Pro tips to create unique plant combinations

Lisa Graff, owner of Lux Perennials Nursery in Oregon, added borders to her front yard several years ago so she could experiment with different plant combinations. She’s come up with a formula to ensure each border has plenty of variety and interest but is still harmonious. Here’s a look at her design technique.

1. Choose big round flowers

Starting with flower shape, Lisa looks for a few plants with big round blooms, such as peony (Paeonia spp. and hybrids), allium (Allium hybrid) or bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), to create a pool of color in the border.

2. Contrast with spires

Combine the round flowers with spire-shaped blooms like the anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) and salvia (Salvia guaranitica) above, to create a visual tension that’s always interesting.

3. Plant in sweeps

Groups of the same plant boost the impact in a border and ensure it’s cohesive. Plus it can make some flowers, such as this slender persicaria (Persicaria spp. and hybrids), easier to see than if there were just one or two.

You Might Also Like:
The Secret to Combining Flower Shapes
See More of Lisa's Stunning Late-Season Garden
9 Plants With Multiseason Interest

Colorful late-season plant combinations from Lisa’s garden

Warm up a cool season with shades of pink

Lisa loves the changing blooms of ‘Pinky Winky’ panicle hydrangea that start out white and end the season this dusky shade of pink. ‘Dragonberry’ dahlia picks up the pink tones of the hydrangea blooms for a warm contrast that’s cooled off by the purple geranium below.

A) Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Hollyhill Black Beauty’)
Tuber; 6-in. double burgundy blooms from midsummer to frost; full sun to part shade; 48 to 54 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11

B) Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’)
Shrub; white to pink pyramidal blooms from summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 6 to 8 ft. tall, 7 to 9 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

C) Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Dragonberry’) 
Tuber; 5-in. fuchsia blooms from midsummer to frost; full sun to part shade; 48 to 54 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11

D) Perennial geranium (Geranium Rozanne)
Perennial; blue-purple flowers from late spring to fall; full sun to part shade; 12 to 20 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

Show off dahlia blooms with contrasting foliage

Combining strong colors and bold textures is a sure way Lisa has found to get head-turning combos. Castor bean’s large burgundy palm-shaped leaves stand out among the surrounding green foliage and make the beautiful coral blooms of ‘Intrigue’ dahlia really pop. For dahlias, her husband, Brad, welds circular plant supports — sold at their nursery and used in their own garden — to keep the heavy blooms upright.

A) Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Perennial; dusty mauve flowers in midsummer to fall; full sun to part shade; 4 to 7 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

B) Castor bean (Ricinus communis ‘New Zealand Purple’)
Tender perennial; small cup-shaped yellow-green flowers produce red-brown seed pods, all parts are poisonous; full sun; 6 to 10 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 9 to 12

C) Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Intrigue’)
Tuber; 4-in. double coral blooms in summer to frost; full sun to part shade; 36 to 48 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11

Boost fall color with long-blooming plant combinations

To help the pink in ‘Firetail’ persicaria really come through, Lisa added burgundy ‘Garnet Red’ amaranth, then softened the dramatic pair with the dome-shaped blooms of ‘Bowles Mauve’ wallflower. It’s one of the longest-flowering varieties, with clusters of lightly scented 1-inch blooms from spring until late fall. Cut back spent stems to encourage more blooms and keep plants tidy.

The amaranth is an annual but reseeds freely, and Lisa often has small drifts develop in some parts of the border. You can cut this grain’s young stems to add to salads or harvest the seeds to toast and eat them. ‘Firetail’ has pencil-thin 4- to 6-inch-long spikes covered in tiny individual flowers that butterflies often visit. Later birds will feed on the seeds. Plants may reseed where they’re happy but won’t come true.

A) Persicaria (Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’)
Perennial; raspberry-pink blooms from summer to frost; full sun to part shade; 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7

B) Wallflower (Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’)
Perennial; fragrant lavender-mauve flowers from spring to frost; full sun to part shade; 2 to 4 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10

C) Amaranth (Amaranthus ‘Garnet Red’)
Annual; deep burgundy spikes from summer to frost; part to full shade; 6 to 8 ft. tall, 12 to 14 in. wide

The right plant pairings can transform your outdoor space into a living masterpiece. But figuring out what works well together and which plants to choose can be a challenge. Not to worry! Here are four fantastic combos that will keep your garden full of blooms from summer to fall. Whether you’re crafting a serene setting or a lively floral display, these plant pairs promise to look beautiful and bring in plenty of pollinators to keep your garden thriving. 

Easy-care zinnias and gloriosa daisy are perfect pair of summer flowers

Looking to add an easy-care combo to bring more color to the garden? Don’t pass up this pairing! Gloriosa daisy’s sunny yellow petals and dark brown central cones provide a classic feel, while Lilliput Mix zinnia’s pink pompon blooms add contrast.

This summer flower duo thrives in full sun and puts on its best show in summer. Requiring little maintenance, these plants are deer-resistant too. Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer in spring, or add a 2-inch layer of compost in spring to keep plants lush and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms will keep plants looking tidy, encourage more flowers and discourage the gloriosa daisy from reseeding.

Plant list

• A) Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)
  Perennial; yellow flowers with dark centers from summer to fall; full sun; 1 to 3 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9
• B) Zinnia (Zinnia elegans Lilliput Mix)
  Annual; pink, red, purple, orange, white or yellow double flowers with yellow centers from summer to fall; full sun; 18 to 24 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide

You Might Also Like:
Tips for Growing Zinnia Flowers
Long-Lasting Annuals for Your Garden
Cut Flower Garden Plan

Cottage garden combo

The fragrant white-and-yellow flowers of feverfew brighten full-sun gardens and really shine here with bold blue statice. This pair draws the eye and adds a layer of complexity to a garden border, and both of these flowers are great for cut-flower bouquets, fresh or dried.

