A cool-season flower that can be set out in early spring, sweet alyssum fades in the summer heat, but its clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple blooms will likely cover your garden again in the fall when temperatures stabilize.

Discover the best perennials and shrubs to plant in fall for a beautiful and thriving garden. Learn about top plant choices and planting tips to ensure your garden flourishes.

One of the most famous and best autumn-flowering perennials is the aster (or Michaelmas daisy, if you prefer), which blooms right through October – so long as you keep it well watered during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.

Fall flowers are a valuable source of nectar and pollen for butterflies and other beneficial insects at a time when food sources are scarce.