September is the sweet spot for planting. The scorching summer sun is finally fading, but the soil is still warm enough to encourage strong root growth. Cooler nights and crisp mornings create the perfect environment for fall flowers, perennials, and shrubs to thrive. Planting now means you’ll enjoy a burst of seasonal color in the weeks ahead while also setting your garden up for success next spring.
From cheerful chrysanthemums to hardy pansies and even bulbs that will bloom in spring, September planting is about combining short-term beauty with long-term payoff. Whether you’re gardening in containers on your porch, filling flower beds, or adding new shrubs for structure, here are 30 fall plants to plant in September with tips to get them thriving.
1. Pansies
Pansies are one of the toughest cool-weather annuals you can grow. They thrive in the chill, offer blooms in nearly every color imaginable, and keep going even when frost sets in.
Planting them in September gives you bright garden beds or cheerful containers just when everything else starts to fade.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose a sunny to part-shade spot.
- Loosen soil and mix in compost.
- Plant pansies 6–8 inches apart.
- Water well after planting.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- Deadhead flowers regularly to extend blooming.
2. Violas
Often considered the smaller cousin of pansies, violas pack a punch with their dainty flowers that can withstand chilly fall nights.
They’re perfect for borders, window boxes, or tucked between perennials.
Violas bloom prolifically and often reseed, giving you surprise color in spring too.
DIY Instructions:
- Select a well-drained, sunny area.
- Prepare soil by working in organic matter.
- Plant violas 4–6 inches apart.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer.
- Pinch back spent blooms for continuous flowers.
3. Calendula
Known as “pot marigold,” calendula thrives in cooler temperatures and brings golden-orange cheer to fall gardens.
It also attracts pollinators like bees when other nectar sources are scarce.
Beyond beauty, calendula petals are edible and can brighten salads.
DIY Instructions:
- Pick a sunny location.
- Sow seeds directly into loosened soil.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Water gently to settle seeds.
- Thin seedlings to 8–10 inches apart.
- Harvest flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
4. Snapdragons
Snapdragons add dramatic spikes of color that thrive in the cooler days of autumn.
Planting in September gives them time to root before frost, and in mild climates, they’ll even overwinter.
Their vertical form makes them excellent companions to rounder flowers like mums.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose a sunny to lightly shaded site.
- Work compost into the soil.
- Plant snapdragons 6–12 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly.
- Add a layer of mulch for insulation.
- Pinch stems early for bushier growth.
5. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Nothing says fall quite like mums.
They’re the quintessential autumn flower, bursting into bloom right when you need a seasonal pick-me-up.
Hardy and colorful, they look just as good in containers on a porch as they do lining a garden border.
DIY Instructions:
- Select mums with unopened buds for longer bloom time.
- Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch around the base to keep roots moist.
- Deadhead faded blooms for lasting color.
6. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums aren’t just pretty, they’re practical.
Their vibrant blooms and trailing vines make them a gorgeous addition to pots or borders, and their edible flowers and peppery leaves are a treat in fall salads.
Cooler weather keeps them from wilting, so September is ideal for planting.
DIY Instructions:
- Pick a sunny spot with poor to average soil.
- Direct sow seeds into loosened soil.
- Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
- Water gently to settle them.
- Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart.
- Train trailing varieties to cascade over pots.
7. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are reliable perennials that establish strong roots in fall, ensuring bigger and better blooms the following summer.
They’re drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and add bold color to borders.
September planting helps them avoid the stress of summer heat.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Dig holes twice as wide as root balls.
- Plant coneflowers at the same depth as pots.
- Backfill and firm soil gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots.
8. Black-Eyed Susans
Known for their golden petals and dark centers, black-eyed Susans bring a cheerful brightness to the garden. Making them a beautiful fall plant.
Planting in September ensures they root deeply, returning stronger each year. Their late-season nectar also supports bees and butterflies.
DIY Instructions:
- Select a sunny spot.
- Loosen soil and add compost.
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart.
- Plant at the same depth as pots.
- Water deeply.
- Mulch to keep soil moist.
12. Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a tall, airy perennial with lavender-blue flowers that continue blooming into the fall.
Its silvery foliage pairs beautifully with autumnal plants like mums and asters, adding texture and height to the garden.
Since Russian Sage prefers cooler weather, planting it in September ensures the roots will anchor before winter.
