Our go-to formula for a full, colorful fall container garden that lasts into the cooler months.
When we think of a classic fall planter, we picture layers of rich color, interesting textures, dramatic height, and plants that can handle the changing temperatures of a Pennsylvania fall.
That's exactly what we were going for with this classic fall container garden. It combines some of our favorite fall container plants to create a planter that's full of seasonal color without relying on just one type of plant.
And because some of these plants become even more beautiful as temperatures drop, this is a fall porch planter designed to keep performing as the season changes.
Our Go-To Fall Container Garden Recipe
Thrillers (height + drama)
Purple Fountain Grass – This is one of our favorite ways to add dramatic height to a fall planter. Its tall and feathery plumes create movement and give the entire container an impressive sense of height.
Celosia – We added celosia for a punch of rich magenta color and another layer of height. Its bold and classically fall.
Fillers (color + texture)
Ornamental Peppers – Nothing says fall quite like ornamental peppers! Their colorful fruits add tons of seasonal interest and bring a little unexpected texture to the design.
Ornamental Kale – This is one of our favorite fall container plants because it actually gets better as the temperatures drop. As the weather cools, the color of ornamental kale becomes deeper and more vibrant, helping your planter transition beautifully into late fall.
Pansies – Pansies are a fall container garden favorite for good reason. They're remarkably cold tolerant, come in an incredible range of colors, and can continue blooming well into the cooler months.
Dusty Miller – The silvery foliage of dusty miller adds a soft, almost frosted quality to the design. It's also cold tolerant, making it a great choice for extending the life of your fall planter.
Mum – We love mums, but we don't think they need to take over the entire container! We use just one 6-inch mum as part of our designs so there is plenty of room for all the other plants and textures. This creates a much more layered and interesting fall planter for an instantly wow-worthy look.
Trailers
Wire Vine – This little powerhouse is one of our favorite fall container plants. It's hardy through temperature dips and surprisingly durable, which means you can even tuck a pumpkin right into the planter without worrying about crushing it. As it trails over the edge, it adds a wiry texture that frames the entire design.
Why We Love This Fall Planter Recipe
One of our favorite things about this combination is that the planter changes as fall progresses.
When you first plant it, you'll get an immediate mix of flowers, foliage, and colorful ornamental fruits. As temperatures drop, the ornamental kale deepens in color, the pansies continue to tolerate chilly weather, and the dusty miller and grasses provide lasting structure and texture..
That's the secret to creating a long-lasting fall container garden: don't just choose plants that look good on planting day. Choose plants that will continue to perform as the season changes.
Design Tips for a Beautiful Fall Container Garden
- Use more than one texture. The combination of feathery grass, bold celosia, ornamental kale, silvery dusty miller, and delicate wire vine keeps the planter interesting from every angle.
- Plant densely for instant impact. A full container looks beautiful right away and gives you the lush, layered look that Perfect Pots is known for.
- Think beyond October. When choosing plants for a fall planter, consider what will happen when the temperatures drop. Cold-tolerant plants like pansies, ornamental kale, dusty miller, and wire vine help extend the life of your container garden.
- Add a pumpkin! This design is especially fun with a small pumpkin tucked into the foliage. And thanks to the sturdy wire vine, you can add that classic fall touch without sacrificing the plants underneath.
Love This Fall Planter? Make It Yours!
DIY IT – Stop by the Perfect Pots Greenhouse to recreate this look yourself! We carry plants specifically selected for seasonal container gardens, and our designers are always on site offering complimentary design help. Bring a photo of your pot or porch and we'll help you choose the plants to create a design that will grow in beautifully.
BOOK OUR TEAM – Want the beauty without the work? Let our team plant it for you! We create custom fall container gardens for homes and businesses throughout Lancaster, Berks, Chester, and beyond. We'll choose the right plants for your space, design the arrangement, and do all the planting for you—so you can simply enjoy your beautiful fall planters all season long.