The Best Flowers for Fall Planting If You Want the Biggest Springtime Blooms

Dainty 1″ orange flowers form atop wispy stems in this prolific perennial. Geums are happiest in partial shade with well-drained soil, and will remain evergreen in most climates. ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a favorite for the designer’s garden as its petals resist shattering when cut.

Fall planting should always include a stalwart bloomer like brown-eyed Susan. Towering upright stems form a sea of wildflowers, in sharp contrast to this plant’s traditional, tame cousin the Black-Eyed Susan. Planted in full sun along a border, it will self-support and grow up to 3′ tall. If planted in shade, support netting may be necessary as stems will elongate and weaken.

Grown from small tubers, anemones are a much-loved flower of early spring. The dramatic black eye surrounded by paper-thin white petals is unparalleled for its dramatic effect. Anemones begin to peter out once temperatures climb towards 70, making them prime candidates for fall planting.

Most foxglove species are biennials, meaning that they’ll flower and set seed in the second year. An exception is the first-year-flowering ‘Dalmation’ series. Bell-shaped speckled flowers form along one side of tall 4′ spikes. They can tolerate full sun, but will thrive under afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Another outstanding specimen for fall planting, and one of the more unusual Coreopsis varieties. ‘Ruby Mist’ has striking red and white rays, and grows to more than 2 feet tall.

Layers of soft petals make for a huge, lush flower head that resembles garden roses. Grown from small tubers or “corms,” ranunculus are known for their soft pastels from the ‘La Belle’ series. They put on their show in mid-spring and feature longer stems if planted in the fall.

While the phlox family is largely perennial, we love the showy annual varieties for their vigor. Choose from Phlox drummondii ‘Cherry Caramel’ or ‘Sugar Stars’ for gorgeous coloration and pillowy flowers atop 18” stems. Plant close together for tallest stems, and choose an area with rich soil and full sun.

There are about 500 species in the allium family, including the kitchen staples of onions and garlic. Our favorite ornamental varieties include Allium sphaerocephalon, Allium cristophii, and Allium schubertii. They prefer rich, sandy soil, and will appreciate division after a few years. Close relative Sicilian honey lily (Nectaroscordum sicilum) is another gorgeous bloomer that should be added to a fall planting plan.

Slender, elegant 2-4′ stems hold small nodding flower heads with intricate patterns. A short-lived perennial, columbine grows best in well-drained soil with afternoon shade. Cut back spent stems to encourage a second flush. We love the ‘Barlow’ series for its unique range of colors.

Sweetly spice-scented and a staple of bouquets, Dianthus will perform much better if included in a fall planting plan than if you wait for spring. Add it to borders where you need a touch of pink, white, red, or yellow (and shades in between).

Common in English gardens, word of fritillaria (aka checker lily) is just making its way over the pond to a new generation of American gardeners. F. meleagris is much loved for its tiny checkered flower heads on short dainty stems. They’ll perform best in sheltered, woodland gardens in dappled shade.