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10 best Fall Flowers for Zones 8-11

Nisha Nikharge
Water droplets on alstroemeria flowers

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As the cooler days of fall approach, it’s not the time for your garden to lose its summer vibrancy, especially in the mild climates of Zones 8-11. Our guide,  highlights the resilient beauties perfect for your autumn garden. From the rich, sunset hues of Mexican Marigold to the intriguing shapes of Lion’s Tail, these selections promise a burst of color and life. The robust reds of Autumn Sage, the elegant spires of Mexican Bush Sage, and the rustic charm of the Bush Blanket Flower, will capture the essence of autumn without fading away. Join us as we explore these ten floral treasures that refuse to acknowledge summer’s end. Here are 10 best fall-blooming flowers for your garden.

Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)

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Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii) is a vibrant perennial shrub known for its aromatic, fern-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late fall. Thriving in full sun, the Mexican Marigold requires well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading the spent blooms can encourage a longer flowering period. When it comes to companion planting, pair the marigold with plants like Lavender or Rosemary for a fragrant combination, or with Penstemon and Salvia for a showy floral display.

 

Lion’s Tail (Leonotis leonurus)

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Lion’s Tail (Leonotis leonurus) is a striking perennial known for its bright orange, tubular flowers that resemble a lion’s tail. This sun-lover thrives in well-drained soil and is moderately drought-resistant once established. Pruning after its first bloom can encourage a second flowering in the season. For companion plants, consider pairing Lion’s Tail with Agastache or Salvia for a harmonious display of color and form, or with ornamental grasses for a contrasting texture in the garden.

 

Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)

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Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans), with its vibrant red tubular flowers, offers a delightful pineapple scent from its bright green leaves. Best grown in well-draining soil under full sun to partial shade, it benefits from regular watering but needs good drainage to prevent root rot. For a visually appealing and fragrant combination, pair Pineapple Sage with Lavender or Echinacea. Additionally, its aromatic foliage complements tomatoes and strawberries in a kitchen garden, enhancing their growth and flavor.

 

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

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Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) boasts dainty, fragrant flowers that form a delicate carpet of white, pink, or purple blooms. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it prefers well-draining soil and occasional trimming to encourage more blossoms. It pairs beautifully with cool-season veggies like lettuce and spinach, offering an added benefit of attracting beneficial insects. This annual is versatile, serving as a lovely border or ground cover.

 

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

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Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) bursts forth with tubular flowers in shades ranging from deep red to coral and white, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators alike. For best results, plant in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Prune lightly after blooming to maintain its compact shape. When choosing companions, consider pairing with ornamental grasses or lavender for contrasting textures.

 

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

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Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) boasts long, velvety purple spikes adorned with white blooms, making it a magnet for pollinators. Thriving in full sun, ensure it’s planted in well-draining soil and water moderately. It pairs beautifully with coneflowers and ornamental grasses, benefiting from their structural contrast. Minimal pruning keeps its lush appearance.

 

Bush Blanket Flower(Gaillardia)

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Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) offers vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red, orange, and yellow hues, creating a sunny spectacle in any garden. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil, and be moderate with watering to promote healthy growth. Its cheerful colors pair wonderfully with ornamental grasses, sedum, and coreopsis. A light deadheading extends its blooming period.

 

Lantana

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Lantana showcases clusters of vibrant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, brightening up any garden space. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, this low-maintenance plant requires minimal watering once established. Pair Lantana with plants like Salvia, Coneflower, and Gaillardia for a vibrant display. While it can be perennial in Zones 9-11, it’s often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

 

Cosmos 

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Cosmos are radiant, daisy-like flowers that sway gracefully on tall, slender stems, offering an ethereal beauty to gardens. They’re sun-loving, drought-tolerant, and virtually carefree, making them perfect for novice gardeners. Cosmos blend seamlessly with sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias for a burst of color. These annual beauties can be sown from seed in spring and will bloom until frost.

 

Firebush (Hamelia patens)

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Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a vibrant, heat-loving shrub adorned with clusters of red-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring minimal care once established. Pair it with lantanas, salvias, or pentas for a hot-colored garden combo. Firebush can tolerate dry spells, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

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