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When most people think of gardens, they picture bright spring tulips or summer roses bursting with color. But did you know that fall blooming flowers can be just as breathtaking?
Fall doesn’t mean your garden has to fade into brown and bare soil. In fact, it’s the perfect time to refresh your space with container-friendly flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures, brighten up patios, and keep pollinators happy.
In this post, I’ll share 10 gorgeous fall blooming flowers you can grow in containers, along with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your soil, care for each plant, and keep them thriving. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you’ll find easy tips to enjoy colorful blooms right up until frost.
Why Plant Fall Blooming Flowers?
Fall blooming flowers aren’t just pretty — they serve a purpose:
- Color & Curb Appeal: Keep your porch, balcony, or patio lively when most gardens are winding down.
- Pollinator Support: Bees and butterflies need nectar sources late in the season. Flowers like asters and goldenrod provide just that.
- Cool Weather Champions: Many of these flowers prefer crisp nights and shorter days.
- Container Friendly: Perfect if you’re short on space or want seasonal accents without reworking your whole garden bed.
And the best part? Many of these flowers pair beautifully with pumpkins, fall décor, and cozy outdoor setups.
How to Prepare Containers
Before jumping into the list, let’s talk about container prep. Good soil and the right container size make all the difference.
Choosing Containers
- Size: Most fall blooming flowers thrive in 10–15 gallon containers, but smaller annuals can live in 8–10 inch pots.
- Drainage: Always ensure containers have drainage holes to avoid root rot.
- Style: Decorative pots, ceramic planters, and rustic baskets make fall displays pop.
Soil Preparation
- Use a well-draining potting mix (not heavy garden soil).
- Mix in compost or worm castings for nutrients.
- For perennials, add bone meal at planting to support strong root growth.
Fertilizing
- Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Follow up every 2–3 weeks with a liquid bloom booster to encourage flowers.
Now, let’s dive!
1. Chrysanthemums (Garden Mums)
Mums are the classic fall blooming flowers you see on porches everywhere. They’re bold, colorful, and perfect in containers.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 12–14 inches wide.
- Soil: Rich potting mix with compost.
- Sunlight: Full sun for maximum blooms.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist — never let them dry out.
Care Tips
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Mulch around the base if you plan to overwinter mums outdoors.
Pair them with pumpkins and hay bales for the ultimate Fall look.
2. Asters
Asters are daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer through fall. They come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 12–15 inch pots.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Keep moist but not soggy.
Care Tips
- Attracts bees and butterflies late in the season.
- Pinch back early in the summer to keep them compact.
Shop for aster seeds and starter plants here.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are hardy succulents with clusters of pink to deep red blooms that intensify in cool weather.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 10–12 inch shallow pots.
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained mix (add perlite).
- Sunlight: Full sun is best.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant — water only when dry.
Care Tips
- Low-maintenance and perfect for beginners.
- Foliage adds year-round interest even after blooms fade.
4. Goldenrod
Often mistaken as a weed, goldenrod is a powerhouse pollinator flower with bright golden plumes.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 14–16 inch pots.
- Soil: Average potting mix with compost.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
Care Tips
- Great cut flower for arrangements.
- Combine with asters or mums for layered color.
Buy goldenrod seeds.
5. Japanese Anemones
Delicate pink or white flowers that sway beautifully in fall breezes.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: At least 15 gallons (they spread).
- Soil: Moist, rich soil.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
- Watering: Regular watering — they prefer even moisture.
Care Tips
- Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping.
- Deadhead to prolong blooms.
6. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
These golden-petaled flowers with dark centers bloom late summer into fall.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 12–15 inch pots.
- Soil: Well-draining, with compost added.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Water consistently, don’t let soil dry out completely.
Care Tips
- Deadhead for longer bloom time.
- Pairs beautifully with mums.
Rudbeckia seeds are easy for beginners ([Amazon link]).
7. Pansies
Pansies are cool-season favorites that can bloom from fall through winter in mild zones.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 8–10 inch pots or window boxes.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining mix with compost.
- Sunlight: Full to partial sun.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist.
Care Tips
- Fertilize every 2 weeks for constant blooms.
- Great for edging containers or mixing with larger plants.
Grab pansy seed mixes for vibrant colors.
8. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Known for their stunning foliage in shades of burgundy, lime, and silver, coral bells add both flowers and color.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 12–14 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining with compost.
- Sunlight: Partial shade best.
- Watering: Regular but not soggy.
Care Tips
- Evergreen in mild climates.
- Combine with pansies for color contrast.
9. Montauk Daisy
A cheerful daisy variety that blooms heavily in late fall.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 12–15 inch pots.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining mix.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture.
Care Tips
- Pinch back in summer for bushier fall blooms.
- Makes great cut flowers.
10. Ornamental Cabbage & Kale
Not true flowers, but their ruffled purple, white, and green foliage creates gorgeous fall displays.
Growing in Containers
- Container Size: 10–12 inch pots.
- Soil: Nutrient-rich, well-draining mix.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Consistent moisture for best color.
Care Tips
- Colors intensify as the weather cools.
- Perfect companion plant for mums and pansies.
Shop ornamental cabbage and kale seeds.
Design Ideas for Fall Container Displays
- Pair mums, pansies, and ornamental cabbage for layered porch planters.
- Add pumpkins, lanterns, and hay bales for seasonal décor.
- Use tiered plant stands to maximize space in small patios.
Check out Fall planter sets here.
Final Thoughts
Fall doesn’t mean the end of gardening — it means new opportunities. With fall blooming flowers like mums, asters, sedum, and pansies, your container garden can stay alive with color and texture well into the cooler months.
Don’t forget: healthy soil is the key to success. Prep your containers with compost, fertilize regularly, and enjoy the beauty of seasonal blooms.
If you’re ready to take your garden planning to the next level, grab my Planting by Zone Guide — it gives you a clear month-by-month plan for what vegetables to grow in every season.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.