15 Vibrant Fall Color Annuals to Brighten Your Garden
Are you looking to inject some color into your garden as summer fades away? Don’t worry, the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of vibrant blooms. With colorful annuals, you can rejuvenate your garden and extend the growing season well into fall, before winter sets in. Let’s explore some of the best annuals for vivid fall color that will shout, “Welcome, fall!” and transform your garden into a visual delight.
Best Annuals for Vivid Fall Color
Here are 15 plants, from true annuals to tender perennials commonly grown as annuals, that will breathe life into your autumn garden with their vivid hues:
- Calendula
- Cardinal Climber
- Celosia
- China Aster
- Garden Mum
- Kohlrabi
- Ornamental Gourd
- Ornamental Kale
- Ornamental Pepper
- Pansy
- Pinks
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Snapdragon
- Swiss Chard
- Strawflower
1. Calendula
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is a tender perennial in warm climates but is widely grown as an annual in cooler areas. Sow seeds in spring for orange, yellow, and peach blossoms right through fall. Deadhead spent blossoms for continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
- Plant Height: Up to two feet.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
2. Cardinal Climber
The Ipomoea sloteri, also known as cardinal climber or cypress vine, is a hybrid that produces brilliant red trumpets and is a vigorous grower that climbs up trellises or spreads across fences, adding a pop of red to your garden from summer to frost. Just be cautious as it can be invasive.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
3. Celosia
With tall, long-lasting plumes in burgundy, hot pink, orange, and red, Celosia argentea varieties are velvety-textured plants that will bloom throughout the fall season. Deadhead to promote optimal blooming and enjoy the vibrant colors this plant offers.
- Plant Height: Up to two feet.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
4. China Aster
Callistephus chinensis, or China aster, is a tender annual that blooms from spring until the first frost, offering a range of jewel-tone colors like white, yellow, red, and blue.
- Plant Height: Up to three feet.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
5. Garden Mum
Chrysanthemum, or garden mum, is a fall classic that adds dense blossoms in shades of burgundy, lavender, orange, white, and more to your garden. Planted in the fall, these tender perennials add instant curb appeal, perfect for creating a colorful autumn display.
- Plant Varieties: Available from Burpee.
6. Kohlrabi
While often overlooked, kohlrabi adds both color and taste to your garden. With purple globes and stems, this vegetable is not only visually appealing but also a great addition to your fall harvest.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
7. Ornamental Gourd
Decorative gourds come in various shapes, sizes, and hues, making them a fun addition to your fall garden. Perfect for gardening with children, these ornamental plants add unique focal points with their vibrant colors.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
8. Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale is the perfect fall and winter “flower” with pigmentation ranging from green to purple. Grown as a tender perennial, you can enjoy its vibrant colors throughout the colder months.
- Plant Height: Up to 10 inches.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
9. Ornamental Pepper
Ornamental pepper plants add tiny Christmas tree lights to your garden with their compact growth habit and colorful peppers. While many are not bred for taste, the ‘Chilly Chili’ variety offers colorful fruits without the heat, making it a great choice for families.
- Plant Height: 10-12 inches.
- Seed Varieties: Available from True Leaf Market.
10. Pansy
Hardy pansies are a popular choice for fall bedding plants, adding a plush, velvety carpet of color to your garden. With showy petal markings and cheerful faces, these low-profile plants are sure to brighten up any garden.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
11. Pinks
Dianthus, or pinks, come in various colors ranging from burgundy to white and red. Deadhead these plants to enjoy fall blooms and add instant color to your garden.
- Plant Height: Up to 18 inches.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
12. Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass is an annual plant that provides deep color saturation and texture from spring to frost. Enjoy the sound of autumn wind rustling through its wispy foxtails in your beds, borders, and containers.
- Plant Height: Up to three feet.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Burpee.
13. Snapdragon
Snapdragon plants come in various sizes and colors, making them an excellent choice for long-lasting color from spring through fall. Deadhead throughout the summer to keep these plants blooming until the first hard frost.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
14. Swiss Chard
For edible autumn color, consider planting swiss chard with glossy green leaves and colorful stems. This cold-weather crop can be sown twice during the growing season for a continuous harvest.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
15. Strawflower
Strawflower varieties offer a unique texture with petals that feel like a dry arrangement. With colors ranging from white and pink to red and orange, these plants are heat and drought tolerant, making them ideal for fall gardens.
- Seed Varieties: Available from Eden Brothers.
Robust Color Your Way
With these vibrant annuals in your fall garden, you can enjoy a robust feast for the eyes well into the autumn season. Whether you sow seeds in summer or pop plants into the ground in fall, you’re sure to extend the growing season and create a visual masterpiece in your garden.
For more fall gardening inspiration, check out these related articles:
- Fall Annuals for the South
- The Best 15 Woody Shrubs for Fall Color
- Put Some Color into Your Fall Landscaping
- The 15 Best Perennials for Fall Color
With these annuals in your garden, get ready to elevate your fall landscaping and enjoy a burst of vibrant color as the seasons change. Happy gardening!
