The chill is creeping in and the flowers that once filled your summer containers may be spent, but don’t put those pots away just yet. Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® manager, Sandra Gerdes, shares 11 leafy beauties that can take your containers well into winter.
For adding height and texture to a container, purple fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’) is one of Gerdes’s favorites. It sends up bronze-purple plumes with burgundy seed heads in fall. Easy to care for, it prefers full sun and is generally more cold-tolerant than other types of fountaingrass. One thing gardeners should note, says Gerdes: “It can get large so you should pinch or prune it to its desired size.”
Purple Fountaingrass
Scientific Name: Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’
For adding height and texture to a container, purple fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘rubrum’) is one of Gerdes’s favorites. It sends up bronze-purple plumes with burgundy seed heads in fall. Easy to care for, it prefers full sun and is generally more cold-tolerant than other types of fountaingrass. One thing gardeners should note, says Gerdes: “It can get large so you should pinch or prune it to its desired size.” This plant can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet, making it a striking focal point in any outdoor space. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season. The dramatic color of its plumes provides a beautiful contrast against more structured plants, and the seed heads offer a food source for birds.
Hakone Grass
Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) brings bright gold color and a graceful spill to containers. Gerdes’s top picks include ‘Aurea’, which has thin green stripes in its gold leaves, or the aptly named ‘All Gold’ variety. Hakone grass prefers moist, shady conditions. It’s an excellent choice for adding a soft, flowing texture to fall displays. Its arching habit creates a lovely cascading effect over the edges of pots, and the golden hue provides a warm, inviting feel. This grass isn’t drought-tolerant once established, so regular watering is essential, particularly during warmer spells. It also appreciates protection from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
Purple Millet
Gerdes loves purple millet for its combination of tall, dark foliage and bold seed heads (which birds appreciate, too!). As a focal point in containers, she reaches for the ‘Jester’ variety, which can reach 3-4 feet tall. It grows in part to full sun. This plant offers a different aesthetic than traditional fall flowers, providing a structural element with its upright form and dark, almost black, foliage. The seed heads, which persist into winter, add visual interest and attract wildlife to your garden. Purple millet is quite adaptable and tolerates a range of soil conditions, thriving in well-drained soil. It’s also relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Cranberry Hibiscus
‘Mahogany Splendor’ cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is prized for its fall foliage. Its leaves are similar to Japanese maples—serrated and deep burgundy in color. It will thrive in full sun. Most varieties prefer shady spots, but this one is quite resilient and can handle a good amount of direct sunlight. Its bold, almost jewel-toned leaves provide a rich, autumnal palette to containers. This plant is relatively low-maintenance and tolerates a variety of soil types. It’s also quite hardy, able to withstand cooler temperatures. Be aware that it can grow quite large, so regular pinching or pruning will help maintain its shape and size.
Sedge (Carex spp.)
Sedge (Carex spp.) is a large family of grass-like plants whose thin leaves fill out containers nicely. Of all the sedges available, Gerdes especially likes ‘Red Rooster’ for its upright tuft of coppery-bronze, wispy leaves, which provides contrast against more structured plants. Not just for veggie gardens, sedges are a fantastic choice for adding textural interest to fall arrangements. They offer a fine, delicate texture that complements coarser foliage plants. Sedge prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows best in partial shade to full sun. It’s an easy-care plant, too, tolerating cold and drought equally well.
Ornamental Kale
Not just for veggie gardens, kale comes in loads of ornamental varieties, too—from tight cabbage head types to frilly leaves, says Gerdes. Depending on the type you choose, ornamental kale can be the star or a supporting player in a container. It does best in cooler temperatures, and while it can handle part shade to full sun, its leaves may be less vibrant if they get several hours of strong sun. These plants offer a different aesthetic than traditional fall flowers, with their bold shapes and rich colors. Many varieties boast shades of purple, pink, white, and green, adding a festive touch to fall displays. Kale is relatively low-maintenance and tolerates a range of soil conditions.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary smells great, adds interesting texture to containers, and can be harvested for all your fall cooking. It’s an easy-care plant, too, tolerating cold and drought equally well. For all the same reasons, Gerdes loves adding oregano to fall containers, too. Rosemary’s needle-like foliage provides a wonderful textural contrast, and its aromatic leaves release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This herb is also quite drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to your fall containers. You can even harvest sprigs for adding flavor to your autumn dishes.
Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) is another large family of plants known for its eye-catching leaves. “There’s lots to choose from,” says Gerdes. “But for containers I like ‘Peachberry Ice’ and ‘Forever Red.’ Or for dark drama, try ‘Evening Gown’ and ‘Carnival Plum Crazy.’” Most varieties prefer shady spots, though there are some types that can take full sun. The foliage of coral bells comes in a stunning array of colors, including shades of purple, red, bronze, and green, providing a vibrant visual element to fall containers. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance. The intricate patterns and varied hues of their leaves make them a captivating addition to any fall display.
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Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
Gerdes loves to work silver foliage plants like dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) into containers. Their light, shimmery leaves will look most silver in full sun, and more green in more shade. Most varieties prefer shady spots, though there are some that can tolerate more sun. Dusty miller provides a beautiful contrast to darker foliage plants, its silvery tones brightening up the overall look of the container. It’s also remarkably easy to care for, tolerating a wide range of conditions. This plant adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall arrangements, and its soft, velvety leaves are a delight to the touch. It prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t require frequent watering.
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)
With its dark, grass-like foliage, black mondo grass adds a dramatic touch to fall containers. This plant offers a striking contrast to lighter-colored foliage, creating a visually interesting display. Its dark, almost black, blades provide a bold and sophisticated element to any arrangement. Black mondo grass prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial shade to full shade. It’s a slow-growing plant, making it a good choice for containers where you want a low-maintenance addition. It can spread, so be mindful of the space it occupies within the container.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Want to play up its moody look? Consider adding oregano to your fall container arrangements. This fragrant herb offers not only visual appeal with its textured foliage but also a delightful aroma. Its deep green leaves provide a rich contrast to the warmer tones of other fall plants. Oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s quite drought-tolerant once established. The pleasant scent of oregano is an added bonus, making it a sensory delight in any outdoor space. You can even harvest its leaves for culinary use, adding a touch of flavor to your fall meals.
These plants offer a different aesthetic than traditional fall flowers, providing lasting interest and textural variety to your outdoor containers. Many of these plants are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. The color palettes offer flexibility for different home decor styles, allowing you to create a fall display that complements your existing outdoor space.
Care Tips for Fall Container Plants
While many of these foliage plants are relatively low-maintenance, they still require some care to thrive. Ensure that your plants receive adequate sunlight, with most preferring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize your plants every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth. In cooler climates, some of these plants may require winter protection, such as mulching or bringing them indoors. Regularly pinch or prune your plants to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. This is particularly important for plants like cranberry hibiscus, which can become quite large.
A Note on Climate Considerations
The hardiness of these fall container plants varies depending on your climate. Most are hardy in USDA zones 6-9, but some may require winter protection in colder regions. In warmer climates, many of these plants can be grown year-round. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider overwintering your container plants indoors in a cool, bright location. This will help ensure that they survive the winter and thrive again in the spring. Local nurseries can provide specific recommendations for plants that are well-suited to your local climate.