Growing tips

Feverfew is a hardy perennial that is eager to spread by underground rhizomes and self-seeding. To keep plants in check, deadhead spent blooms and divide it every few years in spring or fall, before or after it flowers. After the first hard frost, cut feverfew back to the ground to encourage fresh, new growth the following spring.

Statice, while often grown as an annual, can perform as a perennial in zones 8 and warmer. It’s a fantastic cut flower with a vase life of two weeks and holds its color when dried. If harvesting for arrangements, cut at the base of the stem once the blooms are fully open.

Did you know?

Feverfew’s citrus-scented foliage naturally repels pests while also attracting many predatory beneficial insects, such as hoverflies.

Plant list

• A) Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
  Perennial; white flowers with yellow centers from summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 1 to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8
• B) Statice (Limonium sinuatum ‘Seeker Blue’)
  Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); funnel-shaped, papery blue flowers in summer; full sun; 24 to 40 in. tall, 12 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11

Verbena and globe amaranth are a pollinator-friendly pairing

‘Fireworks’ globe amaranth pops with mounded, hot-pink flower heads tipped with bright yellow, resembling tiny bursts of fireworks. These vibrant blooms play beautifully against the airy, more subdued flower clusters of ‘Buenos Aires’ verbena, which float atop tall, slender stems. Together they create a layered effect. Plus, pollinators love these masses of flowers!

Plant this summer flower duo in full sun and well-drained soil. In the South, provide some afternoon shade to keep foliage and flowers from burning. Verbena freely reseeds where it’s cold hardy; deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings from germinating in the garden.

Plant list

• A) Verbena (Verbena bonariensis ‘Buenos Aires’)
  Perennial; clusters of lavender-purple flowers from summer to frost; full sun; 36 to 48 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9
• B) Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa ‘Fireworks’)
  Annual; hot-pink flower heads tipped with bright yellow from early summer to fall; full sun; 3 to 4 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide

Grow sunflowers and cosmos for a classic cut flower combo

In this summer flower pairing, ProCut White Nite sunflower’s large, creamy white blooms with dark centers tower gracefully above the delicate white flowers of ‘Cupcakes White’ cosmos. The bold sunflowers make a strong statement, and the cosmos foliage adds a soft, feathery texture that seems to dance around the sturdy sunflower stems.

Growing tips

Both plants thrive in full sun in average, well-drained soil. During the growing season, sunflowers prefer deep, infrequent waterings so their roots can grow long and strong to keep them anchored in the ground. On the other hand, cosmos are quite drought tolerant once established and only need more frequent watering when the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilize sunflowers after planting and again every four to six weeks during the growing season. Cosmos aren’t heavy feeders like sunflowers are. In fact, too much food can lead to fewer flowers and leggier plants, so it doesn’t hurt to skip over them if you feed the sunflowers. Deadhead spent cosmos blooms to encourage more flowers and keep the show going from summer into fall.

Plant list

• A) Sunflower (Helianthus annuus ProCut^® White Nite)
  Annual; 4- to 6-in. pale yellow flowers with dark centers from summer to fall; full sun; 5 to 6 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide
• B) Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cupcakes White’)
  Annual; cup-shaped white flowers with yellow centers from summer to fall; full sun; 3 to 4 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide

Related Articles:
Cottage Garden Collection
Must-Have Sunflowers for Your Garden
10 Best Cut Flowers

With the arrival of spring, emerging perennials fill the garden with soft texture, restoring life to the harsh, often barren landscape of winter. It’s a thrill to see fresh green leaves and splashes of color from early bloomers and hear the buzz of spring pollinators.

Plants that return every year offer an easy start to the season—just a bit of cleanup and the garden is ready to go. Add a cool-loving annual to the mix in a pastel palette to boost the relaxing vibe before the arrival of bolder summer flowers.

Delicate, airy flowers in soft shades of blue, pink and purple woo you with a feeling that is comfortable, even romantic. Imagine being surrounded by the sweet colors and light textures of the plants in these combinations. You may fall in love!

Serene palette for shade gardens

Subtle pastels offer color in this shady spot, and even when spring is past and the blooms are done, variegated foliage provides sparkle. As the season progresses, trim back spent flowers to allow the speckled leaves of the pulmonaria to shine. The fronds of Korean rock fern unfurl gracefully in midspring to bring an added layer of texture.

Care tip

While these plants can handle dry conditions, they’ll stay fresh with consistent moisture throughout the summer.

Meet the plants

• A) Variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’)
  Perennial; pendulous white flowers on long stems in spring; variegated leaves; part to full shade; 2 to 3 ft. tall, spreading; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8
  

• B) Korean rock fern (Polystichum tsus-simense)
  Perennial; dark green, shiny fronds unfurl from fiddleheads in midspring; part to full shade; 12 to 15 in. tall, 6 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9
  

• C) Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria hybrid)
  Perennial; pink buds open into blue flowers from mid- to late spring; fuzzy, often spotted leaves; part to full shade; 6 to 18 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9
  

Add whispers of blue with windflower & bugleweed

The soft blue hues of bugleweed and windflower create a dreamy display of cool, calming flowers through chilly spring days. Windflower, a perennial rhizomatous tuber, is cold hardy in zones 7 to 10. Plant in fall for spring blooms.

When summer’s heat arrives, windflower retreats into dormancy. As plants die down, tuck shade-loving summer annuals, such as impatiens or wax begonias, in the space between the bugleweed for some extra color. Or try browallia to continue the blue color scheme.

