Fall in Massachusetts brings a spectacular show of colors, and your container gardens can be just as impressive with the right plants and design. As temperatures drop across the Bay State, it’s time to refresh those summer pots with cool-weather favorites that can handle our New England autumn.
Whether you have a small porch in Boston or a spacious deck in the Berkshires, these container ideas will help you celebrate the season.
1. Hardy Mums With Ornamental Kale
The classic Massachusetts fall combination never disappoints, especially when you mix purple-tinged kale with gold or bronze mums. Their contrasting textures create instant visual interest.
Plant these tough performers in early September to enjoy them through the first light frosts. Massachusetts gardeners know that garden centers typically offer the best selection of mum colors during the first weeks of fall.
Position these containers near entryways where you’ll see them daily, bringing autumn cheer even on those gray New England days.
2. Grasses And Sedum Combinations
Ornamental grasses add movement and sound to fall containers when October winds sweep through Massachusetts. The feathery plumes of purple fountain grass look stunning against the backdrop of sedum ‘Autumn Joy’.
These plants require minimal watering, perfect for busy gardeners. The combination works well in both sunny suburban yards and on city balconies throughout the Commonwealth.
As a bonus, both plants can be transplanted into your garden after the season, creating lasting value from your container investment.
3. Edible Fall Container Garden
Many cool-season vegetables thrive in Massachusetts autumn containers. Try kale, Swiss chard, and compact cabbage varieties for both beauty and function in your fall garden.
The rich soil in containers often extends the growing season by a few weeks compared to in-ground gardens. Even after light frosts hit the Berkshires or Cape Cod, these hardy edibles continue producing.
Harvest leaves as needed for soups and stews—perfect for those chilly Massachusetts evenings when comfort food calls your name.
4. Native Berry Containers
Massachusetts native winterberry holly offers spectacular red berries that persist long after leaves drop. Pair with native grasses for a container that celebrates our regional landscape.
These berries provide natural food sources for local birds when other options become scarce. Watch chickadees and cardinals visit your containers throughout late fall and early winter.
Since winterberry requires both male and female plants to produce berries, consider adding one male plant to a larger container or nearby garden to pollinate several female plants.
5. Pumpkins As Living Containers
Hollow out medium-sized pumpkins to create biodegradable planters perfect for Massachusetts patios. Line with plastic before adding soil and plants to extend their lifespan through November.
Fill these natural containers with cool-loving annuals like pansies, ornamental peppers, or miniature grasses. The orange backdrop makes purple and blue flowers especially striking.
After the season ends, these planters can be composted, contributing to next year’s garden soil—a sustainable approach that works well with Massachusetts’ growing commitment to environmental gardening.
6. Evergreen Anchors With Seasonal Accents
Small dwarf evergreens provide year-round structure in Massachusetts container gardens. Try dwarf Alberta spruce or compact junipers as the centerpiece of larger pots.
Around these anchors, add seasonal plants that can be swapped out as weather changes. For fall, try heuchera, ornamental cabbage, and trailing ivy to complement the evergreen’s steady presence.
Massachusetts winters can be tough on container plants, but these evergreen combinations have staying power well into December, especially along the milder coastal areas.
7. Autumn Herb Containers
Hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme continue producing in Massachusetts fall weather. Group them in terracotta pots for a practical and attractive display near your kitchen door.
The silver-blue foliage of many Mediterranean herbs creates a beautiful contrast against traditional fall colors. Their aromatic qualities add another sensory dimension to your outdoor space.
When the first hard freeze threatens the Boston area or Pioneer Valley, simply bring these containers indoors to a sunny window for continued fresh herbs throughout winter.
8. Vertical Fall Wall Planters
Maximize small Massachusetts spaces by going vertical with wall-mounted container systems. These work wonderfully on urban patios in Boston or Cambridge where ground space is limited.
Fill pockets with trailing plants like sweet potato vine, creeping jenny, and cool-season bloomers. The cascading effect creates a living tapestry that adds warmth to brick or siding as temperatures drop.
Choose frost-resistant varieties that can handle Massachusetts’ unpredictable fall weather swings, ensuring your vertical garden stays attractive through Thanksgiving.
9. Succulents With Autumn Accents
Cold-hardy succulents like sempervivum and sedum varieties withstand Massachusetts fall temperatures beautifully. Their geometric forms create fascinating texture in shallow containers.
Arrange these living sculptures among mini pumpkins, pine cones, and colored stones for a modern fall display. The contrast between natural elements and structured succulents feels both seasonal and sophisticated.
Most hardy succulents can overwinter in containers if moved to a protected location when December arrives in New England, making them excellent investments for future container gardens.
10. Frost-Friendly Blooming Containers
Massachusetts gardeners needn’t give up flowers when temperatures drop. Cyclamen, hellebores, and certain pansies actually prefer cooler weather and will bloom through light frosts.
Mass these cool-season bloomers in weatherproof containers for concentrated color impact. Their delicate appearance belies their toughness in our New England climate.
Position these containers where morning sun will quickly melt any frost that forms overnight. This strategy extends blooming periods well into November across most Massachusetts growing zones.