As summer's vibrant hues gently fade, the arrival of autumn offers a splendid opportunity to refresh your outdoor decor with the rich, warm tones of the season. Fall planters are a perfect way to celebrate this transition, bringing life and color to your porch, patio, or garden. By combining classic seasonal plants like chrysanthemums and ornamental kale with unexpected textures from grasses and gourds, you can create stunning displays that capture the essence of fall. These arrangements not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also serve as a welcoming beacon of seasonal charm for family and friends.
1. Classic Chrysanthemum and Pumpkin Fall Planter
A timeless combination for any autumn display involves pairing vibrant chrysanthemums with miniature pumpkins and gourds. Select mums in deep reds, burnt oranges, or golden yellows to create a rich, warm base. Nestle several small pumpkins and uniquely shaped gourds around the base of the plants, allowing them to spill slightly over the container's edge. This approach adds a festive, harvest-inspired touch without requiring complex planting techniques. For a cohesive look, choose a rustic container like a wooden barrel or a galvanized metal tub, which enhances the arrangement’s rustic charm and makes the colors of the plants and pumpkins pop.
2. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Fall Planter
For a display that offers both color and intriguing texture, ornamental cabbage and kale are exceptional choices. These hardy plants thrive in cooler temperatures, with their colors often intensifying after a light frost. Arrange them in a large, shallow bowl or a rectangular planter, alternating between the frilly leaves of kale and the smooth, rosette shapes of cabbage. Their hues of deep purple, creamy white, and dusty green create a sophisticated and modern fall aesthetic. This type of planter is particularly low-maintenance and provides visual interest that lasts well into the late autumn season, standing strong against a crisp fall backdrop.
3. Heuchera and Sweet Potato Vine Fall Planter
Create a dramatic "spiller" effect by combining the deep, rich foliage of Heuchera, also known as coral bells, with the cascading tendrils of sweet potato vine. Choose a Heuchera variety in a shade of bronze, deep purple, or crimson to serve as the "thriller" element, providing height and a central focus. Then, plant lime green or dark purple sweet potato vine around the edges of the container. The vine will gracefully trail down the sides, softening the planter's look and adding a sense of movement. This combination is perfect for hanging baskets or tall urns where the spilling effect can be fully appreciated.
4. Ornamental Grass and Aster Fall Planter
Introduce height and delicate texture to your autumn arrangements with ornamental grasses. A tall, slender grass like purple fountain grass or feather reed grass acts as a stunning centerpiece, its feathery plumes catching the breeze. Surround the base with vibrant purple or pink asters, which bloom profusely in the fall and attract late-season pollinators. The fine texture of the grass contrasts beautifully with the daisy-like flowers of the asters, creating a dynamic and visually engaging display. This pairing works exceptionally well in large, upright containers placed on either side of a doorway to create a grand, welcoming entrance.
5. Pansies and Violas Fall Planter
While often associated with spring, pansies and violas are fantastic cool-season annuals that bring cheerful color to fall planters. Their resilient nature allows them to withstand light frosts, often blooming until the first heavy snow. Plant a dense mix of pansies and violas in rich autumn shades like deep orange, burgundy, and sunny yellow for a vibrant and full display. They are perfect for window boxes, small pots, or as a colorful filler around larger plants. Their sweet, familiar faces add a touch of whimsy and brightness to cloudy autumn days, proving their versatility beyond the spring season.
6. Croton and Celosia Fall Planter
Bring a touch of the tropics to your fall decor with the bold, fiery foliage of the croton plant. Its large, waxy leaves are variegated with stunning shades of red, orange, yellow, and even black, perfectly echoing the colors of autumn leaves. Pair it with the equally vibrant and textural plumes of celosia, also known as cockscomb. The upright, feathery flowers of celosia in intense red or orange create a striking contrast against the croton's broad leaves. This combination is ideal for a statement planter on a covered porch, where the croton can be protected from the harshest cold.
7. Sedum and Thyme Fall Planter
For a low-maintenance and long-lasting fall planter, combine hardy succulents like Autumn Joy sedum with creeping thyme. The sedum provides height and structure, with its flower heads gradually transitioning from light pink to a deep, coppery red as the season progresses. Creeping thyme serves as an excellent "spiller," its fragrant foliage trailing over the edges of the pot while offering a soft, green texture. This drought-tolerant duo is perfect for sunny spots and requires minimal watering, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners. The pairing looks especially beautiful in a rustic terracotta or stone container.
