Falli s upon us! With cooler temperatures and the leaves changing, we will want to update our outdoor plants to match the season. We have rounded up our favourite Fall plants that will withstand these cooler temperatures and last us until the Winter. You can mix and match these plants to create your own arrangement or purchase a pre-made arrangement from your favourite nursery or garden center. 

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‍Purple Fountain Grass

This beautiful burgundy grass with purplish leaves is great on it’s own or mixed in with other Fall plants. This is actually a tropical plant and does well throughout the summer, but the autumn seed heads of this plant are what make itso attractive. The feathery seed heads can actually be cut at the end of the season for dried floral arrangements. Purple fountain grass prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. This grass is considered a drought-tolerant grass,so does not need a lot of water and thrives in soil that drains well. ‍

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Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums,or more commonly referred to as Mums, are one of the most popular Fall flowers and come in a large variety of colours to brighten up your doorstep. Mums bloom from September to frost and are triggered by the shorter days of Fall. It is best to purchase them before they have bloomed so they last the full season. Mums prefer full sun to bloom and need frequent watering. Mums like soil that drains well. You will typically find purple fountain grass and mums planted together as they both thrive in similar conditions. 

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Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller or Silver Ragwort is known for its lacy leaves of silver grey foliage.The Dusty Miller actually blooms in the summer, but its yellow flowers are not what makes the plant so attractive. It is long-lasting and can survive a frost,so this plant does very well in the Fall. It tolerates full sun, but does like some shade. It is considered a drought-resistant plant, so the Dusty Miller does not need frequent watering and thrives in soil that drains well. It is typically planted among ornamental grasses (like the Purple Fountain Grass). 

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Ornamental Cabbage + Kale

Ornamental cabbage + kale is commonly seen in many Fall arrangements. Although they look very similar to what you may find in your fridge, these are bred for looks and not flavour. They are edible but will not be as tasty as what you buy at the grocery store! These plants flourish in the cooler temperatures, and if you plant them too early in the season they will get leggy and wilt. Ornamental cabbage + kale look especially good in large groupings and at the end of garden beds. They prefer full sun and well draining soil. Keep these plants well watered, ensuring the soil is consistently moist, but not soggy. 

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Pansies

You may know pansies as the colourful flowers with “faces”. These are a great cool weather flower, perfect for both Spring and Fall. Pansies are actually an edible flower with a mild minty flavour. They make a great addition to a salad or dessert! Pansies like full or partial-sun, an ideal planting site would get morning sun and avoid the warmer afternoon sun. They need to be watered frequently and do best in well-draining soil. 

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Gourds + Pumpkins

Not technically plants, but there is nothing more quintessentially Fall than pumpkins and gourds on a front step. These are an easy addition to any home,both indoors and outdoors, and can be purchased at many places including your local grocery store. Larger ones are typically used outdoors while smaller varieties can be used to decorate tables and front entry halls. When decorating with pumpkins and gourds outside, your main concern will be with raccoons and squirrels having a small snack. If you’re looking to add a Fall accent, without getting your hands dirty (figuratively and literally) then pumpkins and gourds are for you!

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