It’s deer-resistant and requires little care, making it ideal for low-maintenance fall landscaping. The plant also tolerates dry soil, making it a good choice for borders and rock gardens.
Instructions:
- Pick a full-sun location with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil.
- Backfill with soil and lightly press down.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Add mulch to conserve soil moisture and protect roots.
13. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are a hardy perennial that bloom late into fall, offering vibrant purple, pink, or white daisy-like petals.
September is an excellent time to plant them because the cooler weather reduces transplant stress.
They attract pollinators and, once the petals fade, their seed heads provide food for birds through winter.
Their deep roots help them return stronger year after year, even in cold climates. Coneflowers also resist many pests, making them easy for beginner gardeners.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny to partly shaded area.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Mix compost into the backfill soil for better nutrients.
- Plant coneflowers at the same depth they grew in the pot.
- Water well immediately after planting.
- Add mulch to insulate roots before the ground freezes.
14. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are grown for their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep burgundy to lime green.
September is a prime time to plant them, since they handle cooler weather well and need time to establish before frost.
Their leaves add year-round texture and contrast to garden beds, while their delicate blooms in late spring provide bonus color.
Coral Bells thrive in shade or partial sun, making them versatile for garden design. Planting them now ensures a vibrant garden foundation that will return each year.
Instructions:
- Choose a location with partial shade and rich, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
- Place the plant so the crown sits just above the soil line.
- Refill with amended soil and gently press down.
- Water deeply to help roots settle.
- Add a thin layer of mulch, avoiding direct contact with the crown.
15. Chrysanthemums (Garden Mums)
Chrysanthemums are the classic fall flower, blooming in bold shades of orange, red, yellow, and purple.
September planting gives them the perfect timing to flourish during the season’s peak.
Mums create dense mounds of flowers, ideal for borders, containers, and front porch displays.
They’re frost-tolerant and will keep blooming until the first hard freeze.
Their compact habit makes them excellent for adding bursts of seasonal color without taking over the garden.
Instructions:
- Choose a spot with full sun exposure.
- Loosen soil about 8–10 inches deep.
- Plant mums at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.
- Space them 18–24 inches apart to allow for spread.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Pinch off early buds if planting for overwintering to encourage stronger roots.
16. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a hardy perennial that thrives in cooler fall temperatures, producing clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Making them a great fall plant.
September is the perfect time to plant it because the roots establish quickly in the still-warm soil, giving the plant a strong start before winter dormancy.
Its succulent leaves also make it drought-tolerant, so it needs little fuss once planted.
Sedum comes in low-growing groundcover types and taller upright varieties, both adding late-season interest to the garden. This plant is particularly resilient, handling poor soil and neglect better than most perennials.
By planting now, you ensure brilliant pink, red, or yellow blooms for next fall.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole just wide enough for the root ball.
- Place the sedum in the hole at the same depth it was in its pot.
- Backfill with soil and gently press down.
- Water thoroughly to help roots settle.
- Mulch lightly to retain soil warmth for fall growth.
17. Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Mums are the quintessential fall flower, providing bold colors like orange, burgundy, yellow, and purple.
Planting them in September ensures you enjoy immediate seasonal blooms while also setting the stage for them to return next year if planted as perennials.
Their dense, rounded shape makes them perfect for borders, containers, or entryway displays.
Mums thrive in cooler temperatures, and September planting allows their roots to strengthen before frost sets in.
They are also one of the most versatile fall plants because they blend beautifully with pumpkins and other seasonal décor.
By planting them now, you get instant curb appeal.
Instructions:
- Choose a location with full sun for best blooming.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Place the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Refill soil and tamp lightly.
- Water deeply at the base, not on the leaves.
- Add mulch around the plant to protect roots from temperature swings.
18. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemones bloom in late summer through fall, making them an excellent fall plant for September planting.
They produce tall, elegant stems with soft pink or white flowers that sway beautifully in the breeze.
Planting them in September gives them time to adjust before winter, and they come back stronger each year as perennials.
These plants add height and movement to garden beds, creating a natural, meadow-like feel.
They also handle partial shade well, which makes them useful in areas where mums or sun-loving plants might not thrive.
Their long bloom period ensures color late into the season.
Instructions:
- Select a location with partial shade and rich, moist soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole with the crown just above soil level.
- Backfill with soil, gently pressing it around the roots.
- Water thoroughly to help roots establish.
- Mulch around the base to maintain moisture and protect roots.
19. Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium is a striking fall perennial that produces daisy-like flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Planting them in September ensures that it roots in cooler soil, ready to deliver vivid color the following fall.
Its late-season flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies preparing for winter.
Helenium is a tall plant, making it excellent for the back of borders or mixed with ornamental grasses.
Because it thrives in moist soil, it works well near rain gardens or damp spots in the yard. By planting now, you give it a head start for abundant blooms next year.
Instructions:
- Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
- Dig a generous planting hole, wider than the root ball.
- Place the helenium in the hole at the same depth it was grown.
- Refill with soil and firm gently around roots.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.
20. Crocus (Fall-Flowering Varieties)
While crocuses are often thought of as spring bloomers, fall-flowering varieties bring vibrant purple, lilac, and white blossoms in September and October.
Planting them this month ensures they have the right conditions to bloom quickly and add pops of color before frost.
Crocuses are low-maintenance and naturalize easily, spreading over time to create charming carpets of color.
They’re also deer-resistant and ideal for tucking into lawns, garden beds, or under trees. Their cheerful appearance adds an unexpected touch of beauty to autumn landscapes.
Instructions:
- Pick a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil.
- Dig holes about 3-4 inches deep.
- Place bulbs with the pointed side facing upward.
- Space them 3 inches apart for natural drifts.
- Cover with soil and press down lightly.
- Water after planting to encourage quick rooting.
21. Hyacinths
Hyacinths are fragrant spring bulbs that are best planted in September to allow roots to develop over the fall months.
Their colorful, tightly clustered flowers emerge in early spring, filling garden beds and containers with scent and beauty.
Planting now ensures the bulbs experience the cool temperatures they need to break dormancy properly.
Hyacinths also do well in pots, making them perfect for indoor forcing during winter.
Their bold, upright blooms provide contrast to softer-textured perennials in garden borders.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Dig holes 4–6 inches deep for each bulb.
- Place bulbs point-side up in the soil.
- Space bulbs 3–4 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and gently press down.
- Water thoroughly to help establish roots.
22. Tulips
Tulips are classic spring bloomers that require September planting to establish strong roots before winter.
Planting them now ensures vibrant colors and sturdy stems in spring. Tulip bulbs come in countless varieties, from pastel shades to bold, vivid colors, allowing you to design eye-catching displays.
They’re excellent for garden beds, borders, and container arrangements. September planting also reduces the risk of bulbs rotting from spring rains.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil.
- Dig holes 6–8 inches deep for bulbs.
- Position the bulbs point-side up.
- Space bulbs about 4–6 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press gently.
- Water once after planting to settle the soil.
23. Daffodils
Daffodils are cheerful bulbs that bloom in early spring and are easy to grow from September planting.
They tolerate cold winters and naturalize well over time, creating larger clumps each year.
Planting now gives bulbs time to root before frost, ensuring strong stems and abundant flowers.
Their bright yellow and white flowers bring instant happiness to the garden after a long winter.
Daffodils also repel deer and rodents, making them low-maintenance and reliable.
Instructions:
- Pick a sunny or partly shaded location with well-draining soil.
- Dig holes 6 inches deep.
- Place bulbs with the pointed end up.
- Space bulbs 4–6 inches apart.
- Backfill and gently firm the soil.
- Water thoroughly to help bulbs settle.
24. Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Snowdrops are delicate white bulbs that bloom very early in spring, often pushing through late winter snow.
September planting allows roots to establish over the cool months, ensuring strong, healthy flowers.
Snowdrops multiply naturally, creating carpets of white over time.
They’re an ideal fall plant for naturalized areas under trees or along borders.
These hardy bulbs require very little care once planted and are a favorite for adding early-season charm to gardens.
Instructions:
- Choose a shaded to partially sunny location.
- Dig holes 3 inches deep.
- Place bulbs point-side up.
- Space them about 2–3 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press down gently.
- Water after planting to help establish roots.
25. Alliums As A Fall Plant
Alliums are ornamental onions with globe-like flowers that make a striking architectural statement in garden beds.
September planting allows bulbs to establish roots and withstand winter cold.
They come in multiple sizes and colors, providing height and texture in fall and spring displays.
Alliums are deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and low-maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
By planting them now, you ensure bold, dramatic blooms that will last for years.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Dig holes 6–8 inches deep depending on bulb size.
- Place bulbs point-side up.
- Space bulbs 6–8 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press down lightly.
- Water thoroughly once planted.
26. Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale is a stunning cool-weather plant, with vibrant purple, pink, or white foliage that adds texture and color to fall containers and garden beds.
Planting in September allows it to settle before frost, and it can even survive light snow, providing color late into autumn.
It pairs beautifully with mums, pansies, and pumpkins, creating festive displays.
Ornamental kale is low-maintenance and doesn’t require flowers to make a statement, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny to part-shade location.
- Prepare soil with compost or organic matter.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant at the same depth as it grew in its container.
- Backfill with soil and gently press down.
- Water thoroughly and mulch lightly to retain moisture.
27. Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage is similar to kale, offering round, rosette-shaped leaves in shades of green, purple, and white.
September planting ensures it develops strong roots before colder weather, allowing its foliage to thrive throughout fall.
It’s perfect for borders, planters, and window boxes, adding a sophisticated twist to seasonal displays.
Deer tend to avoid ornamental cabbage, making it a practical addition to any garden.
Instructions:
- Select a location with full sun or partial shade.
- Loosen soil and mix in compost for nutrients.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball.
- Place the cabbage at the same depth as in its pot.
- Backfill and press soil gently.
- Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
28. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, also called Coral Bells, is grown for its vibrant foliage, ranging from deep burgundy to lime green. Planting in September allows roots to establish before winter, ensuring the plant thrives the following year. It tolerates shade or partial sun, making it versatile for various garden locations. Its delicate flowers emerge in spring, but the foliage alone adds year-round interest. Heuchera is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and works well in containers, borders, or mixed perennial beds.
Instructions:
- Choose a partially shaded area with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole wider than the root ball.
- Place the plant so the crown is just above soil level.
- Fill the hole and gently firm soil around the roots.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Add a thin layer of mulch around the base to protect roots.
29. Ivy
Ivy is a versatile fall plant, ideal for adding greenery to containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden corners.
Planting in September allows it to establish strong roots before winter. Ivy is hardy, low-maintenance, and provides year-round visual interest with its glossy leaves.
It can climb structures, cascade over walls, or spread as groundcover, making it a flexible option for multiple garden designs.
Established ivy also helps control erosion and adds depth to mixed plantings.
Instructions:
- Pick a location with partial to full shade.
- Prepare soil by loosening and adding compost if needed.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant at the same depth it grew in its container.
- Fill with soil and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly and train vines as desired.
30. Ferns
Ferns are the perfect fall plant for adding lush greenery and texture to shaded garden areas or containers.
Planting them in September gives them time to establish roots in cooler, moist soil, which they prefer.
They’re low-maintenance, resilient, and provide an elegant backdrop for other fall plants like mums and pansies. Ferns thrive in shady spots, adding depth and softness to garden beds. Their fronds remain attractive through fall, making them a beautiful complement to seasonal flowers.
Instructions:
- Select a shady, well-draining spot.
- Loosen soil and enrich with compost.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the fern at the same depth as it grew in its pot.
- Backfill and press gently.
- Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
September is an ideal month for planting a wide variety of fall flowers, bulbs, shrubs, and perennials. By choosing the right plants and following these simple steps, you can enjoy a colorful and lively garden through fall and set the stage for a vibrant spring. From cheerful mums to elegant ferns, these 30 plants are both practical and beautiful choices for your autumn garden. With proper planting and care, your garden will thrive through the cooler months and beyond.
FAQs
1. Can I plant these fall plants in pots instead of the ground?
Yes, many of these plants, including pansies, mums, ornamental kale, and ferns, thrive in containers. Just ensure good drainage and regular watering.
2. How do I protect fall plants from early frost?
Mulch around the roots, cover delicate plants with frost cloths at night, and choose frost-tolerant varieties for September planting.
3. Which plants are best for attracting pollinators in fall?
Coneflowers, sedum, helenium, and chrysanthemums are excellent choices for bees and butterflies in the cooler months.
4. Can I plant bulbs in shaded areas?
Yes, bulbs like snowdrops and crocus tolerate partial shade, though most prefer full sun for optimal blooms.
5. How often should I water September-planted flowers?
Keep soil consistently moist until plants are established. Once roots are set, watering can be reduced according to the plant’s needs and rainfall.
If you liked this post, why not check out our other fall planting posts such as 22 Winter Vegetables That Can Survive the Cold and Frost and 22 Fall Planter Ideas That Bring Cozy Seasonal Charm to Your Front Porch & Garden
