What Flowers Can You Plant in the Fall? And Why Do Squirrels Love Them So Much?

Fall is a magical time for gardeners. The crisp air, the golden hues, and the promise of a fresh start make it the perfect season to plant flowers. But what flowers can you plant in the fall? The answer is more varied than you might think. From hardy perennials to vibrant annuals, the options are endless. And while you’re at it, have you ever wondered why squirrels seem to have a particular fondness for your freshly planted bulbs? Let’s dive into the world of fall gardening and explore the possibilities.
1. Pansies: The Cheerful Faces of Fall
Pansies are a fall favorite, known for their bright, cheerful blooms that can withstand cooler temperatures. These hardy flowers come in a variety of colors, from deep purples to sunny yellows, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Pansies thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Planting them in the fall allows their roots to establish before winter, ensuring a vibrant display come spring.
2. Chrysanthemums: The Queens of Autumn
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are synonymous with fall. These stunning flowers come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and white, and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. Mums prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Planting them in the fall gives them time to establish their roots before the first frost, ensuring a robust bloom the following year.
3. Asters: The Starry Beauties
Asters are another excellent choice for fall planting. These daisy-like flowers come in shades of purple, pink, and white and are known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Planting them in the fall allows them to establish a strong root system, ensuring a beautiful display of blooms in the following autumn.
4. Sedum: The Drought-Tolerant Wonder
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a hardy perennial that thrives in fall. Its succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers make it a unique addition to any garden. Sedum is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Planting sedum in the fall allows it to establish roots before winter, ensuring a robust plant come spring.
5. Crocus: The Early Bloomers
Crocus bulbs are a great choice for fall planting. These small, colorful flowers are among the first to bloom in spring, often pushing through the snow to announce the arrival of warmer weather. Crocuses prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Planting them in the fall ensures a beautiful display of blooms early in the spring.
6. Tulips: The Classic Choice
Tulips are a classic choice for fall planting. These iconic flowers come in a wide range of colors and varieties, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Tulips prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Planting them in the fall allows their bulbs to establish roots before winter, ensuring a stunning display of blooms in the spring.
7. Daffodils: The Harbingers of Spring
Daffodils are another excellent choice for fall planting. These cheerful flowers are known for their bright yellow blooms and are often one of the first signs of spring. Daffodils prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Planting them in the fall ensures a beautiful display of blooms early in the spring.
8. Alliums: The Architectural Marvels
Alliums are a unique choice for fall planting. These ornamental onions are known for their tall, architectural blooms and come in a variety of colors, including purple, white, and yellow. Alliums prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Planting them in the fall allows their bulbs to establish roots before winter, ensuring a striking display of blooms in the spring.
9. Hellebores: The Winter Roses
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are a great choice for fall planting. These hardy perennials are known for their early blooms, often appearing in late winter or early spring. Hellebores prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. Planting them in the fall allows their roots to establish before winter, ensuring a beautiful display of blooms when most other plants are still dormant.
10. Squirrels and Fall Planting: A Love-Hate Relationship
Now, let’s address the elephant—or rather, the squirrel—in the room. Why do squirrels seem to have a particular fondness for your freshly planted bulbs? The answer lies in their natural foraging behavior. Squirrels are always on the lookout for food sources, and freshly planted bulbs can be an easy target. To protect your bulbs, consider covering them with a layer of mulch or using wire mesh to deter these furry intruders.
FAQs
Q: Can I plant flowers in the fall if I live in a colder climate? A: Absolutely! Many flowers, such as pansies, mums, and tulips, are hardy enough to withstand colder temperatures. Just make sure to plant them early enough in the fall so they can establish their roots before the ground freezes.
Q: How do I protect my fall-planted flowers from frost? A: Mulching is a great way to protect your fall-planted flowers from frost. A thick layer of mulch will help insulate the soil and keep the roots warm. You can also use frost cloths or blankets to cover your plants on particularly cold nights.
Q: What should I do if squirrels keep digging up my bulbs? A: Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are several ways to deter them. Try covering your bulbs with a layer of mulch or using wire mesh to protect them. You can also plant bulbs that squirrels find less appealing, such as daffodils or alliums.
Q: Can I plant annuals in the fall? A: Yes, you can plant annuals in the fall, but keep in mind that they may not survive the winter. However, many annuals, such as pansies and ornamental kale, can thrive in cooler temperatures and provide color throughout the fall season.
Q: How often should I water my fall-planted flowers? A: Watering needs will vary depending on the type of flower and your local climate. Generally, you should water your fall-planted flowers regularly until the ground freezes. After that, they will require less frequent watering.