A Just Bloom Guide to the Best Flower Varieties with Autumn Shades
Autumn is a season that brings a beautiful transformation to gardens, and the right flowers can amplify those golden, amber, and deep red hues that are characteristic of the time of year. Fall flowers not only add warmth to the landscape but also help extend the beauty of your garden well into the cooler months. Below is a Just Bloom HK guide to the best flower varieties with autumn shades, covering flowers that bloom in rich, warm tones such as reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and rusts.
1. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red, purple, bronze
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (September-November)
Description: Mums are quintessential autumn flowers. They come in an array of colors, but the varieties that bloom in rich gold, deep red, and burnt orange are especially autumnal. Their dense blooms and vibrant shades create a warm, cheerful atmosphere in the garden. Perfect for filling out garden beds, containers, and window boxes.
Best Varieties:
‘Cushion Mum’ – Compact with a plethora of bright, colorful blooms.
‘Spider Mum’ – Long, narrow petals with a unique texture.
2. Asters
Flower Color: Purple, pink, red, white, blue
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (August-October)
Description: Asters are known for their star-shaped blooms and come in a variety of colors. For autumn, the purple and deep pink varieties are particularly lovely. They have a rustic charm and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Best Varieties:
‘Purple Dome’ – A compact variety with vibrant purple flowers.
‘Wood’s Purple’ – A deeper shade of purple, perfect for autumnal landscapes.
3. Sedum (Autumn Joy)
Flower Color: Pink, red, copper, bronze
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (August-October)
Description: Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a popular choice for fall gardens. Its fleshy leaves and clusters of small, star-like flowers change color over time, starting as pale pink, then deepening into rich red or copper hues as the season progresses. This hardy succulent thrives in full sun and dry soil.
Best Varieties:
‘Autumn Joy’ – Blooms in shades of pink to red.
‘Matrona’ – A variety with purple stems and a more subdued hue.
4. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, brown
Blooming Period: Summer to fall (July-October)
Description: The bold yellow petals and dark brown center of Black-eyed Susans embody the warmth of autumn. They are very easy to grow and have a long blooming period, providing color until the first frost.
Best Varieties:
‘Goldsturm’ – One of the most popular varieties, with a vivid yellow flower.
‘Cherokee Sunset’ – A mix of orange, gold, and red hues, providing more autumnal shades.
5. Japanese Anemone
Flower Color: White, pink, lavender
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (August-October)
Description: Japanese Anemones are elegant flowers with soft, pastel hues that pair beautifully with the deep autumn colors. They are a great choice for adding a gentle pop of color to your fall garden. Their subtle, delicate appearance contrasts beautifully with more vibrant flowers like chrysanthemums.
Best Varieties:
‘September Charm’ – A soft pink variety.
‘Honorine Jobert’ – Pure white flowers that bloom well into autumn.
6. Marigolds
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
Blooming Period: Summer to fall (June-November)
Description: Marigolds are a favorite for fall gardens because of their warm colors, especially in shades of gold, orange, and red. They add vibrancy and are easy to care for, often thriving in full sun. Marigolds can also help repel pests from your garden, making them both beautiful and functional.
Best Varieties:
‘French Marigold’ – Deep orange flowers with a bold, traditional autumn look.
‘Tagetes patula’ – A slightly smaller variety with a brighter yellow hue.
7. Canna Lilies
Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, pink
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (July-October)
Description: Cannas are tropical flowers with bold, large blooms in fiery reds and oranges that bring a touch of warmth and vibrancy to the fall garden. Their striking foliage, often in deep burgundy or bronze tones, adds even more drama to autumn landscapes.
Best Varieties:
‘Tropical Sunrise’ – Features orange and yellow blooms with reddish undertones.
‘Cannova’ – A compact variety with brilliant red flowers.
8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Flower Color: Lavender, purple
Blooming Period: Summer to fall (June-September)
Description: While not traditionally thought of as an autumn flower, Russian Sage’s tall spires of lavender flowers can bring a cool, calming contrast to the warm autumn palette. The silver-gray foliage and airy blooms are ideal for adding texture and a soft touch to your garden during the fall.
Best Varieties:
‘Little Spire’ – A compact variety that’s perfect for small spaces.
‘Blue Spire’ – A taller variety that brings a splash of purple-blue.
9. Dahlias
Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, burgundy, purple
Blooming Period: Late summer to fall (July-October)
Description: Dahlias come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, with their large blooms making a statement in any garden. The autumn varieties, particularly those with red, orange, and purple tones, can add rich color to your landscape. Dahlias also have a relatively long blooming period, giving you months of fall color.
Best Varieties:
‘Bishop of Llandaff’ – Deep red flowers with dark foliage.
‘Café au Lait’ – Creamy beige tones with soft pink and caramel hues.
10. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Flower Color: White, pink, red, purple
Blooming Period: Late spring to fall (May-October)
Description: Heucheras are mostly grown for their vibrant foliage, which comes in shades of orange, red, and gold during the fall months. Their flowers, though small, are delicate and often appear in pink or white spikes. Heucheras make excellent groundcovers and are perfect for adding color and texture to shaded areas.
Best Varieties:
‘Caramel’ – A rich, amber-colored foliage that brightens up fall gardens.
‘Plum Pudding’ – A purple variety that adds depth and contrast.
11. Celosia (Cockscomb)
Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, purple
Blooming Period: Summer to fall (July-November)
Description: Celosia’s bright, spiky, plume-like flowers can bring a dramatic flair to the autumn garden. These vibrant flowers stand out in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. Their unique texture also adds visual interest to any arrangement or landscape.
Best Varieties:
‘Cristata’ – Features bright red, comb-like flower heads.
‘Spicata’ – Tall, feathery blooms in a mix of yellow and red.
Just Bloom Florist tips
When selecting flowers for autumn, the key is to choose varieties that offer a rich range of colors—reds, oranges, yellows, and purples—that evoke the warmth and beauty of the season. Many of these flowers not only thrive in cooler weather but also help attract pollinators during the fall months. By planting a combination of these varieties, you can enjoy a stunning and colorful garden well into the autumn season.
Make sure to consider the growing conditions of each flower (sunlight, soil, water) and the overall aesthetic you wish to create for your autumn landscape. Enjoy the changing colors and the vibrant beauty that fall flowers bring to your home!