8. Japanese Maple and Ivy Fall Planter
A dwarf Japanese maple can serve as a breathtaking centerpiece in a large fall planter, offering elegance and stunning seasonal color. Its delicate leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, or gold in the autumn, creating a "thriller" element that commands attention. Underplant the maple with a classic English ivy, allowing its deep green vines to cascade over the sides of the container. This simple yet sophisticated combination creates a look of permanence and grace. This planter can become a long-term feature on a patio or deck, with the Japanese maple providing beauty year after year.
9. Scarecrow and Marigold Fall Planter
Inject a playful, harvest-themed element into your yard with a fall planter centered around a small scarecrow. Place a decorative scarecrow in the middle of a large pot and surround it with a cheerful border of orange and yellow marigolds. Marigolds are robust fall bloomers, and their pom-pom-like flowers add a burst of sunny color. You can also tuck in some dried corn husks or straw around the base to enhance the festive, rustic feel. This idea is particularly fun for families with children and creates a whimsical, welcoming display for your front porch or garden walkway.
10. White Pumpkin and Eucalyptus Fall Planter
For a more modern and elegant take on fall decor, create a planter using a chic palette of white and green. Start with a collection of white pumpkins, such as the 'Lumina' or 'Casper' varieties, as the focal point. Arrange them within a contemporary gray or black container. Intersperse the pumpkins with sprigs of seeded or silver dollar eucalyptus, which adds a lovely silvery-green hue and a refreshing fragrance. The addition of trailing white bacopa or dusty miller can further enhance the sophisticated, monochromatic look, creating a serene and stylish autumn display that stands out from traditional color schemes.
11. Corn Stalk and Sunflower Fall Planter
Capture the essence of a rustic harvest festival by using dried corn stalks to create a dramatic backdrop in a large planter. Tie three or four stalks together to form a teepee-like structure in the center of a large barrel or crock. At the base, plant vibrant sunflowers, whose large, sunny faces will provide a cheerful contrast to the rustic texture of the corn stalks. Fill in any gaps with trailing ivy or smaller orange chrysanthemums to complete the look. This tall, eye-catching arrangement is perfect for creating a focal point in a larger garden space or on a spacious front porch.
12. Berry-Laden Winterberry Holly Fall Planter
Transition your decor from early fall to the brink of winter with a winterberry holly planter. This deciduous holly loses its leaves in autumn, revealing stems packed with bright red berries that provide a stunning pop of color. Use a small winterberry shrub as the "thriller" in your container. Surround it with complementary textures and colors, such as the deep green foliage of ornamental cabbage or the silvery leaves of dusty miller. The vibrant red berries are particularly striking against a backdrop of the first snowfall, ensuring your planter remains a beautiful focal point well into the colder months.
13. Swiss Chard and Ornamental Pepper Fall Planter
Create a unique and edible-inspired fall planter by combining the vibrant colors of Swiss chard with the playful shapes of ornamental peppers. The large, veined leaves of 'Bright Lights' Swiss chard come in stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red, making them a perfect foliage plant for autumn. Pair them with ornamental peppers, which produce small, glossy fruits in hues of purple, red, and orange that resemble tiny Christmas lights. This combination is not only visually appealing but also adds an element of surprise. It’s a great way to celebrate the harvest season with plants that look good enough to eat.
14. Heather and Trailing Vinca Vine Fall Planter
For a fall planter that offers delicate texture and long-lasting color, consider pairing Scottish heather with trailing vinca vine. Heather varieties bloom in late summer and fall, producing spires of tiny flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Their fine, needle-like foliage adds a soft, heathland feel to any arrangement. Combine it with the glossy, dark green leaves of vinca vine, which will spill gracefully over the sides of the container. This pairing is particularly hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a reliable choice for adding color and interest throughout the autumn season.
15. Birch Logs and Evergreen Fall Planter
Design a rustic, woodland-inspired planter that will carry you from fall into the winter months. Place a bundle of three birch logs of varying heights into a large container, securing them in the soil. The white, peeling bark of the birch provides a striking natural element. Surround the logs with small evergreen shrubs like dwarf Alberta spruce or juniper. Fill in the gaps with pinecones, moss, and perhaps a few sprigs of red winterberry for a splash of color. This arrangement evokes the quiet beauty of a forest and offers enduring appeal long after other fall flowers have faded.
16. Black-Eyed Susan and Millet Fall Planter
Celebrate late autumn with a planter filled with the cheerful, golden-yellow blooms of Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia). These native wildflowers are quintessential fall performers, providing a final burst of sunny color before winter. For added height and texture, pair them with ornamental millet, such as the 'Purple Majesty' variety. Its deep purple foliage and cattail-like seed heads create a dramatic contrast with the bright yellow flowers. This combination captures the look of a sun-drenched autumn meadow and is perfect for a relaxed, naturalistic garden style. It is also a great food source for birds as winter approaches.
