Does your patio look a little dull as summer fades away? Just because temperatures drop doesn’t mean your outdoor space has to lose its charm. In fact, autumn offers a spectacular opportunity to transform your patio into a cozy, vibrant retreat bursting with color and texture.
The secret lies in choosing plants that don’t merely survive the chill—but absolutely thrive in it. Ready to give your outdoor patio a seasonal facelift? Let’s explore 12 eye-catching fall plants to style your outdoor patio this season and keep your space glowing with life and beauty.
Why Add Fall Plants to Your Patio Décor?
You might be wondering—is it really worth the effort to style a patio for fall? Absolutely!
- Color therapy: Bold autumn hues like fiery reds, golden yellows, and rich purples create visual warmth even on chilly days.
- Textural interest: Fall plants offer unique foliage textures, berries, and seed pods that add layers of intrigue.
- Wildlife-friendly: Many fall plants attract birds, bees, and butterflies still active in the cooler months.
- Extended enjoyment: A beautiful patio invites you to sip a warm drink outside, breathe crisp air, and savor the season.
So, which plants deserve a starring role on your patio this fall?
1. Chrysanthemums (Mums): The Quintessential Fall Classic
Could we even talk about fall plants without mentioning mums? These superstars come in nearly every autumn shade imaginable—burgundy, copper, gold, and plum.
Why Choose Chrysanthemums?
- Long-lasting blooms that thrive in cooler temperatures
- Compact size perfect for patio containers
- A vibrant way to fill gaps left by summer flowers
Arrange them in terracotta pots for a rustic touch, or mix colors for an eye-popping display. Want instant fall vibes? Mums deliver.
2. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage: Edible Elegance
Think veggies can’t be gorgeous? Think again. Ornamental kale and cabbage bring mesmerizing shades of lavender, pink, and ivory, with rosette-shaped foliage that looks like a living bouquet.
Highlights of Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
- Cold-hardy, tolerating frosts and chilly temps
- Adds unique texture to container arrangements
- Combines beautifully with flowering plants
Place these leafy beauties in statement pots near patio entrances for a sophisticated look that lasts well into winter.
3. Pansies: Petite Yet Powerful
Pansies may be small, but they pack a colorful punch. Their cheerful “faces” appear in an array of bold hues, brightening patios on even the grayest fall days.
Why Plant Pansies?
- Bloom reliably in cool weather
- Perfect for hanging baskets or container edges
- Low maintenance yet eye-catching
Mix deep purples and golden yellows for a classic fall palette, or try pastel shades for a softer, whimsical feel.
4. Heuchera (Coral Bells): Foliage That Steals the Show
Tired of relying solely on flowers for color? Heuchera’s stunning foliage comes in a rainbow of shades—from lime green to deep burgundy.
Perks of Heuchera
- Evergreen in milder climates
- Compact growth fits patio containers
- Leaves change hues as temperatures shift
Use heuchera as a “thriller” plant in mixed containers to give your patio an elegant, modern vibe.
5. Asters: Starry Blooms for Fall Nights
Asters bloom just as many summer flowers fade, providing bursts of lavender, pink, blue, and white. These daisy-like flowers can keep your patio looking lively into late autumn.
Aster Advantages
- Loved by bees and butterflies
- Perfect for adding height to container arrangements
- Long bloom period
Tuck asters behind shorter plants to create a layered effect, or showcase them solo in large planters.
6. Sedum (Stonecrop): A Sculptural Wonder
Sedums, particularly varieties like Autumn Joy, are architectural plants with succulent leaves and sturdy stems topped by clusters of tiny flowers that transition from pink to copper.
Why Add Sedum?
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Provides beautiful color changes through fall
- Attracts pollinators
Pair sedum with ornamental grasses for a sophisticated, textured patio look.
7. Japanese Anemones: Ethereal Beauty
Looking for something a little unexpected? Japanese anemones feature delicate, cup-shaped flowers floating atop tall, graceful stems. They bring a refined, almost ethereal feel to autumn décor.
Benefits of Japanese Anemones
- Long blooming season, from late summer into fall
- Elegant movement in breezes
- Gorgeous shades of pink and white
They’re perfect for creating romantic corners on your patio where you can unwind with a steaming mug of cider.
8. Ornamental Grasses: The Whisper of Autumn Wind
Is there anything more soothing than the rustling sound of ornamental grasses in the breeze? Grasses like fountain grass or switchgrass bring movement, texture, and golden autumn hues.
Why Choose Ornamental Grasses?
- Low care needs
- Adds height and airiness to patio designs
- Shifts beautifully with seasonal light
Consider planting grasses in large pots to frame seating areas or use them as a privacy screen that feels natural and airy.
9. Cyclamen: Jewel-Toned Marvels
Cyclamen bloom in striking shades of pink, red, or white, with intricately patterned leaves that look almost painted.
Cyclamen’s Fall Appeal
- Tolerates cool weather beautifully
- Great for shady patio spots
- Compact size perfect for tabletops or shelves
These plants add a touch of luxury and elegance, especially in decorative pots
10. Montauk Daisy: A Fresh Spin on Fall Blooms
The Montauk daisy is a lesser-known gem for fall patios. Its crisp white blooms and lush green foliage bring a fresh, clean look that’s a welcome contrast to the deeper tones of autumn.
Reasons to Love Montauk Daisy
- Blooms late into fall when other daisies fade
- Thrives in containers
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
Use Montauk daisies to brighten dark patio corners or to create cheerful focal points.
11. Viola: Tiny Flowers with Mighty Impact
Violas are close cousins to pansies but often have smaller flowers and an even longer bloom season. They’re ideal for fall containers, adding lively color and delicate fragrance.
Viola’s Advantages
- Bloom through frost and mild winters
- Excellent filler plants for mixed containers
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
Sprinkle violas throughout your patio arrangements to create pockets of unexpected color.
12. Callicarpa (Beautyberry): Nature’s Purple Gemstones
For a showstopping autumn accent, few plants rival beautyberry. Its clusters of bright purple berries look like tiny pearls strung along slender branches.
Beautyberry Highlights
- Striking berries that persist into winter
- Perfect for adding unexpected color
- Attracts birds for fall and winter interest
Place beautyberry in a decorative pot near your patio entrance to wow guests with this unique pop of color.
How to Arrange Your Fall Patio Plants
So, you’ve chosen your fall beauties—now what? Here’s how to bring it all together:
Design Tips for a Stunning Fall Patio
- Layer heights: Place taller plants like ornamental grasses in back, midsized plants like mums or asters in the middle, and low growers like violas or kale upfront.
- Use repetition: Repeating colors or plant types throughout your patio helps tie the design together.
- Mix textures: Pair smooth, glossy leaves with fluffy flowers or feathery grasses for visual interest.
- Consider containers: Choose pots in warm autumnal hues—terracotta, bronze, deep greens—to enhance your plants’ colors.
- Don’t forget lighting: String lights or lanterns can transform your patio into a magical evening escape.