25 Flowers to Plant in September for a Vibrant Fall Garden
September is the perfect time to refresh your garden with blooms that thrive in cooler weather. Whether you’re extending summer color or preparing for a spectacular fall display, choosing the right plants now can keep your garden lively for weeks to come. In fact, there are 25 flowers to plant in September that will reward you with long-lasting beauty and resilience.
From bold dahlias to delicate Japanese anemones, these flowers not only brighten borders but also attract pollinators before the season ends. With the right selections, your garden can transition seamlessly from summer’s warmth to autumn’s charm. Ready to discover the best choices? Let’s dive in!
In this article, we'll cover
- 25 Flowers to Plant in September
- 1. Aster
- 2. Chrysanthemum
- 3. Sedum
- 4. Goldenrod
- 5. Japanese Anemone
- 6. Salvia
- 7. Helenium
- 8. Verbena
- 9. Dahlia
- 10. Sunflower
- 11. Zinnia
- 12. Coreopsis
- 13. Phlox
- 14. Marigold
- 15. Toad Lily
- 16. Balloon Flower
- 17. Begonia
- 18. Impatiens
- 19. Fuchsia
- 20. Autumn Crocus
- 21. Hydrangea
- 22. Lobelia
- 23. Gaillardia
- 24. Rudbeckia
- 25. Nicotiana
- Additional September Flowering Options
- Tips for Planting Flowers in September
- Mistakes to Avoid When Planting in September
- FAQs
- Conclusion
25 Flowers to Plant in September
1. Aster
Asters bring a burst of late-season color with their daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. These flowers are known for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies, making them a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, offering a cheerful display just as many summer flowers start to fade.
Their long bloom period makes them a reliable choice for brightening borders and containers. Pair them with ornamental grasses or gardens with lavender for a stunning contrast of textures and colors.
Popular Varieties
- New England Aster: Tall, vibrant purple flowers loved by bees.
- Wood Aster: A shade-tolerant option with delicate white petals.
2. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are one of the most iconic flowers of fall. Their bold, globe-shaped blooms come in a dazzling range of colors, from fiery reds to golden yellows and creamy whites. These plants are perfect for garden beds, porch containers, or even lining pathways.
They thrive best in full sun and appreciate consistent watering to keep their flowers vibrant. Mums also last well as cut flowers, making them a favorite for seasonal arrangements. Combine them with patio decor ideas to create a welcoming autumn display.
Popular Varieties
- Cushion Mums: Compact plants with abundant blooms.
- Spider Mums: Unique, spidery petals for dramatic effect.
3. Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent that’s perfect for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss. Its star-shaped flowers can range from pink to yellow, standing out beautifully in beds or containers. As the weather cools, sedum varieties often shift to deeper tones, adding seasonal interest.
This hardy plant thrives in poor soil and requires minimal care, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. It also pairs well with small backyard garden ideas, especially when used as edging or ground cover.
Popular Varieties
- Autumn Joy: Pink blooms that mature into rusty red.
- Dragon’s Blood: Low-growing variety with deep red foliage and flowers.
4. Goldenrod
Goldenrod lights up the garden with tall spikes of golden-yellow flowers that bloom late into the season. Its sunny presence provides a striking backdrop for other fall flowers, creating a warm and cheerful effect. Despite common myths, goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies—it’s actually pollinated by insects, not wind.
It’s an excellent plant for supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when food sources start to dwindle. Plant it in sunny spots with well-drained soil for the best results. Combine with gardens with wild flowers for a natural, meadow-like look.
Popular Varieties
- Solidago canadensis: Tall and dramatic golden spires.
- Little Lemon: Compact variety, perfect for smaller spaces.
5. Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones bring elegance with their delicate, cup-shaped flowers that float gracefully on tall stems. Blooming in shades of pink and white, they add a soft, romantic touch to garden beds and borders in early autumn. Their ability to flower when many other plants fade makes them a true standout.
They thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. These flowers pair beautifully with garden seating ideas for a charming late-season retreat spot.
Popular Varieties
- Honorine Jobert: White petals with golden centers, classic and graceful.
- September Charm: Soft pink blooms that last well into fall.
6. Salvia
Salvia is a vibrant, long-blooming perennial that thrives well into autumn. Its spikes of purple, blue, or red flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly spaces. These plants prefer sunny conditions and well-drained soil, and they add height and texture to garden borders.
