Autumn Allure: 5 Native Plants for Fall Garden Brilliance
5 Native Plants for a Brilliant Fall Landscape!
We’ve listed some of the best native plants for fall blooms and interest that are sure to give your eyes and local ecosystem a true autumn feast! Whether they’re providing a pitstop for the migrating monarchs or a quick snack for a busy goldfinch, these native plants are critical late season sustenance for our pollinators and wildlife as they prepare for winter. By integrating these fall-flourishing natives, Georgian landscapes not only radiate beauty but also bolster local biodiversity and ecological health. Without further ado, our 5 Favorite Native Plants for the Fall in Georgia:
1 | MUHLY GRASS
If you ask us, it’s not a meadowscape without artfully placed native grasses - and Muhly is at the top of the list. They truly can have a place in any ecological landscape, regardless of the style. Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a low maintenance native grass known for its vibrant pink to purple (and sometimes white) feathery plumes that rise above the grass in the fall. We find this creates a stunning visual effect, especially when the grass sways in the wind. Muhly grows in clumps that are 3 to 4 feet tall and is native to Florida and the eastern half of the United States, including our sweet home state: Georgia.
And did I mention it’s LOW MAINTENANCE? Once established, it is drought tolerant and doesn’t even require pruning all while providing important habitat to our local wildlife. You can see why we keep gushing about it.
In the Landscape: While many plants may lose their luster in the fall, Muhly Grass comes alive with its colorful inflorescences, providing visual interest in the landscape during a season when color can be sparse. We often use it in our micro meadow projects, where it serves as a focal point when planted in masses or can be used as a border or backdrop to other plants. It can also be used to define spaces in an earth friendly landscape, acting as a natural barrier or delineation between different garden areas without the need for hardscaping. As a bonus, it provides winter texture and interest.
Ecological Benefit: Its clumping nature serves as a perfect habitat for various wildlife and attracts beneficial insects like the lady bug (your garden will thank you too!). The deep root system of Muhly Grass helps stabilize soil, making it a good choice for ecological water management and erosion especially on steep slopes. Very drought tolerant, muhly grass is a star in any water wise landscape.
Distribution and Habitat: Naturally found along highways, in flat forests, and coastal dunes.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Water frequently for young plants; mature plants require minimal watering.
Spreading: Every three or four years it is recommended that you divide Muhly Grass, but it will not reseed itself.
More Muhly Information: Another great blogpost about growing native muhly grass in Georgia. An article by UGA Extension on Native Grasses in Georgia.
2 | ASTER
Asters are a show stopping flower in the fall that we add to most of our ecological landscapes all across Atlanta. Here at the Abundance Homestead in Decatur, we added multiple clusters of New England Aster (also native to Georgia) in our front yard native landscape because it does provide such a delightful pop of color all through the fall. If I haven’t sold you yet, the Georgia Aster was even named the Georgia Native Plant Society’s Plant of the Year in 2015!
Asters, with their daisy-like blooms, invigorate gardens with late-season color. While you’re likely most familiar with the light purple hue of the New England Aster (also native to Georgia), there are over 200 different aster varieties with different colors and heights giving you plenty of options to choose from. They're a versatile plant, fitting seamlessly into sunny borders or rock gardens - mimicking their natural habitat of the asters most commonly found in Georgia. Beyond their beauty, Asters play a pivotal role in the local ecosystem by offering nectar to bees and butterflies, especially when other flowers begin to wane.
The Georgia Aster (which you guessed it, is mostly commonly found in Georgia!) is actually quite rare today. Once ubiquitous across the southeastern states in sun filled meadows and prairies, destruction of habitat and wildfire suppression have led to its near demise. This is such a shame, because they are considered to be the Aster with the most vibrant purple petals. What better reason to revive this native beauty and add it to your landscape?
In the Landscape: Asters bring late-season color (most commonly purple or white) to gardens and are an excellent addition to border gardens or even containers. Their daisy-like flowers can break the monotony of a green landscape.
Ecological Benefit: Asters are a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies, especially as other flowers start to fade in the fall. The abundance keeps on giving as songbirds can feast on them through the winter.
Special Characteristics: Blooms in late summer to fall, providing late-season color.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil. Prefers slightly alkaline pH.
Watering: Moderate. Ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Special Care: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Spreading: Most spread through rhizomes fairly easily, some by seed.
Medicinal Use: The root has traditionally been used to boost the immune system and combat colds, flu, and other infections.
Learn more about growing and using echinacea in this Southern Exposure Seed Exchange article.
3 | GOLDENROD
Goldenrod springs up en masse in the natural summer landscape and flower as fall begins to set in. They are topped with plumes of fluffy yellow flowers. While sometimes considered a weed, goldenrod has multiple uses, we find certain varieties like the dwarfed “fireworks” are well suited for an ecological yet tidy landscape. We can’t ignore their other benefits: not only is it medicinal for humans, they also provide shelter to larvae of beneficial insects and attract butterflies.
