mums

Nothing says fall like mums. They come in deep oranges, reds, yellows and purples, and don’t need much fussing over. If you’re keeping them in pots, bring them inside when temps dip below freezing. For long-term blooms, plant them in the ground early enough for their roots to establish. A little mulch, regular watering at the base and snipping off faded flowers will help them return stronger each year.

Asters

Asters are great for adding late-season color and they also attract bees and butterflies. Their daisy-like flowers come in shades of blue, purple and pink, making them a perfect companion to mums. Plant them in sunny spots with well-draining soil, and after they’re done blooming, cut them back by about a third. If you’re planting new ones, try to get them in the ground in early fall so they can settle in before winter.

Pansies and Violas

These cool-weather annuals can handle a bit of frost and bring cheerful pops of color to pots, window boxes and borders. Violas are usually a little more cold-tolerant than pansies, but both do well with consistent water and some morning sun. Keep deadheading old flowers to encourage more blooms and feed them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Leafy plants like these add texture and bold color to beds, and they actually get prettier as the weather cools. A touch of frost deepens their shades of purple and pink. Plant them in well-drained soil with sun to partial shade, water regularly but not too much, and let their foliage do the work. No deadheading or pruning needed.

Whether it’s tucking mums into your garden beds or adding pansies to the porch, fall plants are an easy way to keep things looking bright. With just a little care, they’ll carry you through the season and set the stage for a strong start next spring.