Embrace Autumn Beauty with Our Favorite Fall Plants
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, gardeners in New Jersey can usher in a new season of stunning foliage, blooms, and textures. Fall is a magical time for gardening, offering a unique palette of plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and shorter days. If you're looking to enhance your garden's autumn appeal, here are some of our favorite fall plants:
1. Asters
Asters are a fall favorite, providing a burst of color when many summer blooms have faded. Their daisy-like flowers come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Asters attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your autumn garden. They do well in full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil and can tolerate the first frosts of the season.
2. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod is a native perennial that brightens the fall landscape with its tall spikes of golden-yellow flowers. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod is not a major cause of hay fever—it's often mistaken for ragweed. This resilient plant attracts pollinators and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are versatile, low-maintenance perennials that shine in the fall. Their succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers transition from soft pastels in summer to deep pinks and reds in autumn. Varieties like 'Autumn Joy' are particularly popular for their stunning fall display. Sedums are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun to partial shade.
4. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heucheras are prized for their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep burgundy to bright lime green. In the fall, their leaves often take on richer, more intense hues. These perennials are great for adding a splash of color to shaded areas of the garden. They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
5. Japanese Anemones
Japanese anemones are elegant perennials that produce delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. Blooming from late summer into fall, they add a touch of grace to any garden. These plants prefer partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. They can spread vigorously, so be sure to give them plenty of space to grow.
6. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and subtle beauty to fall gardens. Varieties such as Pink Muhly, Bluestem, Feather Reed, and Switch grass produce graceful plumes that sway in the autumn breeze. Their foliage often turns shades of gold, red, and bronze as the season progresses, with the Pink Muhly putting out beautiful pink plumes. These grasses are low-maintenance and grow well in a variety of soil types.
7. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-eyed Susans are a hardy perennial that provides bright, cheerful blooms from late summer into fall. Their daisy-like flowers, with vibrant yellow petals and dark brown centers, are a favorite among pollinators. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, adding a splash of sunshine to your autumn garden.
8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Purple coneflowers are sturdy perennials that bring bold color and structure to the fall garden. Their large, daisy-like flowers with prominent cone centers come in a rainbow of colors like purple, pink, white, red, orange and yellow. These flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators and birds. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
By incorporating these fall plants into your Northern New Jersey garden, you can enjoy a spectacular display of colors and textures that celebrate the beauty of the season and provide crucial nourishment before pollinators hibernate for winter. Happy gardening!
