As you’re getting ready to plant your fall containers, consider using more than just mums! Most people think of planting a mum in their container, and call it a day. That’s one option, but there are so many other (super cool) cool-weather-tolerant annuals that can add color and texture to your container, and will often add color much longer than the mum.

If you’ve planted a nice grass or dracaena in your summer container, you may be able to leave that in the container to use in the fall. You can also plant a nice red grass in your container to add height and fall color.

Then think about using other plants that add texture, such as ornamental cabbage and kale, swiss chard, beets, heucheras, and ivy. All of these will last well into the fall!

For flowering plants, select plants that perform well in cooler weather. Fall pansies, Osteospermum Daisies, Superbells (million bells), Nemesias, Rudbeckias (annual varieties), Alyssum, and Verbenas would be great additions to your fall container.

You can always incorporate a smaller mum into a nice selection of plants to make a unique fall container, and get a traditional plant into the mix!

Planting a container in the fall has the same basics as planting a container for the spring or summer. Use good potting soil (not garden soil), water regularly, and feed with a liquid fertilizer at least once a week. This will ensure that you’ll have great color until frost or later!

Happy Planting!