Why Late-Season Bloomers Matter
By autumn, many flowers have faded, yet some pollinators are still active. Migrating monarchs need nectar for the trip south, and bumble bee queens and other bees feed before winter. Fall-blooming natives also produce seed that birds eat. Adding a few plants that bloom from late summer to frost fills what can otherwise be a gap.
Top Fall-Blooming Native Perennials
Bloom times and ranges vary by species and region, so check which are native to your area.
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): purple to pink flowers with yellow centers, in sun. A common choice for monarchs and bees.
- Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium): a shorter aster that tolerates drier soil.
- Goldenrods (Solidago species): yellow plumes from late summer to fall. Goldenrod is often blamed for hay fever, but ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is typically the cause.
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium species): tall, with pink to mauve flower heads in late summer. See whether Joe Pye weed is a host plant.
- Ironweed (Vernonia species): deep purple flowers, for moist to average soil.
- Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale): yellow to orange daisies that tolerate moist soil and rain gardens.
- Blazing star (Liatris species): some species flower into early fall.
- Boltonia (Boltonia asteroides): white, aster-like flowers in late summer and fall.
- Rabbitbrush and California fuchsia: options for western gardens that bloom late in the season.
Fall Flowers for Shade
Most fall bloomers want sun, but a few tolerate shade:
- White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata)
- Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
- Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
These do best in dappled or part shade, and bloom may be lighter than in full sun.
Drier Sites
Aromatic aster and some goldenrods tolerate drier soil, as do several western plants. For more options that handle low water, see our guide to drought resistant butterfly plants.
What Is Blooming in October?
It depends on where you live. In many eastern and midwestern gardens, asters, goldenrods, and sneezeweed may still bloom in early to mid October until a hard frost. In mild-winter areas, bloom can last longer. A local extension office can tell you what flowers in your area.
Fall Care: What Not to Cut Down
Many gardeners now leave perennials standing through winter. Stems can shelter overwintering insects, and seed heads feed birds. Leaf litter also provides cover. If you want a tidier look, cut back only part of the garden, or wait until spring and leave stems a foot or so tall for nesting insects. Remove diseased plants rather than leaving them.
The 3-Year Rule
The “sleep, creep, leap” saying describes how many perennials behave. In the first year they put down roots with little top growth, in the second they grow moderately, and in the third they grow much larger and bloom more. Native plants can look unimpressive at first, so be patient.
Planting in Fall
Fall is often a good time to plant perennials because cooler weather and autumn rain help roots establish. Plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes where winters are cold, and water until the soil is frozen. Check with your local nursery for the best planting window in your region.
FAQ
What flowers are still blooming in October? Asters, goldenrods, and sneezeweed are common examples where frost has not arrived.
What fall flowers are good for shade? White wood aster, blue-stemmed goldenrod, and zigzag goldenrod.
Should I cut my perennials in the fall? Leaving many standing is generally a good practice for wildlife.