When the cooler temperatures approach, it doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with a dull and boring landscape. Incorporating fall colors from luscious plants are what bring much needed warmth to an outdoor space. There are many hardy species that can be added in the spring and continue to bloom well into the fall. Some other options are prime for planting later in the season when the air turns crisp. Here is a guide for amping up your foliage with bursting colors all autumn long.

Fall-Friendly Perennials

Illinois native perennials are an obvious choice for seasonal charm, as they’ve evolved to withstand our brisk fall climate. Several varieties can even be added to your garden in late summer. It is ideal to plant about 6 weeks before the first frost, which is typically around the last two weeks of October. Coneflowers, such as Black-eyed Susans or Prairie Glow Brown-eyed, Goldenrods, and Willow leaf Sunflowers are choices that will deliver a traditional golden glow to your garden. An array of Asters, Bluebells, Blazing Stars, and purple Coneflowers will brighten your yard with hues of pink, purple and blue. Grasses, such as Bluestem can act as a filler plant, while also providing extra visual interest.

Late Blooming Annuals

If you’re not ready for the commitment of perennials or prefer to decorate your home’s exterior using containers, then annuals are the way to go. Chrysanthemums, or “mums”, are the hallmark of fall hues. Available in a wide assortment, from white to gold to lavender and pink, mums are easy, low maintenance flowers that offer a bold appearance deep into this season. Other options include Pansies, Primrose, Snapdragons, Sweet Alyssum and Dianthus. For a textual change, ornamental kale and cabbage can be chosen for their shades of white, pink, and red that tend to flourish in cooler temperatures.

The end of summer doesn’t have to put a halt on your vibrant and joyful landscape. Keep your home looking festive during the cold months by considering these numerous possibilities. Not sure where to start? Submit an inquiry for landscape design and we’ll help curate an outdoor setting that fulfills all your interests and needs.