They also look stunning alongside ornamental grasses or within garden borders with sleepers to create structured design. Salvia requires little maintenance once established, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
Popular Varieties
- Salvia ‘Caradonna’: Striking purple flower spikes with dark stems, perfect for bold contrast.
- Salvia ‘Hot Lips’: Unique red-and-white bicolor flowers that add playful charm to the garden.
7. Helenium
Helenium, often called sneezeweed, brings fiery tones of yellow, orange, and red to late-summer and autumn gardens. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in abundance, creating vibrant displays that last for weeks. Despite the name, Helenium doesn’t cause allergies—its pollen is insect-spread.
These plants are excellent for adding bold splashes of color to borders or meadow-style designs. They also pair well with gardens with alliums for a striking seasonal contrast.
Popular Varieties
- Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’: Copper-red petals with golden centers, a dramatic autumn favorite.
- Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’: Orange-gold blooms that provide a long season of color.
8. Verbena
Verbena is beloved for its clusters of small, nectar-rich flowers that bloom well into the cooler months. This plant is a true pollinator magnet, bringing butterflies and bees to your outdoor space. With its airy stems and bright flowers, verbena adds movement and elegance to borders or containers.
It thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil. Gardeners often combine it with garden hammock ideas to create relaxed, pollinator-friendly spaces for lounging outdoors.
Popular Varieties
- Verbena bonariensis: Tall, airy stems topped with clusters of purple flowers, ideal for cottage gardens.
- Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’: Low-growing variety with rich purple blooms, great for ground cover or containers.
9. Dahlia
Dahlias are showstoppers with their dazzling range of flower forms, from tiny pompons to dinner-plate-sized blooms. They offer an incredible palette of colors, making them a versatile choice for both garden beds and cut flower arrangements. With proper care, they’ll keep flowering until the first frost.
These bold blooms need full sun and regular watering, plus staking for taller varieties. They work beautifully in small garden courtyard ideas to create a lush, colorful centerpiece.
Popular Varieties
- Dahlia ‘Cafe au Lait’: Enormous blooms in creamy blush tones, perfect for elegant displays.
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’: Striking red flowers with dark foliage for dramatic impact.
10. Sunflower
Few plants capture the joy of late summer like the sunflower. Their tall stalks and cheerful yellow blooms add drama and warmth to any garden. Beyond their beauty, sunflowers provide seeds for birds and create a natural focal point that delights both kids and adults.
They’re best grown in full sun with fertile soil, and they’re surprisingly easy to cultivate from seed. Combine them with gardens with kids play areas to create a fun and lively family-friendly environment.
Popular Varieties
- Sunflower ‘Autumn Beauty’: Multi-branched plants with blooms in yellow, orange, and burgundy tones.
- Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’: A dwarf variety with fluffy, double blooms—perfect for containers or small gardens.
11. Zinnia
Zinnias are cheerful annuals that bloom in a rainbow of colors, from bold reds and oranges to soft pastels. They are known for their long-lasting flowers, which also make excellent cut arrangements. Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming continuously until the first frost.
These resilient plants are easy to grow from seed, making them a favorite among beginner gardeners. They’re also loved by butterflies, adding extra life and movement to your outdoor spaces.
Popular Varieties
- Zinnia ‘Profusion’: Compact, low-maintenance blooms that thrive even in tough conditions.
- Zinnia ‘State Fair Mix’: Large, colorful flowers perfect for bold garden displays.
12. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, adds a splash of sunshine to the garden with its bright yellow, daisy-like blooms. These hardy perennials flower well into fall, thriving in poor soil and drought-like conditions. Their cheerful presence makes them a must-have for low-maintenance designs.
They work beautifully in mixed borders or naturalized areas, where their sunny blooms can light up the space. Coreopsis is also a reliable plant for attracting pollinators.
Popular Varieties
- Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’: Pale yellow flowers that create a soft, airy look.
- Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’: Golden yellow blooms with a compact growth habit.
13. Phlox
Phlox adds a touch of romance to late-season gardens with its fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers. Available in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, phlox brings color and charm to borders and containers.
This perennial thrives in sunny spots with fertile, well-drained soil. Its sweet fragrance makes it a popular choice for gardens designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Popular Varieties
- Phlox paniculata ‘David’: Tall stems topped with fragrant white blooms.
- Phlox ‘Bright Eyes’: Pink petals with darker centers for a striking two-tone effect.
14. Marigold
Marigolds are classic garden favorites known for their bright orange and yellow hues. They’re excellent for adding bold pops of color, and their distinct fragrance helps deter garden pests. These tough annuals grow quickly and bloom continuously until frost.
