Great Plants for Fall Planters

As the air begins to turn cold in much of the United States, you might be looking to spruce up your outdoor pots. What to select? It should come as no surprise that many of the plants that look great in your garden in the fall also make great choices in containers. A great general rule is that if a plant blooms naturally in the fall, it is going to be a solid option. Here are my top 5 great plants for fall planters:

Garden Mums.

This likely comes as no surprise. Mums are the quintessential fall flower. They are happy in the cool weather, come in a huge variety of sizes and colours and are economical. One of my favourites comes from Bluestone Perennials: Jessica Louise. She’s a large-flowered selection with pale pink flowers blushed with deeper shades of pink. So lovely.

Black-eyed Susans

Also commonly known as Rudbeckia, Black-eyed Susans are great plants for fall planters. They are versatile: heat and drought tolerant and requiring little care. They grow easily all summer and fall,  providing both vibrant colour and velvety foliage. Currently I’m in love with an unusual variety, Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia. It’s about 20 inches tall with large, cherry rose-colored petals. A long-blooming plant that also makes lovely cut bouquets. 

Coneflowers

Coneflowers are great plants for fall planters for good reason. They resist the fluctuating temperatures of fall, are easy to grow, bloom for weeks on end and attract birds and pollinators. They also make lovely cut flowers in a dizzying array of colours: shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, and chartreuse. Coneflowers also boast tons of different flower shapes and sizes. Double Scoop™ Cranberry  is an outstanding, vibrant red from the Michigan Bulb Company. Coneflowers are members of the Daisy family.

Asters

Purple Fountain Grass