Fall gardening in Pennsylvania offers a special chance to bring fresh colors and textures to your outdoor space. As temperatures cool and summer blooms fade, these autumn-friendly plants step in to keep your garden vibrant.
Pennsylvania gardeners have a unique opportunity to extend the growing season with these expert-recommended varieties that thrive in our climate.
1. Autumn Joy Sedum
Star-shaped pink flowers emerge in late summer and gradually deepen to a rich copper-red by fall. Pennsylvania gardeners love this hardy perennial for its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements.
Autumn Joy attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators when other nectar sources become scarce. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results, and enjoy spectacular color even after the first light frosts.
2. Russian Sage
Clouds of tiny purple-blue flowers hover above silvery foliage, creating a dreamy effect in Pennsylvania’s autumn landscape. This perennial powerhouse continues blooming well into fall when many other plants have given up.
Russian sage tolerates poor soil and drought conditions once established. The aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it perfect for problem areas where other plants get munched. Its wispy appearance softens hardscapes and adds movement to garden borders.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Summer’s white flower clusters transform into stunning burgundy and purple hues as temperatures drop. Native to eastern North America, oakleaf hydrangea feels right at home in Pennsylvania’s climate and soil conditions.
Large, oak-shaped leaves put on a spectacular show of their own, turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and maroon. Even winter brings interest as cinnamon-colored bark peels to reveal a rich mahogany underneath. Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade for optimal performance.
4. Toad Lily
Orchid-like spotted flowers appear along arching stems just when most gardens start losing steam. These exotic-looking blooms thrive in Pennsylvania’s woodland gardens and shaded borders where other fall flowers struggle.
Toad lilies ask for little beyond consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Their unique appearance makes them perfect conversation starters near patios or entryways. Group several varieties together for an extended bloom season from September through October.
5. Winterberry Holly
Brilliant red berries light up the landscape after leaves drop, creating a dramatic focal point in Pennsylvania gardens. Unlike traditional hollies, winterberry loses its leaves, which actually showcases the colorful berries even more dramatically.
Native to eastern wetlands, this deciduous holly thrives in Pennsylvania’s climate. Remember to plant both male and female varieties for berry production. Birds love the berries, making winterberry an excellent choice for wildlife gardens while providing striking winter interest.
6. Japanese Anemone
Delicate pink or white flowers dance on tall, wiry stems from late summer through fall. Pennsylvania gardeners treasure these elegant perennials for filling the late-season gap when many other flowers have faded.
Japanese anemones prefer rich, moist soil but will tolerate average conditions once established. Their ability to thrive in partial shade makes them perfect for woodland edges or areas that receive morning sun. Plant them where they can naturalize and spread gently over time.
7. Witch Hazel
Spidery yellow or orange flowers appear in late fall just as other plants retreat into dormancy. Pennsylvania gardeners marvel at this native shrub’s ability to bloom when everything else has given up for the season.
Fragrant blooms often persist through early winter, sometimes even peeking through snow. Fall foliage in brilliant yellow adds another season of interest before the unusual flowers emerge. Plant where you can appreciate the subtle fragrance near walkways or windows.
8. Ornamental Kale
Ruffled rosettes in purple, pink, and creamy white intensify as temperatures drop, often lasting until Christmas in Pennsylvania gardens. These edible ornamentals bring architectural interest to beds and containers when other annuals have surrendered to frost.
Ornamental kale thrives in cool weather and actually develops more vibrant colors after light freezes. Plant in rich, well-drained soil in full sun for best performance. Combine with pansies, mums, and ornamental grasses for stunning fall container displays.
9. Switchgrass
Airy seed heads catch morning light and dance in autumn breezes, adding movement and texture to Pennsylvania landscapes. Native switchgrass turns gorgeous shades of gold, orange, and burgundy as temperatures cool.
Deeply rooted and drought-tolerant once established, this prairie native requires minimal maintenance. Winter birds feast on the seeds while gardeners enjoy the persistent structure through winter snows. Choose varieties like ‘Shenandoah’ or ‘Heavy Metal’ for most dramatic fall color.
10. Asters
Masses of daisy-like blooms in purple, blue, or pink create a pollinator paradise in Pennsylvania’s autumn gardens. Native asters have evolved alongside local insects, making them essential food sources for late-season butterflies and bees.
New England asters grow tall and dramatic, while New York asters stay more compact. Both types thrive in Pennsylvania’s climate with minimal fuss. For best performance, plant in full sun with average moisture. Pinch stems back in early summer for bushier plants with more flowers.
11. Beautyberry
Clusters of vibrant purple berries hug the stems after leaves drop, creating a jaw-dropping display unlike anything else in the fall garden. Pennsylvania gardeners treasure this easy-growing shrub for its unique color that stands out against autumn’s typical reds and oranges.
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) grows naturally in southeastern states but performs beautifully in Pennsylvania gardens. Birds love the berries but typically leave them until later in winter when food becomes scarce. Plant in part shade to full sun with average moisture.
12. Black-Eyed Susan
Golden daisy-like flowers with dark centers continue blooming well into fall, providing reliable color when gardens need it most. Pennsylvania gardeners count on these native perennials for their tough constitution and extended bloom time.
Black-eyed Susans self-seed readily, creating naturalized drifts over time. Their seed heads provide winter interest and food for finches and other small birds. For a tidier garden, deadhead throughout the season, but leave the final flush of seedheads for wildlife and winter texture.
13. Hardy Mums
Bursts of jewel-toned blooms in burgundy, purple, bronze, and gold create instant impact in Pennsylvania’s autumn landscape. Garden centers overflow with these fall favorites, but planting them in spring gives them time to establish for better winter survival.
Hardy mums prefer full sun and well-drained soil to prevent root rot during winter. Pinch stems back until July 4th for compact plants with more flowers. Choose early, mid, and late-blooming varieties to extend the color show from September through November.