They’re ideal for garden beds, edging, or containers, and their low maintenance needs make them perfect for beginner gardeners. Marigolds are also commonly used in cultural celebrations, adding a festive vibe.
Popular Varieties
- Marigold ‘French Dwarf’: Compact, bushy plants with abundant blooms.
- Marigold ‘African Crackerjack’: Tall plants with large, showy flowers in bright shades.
15. Toad Lily
Toad lilies are shade-loving perennials that produce unique, orchid-like flowers speckled with intricate patterns. Blooming in late summer to fall, they add exotic charm to woodland gardens or shaded corners.
These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive in spots where many other flowers struggle. Their blooms are smaller but incredibly detailed, rewarding close-up viewing.
Popular Varieties
- Tricyrtis hirta: Known for its purple-spotted petals and graceful form.
- Toad Lily ‘Miyazaki’: Compact variety with arching stems and lavender-speckled blooms.
16. Balloon Flower
Balloon flowers are named for their balloon-shaped buds that pop open into starry blue, white, or pink blossoms. They bring a whimsical touch to late-season gardens and are valued for their long-lasting blooms. These perennials are easy to grow and adapt well to various soil types.
Their compact size makes them great for borders or containers, while their striking colors add depth to garden palettes. Balloon flowers are also low-maintenance, requiring little more than sun and well-drained soil.
Popular Varieties
- Platycodon ‘Fuji Blue’: Classic deep blue blooms with a striking star shape.
- Platycodon ‘Sentimental Blue’: A dwarf variety perfect for containers and small spaces.
17. Begonia
Begonias shine in September with their lush foliage and vibrant flowers. Available in shades of red, pink, orange, and white, they thrive in both containers and shaded garden areas. Their versatility makes them one of the most reliable late-season plants.
These tender perennials prefer partial shade and moist soil, adding constant color where many plants fade. Their unique leaves often add ornamental value even when not in bloom.
Popular Varieties
- Begonia ‘Dragon Wing’: Cascading stems with bright red blooms, perfect for hanging baskets.
- Begonia ‘Nonstop Series’: Large, long-lasting flowers available in a wide range of colors.
18. Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that provide continuous blooms until frost. Their soft petals come in pink, red, purple, and white, bringing color to darker areas of the garden where other flowers may not thrive.
These plants do best in rich, moist soil and require regular watering, making them ideal for planters and shady borders. Their prolific flowering ensures vibrant displays with minimal effort.
Popular Varieties
- Impatiens walleriana: Classic bedding type with masses of blooms in many colors.
- New Guinea Impatiens: Larger flowers and more sun tolerance, ideal for container gardens.
19. Fuchsia
Fuchsias are prized for their pendulous, lantern-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. They’re particularly striking in hanging baskets, where their cascading flowers create dramatic displays.
These tender perennials prefer partial shade and cool conditions, making them perfect for late-season color in sheltered spots. Regular deadheading encourages longer blooming periods.
Popular Varieties
- Fuchsia ‘Dollar Princess’: Double blooms with rich purple centers and red petals.
- Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’: A compact variety well-suited for containers and small gardens.
20. Autumn Crocus
Autumn crocus is a delightful surprise in the garden, blooming just as many plants are fading. Its delicate, goblet-shaped flowers appear in shades of lilac and pink, bringing freshness to early fall landscapes.
Though it resembles spring crocus, it blooms later and adds unexpected charm to garden beds and borders. These flowers prefer sunny to partially shaded spots with well-drained soil.
Popular Varieties
- Colchicum autumnale: Classic lilac flowers that naturalize easily.
- Colchicum ‘Waterlily’: Double blooms with layered petals in soft pink-purple shades.
21. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are timeless garden favorites that can bloom beautifully into early autumn. Their large clusters of flowers range from soft blues and pinks to striking whites and purples, depending on soil acidity. They create a bold statement in garden beds and borders.
These shrubs prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Even as the blooms fade, their dried flowers add rustic charm, making hydrangeas a plant with year-round appeal.
Popular Varieties
- Hydrangea macrophylla: Classic mophead type with large, rounded clusters.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’: Cone-shaped blooms that shift from green to pink as the season progresses.
22. Lobelia
Lobelia is a compact, low-growing plant that delivers cascades of bright blue, purple, or white flowers. It thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for September planting.
These annuals are perfect for edging, containers, or hanging baskets, where they spill gracefully over the sides. They also complement taller blooms in mixed garden designs.
