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If you want blooms all the way until the first frost, it’s time to get one of these plants in the ground. Starter plants (or bulbs) should begin blooming once established and will put on a show all the way until the first frost. Just because summer eventually must come to an end doesn’t mean your flowers have to, too.
Keep in mind when planting in the heat of summer it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on new transplants. Make sure they have enough water and provide shade during the hottest part of the day (you can attach shade cloth to two bamboo stakes with clips) if they look like they are struggling.
Here are six plants that will keep you in color until the first frost.
Marigold
A quintessential summer plant that transitions nicely into fall. These plants will provide color all the way until the first frost. Look for fun varieties like ‘Durango Flame’ and ‘Striped Marvel.’
- Zones: all (annual)
- Where to plant: full sun, afternoon shade in southern regions
- Soil needs: loose, loamy, well-draining soil
- Flowering time: late spring until frost
Russian Sage
A tough, drought-tolerant perennial that comes into its own in late summer and keeps blooming well into fall. Its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers attract bees and butterflies while adding soft texture to borders. Once established, it requires very little maintenance.
- Zones: 4–9
- Where to plant: full sun
- Soil needs: well-draining, sandy or average soil
- Flowering time: midsummer through fall
Sneezeweed
Don’t let the name fool you—this wildflower doesn’t cause allergies. Instead, it produces cheerful yellow, orange, and red daisy-like blooms that brighten the garden when many other flowers begin to fade. It’s also a favorite of late-season pollinators and is widely native across the contiguous United States.
- Zones: 3–8
- Where to plant: full sun
- Soil needs: moist, fertile, well-draining soil
- Flowering time: late summer through fall
Stonecrop
Also known as sedum, stonecrop is one of the easiest plants to grow for dependable fall color. Its fleshy foliage looks attractive all season before large clusters of pink flowers deepen to rosy-red as temperatures cool.
- Zones: 3–9
- Where to plant: full sun
- Soil needs: well-draining soil
- Flowering time: late summer through fall
Zinnia
Fast-growing and incredibly colorful, zinnias are perfect for extending the flower season. Plant from nursery starts or seeds in midsummer and they’ll continue producing bright blooms until frost, especially if you regularly deadhead spent flowers.
- Zones: all (annual)
- Where to plant: full sun
- Soil needs: rich, well-draining soil
- Flowering time: early summer until frost
Autumn Daffodil
Despite its common name, autumn daffodil (Sternbergia lutea) isn’t a true daffodil—but it does deliver similarly cheery yellow or white flowers in late summer and fall. Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil, and they’ll return each year with little effort.
- Zones: 6–9
- Where to plant: full sun to partial shade
- Soil needs: well-draining soil
- Flowering time: late summer through fall
