As summer winds down, it's easy to think the season for flowers has ended, but fall can be an incredibly vibrant and crucial time for pollinators. Fall-blooming flowers provide vital nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects as they prepare for winter. This article will explore some of the best flowers to plant in your garden that will not only beautify your landscape in the fall but also support pollinators.
1. Asters (Asteraceae)
Asters are quintessential fall flowers that burst into bloom when most other flowers have faded. Their star-shaped blooms come in various colors, including purple, blue, pink, and white. Asters attract many pollinators, particularly bees, butterflies, and moths. Because of their long bloom time and late-season appeal, they are an essential plant for providing food in autumn.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
- They are perennial in many regions, returning year after year.
2. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers, particularly the purple coneflower, are a favorite of bees and butterflies. These hardy perennials continue to bloom into the early fall, providing nectar for pollinators. The large central cone attracts bees, while butterflies love to perch on the petals. After blooming, the seed heads also provide food for birds in the later fall and winter.
Growing Tips:
- Coneflowers thrive in full sun with average to poor soil.
- Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further blooming.
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are popular flowers with unique, dragon-shaped blooms. Although often considered a summer flower, snapdragons can thrive well into the fall, especially in cooler climates. Their bold colors and long bloom time make them attractive to bees and hummingbirds.
Growing Tips:
- Plant snapdragons in full sun to part shade.
- Keep the soil moist but well-drained for best results.
4. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, produces bright, daisy-like flowers with a long bloom period that stretches into the fall. Their red, yellow, and orange tones are magnets for bees and butterflies. Gaillardia is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
- Deadheading will prolong blooming well into the fall.
5. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing allergies, but this native plant is a goldmine for pollinators. It blooms in late summer and fall, offering a last feast for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Goldenrod's tall, golden-yellow plumes brighten up any fall landscape.
Growing Tips:
- Goldenrod thrives in full sun and can tolerate dry to medium soil.
- It's a great plant for naturalizing in wildflower gardens or meadows.
6. Sedum (Hylotelephium telephium)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent perennial that blooms in late summer and fall. The flat-topped clusters of pink, red, or white flowers are perfect landing platforms for butterflies and bees. Sedum is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for fall gardens in drier climates.
Growing Tips:
- Plant sedum in full sun to part shade.
- It requires little maintenance and can thrive in poor, dry soil.
7. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, native perennial with fluffy, pinkish-purple flowers. It blooms in late summer through the fall and is a favorite of butterflies, especially monarchs, during their migration. This flower is perfect for adding height to a garden and attracting beneficial pollinators.
Growing Tips:
- Joe-Pye Weed prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial sun.
- It can grow up to 5-7 feet, making it ideal for the back of borders or wildflower gardens.
8. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Anise Hyssop is a fragrant herb that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers in late summer and fall. Its aromatic leaves, which smell like licorice, are an added bonus for gardeners, while the flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- This plant is drought-tolerant once established.
Additional Pollinator Plants for Fall
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): Known for its long-lasting, purple-blue spikes, Russian sage is a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): A native aster variety, New England Asters bloom profusely in late summer and early fall, attracting bees and butterflies.
- Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii): This late-blooming perennial with snapdragon-like flowers attracts hummingbirds and bumblebees in the fall.
- Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis): These delicate white or pink blooms appear late in the season and attract various pollinators.
Fall is an important time for pollinators, and planting these flowers will not only extend the beauty of your garden into the cooler months but also provide essential food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By incorporating a variety of fall-blooming plants like asters, coneflowers, snapdragons, and gaillardia, your garden will be alive with activity while supporting the environment.