Fall is the perfect time to refresh your summer containers and bring in new plants for the season. Before you start, make sure that you have a plan. You don't want to waste time, money, and resources on plants that are not going to survive the fall. The fall season is a time of change, with the leaves falling off the trees and changing colors, it's the perfect time to change your containers with some wonderful fall plants.
The first step is to clean your containers thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris from the bottom of them. You can use soap and water for this task or a mixture of bleach and water if you want to disinfect them. Rinse them thoroughly after cleaning them so they are free of any soap or bleach residue.
Next, consider what plants you would like in your containers for fall. The best options are plants that can withstand colder temperatures so they will be able to survive the months ahead of us. Some typical options for plants include chrysanthemums, pansies, and violas.
We have also compiled a list of other wonderful plants that can work in your containers:
Asters – Asters are a good choice for containers because of their beautiful colors and they last a long time. They provide a nice contrast against other fall colors like oranges and red. They are also easy to grow, so you don’t need a green thumb to have them in your garden. They act as a filler in containers with other plants. Asters will grow best in full sun and moist soil, so it is important to make sure your container is put in a location that fits these conditions.
Coral Bells – Coral Bells are grown for their foliage and come in many different colors. The plant has medium to large leaves, and they are rounded or heart-shaped. There are also variegated leaves and some with ruffled edges. There are many different varieties that come in brown, burgundy, lime, purple or multiple shades of green. They are good for containers because they do not require a lot of water, and they can tolerate some shade. You might even be able to find one of these plants on sale at your local garden center.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale - Ornamental cabbage and kale plants have an interesting texture and color that contrasts nicely with the reds, oranges, and yellows of other fall colors. The plant will provide color and interest to your planter. The color will increase when temperatures start to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are great for fall containers because they are very hardy and will not wilt or die like other plants. The plant prefers a spot in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade, if necessary, but they might become leggy if planted in a spot with too much shade. They also have a long growing season and can withstand frost.
Ornamental Peppers - Ornamental peppers plants are a great addition to any fall container. They provide color, texture, and interest to the containers. Peppers are easy to grow, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. The most popular is the bright red pepper plant. Peppers also help with pest control as they are toxic to many insects so a few pepper plants will keep your container bug free! They work well to fill in any plant gaps you might have in the container.
Rudbeckia hirta - Rudbeckia hirta plants are a perfect fall flower to add to your container. They have a long blooming time, and they are easy plants to take care of. The flowers of Rudbeckia hirta are yellow, orange, or brown and they bloom in the fall. They can be planted in containers with different colors to create a beautiful fall-themed garden. The flowers come out in late summer and are usually pollinated by bees or other insects. They have deep green leaves that turn purple in the fall. The flowers are also great for adding height to any container, which is important for a fall container because it can be difficult to find flowers that are tall enough. This is another plant you might be able to get a good buy on at a garden center.
Sedum – Sedum is one of the best plants you can use in a container in the fall. It makes a great accent plant. Sedum plants are a good choice for fall containers because they can be planted right now and will grow well in pots. Sedum plants are easy to grow and maintain. Sedum plants come in many different varieties and colors. There are some that are great trailing plants, some will flower in the fall, and others that are colorful. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil which makes them a perfect container plant.
Let us know what plants you use in your fall containers.