Maintenance tips

If your windflower becomes overcrowded with fewer blooms, divide in fall where it’s hardy. As windflower fades, bugleweed will fill any gaps with lush, ground-hugging foliage. It spreads easily by runners, rooting into the ground to form a thick mat. Cut runners back to keep it in check. For a cleaner look after blooms fade, deadhead bugleweed by hand or use a string trimmer or hedge shears to quickly remove the spent blossoms.

Good to Know:

In zones 6 and colder, where windflower is not hardy, start the rhizomatous tubers indoors in late winter. Transplant them outside once the risk of frost has passed, and they will bloom in spring. Lift the tubers in fall to overwinter, or treat them as annuals.

Meet the plants

• A) Windflower(Anemone coronaria ‘Mr. Fokker’)
  Perennial; violet-blue flowers above ferny foliage form in spring; full sun to part shade; 8 to 12 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10
  

• B) Windflower(Anemone coronaria ‘Sylphide’)
  Perennial; pink poppylike flowers above ferny foliage in spring; full sun to part shade; 8 to 12 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10
  

• C) Bugleweed(Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’)
  Perennial; short spikes of blue flowers rise above bronze to green foliage in mid- to late spring; full sun to full shade; 2 to 6 in. tall, 6 to 12 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9
  

You Might Also Like:
Shade Garden Design Tips
VIDEO: Get Your Peony in Shape for Spring
Ultimate Guide to Container Gardening

Add dreamy pastels to spring garden beds

These delicate beauties fill your garden with color for weeks, with only a bit of deadheading to keep the blooms going strong. Cool-loving pansies may falter with summer’s heat, so swap them for a sun-loving annual to match the vibrant geraniums and fragrant alyssum. Cut back salvia stems to the ground if the plant splays open, and new growth will fill the space with a light rebloom.

Meet the plants

• A) Salvia (Salvia x sylvestris Blue Hill)
  Perennial; periwinkle blue flower spikes above mounded foliage in late spring to midsummer; full sun; 18 to 24 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9
  

• B) Zonal geranium (Pelargonium Rocky Mountain^™ Lavender)
  Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); lavender-pink flower clusters from midspring to fall; part to full shade; 14 to 18 in. tall, 16 to 20 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11
  

• C) Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Spring Matrix^™ Blue Wing, Spring Matrix^™ White Blotch, Mammoth Pink Berry)
  Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); bicolor flowers with facelike markings in early to late spring; full sun to part shade; 6 to 8 in. tall, 8 to 10 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10
  

• D) Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
  Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); fragrant white, purple, pink or peach flower clusters from midspring to frost; full sun to part shade; 3 to 9 in. tall, 6 to 14 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11
  

You Might Also Like:
Long-lasting Annuals for Your Garden
DIY Marbleized Terra Cotta Pots
Shop Our Garden-themed Hats

Whether it’s the watering you hate or the bill that comes later, drought-tolerant plants are a great idea for your garden. But if you’re afraid you’ll be stuck growing only cactus and yucca (Yucca species and hybrids), you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There really is quite a variety of drought-tolerant plants. That said, no plant can survive without any water. Most grow best and develop deeper, stronger root systems with an occasional deep watering. And always keep new plants watered until they’re established.

What makes a plant "drought-tolerant"?

Plants have a lot of ways to conserve water. Some have ingenious storage facilities, such as tubers or rhizomes, that keep them well supplied. Bearded iris (Iris spp. and hybrids) is one example. But if you’re shopping and wonder if a plant will be drought-tolerant or not, look at the plant's foliage for the following characteristics:

• Succulent leaves, such as those of ground cover sedums (Sedum spp. and hybrids), store water.
  

• Silver leaves on plants like Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) reflect light, which keeps them cool. This means they won’t dry out as quickly.
  

• The hairs on fuzzy foliage, such as pulmonaria (Pulmonaria spp. and hybrids), shade leaf surfaces, keeping them cooler.
  

• Leathery leaves of plants like gazanias (Gazania rigens) have a waxy exterior that prevents transpiration, the movement of moisture in and out of the leaf.
  

Site plants with water sources in mind

A little garden planning can make any watering chore a lot easier. Annuals, especially those in containers, are water hogs, so keep them within easy reach of the spigot. You can put the most drought-tolerant perennials and shrubs farther away from the water source. Let’s take a look at just a few of the possibilities.

You Might Also Like:
Native Prairie Plants for Any Size Garden
Shop Our Problem-Solving Garden Books
DIY Rain Barrel

Drought-tolerant perennial planting

Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and beautiful — what a great combination in this sunny spot! Once you plant the Russian sage, leave it there. It has a taproot so it doesn’t adapt well to being moved. This blue oat grass has beautiful blue foliage that won’t flop on the ground. Sedum, on the other hand, may need to be pulled if it strays too far.

A) Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Perennial; lavender flowers in mid- to late summer; full sun; 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide; cold zones 5 to 9

B) Sedum (Sedum rupestre)
Perennial; yellow flowers in summer full sun; spreads easily; 6 to 10 in. tall, 8 to 12 in. wide; cold zones 3 to 11

C) Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
Perennial; light brown flowers in summer; full sun; 18 to 36 in. tall, 24 to 30 in. wide; cold zones 4 to 9

Drought-tolerant variegated plants

Who says you can’t mix stripes and spots? There’s no better way to jazz up a shady place in your garden than with the variegated foliage of plants like the ones above. Pulmonaria sends up a cluster of flower stems with small leaves in spring. When the blooms are done, cut the stems back to make way for the new mound of bigger foliage.

A) Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’)
Perennial; pink and purple flowers in spring; part shade to full shade; 6 to 12 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold zones 4 to 9

B) Lilyturf (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’)
Perennial; purple flowers in late summer; full sun to part shade; 12 to 18 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold zones 6 to 10

Colorful drought-tolerant planting

Between its size and the bright yellow-green flowers, the Mediterranean spurge in this sunny garden will certainly grab attention. After it flowers, cut any dead growth back to the crown to keep it looking tidy. Mediterranean spurge reseeds freely so pull any new plants you don’t want, or deadhead the flowers as they turn brown before they can drop seed.

Slow-growing Mexican bush sage takes a while to get going in spring. Be patient, though, and those beautiful purple flowers will soon show up. The color of California poppy can vary from red to yellow to orange. Since the plants don’t like being moved, it’s best to sow seed directly where you want them to grow. And although no plant is totally deer-proof, this grouping is less likely to be nibbled than other plants!

A) Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias wulfenii)
Perennial; chartreuse flowers in late spring to early summer; full sun to part shade; 3 to 5 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide; cold zones 7 to 11

B) Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha)
Perennial; purple flowers spring to fall; full sun; 24 to 40 in. tall, 20 to 36 in. wide; cold zones 9 to 11

C) California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Perennial; orange flowers in spring; full sun; 12 to 18 in.tall, 6 to 12 in. wide; cold zones 6 to 11

You Might Also Like:
Grow a Drought-tolerant Border with 'Millenium' Allium
How to Plant a Low-maintenance Gravel Garden
Drought-tolerant Lawn Alternatives

Shade show-offs

When it comes to plants, there are degrees of drought tolerance. While this group isn’t as fond of dry conditions as lamb’s ear or succulents, it won’t need babying, either. You may notice the pulmonaria and hydrangea wilting in super dry weather, but a deep drink will revive them in no time. And keeping the corydalis on the dry side will prevent it from reseeding too much.

A) Hydrangea (Hydrangea ‘Preziosa’)
Shrub; white to pink flowers from summer to fall; part shade; 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide; cold zones 6 to 9

B) Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria ‘Spilled Milk’)
Perennial; pink to blue flowers in spring; part shade to full shade; 6 to 9 in. tall, 6 to 18 in. wide; cold zones 4 to 9

C) Corydalis (Corydalis lutea)
Perennial; yellow flowers spring to frost; reseeds in ideal conditions; part sun to full shade; 4 to 18 in. tall, 6 to 12 in. wide; cold zones 5 to 8

D) Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)
Perennial; spreading ground cover; full sun to full shade; 4 to 6 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold zones 3 to 9

Garden bed edged in silver

Lamb’s ear is a great plant for growing along the edge of a sidewalk or driveway. It loves the heat and dry conditions there. ‘Big Ears’ is an especially good choice because it rarely blooms so there’s no deadheading needed! The bloody cranesbill and phlox prefer more water than the lamb’s ear, so give them a drink if the weather has been exceptionally dry.

A) Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum striatum)
Perennial; pale pink flowers with dark pink veins late spring to early summer; full sun to part shade; 6 to 9 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold zones 3 to 8

B) Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima ‘Morris Berd’)
Perennial; pink flowers in late spring; full sun; 18 to 24 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold zones 3 to 8

C) Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’)
Perennial; rarely blooms; silver-gray foliage; full sun; 8 to 12 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold zones 4 to 8

You Might Also Like:
Watch Garden Videos On Our YouTube Channel
Drought-Tolerant Perennials
How to Grow Tall Sedum

The garden season may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your borders are done. When you grow long-lasting annuals along with late-blooming shrubs and perennials, color and interest keep going until first frost—even through winter if you leave foliage and seedheads in place.

Fall border palettes are often filled with warm jewel-toned hues — orange, red, purple and burgundy — deep shades that create a rich, moody atmosphere. But the combinations here have a softer feel. Pastel shades, such as peach, lavender, cream and silvery gray green, lighten up the shorter days and provide a mellow ambiance for your patio or seating area. Let’s take a closer look. 

Peaches & Cream

When you’re in the market for plants that can tolerate a hot, dry summer and still look good, this grouping is just what you need. The zinnia and St. John’s wort will benefit from a bit of extra water during the hottest part of summer but are drought tolerant once they get established.

Flowering starts to slow down at the end of the growing season, but if you’ve been deadheading the zinnia and salvia, they’ll still have plenty of fresh blooms to keep the garden colorful until frost. There’s no need to snip spent flowers on the St. John’s wort: It forms attractive berries that last through winter if the birds don’t eat them first.

A) Zinnia (Zinnia ‘Eldorado’)
Annual; double salmon to apricot blooms from summer to frost; full sun; 30 to 36 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide

B) Salvia (Salvia guaranitica ‘Purple & Bloom’)
Tender perennial; large deep purple blooms with black bracts from late spring to fall; full sun to part shade; 40 to 48 in. tall, 36 to 48 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11

C) St. John’s wort (Hypericum x inodorum)
Shrub; bright yellow flowers with prominent yellow stamens from summer to fall; red, pink, cream or coral berries; full sun to part shade; 3 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 5 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

D) Artemisia (Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’)
Perennial; insignificant yellow flowers in late summer; silver-white foliage; full sun; 2 to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

E) Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)
Perennial; long spikes with lavender blooms in early summer; fuzzy silver leaves; full sun; 4 to 18 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

You Might Also Like:
How to Create Colorful Cottage Garden Borders
Top Picks: Plants that Show-Off in Fall
Watch Helpful Gardening Videos on Our YouTube Channel!
Multiseason Plants for Your Garden

Pair aromatic aster with easy-care companions

Aromatic aster keeps borders colorful from summer to frost with a multitude of blooms that are a feast for late-season butterflies. The flowers aren’t fragrant, but the foliage has a balsam scent when crushed. The narrow, pale green leaves of soapweed yucca are sharp, so watch out when you’re weeding nearby. No need to worry about pruning the juniper: This low-growing cultivar is just fine without it.

A) Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Dream of Beauty’)
Perennial; light pink flowers with orange centers from late summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 12 to 15 in. tall, 22 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

B) Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
Shrub; prickly, evergreen, blue-gray foliage; full sun; 12 to 36 in. tall, 12 to 48 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

C) Soapweed yucca (Yucca glauca)
Perennial; bell-shaped, green-white blooms in summer; full sun; 3 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

Leave the seedheads

Even when ‘Millenium’ allium is done blooming, the show isn’t over — these distinctive seedheads provide interest from fall into winter. ‘Honorine Jobert’ Japanese anemone grows a low mound of foliage just 18 inches tall, but its flowering stems can reach 4 feet so you can grow it in the front or back of the border. And if you’ve struggled with floppy asters, ‘Carmine Red’ can help. Its sturdy stems keep flowers where you can see them.

A) Aster (Symphyotrichum Kickin^® ‘Carmine Red’)
Perennial; red-purple blooms from late summer to midfall; full sun; 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

B) Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’)
Perennial; white flowers from late summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 36 to 48 in. tall, 18 to 24 in wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

C) Allium (Allium ‘Millenium’)
Perennial; globe-shaped, rosy purple blooms from early to late summer; dried seedheads last into winter; full sun to part shade; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

You Might Also Like:
Shop Our Collection of Gardening Books
Fall Garden Checklist
Best Easy-Care Perennials

Unless you are lucky enough to live where it’s warm year round, when winter starts to drag on, it may feel as if the garden is awash in dreary, monochromatic browns and grays. Time to close your eyes and dream of summer—a colorful season when foliage is vibrant, flowers are blooming and pollinators are active.

If you need a bit of summer inspiration, here are three colorful low-maintenance combos that will also attract wildlife. Who wouldn’t dream of that?

Blue and orange flowers attract butterflies

Even if you aren’t a Denver Broncos fan, you’ll cheer for this eye-popping color combination. And butterflies will applaud it too. Heat-tolerant ‘Blue Butterfly’ Siberian larkspur will draw in many pollinators until late summer. Cut the bloom stalks to the ground when they are finished to keep plants neat.

Deadhead spent coneflower and bachelor’s button blossoms to extend flowering until fall, but leave a few to produce seeds that will grow the next year. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass is sterile and won’t reseed, but the dried seedheads provide winter interest and cover for birds. This drought-tolerant combo appreciates a midsummer boost of water-soluble general-purpose fertilizer.

Plant list

A) Siberian larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’)
Perennial; royal blue flower spikes from early to late summer; full sun; 12 to 15 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7

B) Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’)
Perennial; daisylike flowers in shades of orange, cream, yellow, red or purple from summer through fall; full sun to part shade; 22 to 30 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

C) Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
Perennial; wheat-colored flowers form in summer, seedheads persist into fall; full sun; 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

D) Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus ‘Blue Boy’)
Annual; blue flowers on long stems from early to late summer; full sun; 24 to 30 in. tall, 9 to 12 in. wide

You Might Also Like:
Monarchs and Milkweeds video
Pollinator Garden Plan Superbundle
5 Ways to Bring More Butterflies to Your Garden

Bird and butterfly favorites

Butterfly weed, an essential host plant for monarch butterfly larvae, anchors this richly colored summer planting. Penstemon and yarrow offer nectar for the mature butterflies, so deadhead faded flowers throughout the summer to extend their bloom time. Complementary purple blooms of spike blazing star will open in midsummer and attract pollinators. Leave spent flowers for seeds to form — goldfinch and other seed-loving birds will thank you.

Plant list

A) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Perennial; orange flower clusters from early to late summer; full sun; 12 to 36 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

B) Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’)
Perennial; white flowers with a pink blush on tall spikes above burgundy to dark green foliage from late spring to early summer; full sun; 24 to 36 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

C) Yarrow (Achillea ‘Firefly Peach Sky’)
Perennial; peachy orange flower clusters age to yellow from early to late summer; full sun; 32 to 36 in. tall, 28 to 32 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

D) Spike blazing star (Liatris spicata)
Perennial; purple, pink or white flower spikes early to midsummer; full sun to part shade; 18 to 48 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

Shade-loving perennial border

Weeds can’t get a foothold in this tightly packed border of shade-loving perennials. But the stones exposed by these compact, mounded plants invite you to step into the garden. Deer-resistant lady’s mantle and coral bells need little care — just shear off or rake out dead foliage in early spring. Deadheading the coral bells, lady’s mantle and dalmation bellflower when blooms are spent will help plants look tidy through the summer. If the sedum starts to creep out over the path, use garden shears to keep it in line.

A) Coral bells (Heuchera hybrid)
Perennial; spires of tiny red, pink or white flowers over mounded foliage from late spring to summer; full sun to part shade; 6 to 24 in. tall, 10 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

B) Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Perennial; airy lime-green flowers over mounded chartreuse foliage from late spring to early summer; full sun to part shade; 10 to 18 in. tall, 18 to 30 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

C) Dalmatian bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana)
Perennial; small blue or violet bell-shaped flowers in late spring; full sun to part shade; 8 to 12 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

D) Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
Perennial; yellow flower clusters on a mat of chartreuse foliage from mid-to late summer; full sun to part shade; 4 to 6 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

You Might Also Like:
Japanese Weeding Sickle
'Blue Boy' Bachelor's Buttons
Utility Snips

Summer brings plenty of flowers to keep pollinators happy, but what about late fall and early spring? As the weather cools in autumn, pollinators, like bees and butterflies, need nectar sources to build their energy reserves to get through winter hibernation or make a long migration journey.