17. Lamb's Ear and Aster Fall Planter
Create a fall planter with a delightful mix of soft textures and vibrant colors by combining Lamb's Ear with asters. The silvery, fuzzy leaves of Lamb's Ear provide a soft, tactile base that beautifully complements the cooler tones of autumn. Its gentle appearance contrasts wonderfully with the bright, daisy-like flowers of fall-blooming asters in shades of deep purple, lavender, or fuchsia. This pairing is perfect for a cottage-style garden or a planter that invites touch. The Lamb's Ear will spill gently over the pot's edge, while the asters provide a cheerful pop of late-season color.
18. Fothergilla and Creeping Jenny Fall Planter
For a truly spectacular foliage display, feature a dwarf Fothergilla shrub as the centerpiece of a large container. In autumn, this shrub's leaves turn into a brilliant kaleidoscope of yellow, orange, and scarlet. Its fiery display offers incredible visual impact and captures the essence of the season. Underplant the Fothergilla with the vibrant chartreuse foliage of Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia). The bright green-gold of the Creeping Jenny will trail down the sides of the planter, creating a stunning contrast with the warm tones of the Fothergilla above. This combination provides a long-lasting and low-maintenance show of fall color.
19. Lantern and Mum Fall Planter
Incorporate a decorative element into your fall planter for a cozy, inviting glow. Place a sturdy, weather-resistant lantern in the center of a wide, shallow pot. You can use a battery-operated candle inside for safe, ambient lighting on cool autumn evenings. Surround the lantern's base with a dense ring of chrysanthemums in a single, rich color like deep burgundy or bronze. The combination of warm light and lush flowers creates a welcoming and sophisticated focal point for your front porch or patio. This design is simple to assemble but makes a significant impact, especially after dusk.
20. Fountain Grass and Petunia Fall Planter
Combine the graceful movement of Purple Fountain Grass with the trailing beauty of cool-season petunias for a dynamic fall display. The arching, burgundy-colored blades and soft, fuzzy plumes of the fountain grass serve as an elegant "thriller" in the center of the pot. Surround it with petunias in complementary colors like deep purple, magenta, or even white. The Wave series of petunias works particularly well, as they will spill generously over the container's edges, creating a full and lush appearance. This planter offers a beautiful mix of texture, color, and movement that lasts throughout the season.
21. Hay Bale and Gourd Fall Planter
For a truly rustic and harvest-themed display, use a small hay bale as the base for your fall arrangement. While not a traditional planter, a hay bale can be hollowed out slightly on top to accommodate a small pot or liner. Plant it with a mix of colorful mums and trailing ivy. Then, artfully arrange a variety of pumpkins and gourds of different shapes, sizes, and colors around the base of the bale. This creates a charming, multi-level display that is perfect for a country-style front porch or garden corner, fully embracing the spirit of the autumn harvest.
22. Wire Basket and Moss Fall Planter
Create a natural and earthy look by using a wire hanging basket or planter lined with sphagnum moss. The moss liner provides a rustic, textured container that pairs beautifully with fall plants. Fill the basket with a mix of colorful pansies, small ornamental cabbages, and trailing ivy. The open structure of the wire basket allows you to even plant through the sides, creating an incredibly full, ball-like display of color and foliage. This type of planter is especially effective when hung from a porch ceiling or a shepherd's hook in the garden, providing a floating globe of autumn beauty.
23. Monochromatic White Fall Planter
Design a sophisticated and elegant fall planter using an all-white color scheme. Start with a classic white or light gray container. For plants, choose white chrysanthemums, white pansies, and the silvery-white foliage of dusty miller. Add a few small, white 'Baby Boo' pumpkins for a festive touch. The combination of different textures—the fluffy mums, delicate pansies, and fuzzy dusty miller—creates interest and depth, while the monochromatic palette gives the arrangement a clean, modern, and serene look. This planter provides a calming contrast to the typically bold colors of the fall season.
24. Succulent Pumpkin Fall Planter
For a unique, long-lasting, and no-soil-required fall centerpiece, create a succulent-topped pumpkin. Select a pumpkin with a relatively flat top, such as a 'Fairytale' or 'Cinderella' variety. Apply a layer of sphagnum moss to the top, securing it with spray adhesive. Then, arrange a variety of small succulent cuttings, like echeverias and sedums, on the moss, attaching them with a dab of hot glue or floral adhesive. The succulents will eventually root into the moss. This living arrangement makes a stunning table centerpiece or porch decoration that can last for several months.
