The Ultimate Guide to Fall Annuals for Southern Gardens: 11 Colorful Options for Your Landscape

Are you a southern gardener looking to add some beautiful fall color to your garden? Well, you’re in luck! The moderate temperatures in the southern states provide the perfect environment for a variety of fall annuals that can brighten up your landscape well into the autumn months.

Instead of saying goodbye to the riot of color from your summer annuals when Labor Day rolls around, you can transition to an array of attractive fall annuals that will keep your window boxes, hanging baskets, beds, borders, and landscapes looking vibrant and beautiful.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 11 of the best fall annuals for the South, providing you with valuable information on how to grow and care for these colorful plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips and suggestions will help you choose the perfect fall annuals for your region and personal taste.

Let’s dive in and discover some of the top options for fall annuals in the southern states:

1. China Aster

China Aster, known scientifically as Callistephus chinensis, blooms in beautiful jewel tones from spring all the way up to the first frost. You can use it in containers, along walkways, or in garden beds, adding a splash of color to your outdoor space.

The Giants of California series features large, four to five-inch double blooms in pink, purple, and white, making it a stunning choice for fall landscaping.

1. Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a low-maintenance option that produces two to three-inch daisy-shaped flowers. While it can be grown as a tender perennial in Zones 9 to 11, it is an annual in Zones 7 to 8, making it perfect for fall color in the South.

The ‘Pink Surprise’ cultivar complements the orange and russet tones of autumn, attracting beneficial insects to your garden.

1. Flowering Kale

Flowering Kale, technically a biennial, is usually grown as an annual due to its ornamental value. With its deep pink center leaves and round shape, it adds a unique touch to fall flower arrangements and garden borders.

‘Crane Pink’ flowering kale is a popular variety that grows to 25 inches tall and requires full sun for optimal growth.

1. Fountain Grass

Purple fountain grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubum’, is a striking ornamental grass that adds elegance to any autumn landscape. While it grows as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11, it is an annual in Zones 7 to 8, making it a lovely choice for fall displays.

Plant purple fountain grass in a sunny location with well-draining soil, keeping it watered well until established.

1. Marigold

Marigolds, with their bright blooms, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while adding a pop of color to your garden. You can grow marigolds from midsummer onwards, ensuring continuous flowering well into autumn.

‘Bolero’ French Marigolds are a popular variety with orange and brick red double blooms that scream “fall is here!”.

1. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a versatile annual that can be grown in spring and enjoyed throughout the summer. When autumn arrives, you can plant new varieties for fall containers or garden borders, adding a burst of color to your outdoor space.

Consider the Whirlybird Mix for your fall nasturtium planting, featuring semi-double blooms in a mix of autumn hues.

1. Partridge Pea

Partridge pea, a native wildflower, is an easy-to-grow annual that produces attractive yellow flowers with reddish-purple spots. It attracts butterflies and birds while adding a colorful touch to borders, walkways, and pollinator gardens.

Plant partridge pea in well-draining soil in a sunny location, and collect seeds for future plantings.

1. Petunia

Petunias are a classic choice for fall containers and borders, offering vibrant blooms that brighten up any space. While they can be treated as tender perennials in Zones 9 and above, they are best grown as annuals in Zones 7 to 8.

Consider the Supercascade Mixed Colors variety for your fall petunia planting, featuring large flowers in a range of vibrant colors.

1. Snow Pea

Snow peas may not be the first choice for fall annuals in the South, but they offer pretty, pink and purple edible blooms on three-foot plants. Their attractive clover-shaped foliage complements other fall flowers, making them a unique addition to your garden.

‘Dwarf Grey’ snow peas are a compact variety that produces edible pea pods in addition to beautiful blooms.

1. Sunflower

   Sunflowers are a summer staple, but certain varieties can also brighten up the early days of autumn. ‘Autumn Beauty’ is a colorful sunflower variety that produces a riot of copper, yellow, and rust blooms on bushy plants.

   Pollinators will be drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, and you can save the seeds for future plantings.

2. Zinnia

   Zinnias are a popular choice for fall flower arrangements, with ‘Zowie Yellow Flame’ being a particularly eye-catching variety. The large flowers with red central cones and yellow tips add a burst of color to beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

   Start seeds indoors for fall blooms, ensuring proper care and maintenance for ongoing flowering.

Tips for Growing Fall Annuals in the South

When it comes to growing fall annuals in the South, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind to ensure healthy and vibrant plants in your garden:

• Consistently deadhead spent blossoms to encourage more blooms as the weather gets cooler.
• Mulch and water summer annuals regularly to keep plants healthy and vibrant.
• Choose drought- and heat-tolerant varieties for optimal growth in hot southern climates.
• Sow seeds or transplant seedlings indoors to protect them during the hot summer months.
• Harden off plants before transplanting them into outdoor growing spaces.
• Check seed packets for “days to maturity” specifications and adjust planting times accordingly.

By following these tips and choosing the right fall annuals for your region, you can create a stunning display of color in your garden that will last well into the autumn months.

Conclusion

As a southern gardener, you have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing fall annuals for your garden. Whether you prefer classic favorites like marigolds and petunias or unique selections like partridge peas and snow peas, there’s something for every taste and style.

By following the tips and suggestions in this guide, you can transform your garden into a colorful oasis that will delight you and your visitors throughout the autumn season.

Do you have a favorite fall annual that grows well in the South? Share your experiences and questions in the comments section below. And if you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out our other flower gardening tips for more inspiration and ideas!

Remember, with the right care and attention, your fall annuals will bloom beautifully and add a touch of vibrancy to your southern landscape. Happy gardening!