Plant in Fall for Spring Blooms

Why plant in the fall for spring flowers? Planting perennials in the still-warm fall soil gives the plants a chance to get established underground, building a strong root system that will prepare them for vigorous aboveground growth—and flowering—come springtime. If you live where it’s blisteringly hot, wait until temperatures cool down, but don’t wait so long that the plants won’t have a chance to get somewhat established before a freeze hits.

When planting your perennials in autumn:

• Fertilize with a slow-acting organic fertilizer; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
• Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch.
• Water your newly installed plants frequently if Mother Nature hasn’t yet sent the rains.

Here are a few suggestions to plant for amazing flowers for Spring

Algerian Iris – Iris unguicularis

Native to the dry Mediterranean climate, this vigorous evergreen rhizomatous perennial also makes excellent cut flowers. Drought tolerant, but do not let your Algerian Iris dry out completely.

Hardiness/Heat Zone 7/9 Bloom Early Spring Fall and Winter Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Plant Type Bulb, Perennials

Plant Family Iridaceae

Exposure Full Sun

Height 1′-2′

Spread 1′-2′

Tolerances Deer, Rabbit, Drought

Coral Aloe Aloe striata

More frost hardy than most aloes. Aloe striata is an evergreen succulent perennial forming beautiful rosettes of broad flat leaves, IN late winter into early spring, clusters of Brillant coral flowers are borne 2ft above the foliage on tall candelabra stems.

Hardiness/Heat Zones 9-11

Bloom Time Early Spring, Fall and Winter

Soil Type Loam. Sand

Plant type cactus & succulent

Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae

Exposure Full sun, partial sun

Height 1′-2′

Spread 1′-2′

Tolerances Drought, deer

Carolina Jessamine Gelsemium sepervirens

This spectacular bloom is an evergreen climber with sweet, scented trumpet flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring with occasional blooms in fall.

Hardiness/Heat Zones 9-11

Bloom time Spring early, mid, late, winter

Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Plant type Climbers

Plant Family Gelsemiaceae

Exposure Full sun, partial sun

Height 10′-20′

Spread 3′-6′

Tolerances deer

Try a view that can improve your garden next year.