Plants for Instant Fall Impact
- Perfect for quick color in containers or gardens
- Available at local garden centers in the fall
Easy Fall Plants You Can Use Today
- Aster (Aster spp.)
- Abundant in nurseries during peak bloom
- Hardy in Zones 3-10 (suitable for Calgary)
- Chrysanthemum (Mums)
- Can be grown as annuals or perennials
- Some varieties hardy to Zone 4 (good for Calgary)
- Kale (Brassica oleracea)
- Frost-tolerant annual
- Best planted when autumn days start to cool
- Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
- One of the best sources of vibrant fall color
- Johnny Jump-ups (Viola tricolor)
- Related to pansies, adds cheerful color
- Primrose (Primula spp.)
- Polyanthus primrose (Zone 6) often used as a fall annual in Calgary
- Other varieties like P. obconica and P. malacoides thrive in warmer winter zones (8+)
Other Fall-Friendly Annuals (Frost-Tolerant)
- Alyssum
- Calendula
- Dusty Miller
- Sweet William (Dianthus spp.)
- Snapdragon
- Stock
Other Fall Favorites (Long-Term Perennials)
- Boltonia (Boltonia asteroides)
- Produces white to pink flowers late in the season
- Hardy to Zone 4
- Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Popular varieties include ‘Autumn Joy,’ ‘Brilliant,’ ‘Frosty Morn,’ and ‘September Glow’
- Hardy in Zones 3-9
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
- Bright yellow flowers, cheerful fall display
- Hardy in Zones 3-10
- Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
- Tall (around 4 ft.), bold purple blooms late into fall
- Turtlehead (Chelone spp.)
- Hardy perennials, bloom in fall, suitable for Zone 3+
Bulbs for Fall Display (Plant in Summer)
- Fall Crocus
- Meadow Saffron (Colchicum)
- Bright, early fall bloom, plant in summer
Additional Fall Beauties
- Grasses
- Add texture and movement, thrive nearly everywhere in Calgary
- Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
- Vigorous vine with stunning fall blooms
- Hardy to Zones 4-9
Tips for Calgary Gardeners
- Plant hardy perennials and bulbs in summer for fall enjoyment
- Use hardy annuals for quick color fixes
- Incorporate grasses and vines for longer-lasting autumn interest
- Keep your garden vibrant even as temperatures drop!
