Fall is for Planting: Color!
Fall is a unique time at a garden center, especially in Louisiana. We’re just getting through a summer of extreme temperatures, receiving tons of fall stock products, and we’ll be in the middle of the Christmas and holiday season before you know it! This fast-paced environment with quick product turnover means it is more important than ever for gardeners to have a plan.
“What plants should I buy to have beautiful color from September to November?”
“What should I plant now to get unique blooms come early spring?”
These are some of the most common questions gardeners have when visiting Louisiana Nursery in the fall. Here are some answers, plant suggestions and helpful tips tailored to Louisiana gardens!
Plants with Beautiful Fall Blooms:
Whether they’re going in flowerbeds or the perfect combo-pot, your neighbors will love the vibrant display you put together from these top-picks for Fall color!
Pansies
These resilient little bloomers offer a burst of color from deep purples to sunny yellows. They’re cold-tolerant and can last through the chilly nights. Pair them with other cold-hardy annuals for a mix of texture and hue.
Petunias
Perfect for hanging baskets or in-ground flower beds. These trumpet-shaped flowers have a wide variety of colors and are generally resistant to the cooler fall weather. Whether you like Wave Petunia, Supertunia, or the Classic, we’ve got ’em all at Louisiana Nursery!
Snapdragons
What used to be relegated to the back of your garden bed can now be planted just about anywhere! With dwarf varieties like ‘Snapshot’, improvements to cold-hardiness and disease resistance, Snapdragons are a premier bloomer for Louisiana. That includes fall, winter, and early spring!
Marigolds
These sun-loving blooms add a splash of gold, orange, and yellow to your garden. Known to deter pests, marigolds are both beautiful and functional.
Dianthus
Known for their spicy fragrance, dianthus come in red, pink, and white shades. They prefer cooler temperatures and will keep their color well into the fall.
Floral Mums & Garden Mums
A must-have for every fall garden. They come in a range of colors from rich golds to deep burgundies. Plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage.
Stunning Fall Foliage
Flowers aren’t the only thing to show off in autumn; more plants than ever are being sought for their attractive foliage and the unique textures they bring to the garden!
Crotons
These tropical plants display vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges in their leaves. Although they prefer warm temperatures, they can be brought indoors during winter months. Though a Petra Crotons is pictured here, new varieties like Mammy offer different colors, and some can be grown as miniature trees!
Coleus
With striking patterns and colors, coleus leaves can be just as showy as any flower. They can thrive in both sun and shade, depending on the variety. Will you plant fall colors like yellows and oranges, or choose their complimentary counterparts? Coleus lets you decide with constant color!
Ornamental Cabbage
This is a fantastic addition to any fall garden. Their rosette pattern and the combination of green and purple hues provide a unique texture and color. This will make your beds or combo-pots standout in the sea of fall classics!
Fountain Grass
With its feathery, bronze-colored plumes, fountain grass is a perfect plant to add movement and texture to your garden. We especially love the purple fountain grass, as the dark colors are a great contrast to turf and other greenery in your beds.
Prep in the Fall, Bloom in the Spring
It’s never too early to start thinking about a spring garden! Here are some plants that are great to start in the fall for a beautiful landscape in the coming months.
Foxgloves
Every spring, gardeners ask what on earth is that tall, beautiful blooming plant when referring to Foxgloves! Fall is the (best) time to plant them for spring blooms. You will likely need to ask a staff member to find them, as they don’t have have stalks or any other distinguishing features besides their broad leaves. That will change soon though, so get planting!
Hollyhock
A classic garden staple, these tall, stalky plants produce large, colorful blooms. They prefer sun and can grow quite tall, making them perfect for the back of garden beds.
Bulbs
Think tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Plant them now, and they’ll burst forth in a riot of color come spring. Just ensure they’re planted at the correct depth and in well-draining soil. Be sure to research your specific bulbs, as some will require refrigeration in Louisiana due to our timid winters. We use Netherland Bulb Company for all our stock, and have informational materials at our retail locations!
Perennials
Consider planting asters or coneflowers. They might not bloom this season, but they’ll establish roots and provide delightful blooms come spring and summer. This idea goes for most all those tender perennials that have a habit of surviving our mild winters!
Trees & Shrubs
Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs, like citrus trees or azaleas, as the cooler temperatures help establish roots without the stress of summer heat. They’ll be ready to burst into bloom come spring.
Besides preparing your garden for the spring, you can also take steps now to maintain a healthy landscape for the chillier months ahead. Tidying beds and borders, clearing debris and mulching can protect plants from winter’s chill. Composting fallen leaves enriches soil for future growth. Installing bird feeders and baths nurtures local wildlife. Plus, outdoor decorations and cozy seating areas can help families and friends enjoy the outdoors in any weather.
Thanks for reading!
