Thanksgiving isn’t just a time for food and family it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate the beauty of fall in your garden. With the right flowers, you can add vibrant colors, textures, and scents to your outdoor space, creating a welcoming environment for both guests and wildlife.
In this post, we’ll share 8 stunning fall flowers that will help elevate your Thanksgiving garden and make it truly special. Whether you’re looking to add some warmth to your porch or brighten up your backyard, these flowers are perfect for the season.
1. Chrysanthemums: The Thanksgiving Classic
Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are a quintessential fall flower. With their rich autumn hues think deep reds, oranges, yellows, and purples they bring an instant burst of color to any garden. Their peak bloom time falls right around Thanksgiving, making them perfect for this holiday season.
You can plant mums in containers for a cozy porch display, or group them in flower beds for a more dramatic effect. Make sure to water them well, and keep them in a sunny spot to ensure they thrive.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best blooms.
- Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart for proper air circulation.
2. Pansies: Colorful and Resilient
Pansies are not only beautiful but also hardy, making them ideal for cooler fall weather. These charming flowers come in a wide array of colors from soft pastels to bright jewel tones. Whether you want to add a pop of purple or go for bold reds and yellows, pansies have you covered.
Plant them in hanging baskets, window boxes, or alongside your fall perennials. Pansies can bloom well into November if the weather stays mild, and their vibrant petals are a cheerful addition to your garden.
How to Grow Pansies:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is best.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Temperature: Pansies do well in cooler fall temperatures (40-70°F).
3. Sedum (Autumn Joy): A Fall Foliage Favorite
If you’re looking for a flower that also brings texture, look no further than Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. Known for its thick, fleshy leaves and clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers, sedum adds both visual interest and a unique architectural element to your garden.
In the fall, its pink or red flowers turn a deep bronze, complementing the warm colors of the season. It’s also a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Grow Sedum:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun for maximum bloom.
- Soil: Tolerates dry, poor soil but requires good drainage.
- Watering: Water sparingly; sedum is drought-tolerant.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart for good airflow.
4. Asters: A Late-Blooming Treasure
Asters are late-blooming flowers that come into their own in fall, often reaching full bloom just in time for Thanksgiving. Their daisy-like flowers are available in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, making them versatile for any garden theme.
Plant a variety of asters for an extended bloom period, and watch as they attract bees and butterflies, helping to sustain local pollinators through the colder months.
How to Grow Asters:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to light shade.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil works best.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
5. Crisp White Ornamental Kale
While not technically a flower, ornamental kale is an excellent addition to your fall garden. With its ruffled, vibrant purple and white leaves, it mimics the look of a flower in full bloom. It’s hardy and thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a Thanksgiving garden.
Plant it in containers or along the edges of flower beds for a unique, whimsical touch. Plus, it lasts well beyond Thanksgiving and into the winter months.
How to Grow Ornamental Kale:
- Sunlight: Grows best in full sun.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Watering: Water consistently, especially during dry spells.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart for good air circulation.
6. Goldenrods: Bright and Bold
Goldenrods are known for their bold, golden-yellow flower spikes that brighten up any space. These wildflowers bloom in late summer to fall, making them an excellent choice for your Thanksgiving garden.
Goldenrods attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Use them in the back of your garden as a striking focal point, or pair them with other fall flowers to create a layered effect.
How to Grow Goldenrods:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is ideal.
- Watering: Once established, goldenrods are drought-tolerant.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Japanese Anemone: Elegant Fall Beauty
For a touch of elegance, the Japanese anemone is a fantastic choice. These flowers bloom in late summer through fall, showcasing delicate, white or pink petals with a soft yellow center. Their graceful, upright stems make them perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your garden.
Japanese anemones are versatile and thrive in partial shade, making them a great option for areas that don’t get a lot of direct sun.
How to Grow Japanese Anemone:
- Sunlight: Partial shade is ideal.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil works best.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry weather.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
8. Marigolds: Bold and Easy to Grow
Marigolds are another must-have for fall gardens, thanks to their bright, cheerful blooms in shades of orange, gold, and red. They’re also incredibly easy to grow and are well-suited for containers, flower beds, and hanging baskets.
Marigolds thrive in full sun and bloom continuously until the first frost, offering vibrant color just in time for Thanksgiving.
How to Grow Marigolds:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for maximum blooms.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Watering: Water when the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-12 inches apart.
Conclusion
Creating a Thanksgiving garden filled with stunning fall flowers is a fantastic way to add seasonal beauty to your outdoor space. From the vibrant hues of chrysanthemums to the delicate elegance of Japanese anemones, these flowers will elevate your garden and help set the tone for the holiday season.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll find that adding a variety of fall blooms will not only boost your garden’s aesthetic but also provide year-round enjoyment. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to plant these 8 stunning fall flowers to make your Thanksgiving garden unforgettable!