25. Dried Hydrangea and Bittersweet Fall Planter
Celebrate the muted, earthy tones of late autumn with a planter filled with dried elements. Use dried hydrangea heads, which retain their shape and take on beautiful antique hues of mauve, green, and cream. Arrange them in a rustic urn or metal bucket. Weave in vines of faux or real bittersweet, with its distinctive orange berries, for a pop of seasonal color. You can also add other natural elements like pinecones, lotus pods, or pheasant feathers to enhance the textural variety. This type of everlasting arrangement requires no maintenance and captures the subtle beauty of the changing season.
26. Ornamental Corn and Croton Fall Planter
Showcase the vibrant, gem-like colors of ornamental corn in a harvest-themed planter. Select cobs of flint corn, known for their multicolored kernels in shades of red, blue, yellow, and black. Arrange them standing upright in a bundle in the center of your pot, or lay them around the base of a central plant. Pair them with the fiery foliage of a croton plant, whose leaves echo the varied colors of the corn. This combination is a celebration of the harvest's bounty and creates a rich, textured display that is full of visual interest and classic autumn appeal.
27. Window Box with Trailing Fall Planter
Refresh your window boxes for the autumn season with a classic "thriller, filler, spiller" design. Use dwarf conifers or colorful crotons as the upright "thriller" element. For the "filler," pack the box with a mix of vibrant pansies, violas, or small chrysanthemums in warm fall colors. Finally, for the "spiller," plant trailing ivy, Creeping Jenny, or purple sweet potato vine to cascade over the front edge of the box. This layered approach creates a full, lush look that adds instant curb appeal and frames your windows with the beautiful colors and textures of the season.
28. Cabbage, Kale and Pansy Fall Planter
A classic combination that never fails is the pairing of ornamental cabbage or kale with cheerful pansies. The large, rosette-like heads of the cabbage and kale provide a strong structural element and a beautiful dusty-green or purple backdrop. Fill in all the surrounding space with a dense planting of pansies in a contrasting or complementary color. For example, pair purple kale with bright yellow pansies for a striking contrast, or use white-leafed cabbage with deep burgundy pansies for a more sophisticated look. This planter is hardy, colorful, and will look great well into the cooler months.
29. Coleus and Impatiens Fall Planter
While often considered summer plants, many varieties of coleus have foliage in deep, rich colors that are perfect for fall. Choose a coleus with leaves of burgundy, dark red, or coppery orange to serve as the main foliage element in a shaded or semi-shaded planter. Combine it with New Guinea impatiens in a coordinating color like bright orange or deep pink. These impatiens varieties are more sun-tolerant and robust than their traditional counterparts. This pairing is excellent for bringing vibrant, lasting color to a porch or patio that doesn't receive full sun, ensuring every corner of your home is season-ready.
30. Tiered Pot and Herb Fall Planter
Create a multi-level display of fall color and fragrance with a tiered planter. These stacked pots are perfect for showcasing a variety of smaller plants. Dedicate each tier to a different cool-season herb, such as purple sage, tricolor sage, rosemary, and thyme. The varying textures and colors of the herbs create a beautiful tapestry effect. You can also tuck in a few colorful violas or pansies on each level for an extra pop of color. This not only looks beautiful but also provides a convenient source of fresh herbs for your autumn cooking.
31. Mum, Aster, and Goldenrod Fall Planter
Recreate the beauty of a wild autumn field in a container by combining three classic fall-blooming perennials: chrysanthemums, asters, and goldenrod. Use a large pot to give each plant enough space. Plant the taller goldenrod in the back, its feathery yellow plumes providing height. In the middle, place asters with their profusion of purple or blue flowers, and then fill the front with low-mounding mums in a complementary shade like bronze or deep red. This combination of colors and textures creates a vibrant, naturalistic display that is also a fantastic late-season food source for pollinators.
32. Galvanized Tub and Grass Fall Planter
For a modern farmhouse aesthetic, use a large galvanized metal tub as your container. The cool, silvery tone of the metal provides a perfect backdrop for fall foliage and flowers. Fill the tub with a dramatic centerpiece, like a large clump of purple fountain grass, for height and movement. Surround the base of the grass with a mix of ornamental kale and deep orange or red chrysanthemums. The contrast between the rustic metal, the soft grass, and the vibrant blooms creates a stylish and eye-catching display that is both simple and sophisticated.
