Fall gardening in North Carolina brings exciting opportunities for perennial plants to shine. September’s mild temperatures create perfect conditions for many flowers and shrubs to establish strong roots before winter arrives.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these tough perennials will add lasting beauty to your yard with minimal fuss.
1. Black-Eyed Susan
Golden petals surround a dark center, creating a cheerful splash of sunshine in any garden. These native wildflowers naturally spread to form impressive clumps over time.
Black-Eyed Susans attract butterflies and beneficial insects while standing up to North Carolina’s heat and occasional drought. They’ll keep blooming well into fall when many other flowers have faded away.
2. Purple Coneflower
Standing tall on sturdy stems, Purple Coneflower brings both beauty and wildlife benefits to September gardens. Butterflies can’t resist the nectar, while birds feast on the seeds later in the season.
Once established, these native beauties laugh at drought and poor soil conditions. Their distinctive purple-pink petals drooping around a spiky orange-brown center create a prairie-inspired look that complements many garden styles.
3. Autumn Joy Sedum
Plump, star-shaped flower clusters start pale green in summer before transforming to rich pink and eventually copper-red as fall progresses. The color change happens gradually, giving you months of evolving beauty.
Succulent leaves store water, making this plant incredibly drought-resistant. Bees and butterflies flock to the flat flower heads, while the dried stems add winter interest when topped with frost or snow.
4. Russian Sage
Wispy clouds of tiny lavender-blue flowers float above silvery-gray foliage, creating a dreamy effect in the September garden. The aromatic leaves smell wonderful when brushed against while working nearby.
Russian Sage thrives in hot, sunny spots where many other plants struggle. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for North Carolina’s unpredictable rainfall patterns, and deer typically leave it alone thanks to its strong scent.
5. Yarrow
Flat-topped flower clusters in shades of yellow, pink, red or white stand proudly above feathery, fern-like foliage. The flowers dry beautifully for arrangements if cut at their peak.
Ancient healers valued yarrow for its medicinal properties. Modern gardeners appreciate how it attracts pollinators while standing up to poor soil, drought, and neglect. Even in September’s sometimes unpredictable weather, yarrow remains unfazed.
6. Asters
Star-shaped blooms in purple, pink, blue or white create a constellation of color just when many summer flowers are fading. Native aster varieties have evolved specifically to thrive in North Carolina’s climate.
Monarch butterflies often stop to fuel up on aster nectar during their fall migration south. Plant several varieties with different bloom times to extend the show from late August through October’s first frosts.
7. Ornamental Grasses
Graceful plumes catch September’s golden light while adding movement and texture to the garden. Varieties like Muhly Grass produce spectacular pink clouds that seem to glow when backlit by the setting sun.
Many ornamental grasses reach their peak display in early fall. Their rustling sounds create a soothing soundtrack as autumn breezes pass through. Most require almost no maintenance beyond a single cutting back in late winter.
8. Goldenrod
Arching sprays of tiny yellow flowers create brilliant golden accents in the September landscape. Despite common misconceptions, goldenrod doesn’t cause hay fever – that’s actually ragweed blooming at the same time!
Native goldenrod species support over 100 different butterfly and moth species. The plants form slowly spreading clumps that won’t take over your garden. Their deep roots help them survive North Carolina’s occasional late-summer dry spells.
9. Toad Lily
Exotic-looking orchid-like blooms speckled with purple dots appear along arching stems in dappled shade. The unusual flowers seem almost out of place in September when many shade plants have finished blooming.
Japanese toad lilies bring unexpected elegance to woodland garden corners. Their preference for moist, rich soil makes them perfect companions for ferns and hostas in North Carolina’s partially shaded spots where summer heat might otherwise limit flowering options.
10. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Ruffled, colorful foliage in shades of purple, caramel, lime green, or silver brightens shady spots even after summer flowers fade. The leaves often intensify in color as temperatures cool in September.
Delicate flower spikes rise above the decorative leaves, attracting hummingbirds with their nectar. Coral Bells maintain their good looks through North Carolina’s variable fall weather, providing reliable structure in garden beds even as seasons change.
11. Joe-Pye Weed
Massive domes of tiny pink-purple flowers crown this impressive native plant, sometimes reaching heights of six feet or more. Despite its unfortunate name, it’s not a weed but a valuable garden perennial.
Butterflies swarm to Joe-Pye Weed’s nectar-rich blooms. The plant thrives in North Carolina’s moist areas but adapts to average garden conditions once established. Its majestic presence makes it perfect for the back of perennial borders or naturalized areas.
12. Turtlehead
Hooded flowers resembling tiny turtle heads appear in clusters of white, pink, or purple atop glossy dark green foliage. The unusual bloom shape adds whimsical charm to moist garden spots.
Native to North Carolina streambanks, Turtlehead thrives in areas that stay consistently damp. It’s a critical host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. September’s typically moderate temperatures encourage a flush of fresh blooms that continue until frost.