Fall in Virginia transforms gardens into a symphony of colors that can brighten both your outdoor spaces and dining table. As summer fades, these fall bloomers step into the spotlight, bringing vibrant hues when many plants are winding down.
Get ready since these fall flowers will add seasonal magic to your Virginia landscape.
1. Chrysanthemums: The Classic Fall Showstopper
Nothing says autumn in Virginia like the burst of chrysanthemums dotting porches and garden beds. Available in sunset colors from deep burgundy to bright yellow, these hardy perennials thrive in Virginia’s fall climate.
Plant mums in well-draining soil with plenty of sunshine, and they’ll reward you with weeks of blooms. For table arrangements, cut stems early in the morning and remove lower leaves before placing in water.
2. Asters: Purple Stars Of The Autumn Garden
Resembling tiny daisies with their star-shaped blooms, asters bring pops of purple, pink, and blue to your fall landscape. Native varieties like New England aster attract butterflies, especially important during fall migration.
Give these beauties full morning sun but some afternoon shade in Virginia’s climate. When cut for indoor displays, asters last surprisingly long and pair beautifully with ornamental grasses for a rustic centerpiece.
3. Goldenrod: Misunderstood Native Beauty
Forget the old myths – goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies! This stunning native plant produces cascades of bright yellow blooms that light up Virginia gardens from late summer through fall.
Goldenrod thrives in poor soil conditions and provides critical support for pollinators preparing for winter. Cut a few stems for your table and watch how they transform a simple mason jar into a golden autumn statement.
4. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: Succulent Surprise
Starting with broccoli-like buds in late summer, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ transforms into a rosy pink plateau of tiny star-shaped flowers by fall. The sturdy stems hold their shape even after frost, providing winter interest.
Plant these drought-tolerant succulents in sunny spots with well-draining soil. For table decor, cut stems last weeks in water or can be dried upside down for permanent arrangements that maintain their color.
5. Toad Lilies: Exotic Shade Garden Gems
Orchid-like spotted blooms make toad lilies (Tricyrtis) a conversation starter in any Virginia garden. These unusual flowers thrive in shady spots where other fall bloomers struggle, producing delicate purple-speckled blossoms along arching stems.
Plant them near garden paths where their intricate details can be appreciated. For indoor arrangements, float individual blooms in shallow dishes of water for an elegant, unexpected table accent.
6. Japanese Anemones: Graceful Swaying Beauties
Rising on tall, slender stems, Japanese anemones dance above the garden in late September through October. Their simple pink or white flowers with yellow centers bring a touch of elegance to Virginia’s autumn landscape.
Once established, these perennials spread gently to form lovely colonies in partially shaded areas. Cut a few stems for your dining table and place in a tall, narrow vase to showcase their natural, swaying movement.
7. Dahlias: Dinner Plate Showstoppers
Growing dahlia tubers rewards Virginia gardeners with spectacular blooms ranging from tiny pompoms to massive dinner plate varieties. Available in virtually every color except true blue, they’ll flower until the first hard frost.
Plant dahlias in full sun after danger of frost has passed. For table arrangements, cut when flowers are fully open, early in the morning. Sear the cut stem end with boiling water to extend vase life.
8. Helenium: Native Copper Beauty
Often called sneezeweed (though it doesn’t cause sneezing), Helenium offers daisy-like flowers in rich autumn hues of copper, gold, and russet. The distinctive cone centers add textural interest to both garden and table arrangements.
Virginia’s climate suits these native perennials perfectly. Plant in full sun with moist soil. For indoor displays, combine with ornamental grasses and seed heads for a meadow-inspired centerpiece that celebrates fall’s bounty.
9. Russian Sage: Silver-Purple Cloud
Creating a purple haze in the fall garden, Russian sage combines silvery foliage with lavender-blue flower spikes that persist well into autumn. This drought-tolerant perennial stands up to Virginia’s variable fall weather with grace.
Plant in full sun where its airy structure can be appreciated. The aromatic foliage repels deer while attracting beneficial insects. For table arrangements, mix with goldenrod for a striking purple-and-gold color combination.
10. Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’: Extended Season Bloomer
Most coreopsis finish blooming by summer’s end, but ‘Autumn Blush’ keeps going strong through fall. The peachy-pink flowers with burgundy centers develop deeper red tones as temperatures drop, creating a changing color show.
Plant these compact perennials in full sun throughout Virginia gardens. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect for busy gardeners. Cut a handful for small bud vases scattered across your table for casual fall entertaining.
11. Turtlehead: Native Stream-Side Beauty
Named for their distinctive turtle-head shaped flowers, these native perennials (Chelone) thrive in Virginia’s moist areas. Pink or white blooms appear from late August through October on upright stems with glossy dark green leaves.
Plant turtlehead in partial shade with consistently moist soil. For dining table displays, pair with ferns and autumn leaves for a woodland-inspired arrangement that celebrates Virginia’s natural beauty.
12. Celosia: Flamboyant Annual Color
Resembling flames or brain coral depending on the variety, celosia brings dramatic texture and vibrant color to Virginia fall gardens. Choose plumed types for feathery spires or cockscomb varieties for fascinating crested forms.
Grow these heat-loving annuals in full sun and well-draining soil. Their exceptional vase life makes them perfect for fall table arrangements. Bonus: they dry beautifully for long-lasting indoor decor throughout winter.
13. Autumn Crocus: Surprise Underground Treasure
Unlike spring crocus, autumn crocus (Colchicum) sends up leafless pink-purple blooms directly from the ground in September and October. The flowers appear seemingly overnight, earning them the nickname “naked ladies” or “surprise lilies.”
Plant bulbs in summer for fall blooms in partially shaded Virginia gardens. For table decorations, float individual blooms in shallow dishes where their unique form can be admired up close.