Support spring pollinators

In spring, hummingbirds begin to appear, and hoverflies, butterflies and hibernating bumblebees and solitary bees will come out at the first sign of warmer weather. Meanwhile, honeybees don’t hibernate, but they will become more active and start collecting nectar as soon as your spring flowers arrive.

How to feed local pollinators in your garden

Grow a variety of fall- and spring-blooming flowers to keep them fed at both ends of the growing season. Look for a mix of bulbs, perennials, shrubs and annuals in different shapes and sizes so you can offer something for everyone’s taste. Even a couple of container gardens can help! Here are a few beautiful combos for fall and spring that’ll support your local pollinators too.

You Might Also Like:
Pollinator Collection | Garden Gate Store
10 Plants to Attract Hummingbirds
Bird & Butterfly Friendly Plants

Fragrant spring plants for pollinators

Looking for an early spring combo packed with fragrance? One of the most powerful garden scents comes from the many varieties of hyacinth. You may not notice a hellebore’s subtle scent, but pollinators will be drawn to both of these beauties early in the year. Tubular flowers and strappy leaves of hyacinth pair well with thick, evergreen foliage of hellebores and its roselike blossoms. With many cultivars of these two plants to choose from, the combinations are endless. Cut off the flower stalks when hyacinth blooms are spent, and let the leaves remain so the plants can store energy in their bulbs for next season. Hellebores require little maintenance, but winter worn foliage can be cut back to the base of the plant in late winter to early spring.

A) HelleboreHelleborus spp. and hybrids
Perennial; white, pink, yellow, green, purple, rose red or burgundy blooms in late winter and early spring; part shade to full sun; 1 to 3 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

B) HyacinthHyacinthus orientalis
Perennial bulb; fragrant blue, white, peach, red, yellow, purple, or striped flowers in mid-spring; full sun to part shade; 6 to 12 in. tall, 3 to 5 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

You Might Also Like:
Fragrant Flowers for Your Garden
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Best Places to Buy Bulbs Online

Spring pollinator plants for shade

Here’s a shade-loving pollinator combo: pair Solomon’s seal and old-fashioned bleeding heart. Their flowers bloom in the cool of spring and provide an early-season food source for waking pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and returning hummingbirds. The soft foliage and heart-shaped flowers of bleeding heart contrast nicely with Solomon’s seal’s variegated foliage and lightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers. Both plants are resistant to deer and rabbits and spread through rhizomes, making propagation and division easy. This combo is relatively drought tolerant and low maintenance and requires no pruning or deadheading.

A) ‘Variegatum’ variegated Solomon’s sealPolygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum
Perennial; fragrant white blooms in spring; full to part shade; 24 to 30 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

B) Old-fashioned bleeding heartLamprocapnos spectabilis
Perennial; red and white, pink and white, or solid white heart-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer; part to full shade; 24 to 36 in. tall, 15 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

Feed pollinators with fall flowers

This low-maintenance sun-loving combination delivers vibrant blooms up until the first frost. It creates the perfect environment for lingering pollinators looking for a last-minute food source going into the winter months. Tucked between tall sedum’s rosy-pink blooms and garden mum’s red daisy-like flowers are golden yellow mounds of Zahara Yellow zinnias, all flowers that pollinators like bees and butterflies enjoy.

Tall sedum and mums also attract hoverflies, another important pollinator, providing a nectar source before they go into hibernation. Meanwhile, zinnias are very popular with hummingbirds needing a tasty treat before migration. Tidy up the tall sedum and garden mum in spring by cutting the dead foliage back to the ground. A bonus? Zahara zinnias don’t require deadheading: Just remove plants after frost kills the foliage.

A) ‘Autumn Fire’ tall sedumHylotelephium spectabile
Perennial; pink late-summer blooms age to copper-red in fall; full sun; 1 to 2 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

B) Zahara^™ Yellow zinniaZinnia marylandica
Annual; golden yellow blooms from late spring to frost; full sun; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide

C) ‘Five Alarm Red’ garden mumChrysanthemum morifolium
Perennial; deep red blooms from summer through fall; full sun; 14 to 24 in. tall, 20 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

You Might Also Like:
How to Grow Tall Sedum
Will My Mums Come Back Next Year?
Pollinator Garden Plant Pairings

Shade gardens are often the perfect spots for seating areas or getaways. Under the shelter of a mature tree or a structure, the temperatures are usually a bit cooler and it’s easier to get the sense of privacy or seclusion that helps when you’re creating a calming retreat. And shade gardens often require less maintenance: Out of direct sun, the soil holds moisture longer and weeds don’t sprout so readily. Apply a couple inches of organic mulch each year and your work load will be even lighter. Now let’s take a look at some plants that can help you upgrade your shade borders or create an area where you can kick back and relax. 

Showcase foliage in shade

It’s true that there aren’t as many plants with showy flowers for shade gardens as there are for sunny spots. But that doesn’t mean a border has to be boring. Mix up the planting with a variety of leaf shapes and colors. Here, the broad green hosta leaves make a great contrast to the burgundy coral bells at the front of this border. With just a few pansies for a pop of color, you can have an amazing all-season show. Repeating the coral bells along the edge with more pansies provides a cohesive look.

Back-of-the-border ligularia has dramatic yellow spikes that last for several weeks. But even when they fade, the attractive heart-shaped, heavily toothed leaves provide plenty of interest. Give this perennial regular deep watering to prevent crispy leaf edges. Deadheading the tall spent bloom scapes of the ligularia, hosta and coral bells below the mound of foliage will keep the border looking tidy.