Popular Varieties
- Lobelia erinus: Known for its trailing habit and vibrant blue flowers.
- Lobelia ‘Crystal Palace’: Compact with intense, dark blue blooms and bronze-tinged foliage.
23. Gaillardia
Gaillardia, or blanket flower, brightens gardens with its fiery red, orange, and yellow petals. These daisy-like blooms resemble a summer sunset and continue well into fall.
Tolerant of heat and drought, gaillardias are low-maintenance plants that thrive in sunny, dry conditions. Their bold colors make them stand out in borders and naturalized areas.
Popular Varieties
- Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’: Compact, early-blooming type with striking red-and-gold flowers.
- Gaillardia ‘Goblin’: Low-growing, hardy plant that produces abundant blooms throughout the season.
24. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckias, often known as black-eyed Susans, offer golden-yellow petals with dark centers that embody the essence of autumn. These cheerful flowers bloom in abundance and are loved for their resilience.
They’re drought-tolerant, thrive in sunny spots, and look great in both borders and meadow-style gardens. Their long-lasting blooms also attract pollinators.
Popular Varieties
- Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’: Reliable, vibrant blooms that last for weeks.
- Rudbeckia hirta: Annual variety with bold golden petals and striking dark centers.
25. Nicotiana
Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, adds fragrance and charm to late-season gardens. Its star-shaped flowers open in the evening, releasing a sweet scent that attracts night pollinators like moths.
These plants thrive in partial shade and moist soil, adding elegance to borders and cottage-style gardens. Their upright form and continuous blooms make them a versatile addition to fall displays.
Popular Varieties
- Nicotiana alata: Fragrant, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, and red.
- Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’: Unique green blossoms that pair beautifully with bold-colored flowers.
Additional September Flowering Options
While the classics shine in September, a few lesser-known blooms can add unique character to your garden. Colchicum (autumn crocus) produces large, goblet-shaped flowers that appear suddenly, adding surprise to borders. Rudbeckia, with its golden petals and dark centers, delivers cheerful color even in poor soil. Another great option is Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, which brings evening fragrance and charm.
These underrated choices can be combined with popular fall favorites for extended variety. They’re perfect for gardeners who want to experiment beyond traditional picks while still enjoying hardy, late-season blooms.
Tips for Planting Flowers in September
Planting in September requires a bit of strategy to ensure success. Here are a few tips:
- Prepare the soil: Enrich with compost to support strong root growth.
- Mind the sun and shade: Place sun-loving flowers in open spots and shade lovers under trees or along fences.
- Use containers: Many blooms thrive in pots, which can be moved to protect against early frost.
- Water consistently: Cooler weather doesn’t mean plants need less hydration. Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Pair thoughtfully: Combine flowers with shrubs or garden container ideas for visual variety and extended impact.
These small steps help maximize both color and longevity in your autumn displays.
Mistakes to Avoid When Planting in September
Even experienced gardeners make missteps during fall planting. Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding plants: Tight spacing reduces airflow and increases disease risk.
- Ignoring frost dates: Some tender flowers won’t survive a cold snap—know your local climate.
- Planting too late: Give perennials enough time to establish roots before the ground hardens.
- Neglecting soil quality: Poor soil preparation leads to weak blooms. Always amend with organic matter.
- Over or under watering: Balance is key—check soil moisture regularly.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures healthier plants and a longer-lasting display of blooms.
FAQs
Can I still plant summer flowers in September?
Yes, but stick to varieties that tolerate cooler weather, such as zinnias or marigolds. Heat-loving plants won’t thrive as the days shorten.
What flowers last the longest into fall?
Mums, sedum, asters, and ornamental grasses provide color well into late autumn, often lasting until frost.
How do I protect September flowers from early frost?
Cover tender plants with garden fleece or move container plants into sheltered spots when frost is predicted. Mulching around roots also helps insulate soil.
Do I need to fertilize fall flowers?
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth, but avoid overfeeding, which can encourage foliage instead of blooms.
Conclusion
With thoughtful planning, your garden can stay colorful and lively well into autumn. These 25 flowers to plant in September not only brighten borders but also attract pollinators, provide cut flowers, and add seasonal charm. From bold dahlias to delicate anemones, each bloom offers unique beauty to carry your garden through the cooling months. By pairing classic favorites with a few unexpected choices, you’ll create a display that feels both vibrant and fresh. September may mark the end of summer, but with the right flowers, it’s the perfect beginning of a stunning fall garden.
