Fall is one of the most beloved seasons of the year, bringing with it so many of our favorite things — football games, cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, pumpkins, festive décor, and most of all, the stunning display of fall color. Stepping outside into the crisp autumn air with the tree’s leaves starting to change colors is a special moment that we look forward to every year!
Want to bring that same seasonal beauty to your own space? Whether you’re sprucing up your landscape or refreshing your container gardens, these Top 10 Plants for Seasonal Fall Color will help you make the most of the season!
Plant 1: GARDEN MUMS
Garden mums are a great way to add bold fall color to your landscape. These hardy perennials bloom from early fall and can return year after year with proper care. Typically growing 20–30 inches tall, they look stunning in both beds and containers. After the first hard frost, you can trim them back, and they’ll come back strong in the spring for another season of beautiful blooms.
A relatively low-maintenance plant, mums come in a wide range of vibrant colors including yellow, orange, red, purple, white, bronze, and pink.
Brighten up those sunny spots in your garden with a beautiful burst of fall color from these seasonal favorites!
Plant 2: MATRIX® PANSIES
Want to add quick color to your flowerbeds or containers? Pick up Matrix® Pansies.
These vibrant 4-inch blooms come in a wide array of colors — from striking blotch varieties with charming “faces” to bold, single-color options. There’s a shade (or two) for every fall garden!
Matrix® Pansies are most effective when planted in mass groupings and can handle partial shade to full sunlight. Their blooms last from late fall to early spring and they are also a great choice for your containers. Just be sure to apply a nice layer of Calloway’s Premium Mulch to protect their roots through the winter, and they will even bounce back from a frost.
Plant 3: PETUNIAS
Petunias are stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that bring vibrant color well into the season. Perfect for flowerbeds or containers, they come in a wide variety of colors and eye-catching patterns.
These sun-loving blooms are not only easy to grow with regular watering and deadheading, but they’re also great for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Plant in containers or flowerbeds and they’ll keep your space looking lively all season long!
Plant 4: MARIGOLDS
Stunning and colorful, Marigolds bring a burst of brightness to any fall garden. Their unique, textured blooms come in vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red—perfect for adding fine detail and contrast to your landscape as the seasons shift.
Marigolds thrive in Texas climates, doing well in full sun to partial shade, and are remarkably resilient, making them a low-maintenance favorite for gardeners of all levels. They also make lovely cut flowers for cheerful fall arrangements.
In addition to their beauty, Marigolds are excellent companion plants for fall vegetable gardens. They help deter common pests and can support the health of nearby crops like lettuce, kale, and carrots. Plant them alongside your veggies for a garden that’s both functional and full of color!
Plant 5: SNAPDRAGONS
Snapdragons add vibrant color and texture to fall gardens with their tall, lightly scented blooms. They thrive in full sun and look best when planted in groups for a bold display.
Available in a variety of shades—like pink, yellow, orange, and white—they also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making them both beautiful and functional.
Plant 6: ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE AND KALE
Ornamental Cabbage is a beloved fall favorite, known for its striking purple, pink, or white variegated leaves that deepen in color as the season progresses. These lush, layered mounds add unique texture and a cool-toned contrast to your fall annuals, making them a stunning addition to garden beds or mixed containers. Plus, they’re hardy and long-lasting, bringing vibrant interest well into the cooler months.
Another favorite is Ornamental Kale. It thrives in full sunlight and adds an interesting texture to any flowerbed or container. The attractive and crinkled round leaves with showy purple, white, or green variegation will add something special to your garden throughout the season.
Plant 7: FLORAL MUMS
Want to brighten up your indoor spaces or patios? Floral Mums are a perfect choice! These full, multi-petaled blooms bring rich seasonal colors like yellow, red, orange, and more—right where you want it.
Ideal for indoor displays or outdoor containers, they thrive with bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Great for interior spaces, Floral Mums will take your fall displays to the next level!
Plant 8: PETRA CROTON
Petra Croton encapsulates the meaning of fall with its glossy leaves and dynamic coloring. Perfect for indoors, on your patio displays, or even a pop of bold tropical color in your flowerbed. The bright green, yellow, and red hues are always changing as the seasons develop. Petra Croton thrives in partial sunlight and will last through the year if they are protected indoors during the winter months.
Give your fall décor some pizzazz with this showy and bold plant!
Plant 9: CELOSIA
Celosia is a perfect pop of color for autumn planting! With its bold, flame-like blooms in rich reds, oranges, and yellows, it adds instant warmth and texture to garden beds or containers.
It’s low maintenance too! Just give it plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and water when the top inch feels dry. That’s it! A little care goes a long way with this vibrant, fuss-free favorite.
Plant 10: KALANCHOE
Kalanchoe is a cheerful, easygoing plant that brings bright color to your fall lineup! Its clusters of tiny blooms come in vibrant shades like red, orange, and yellow—perfect for adding a fresh pop to your indoor or outdoor spaces. Plus, it’s super low maintenance: just give it bright, indirect light and let the soil dry out between waterings. Brighten your home this season with colorful kalanchoes—perfect for effortless fall decorating and thoughtful gift giving.
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For planting success, use Calloway’s Premium Flowerbed Garden Soil or Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil to ensure your plants get the right moisture and nutrients for strong, healthy roots. Keep them thriving with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food.
Pressed for time? We’re here to help! Visit your neighborhood store and shop for your plants and let Pick & Plant handle the planting for you.
Ready for a complete fall garden makeover? Explore our Landscape & Design & Installation. Schedule your design online today and get started with your personalized home visit, we’ll bring your garden vision to life!
Visit your neighborhood Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery today to get started on your fall gardening!
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