33. Snapdragon and Dusty Miller Fall Planter
While they bloom in summer, many snapdragon varieties will continue to produce their colorful flower spikes well into the fall, especially if deadheaded. Choose snapdragons in warm autumn colors like rust, orange, or deep red. Their tall, vertical form adds a wonderful architectural element to a planter. Pair them with the soft, silvery-white foliage of dusty miller. The dusty miller provides a beautiful textural contrast and its cool tone makes the warm colors of the snapdragons appear even more vibrant. This elegant combination is perfect for adding height and sophistication to your fall arrangements.
34. Wooden Crate and Pumpkin Fall Planter
Embrace a rustic, farm-stand vibe by using a vintage wooden crate as a planter. You can either place potted plants directly inside the crate or use a liner to plant within it. Fill the crate with a variety of small pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn. Tuck in a few pots of colorful mums or pansies to add softness and floral color. You can also add sprigs of fall leaves or berries for extra texture. This creates a charming and portable display that looks wonderful on a front step or porch, perfectly capturing the essence of an autumn harvest.
35. Hanging Basket with Ivy and Viola Fall Planter
Don't forget to look up when decorating for fall! Refresh your hanging baskets with cool-season plants. Start with a central "thriller" like a small ornamental grass or a vibrant heuchera. Fill the surrounding space with a dense planting of colorful violas, which will provide a cheerful mass of color. For the "spiller" element, use several varieties of trailing ivy, allowing them to cascade dramatically from the basket. The combination of upright, mounding, and trailing plants creates a full and dynamic display that adds vertical interest and a touch of seasonal charm to your porch or patio.
36. Boxwood and Chrysanthemum Fall Planter
For a classic and formal look, combine the timeless structure of a boxwood shrub with the seasonal color of chrysanthemums. Use a manicured boxwood, either in a sphere or cone shape, as the evergreen centerpiece of a traditional urn or square planter. This provides a strong, year-round focal point. For fall, simply plant a ring of brightly colored mums around the base of the boxwood. Choose a single, bold color like yellow or red for maximum impact. This simple but elegant combination offers a polished and sophisticated way to welcome the autumn season.
37. Sumac and Black Mondo Grass Fall Planter
Create a truly dramatic and contemporary fall planter with a bold foliage combination. Use a 'Tiger Eyes' Sumac as a stunning "thriller." This shrub has finely cut, chartreuse leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange and scarlet in the fall. Its unique texture and vibrant color make it a spectacular focal point. At its base, plant black mondo grass. The fine, dark purple-black blades of the mondo grass create a stark and striking contrast with the fiery sumac foliage, resulting in a high-impact, architectural display that is both modern and memorable.
38. Gourds, Pumpkins, and Cabbage Fall Planter
Create an overflowing, bountiful look that celebrates the harvest. Start with a large, low bowl or urn. Place a large ornamental cabbage or kale in the center. Then, artfully arrange a diverse collection of small to medium-sized pumpkins and gourds around it. Choose gourds with interesting shapes, colors, and textures—bumpy, smooth, striped, and speckled varieties all add to the visual appeal. Allow the gourds and pumpkins to spill over the edge of the container for a sense of abundance. This type of planter is more of an arrangement than a planting and is incredibly easy to assemble for instant fall impact.
39. Anemone and Hellebore Fall Planter
For an elegant and unexpected fall planter, combine late-blooming Japanese anemones with the early-blooming Hellebores (Lenten Rose). Japanese anemones produce tall, graceful stems topped with delicate, poppy-like flowers in shades of white or pink throughout the autumn. Their foliage forms a lush mound at the base. Pair them with Hellebores, whose deep green, leathery leaves provide a beautiful year-round texture. Some Hellebore varieties even begin to bloom in late fall or early winter, providing a seamless transition between seasons. This sophisticated pairing is perfect for a partially shaded spot, offering delicate beauty.
40. Firebush and Sweet Alyssum Fall Planter
For those in warmer climates, the Firebush (Hamelia patens) is an excellent choice for a fall planter. It produces clusters of tubular, bright orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and its foliage often takes on reddish tones in cooler weather. It serves as a fantastic "thriller." Surround the base with a carpet of fragrant white or purple sweet alyssum. The alyssum will foam and spill over the edges of the pot, creating a soft, delicate contrast to the vibrant Firebush. This combination provides continuous color and life, celebrating an extended autumn season.
Conclusion:
Creating beautiful fall planters is a simple yet effective way to celebrate the season's unique charm. By combining classic elements like chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and ornamental grasses with more unexpected plants like heuchera and crotons, you can design stunning arrangements that reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or traditional look, the key is to play with texture, height, and the rich color palette of autumn. These ideas provide a starting point to inspire you to craft welcoming and vibrant displays that enhance your home's curb appeal throughout the season.
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