Fall in Pennsylvania isn’t just about colorful leaves, it’s one of the best times to plant. Cooler air and warm soil give flowers, grasses, and perennials the perfect conditions to settle in before winter. With the right choices, you can enjoy fresh color, texture, and movement well past summer.

At Terra Lawn Care Specialists, we help homeowners across Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Delaware, and Chester counties design seasonal landscapes with proven winners that thrive in our climate.

Best Fall Flowers to Plant in Pennsylvania

Mums (Chrysanthemums)

The quintessential fall flower, mums are a staple in Pennsylvania gardens. Available in warm shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink, they add reliable seasonal color and handle cold weather with ease. Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil for blooms that last until frost.

Asters and Other Purple Flowers

For homeowners looking to add a splash of purple flowers, asters are a perfect choice. These daisy-like flowers not only brighten autumn beds but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Many varieties are cold tolerant and thrive in partial shade to full sun, making them flexible additions to your garden.

Pansies & Violas

Pansies and violas bring cheerful pops of color in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white. Known for their cold hardiness, they keep blooming through cooler days and even survive light frost. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for containers and borders.

Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

Though not traditional flowers, ornamental cabbage and kale produce clusters of colorful leaves in greens, purples, and pinks. They add texture and interest while thriving in cold weather. Plant them in containers or beds to complement more traditional fall blooms.

Why Fall Plants Shine in Pennsylvania

A person in a jacket and a baseball cap is kneeling down and planting flowers in a bed filled with vibrant autumn foliage and dry ornamental grasses.
Fall is the best time to plant, as the cooler air and warm soil provide ideal conditions for roots to establish before winter arrives.

Fall is one of the best times to plant in Pennsylvania. Cooler air paired with warm soil gives roots time to establish before winter, while mulch helps guard against freeze–thaw cycles. Plants set in the fall often grow stronger and healthier than those planted in summer.

Penn State Extension highlights that container-grown trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials do especially well when planted in early to mid-fall, as long as they have about six weeks before the first frost to set roots. Regular watering and a thick mulch layer help protect them from frost heaving during winter thaws.

Pennsylvania’s hardiness zones (6a–7a) and an average first frost around mid-October give gardeners a comfortable window to add both flowers and perennials. With proper soil prep, well-drained soil, and a layer of mulch to protect roots, your fall plants can thrive until winter and return stronger in the spring season.

For bigger projects like creating garden beds, adding stone borders, or designing full seasonal displays, homeowners can benefit from professional landscape and hardscape services.

Best Fall Perennials for Lasting Beauty

Sedum (Stonecrop)

This low maintenance perennial is a true fall standout. Sedum forms fleshy leaves and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies. They’re drought tolerant and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

These hardy fall perennials offer vibrant pink and purple petals with bold centers. Their seed heads provide winter food for birds, while summer and fall blooms support pollinators. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and thrive in direct sunlight.

Black-Eyed Susans

Known for their bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, Black-Eyed Susans add cheerful energy to fall gardens. They’re cold-tolerant, attract butterflies, and thrive in full sun. With their low maintenance needs, they’re among Pennsylvania’s proven winners.

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)

While not blooming in the fall, hellebores benefit from a fall planting time. Their evergreen leaves provide interest in winter, and they burst into early spring blooms with elegant pink, white, or purple flowers. They do best in light shade and well-drained soil.

Ornamental Grasses for Fall Gardens

Purple Fountain Grass

A favorite among ornamental grasses, purple fountain grass adds drama with its rich burgundy tones and graceful plumes. In Pennsylvania, it’s grown as an annual accent grass for seasonal impact.

Its arching habit works beautifully in containers or when paired with shrubs and perennials. Best planted in a sunny spot, it provides movement in season winds and eye-catching color until frost.

Other Ornamental Grasses

Varieties like switchgrass, little bluestem, and feather reed grass bring structure, texture, and height to fall landscapes. Many are drought-tolerant and resilient to harsh winters, making them low-maintenance solutions for autumn curb appeal. Their blades often turn red, orange, or gold, adding seasonal color even after blooms fade.

What to Plant in September vs. October

Flowers to Plant in September

Early fall is the best planting time for mums, asters, and pansies. Planting them in late summer or early fall allows the root ball to settle in well-drained soil before frost. This ensures they provide maximum seasonal color through October.

Plants to Plant in October

October is the prime time for planting bulbs that bloom in the spring. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and alliums should be placed in well-drained soil, covered with mulch, and watered thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

  • Tulips: Plant 6–8 inches deep with the pointed side up.
  • Daffodils: Plant 4–6 inches deep, spaced 4 inches apart.
  • Hyacinths: 4–6 inches deep, known for their fragrance.

October is also great for adding ornamental kale, cabbage, and grasses that thrive in cool temperatures and add beauty until winter.

Tips for Designing and Maintaining a Fall Garden in Pennsylvania

A colorful garden path lined with vibrant red and pink flowers, lush green shrubs, and yellow flowers in full bloom, leading toward a small cottage in the background with trees displaying autumn foliage.
Layering different plants and flowers in a garden bed creates a rich tapestry of color and texture, making the most of the fall season.
  • Layer plants: Mix fall plants like mums and asters with perennials and ornamental grasses for depth.
  • Play with color: Pair purple flowers with yellow Black-Eyed Susans or kale with pansies for contrast.
  • Containers: Use pots for easy swaps and to highlight entryways.
  • Soil and mulch: Loosen soil, add compost, and finish with mulch to regulate temperature and retain moisture.
  • Water wisely: Keep soil moist but not soggy to encourage healthy root growth.
  • Protection: Use burlap or frost cloth for sensitive plants as cold weather sets in.

Refresh Your Landscape with Fall Plants

With the right mix of fall plants, Pennsylvania gardens can remain colorful, resilient, and full of life, even as autumn turns to winter. Whether you’re planting perennials, adding purple flowers, or designing with ornamental grasses, thoughtful choices now will reward you with beauty through frost and a head start on the spring season.

Benefits for Homeowners:

  • Adds year-round curb appeal and seasonal color
  • Boosts property value with a well-kept, inviting yard
  • Creates low-maintenance beauty that lasts into spring
  • Supports pollinators preparing for winter
  • Extends enjoyment of outdoor spaces during cooler months

Ready to refresh your yard with the best fall plants?

Contact Terra Lawn Care Specialists today for expert planting, seasonal décor, and full-service lawn care in Pennsylvania.