Seven Ideas For Fall Flowers

As the weather begins to cool, flowers in their fall hues are the perfect indoor decorations. Mums, amaranthus, crocosmia, and New England asters are among the many options for fall floral arrangements. And if you don't have time to plant flowers outdoors, you can still add colorful containers to your home.

1. Mums

Mums make for a beautiful display in the fall, but they need to be tended to properly in order to thrive. They do best in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Dry, hard soil will not support their roots, and wet, boggy soil will drown them. In addition, mums do best in soil that is rich in organic matter.

Mums need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to grow and bloom, so it is important to choose a location that gets adequate sun. When planting mums, use organic compost and dig the soil eight to 12 inches deep. Then, spread the roots apart and lightly press the soil to eliminate air pockets. After planting, space mums as directed on the care label. Water the plant daily until established.

2. Amaranthus

Amaranthus is a native plant with many uses. Its Latin name, "amaranthus nonfading", refers to its long plumes that hold their shape and color well. These flowers also thrive in soils ranging from acidic to alkaline and can survive a range of temperatures. Once dried, these flowers can be added to your compost pile.

Amaranths have beautiful foliage and are relatively easy to grow. They are tolerant of poor soil and can grow to three feet tall. These plants have been used as ornamentals for centuries. They were even included in the plant survey of Colonial Williamsburg and were popular in Victorian English gardens.

3. Crocosmia

The fiery colors of crocosmias are sure to delight your garden visitors. This late-flowering perennial has 400 different varieties and can be planted in mixed borders. The flowers are compact and look fantastic grouped together. However, you should keep in mind that crocosmias can be susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions. To avoid this, consider using a staking device for your crocosmia plant.

When it comes to caring for Crocosmia, remember that the arching stems require extra attention once you cut them. It's best to divide them every three years to keep them in peak health and ensure maximum flower production. Besides, you should avoid pruning the leaves too early, which will reduce photosynthesis. Another important tip is to keep the stems in a cool dark place for 48 hours. After that, move them to a bright place.

4. New England asters

If you are looking for a fall flower idea that is not too complicated, consider planting New England asters. These flowers are quite tall and are suitable for planting near walls or other structure to catch filtered sunlight. However, they have a tendency to lean when they don't get enough sunlight. Keeping this in mind, it is a good idea to cut them back substantially in early July. This will reduce the torque on the stem and help them stay upright.

New England asters grow best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and has good drainage. While they don't do well in sandy soil, they can tolerate clay. New England asters also need good air circulation. If their leaves become dry, the plants can become susceptible to disease. For best results, they should be tended to regularly.

5. Sedums

Sedums provide a colorful contrast to borders, rock gardens, and beds. They do best in full sun, but tolerate light shade and poor soil. They have a long blooming season, and their flowers are also attractive cut flowers. Plus, these plants are heat, drought, and disease resistant.

Sedums can be divided in the spring or fall. Be careful not to damage the roots when dividing. You should cut the plant back to about half its size and then divide it into desired divisions. You can then transplant the divisions in early spring. Dig a hole deep enough for the plant to fit inside. Plant the divisions so the roots are below the soil line.

6. Vegetables

During the fall, vegetables are a natural companion for flowers. Not only are they gorgeous, but they also help pollinators, including bees and butterflies. And they act as natural pest control, too. Some vegetables are perennials, meaning they can be planted year-round. The following are some plants that can make great fall flowers.

Radish: If you'd like to have fresh radishes for your salads, plant them six weeks before your last frost date. Radishes grow well in well-drained soil and don't need extra fertilizer. Just make sure to harvest the radishes while they're in their prime to maximize their harvests. Swiss chard: Another excellent fall flower and vegetable choice, this herb grows to about a foot and a half. It can tolerate a light frost, and the curly varieties grow into mounds of delicious leaves.

7. Perennials

There are many different perennials you can plant during the fall. Perennials are a good choice because they pay off for years. They also give you the opportunity to share plants with friends and neighbors. Some perennials are hardy only in certain climates, but you can easily spread the seeds to another area.

Perennials are great for the fall garden because they produce a wide range of colors. They are ideal for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Some varieties can even help struggling pollinators. If you want to get the most out of your fall perennials, plant them during the late summer or early fall.