green ornamental kales look especially lovely with taller plants in red and orange colors.
Osteospermum is another daisy-like flower that comes in a stunning variety of colors, some quite suitable for fall baskets. It’s best to plant this one in the spring and transition other plants into the container with them in the late summer or early fall. With some gentle pruning and deadheading throughout the season, these leggy plants can get into shape for fall containers.
And yes, it’s cheating a bit, but miniature sunflowers are lovely to purchase and transplant into your fall containers. Find them on sale at the garden center in early fall.
What do you grow in your fall baskets?
Image credit: chopstix00