10 Beautiful Flowers To Plant In Late Summer For Gorgeous Fall Blooms

As summer comes to a close, so does the blooming season for many flowers. However, this does not mean that you have to say goodbye to vibrant petals and lush gardens until next year. There are quite a few flower varieties you can plant in late summer for gorgeous fall blooms. This way, you can enjoy a full and colorful garden even as the weather cools down. To narrow things down, consider reviewing the following list of 10 stunning options we've curated. This way, you will have an idea of which flowers might be a good fit for your own garden.

From bright purple petunias to vibrantly yellow sunflowers, this list includes flowering plants that thrive in a wide variety of regions. Before deciding which of the following flowers to add to your garden, make sure that you have identified the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you are located in. This way, you can select flowers that will thrive where you live. Now, let's dive in so that you can start preparing to maintain a lush garden during the fall months.

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) can be planted in late summer or early fall. They bloom until there are signs of frost, so early to mid fall depending on when you plant them and your climate. These flowers vary in color, but they all feature that distinctive dark center that served as inspiration for the name Black-eyed Susan. Ensure that these plants receive full sunlight for a successful bloom. You will need to place the seeds in soil that is between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This deer-resistant plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.

If you are looking for a low-fuss flower that will help your garden look lively even after summer ends, you may want to consider planting petunias (Petunia spp.). They bloom from spring until the first frost, so you will be able to enjoy them at the start of fall. Petunias are a great option for beginner gardeners because they are easy to grow and maintain. These flowers require five to six hours of sunlight, well-draining soil, and protection from excessive midday sun. They thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), bloom from early summer into fall. These stunning plants were awarded their nickname because their flowers, which vary in color depending on the variety, resemble the nose of a dragon. As far as care, they require at least six hours of sun per day and must be planted in soil that will drain well. If you enjoy bird or butterfly watching, snapdragons are a great pick because they attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. These flowers are ideal for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10.

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium, C. rubellum) not only survive through the fall, but that is also the season in which they bloom and thrive. Orange and yellow hued Chrysanthemums are a great way to incorporate classic fall colors into your garden. Before planting these flowers, just make sure that there are at least six weeks before the first frost of the season. Additionally, chrysanthemums require at least five to six hours of morning sunlight and fertile soil. If you are located anywhere within USDA Hardiness zones 5 through 9, this flower is ideal for you.

Planting tiny yellow goldenrod flowers (Solidago spp.) is a great way to brighten up your fall garden. These typically bloom into early fall. To grow healthy goldenrods, you will need to provide them with a lot of sunlight and plant your seeds in soil with adequate drainage. Goldenrods are a favorite among bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Consider planting this flower if you would like to attract these critters to your garden. Gardeners across a wide range of regions can enjoy healthy Goldenrods because they thrive in USDA Hardiness zones 2 through 8.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuusare) in bloom from July to November, so you will be able to enjoy them all throughout fall. These visually striking plants can grow up to 15 feet tall depending on the variety. Sunflowers seeds should be placed in an area that gets plenty of sun for lush growth. They also require well-draining soil. If you want huge sunflowers, you can apply slow-release fertilizer to help accomplish this. Just ensure that you do not add the fertilizer until after leaves have grown on the plants. Sunflowers primarily thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

Sweet alyssums (Lobularia maritima) produce small flowers that can be either pink, purple, or white. Planting sweet alyssum is a great way to break up the traditional orange, red, and yellow shades that are typically found in a fall garden. To grow sweet alyssum successfully, place the seed in well-draining, moist soil. As far as sun exposure, these flowers can tolerate a bit of shade, but they also do well in full sun. Sweet Alyssums thrive as annuals in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

Pincushion flowers (Scabiosa atropurpurea) can bloom as late as the first frost. This means they can withstand the fall's mildly cold temperatures. Deadheading to remove old growth can make your bloom last longer. Unlike some plants, pincushion flowers are a bit needy when it comes to soil conditions. They must be planted in well-draining soil that contains nutrient-dense organic materials such as dead leaves or microorganisms. The soil should also be alkaline for optimal plant health. This flower thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 11.

If you are trying to figure out how to design a maximalist garden for the fall, consider adding colorful pansies (Viola x wittrockiana). Gardeners can mix and match colors to create this look. You might associate pansies with spring, but they also thrive in fall. Pansies are different from many other flower varieties in that they remain lively when it is cool outside. To ensure you grow healthy pansies, plant them in moist soil that can drain well. They require six hours of sun each day. You can grow pansies successfully in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 and 4 to 6.

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia aristata) are perfect for fall because they bloom from mid June to the first frost. They should be grown in soil that drains well. For optimal plant health, the soil should also have a sandy texture. You do not have to worry about finding shade for blanket flowers because they require full sun. These plants are also great for those looking to conserve water as they do not require much of it to stay hydrated. There are varieties of blanket flowers that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10.