Don’t be fooled! They are often mistakenly thought to cause summer allergies, but the real culprit is ragweed pollen, which is present when goldenrod blooms.
In the Landscape: Goldenrods are clump-forming perennial wildflowers that add a delightful golden hue to the landscape. They bloom in late summer throughout fall with stunning, bright yellow flowers. Fireworks Goldenrod, with its compact growth habit, is perfect for border plantings, adding a splash of late-summer and fall color without overwhelming surrounding plants. Its bright yellow blooms can serve as a focal point in rock gardens or mixed perennial beds, drawing attention during a season when many other plants are winding down.
Ecological Benefit: Goldenrod is a primary food source for the Monarch butterfly (and many other pollinators) during its fall migration, offering vital sustenance for its long journey to Mexico. Additionally, the plant's tall, dense growth provides nesting sites for native ground-nesting birds like the Eastern Meadowlark and the Bobolink.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Various types, as long as it's well-draining.
Watering: Minimal once established; drought-tolerant.
Special Care: Clumps may need division every four to five years.
Medicinal Uses: Goldenrod has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and allergies.
4 | ECHINACEA (Eastern Purple Coneflower)
When designing a vibrant and ecologically balanced landscape, Echinacea is almost always part of our vision for our client’s meadowscapes - it may just be the poster child of native planting. Another fall beauty, this perennial plant is renowned for its large, vibrant purple petals that elegantly droop away from a spiky, orange-brown central cone. A staple in many Southern gardens, it's not just its beauty that captivates but also its resilience and ecological significance.
One of the standout features of Echinacea is its low maintenance nature. Once established, this plant is drought-resistant, making it perfect for Georgia's varied often unpredictable climate. It doesn't demand frequent pruning, and its resilience against most pests and diseases makes it an organic gardener's dream.
In the Landscape: Echinacea is a versatile player in the garden. Its bold purple blooms and upright structure can be the centerpiece of a perennial bed or can be sprinkled throughout meadows and prairies, offering pops of color amid the greens. For a naturalistic effect in the fall, we often plant it in clusters among native grasses (muhly and blue stem perhaps!? Whether it's standing tall in a formal garden border or swaying gently in a wildflower patch, its presence is always felt and appreciated. And as seasons change, its seed heads in the winter provide a unique architectural element.
Ecological Benefit: Beyond its ornamental value, Echinacea is a boon for local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Birds, especially goldfinches, are fond of its seeds.
Distribution and Habitat: Echinacea is naturally found in open woodlands, prairies, and meadows. Its adaptability means it can thrive in a variety of habitats.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Soil: Echinacea is adaptable but thrives best in well-draining soil.
Watering: While it's drought-resistant, young plants benefit from regular watering. Mature plants are more forgiving and can handle occasional dry spells.
Special Care: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Spreading: Echinacea can self-seed under the right conditions, but it's not overly aggressive. Gardeners can also divide mature plants to propagate them.
5 | BLUESTEM
If we were to pick a must have component of our micro meadow projects, it may very well be bluestem! These native grasses are iconic staples in the American prairie landscape, with their slender stems and tufted seed heads that shimmer in the sunlight. Bluestem and Little Bluestem are known for their striking blue-green foliage that turns a rich coppery-red in the fall, adding a touch of warmth to the landscape. While both are similar, Little Bluestem is more compact, making it a versatile choice for smaller spaces or as a border plant.
These grasses have a wide distribution across the United States, including here in Georgia - thriving in our varied landscapes. Contrary to some misconceptions, these grasses are not just ornamental; as you’re probably guessing…they're ecological powerhouses too!
In the Landscape: Bluestem grasses are perennial bunchgrasses that bring texture and movement to the garden. Starting with blue-green hues in spring and summer, they transition to stunning shades of copper, red, and bronze in the fall. This evolving color palette ensures that the landscape remains vibrant and visually appealing throughout the changing seasons. Little Bluestem, with its shorter stature, is perfect for adding depth to mixed plantings, while the taller Bluestem can serve as a backdrop or natural screen. We find both varieties are a perfect addition to the more naturalistically designed landscapes that our client’s are often seeking.
Ecological Benefit: Bluestem grasses play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. Their dense growth provides nesting grounds and shelter for ground-nesting birds like the Greater Prairie-Chicken and the Henslow's Sparrow. The seeds of these grasses are a vital food source for many birds, including sparrows and finches. Additionally, their deep and extensive root systems not only prevent soil erosion but also enhance soil health by increasing its organic matter and improving its water retention capability. This deep-rooted nature also makes them a key player in carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soil.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water occasionally.
Special Care: Can be cut back in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth.
Spreading: propagate primarily through their seeds, but they also spread using their rhizomatous root systems.
Ready for a Fall Eco Paradise?
At Abundance Landscapes + Gardens, we're passionate about integrating these fall showstoppers into our designs, ensuring that your garden remains a dynamic and environmentally-friendly haven all year round. Let us help you transform your space into a celebration of Georgia's natural beauty this fall!