A) Pansy (Viola Delta™ Premium Pure Orange) 
Perennial; 3-in. bright orange flowers from spring to fall; full sun to part shade; 6 to 8 in. tall, 8 to 10 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

B) Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’)
Perennial; small white flowers in late spring to midsummer; dark purple leaves with a lacy silver overlay; full sun to part shade; 8 to 12 in. tall (24 in. in bloom), 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

C) Hosta (Hosta ‘Francee’)
Perennial; trumpet-shaped lavender blooms from mid- to late summer; dark green leaves with a white margin; part to full shade; 12 to 24 in. tall (30 in. in bloom), 24 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

D) Hosta (Hosta ‘Patriot’)
Perennial; trumpet-shaped lavender blooms in summer; dark green leaves with irregular white margins; part to full shade; 12 to 18 in. tall (34 in. in bloom), 24 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

E) Clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata ‘Superba’)
Perennial; clusters of 2-in. tubular deep purple blooms from early to midsummer; full sun to part shade; 18 to 30 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8

F) Ligularia (Ligularia ‘The Rocket’)
Perennial; densely packed yellow midsummer flower spikes; large, serrated heart-shaped leaves; part to full shade; 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

G) Globeflower (Trollius chinensis ‘Golden Queen’) Perennial; 2- to 3-in. yellow-orange blooms from late spring to midsummer; full sun to part shade; 24 to 36 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7

You Might Also Like:
How To Grow Pansies
Best Hosta Varieties for Your Garden
Colorful Shade Garden Combinations

Create a colorful path in shade

Bedding impatiens are a shade garden classic. They’re so easy to grow, and come in a wide range of colors. The Beacon series above is all that and super resistant to downy mildew, a fungus that’s devastating to impatiens. Pulmonaria’s silvery foliage catches the light near this part-shade pathway and really makes this combo pop.

A) Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria ‘Silver Bouquet’)
Perennial; blue to pink spring flowers arrive before the mound of silver leaves; part to full shade; 7 to 10 in. tall, 18 to 20 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

B) Impatiens (Impatiens Beacon^® Bright Red)
Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); red flowers from late spring to frost; part to full shade; 14 to 18 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11

C) Impatiens (Impatiens Beacon^® Coral)
Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual); coral flowers from late spring to frost; part to full shade; 14 to 18 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11

Add texture to shade borders

The unusual red-flowered ‘Beni’ mountain hydrangea has lacecap flowers that add to the textural look of this planting and performs best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of light per day). Too much sun causes the flower color to fade. All of the plants in this border grow best with consistent moisture.

A) Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni’)
Shrub; white lacecap flowers blush pink then mature to red in summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 4 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9

B) Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’)
Perennial; silver-gray foliage has a red blush along the central stem, especially near the tip; part to full shade; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

C) Hakonechloa (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)
Perennial; insignificant yellow-green flowers in late summer to fall; part to full shade; 1 to 2 ft. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

You Might Also Like:
Best Shade Garden Plants
Garden Plans for Shade Gardens
Tour a Southern Shade Garden | Talk & Tour Video

Foliage often plays second fiddle to blooms in the garden. But have you ever thought about letting the leaves take center stage? They last longer than flowers and come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes, as well as many colors. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to combining foliage but these tips can help you get started.

Choose plants with colorful fall foliage

Green is just the beginning when it comes to foliage. You'll find a surprising number of other leaf colors to use in your fall borders — yellow, red, purple, white and silver, to name a few. For combos that have some real punch, combine contrasting colors like chartreuse and burgundy or silver and deep purple.

Remember, as the weather changes, leaf color often changes too. Gray-green in spring and summer, Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) changes to vibrant red and Arkansas amsonia's (Amsonia hubrichtii) feathery green summer foliage turns to glowing gold in fall. The amount of light a plant gets has an effect on leaf color, too. You’ll even notice differences within the same cultivar — for example, chartreuse hostas turn yellow with more sun. But the same hosta in shade stays chartreuse over the summer.

Add texture with fall foliage

Touch fuzzy lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) or a smooth rhododendron (Rhododendron spp. and hybrids) leaf and you’ve experienced texture. Though these surfaces often have practical functions — lamb’s ear’s silver fuzz helps it beat the heat and retain water, for example — this tactile element also adds a lot of interest to the garden. Visual texture can be subtle, as in the case of the fine-texured grasses or the deeply cut leaves of the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). But it can really make a statement too. You can't miss the deeply serrated silver horned poppy (Glaucium flavum) foliage or hostas (Hosta hybrids) with puckered leaves. Pay close attention to the size and shape of the leaves in your garden, too. A variety makes them easier to see and more interesting.

You Might Also Like:
Easy-Care Fall Garden Planting Ideas
Learn the Secrets to Combining Flower Shapes
Long-Blooming Fall Plant Combinations

Fantastic fall foliage pairing

Viburnum’s deep burgundy fall foliage, golden-yellow maiden grass and the red, yellow and violet of Labrador rose keep this garden looking good well into fall. And when those autumn leaves disappear, the contrasting shapes of the grass, yucca and juniper really sing — even in winter.

A) Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Type Perennial Blooms Silver, tan, pink or burgundy plumes in late spring to fall Light Full sun to part shade Size 1 to 12 ft. tall, 1 to 6 ft. wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

B) Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
Type Shrub Blooms Pink to white blooms in early to late spring Light Full sun to part shade Size 4 to 6 ft. tall and wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

C) Labrador rose (Rosa blanda)
Type Shrub Blooms Single pink blooms with a yellow center in early summer followed by round red hips in fall Light Full sun Size 3 to 5 ft. tall and wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7

D) Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
Type Perennial Blooms Long 5- to 8-ft.-tall stems of creamy-white bell-shaped blooms emerge in summer Light Full sun Size 18 to 36 in. tall, 18 to 48 in. wide Hardiness cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 11

E) Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’)
Type Shrub Foliage Prostrate habit with steel blue foliage all year Light Full sun Size 4 to 12 in. tall, 2 to 8 ft. wide Hardines Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

Get multiseason interest with grasses, trees and shrubs

This pair of pint-sized evergreens have similar textures and habits, but the vibrant color contrast makes this combo pop. Set against the warm-hued Japanese maple and grasses that will stay standing through winter, there's plenty to enjoy about this fall border.

A) Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Type Perennial Blooms Silver, tan, pink or burgundy plumes in late spring to fall Light Full sun to part shade Size 1 to 12 ft. tall, 1 to 6 ft. wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

B) Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Type Perennial Blooms Purple-bronze flowers in summer Light Full sun Size 2 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

C) Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Garnet’)
Type Tree Foliage Deeply cut leaves emerge red-orange in spring and gradually fade to green in summer then red in fall Light Full sun to part shade Size 6 to 9 ft. tall, 8 to 12 ft. wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

D) Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Montgomery’)
Type Shrub Foliage Dwarf variety with silver blue evergreen foliage Light Full sun Size 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 2 to 8

E) Mugo pine (Pinus mugo ‘Aurea’)
Type Shrub Foliage Green needles become gold as the weather turns colder Light Full sun Size 2 to 3 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7

You Might Also Like:
How to Design with Japanese Maples
Smart Garden Plans
Tour a Muliseason Garden in Washington State

Summer is over and you may be tempted to put away your pruners, store the gloves and just sit back to enjoy the cooler days and beautiful autumn foliage. Not so fast — there’s plenty of time left to do a little more planting before the ground freezes!

Adding fall perennials and cool-season annuals can bring a whole new look to your borders, and many don’t require much care, so you’ll still have moments to relax and enjoy the view. We've got you covered with some easy-care fall garden planting ideas.

As temps cool, there are usually fewer fall chores anyway: You don’t need to water as much, the weeds seem to grow more slowly, and you can often stop deadheading. Many flowers hold their seedheads into fall and winter and not only look pretty, but they feed birds, too.

You Might Also Like:
Oak Leaf Embroidered Dad Hat
Fall Flower Arrangements
10 Late-Season Flowers
Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant in Fall

Add classic favorites for easy-care fall plantings

Colorful fall garden plantings often start with garden mums. They come in a broad range of colors, from rusty reds, golden yellows and bold oranges to calmer shades of salmon, pink, burgundy and lavender.

Create a traditional fall border, or shake it up with those nonconforming shades paired with blues or hot pinks. Pop ready-to-bloom garden mums in a bed as replacements for waning summer annuals. Fall-planted mums may not be reliably winter hardy, but treat them like annuals and enjoy.

Mums are just the beginning of a colorful and flower-filled fall garden. Check out these three easy-care fall combinations to give you inspiration!

Easy-care planting with tropical flair

Lavender garden mums planted en masse provide the twilight to the croton foliage’s fiery sunset-colored glow of reds, oranges and yellows of the planting above. Though both are sun-loving plants, give them extra water to get through a hot day.

Overwintering croton

Crotons love life outdoors all summer, but if you live in a region colder than zone 10, dig them up before frost and plant up into a container. Winter them over indoors in a bright and sunny south window—they make great houseplants.

Plant List

A) CrotonCodiaeum variegatum pictum ‘Petra’
Shrub; multicolored foliage; full sun to part shade; 3 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12

B) Garden mumChrysanthemum hybrid
Perennial; white, yellow, purple, orange, red, pink or lavender flowers bloom from late summer to fall; full sun to part shade; 12 to 36 in. tall, 15 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

You Might Also Like:
How to Grow Mums
VIDEO: Will My Mums Come Back Next Year?
Try Houseplants in Garden Planters

Fall planting with multiseason interest

Sometimes, what is left when a flower is spent is just as noteworthy as the flower itself. In the planting above, allium and Korean feather reed grass have a subtle tan hue and striking shapes that create interest even into winter, so you don’t need to deadhead the seedheads until early spring. Bluebeard’s true blue flowers keep pollinators happy in late summer and fall.

Plant List

A) BluebeardCaryopteris Le Barbe Bleue^™
Shrub; clusters of blue flowers in late summer to early fall along stems of chartreuse foliage; full sun; 28 to 36 in. tall, 30 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

B) Korean feather reed grassCalamagrostis brachytricha
Perennial; pink-tinged feathery blooms age to tan seedheads from summer through fall; full sun to part shade; 36 to 48 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

C) AlliumAllium ‘Millenium’
Perennial; rose-purple globes of flowers in midsummer aging to tan through fall and persisting through winter; full sun to part shade; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

You Might Also Like:
Fall Garden Show-offs
Shrubs with Fall Foliage
Allium ‘Millenium’ Growing Guide

Sedum showcase in fall

Tall sedum comes in so many forms and flower colors that it might be all you need in the fall garden. In the border above, jagged leaf texture, creamy variegation and solid traditional form differentiate three cultivars. As their flowers age, they develop shades of red and rust, drying on the plant and lingering through fall pairing perfectly with bright pumpkins and ruffly ornamental kale accents.

Plant List

A) Tall sedumSedum ‘T Rex’
Perennial; dusty rose-pink flowers in late summer to fall atop sturdy stems of scalloped leaves; full sun; 24 to 28 in. tall, 28 to 32 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

B) Tall sedumSedum erythrostictum ‘Frosty Morn’
Perennial; pale pink to white flowers in summer to fall on light green foliage edged in white; full sun; 24 to 36 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

C) Tall sedumSedum ‘Mr. Goodbud’
Perennial; deep rose-purple flowers last through fall; full sun; 14 to 16 in. tall, 18 to 20 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

D) Ornamental kaleBrassica oleracea
Tender perennial; blue-green ruffled foliage forms rosettes; full sun; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11