10 Fall Container Plants for Jewel-Toned Color All Season

A cluster of purple daisylike flowers with yellow centers — Credit:
Debi Dalio / Getty Images

Once fall arrives, preparing your landscape for winter is likely at the top of your mind. But we recommend holding off on packing away your planters for just a little bit longer. Sure, winter is coming, but still to be enjoyed is the coziest season of the year—fall—and all of the jewel-toned, late-season bloomers it has to offer.

Since the season is short, the easiest way to get the most mileage out of your fall blooms is to plant them in their containers. A successful fall container garden, comprised of a combination of autumn stars, can give your doorstep, porch, or window boxes a few months of new life. To elevate your outdoors this autumn, consider these expert-recommended fall container plants that thrive throughout the season.

01 of 10

Chrysanthemum

The crown jewel of fall containers, these late bloomers are super compact, covered in long-lasting flowers, and come in every autumnal tone you can imagine. "Chrysanthemums' bright and beautiful, yet highly hardy, blooms add color to any fall container arrangement," says Kelly Funk, of Jackson & Perkins and president of Park Seed.

Zones: 5 to 9
Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and wide
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

02 of 10

Helenium

Grab the eye of any passerby with this sun-loving perennial that blooms in only the brightest shades of red, yellow, and orange. "Helenium is great for container gardens because of its compact size and ability to attract pollinators," says Funk.

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 1 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

03 of 10

Pansy

fuchsia and deep purple pansies — Credit: Leonid Shkurikhin/Getty Images

Can you think of anything cheerier than a pansy—not many flowers compete. Their miniature habit means you can tuck them anywhere, adding pops of color (and joy) to even the smallest of spaces.

Zones: 4 to 8
Mature Size: 6 to 9 inches tall and wide
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

04 of 10

Heuchera

Because it can't all be flowers all the time, heuchera is a good option if you'd like to add colorful foliage to your fall container display. "Heuchera is an excellent plant for fall container gardening because it is low-maintenance and adds color and texture to any container through its blooms and foliage," says Funk.

Zones: 4 to 9
Mature Size: 8 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Growing conditions: Partial shade; rich, organic, well-draining soil

05 of 10

Salvia

They've been performing all summer in your garden, and guess what? There's no stopping your salvia now, either. They're a perfect season-bridging plant, and their blooms will carry you straight into fall. Many can handle a touch of drought once established.

Zones: 3 to 8
Mature Size: Up to 4 feet tall and wide (depends on the variety)
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

06 of 10

Aster

For a commendable grand finale, be sure to tuck asters into your containers. The blue, pink, purple, and white flowers are one of the last nectar sources for pollinators, meaning you get a package deal: wildlife and blooms.

Zones: 3 to 8
Mature Size: Up to 8 feet tall x 4 feet wide (depends on the variety)
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

07 of 10

Stonecrop

Stonecrop's fleshy leaves and persistent clusters of flowers come in a variety of sizes and colors, but their real selling point is their drought-tolerant nature, making them ideal candidates if you're prone to neglect. "Stonecrop is a hardy and versatile plant that is easy to grow in the garden and has unique foliage and flowers that act as a foundation for any fall container," says Funk.

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 6 inches to 2 feet tall and wide
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

08 of 10

Lamb's Ears

green lamb's ear leaves — Credit: Getty Images

While most of this list has you covered on flowers, lamb's ears brings the texture. "Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance plant with a soft texture or a plant with pollinator benefits, lamb's ears are an excellent choice for a fall container garden," says Funk. "It is a low-growing plant that provides a great place for insects to overwinter in."

Zones: 4 to 8
Mature Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 14 inches wide
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in various soil conditions.

09 of 10

Ornamental Cabbage

ornamental purple and pink cabbage — Credit: Getty Images

The ornamental version of your favorite vegetable features green, purple, or white rosette forms that can withstand frost without a flinch. Ornamental cabbages can handle full sun and appreciate regular water.

Zones: 2 to 11
Mature Size: 8 to 18 inches tall and wide
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

10 of 10

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans have it all—they're easy to grow, pest- and disease-resistant, and widely adaptable. "These upright plants can grow to between 2 to 3 feet tall and provide beautiful blooms from the middle of summer until late fall," says Funk.