A Little Inspiration for That Picture-Perfect Fall Planter

Have you ever wanted to have picture perfect autumn-themed planters? We’re celebrating the arrival of fall with plant inspirations. Whether you’re just starting to decorate your home, or want to spruce up your front porch to welcome guests, having the right fall plants will bring a festive look!

So what types of plants are fall must-haves? We’ve listed a few of our favorites. The beauty of container gardening is choosing plants that draw you in, what will work best for your space, budget and outdoor elements.

Coral Bells or Heuchera: These are very obedient plants, as they will do fine in almost any condition. Since you are using planters, place them in the shade or in the sun. They come in an assortment of colors and textured leaves. You can let them be the focus on their own, or pair them with plants of contrasting colors, or with plants of the same color family. Try arranging them with ferns or caladiums. Or they look great with perennials such as iris or bleeding heart.

Oxalis Vulcanicola: This is a happy looking plant and very easy to grow. The Oxalis thrives in partial shade to full shade. It is a hedge-like plant, and grows to be 12” to 18” high. It is great for filling out a planter. Their colors are rich, such as the burgundy called “Charmed Wine” and the “Charmed Velvet” that looks black. This plant really mixes well with more of its own kind, just mix up the textures, shapes, and sizes.

Mums: Of course, it wouldn’t be fall without mums (short for chrysanthemums), but unfortunately they die very easily! So have the mindset of enjoying them for the time and beauty they give. You can extend their life by repotting them in a container that is larger than the one your mums came in. Be sure to use good quality potting soil. There are all sorts of variations of mums in vibrant seasonal colors of orange, yellow, burgundy and bronze, which pair up really well with pumpkins or gourds as accents.

Verbena: These are beautiful hearty growers, and range in color from bright reds to deep dark blues, purples and pinks. They also have lasting power. Verbena is a great filler for planters and do well as an accent plant in window boxes. Try pairing them with tall annuals such as heliotrope or salvia to add height.

So how do you decide what planters to use for these beautiful fall plants, considering the space you have? Regardless of where you live, you can enjoy the beauty potted plants bring everywhere!

Choosing the right planter is the first step. Below we highlight the benefits of adding potted plants to your porch, balcony & patio.

Flexibility: They’re movable! Many garden centers sell wheeled “coasters” that fit underneath planters allowing for easy rearranging when larger ceramic pots become too heavy.

Versatility: When you use planters, you can grow plants on balconies, window sills, anywhere, including dressing up porches and entryways. Urns and taller pillar pots work wonders flanking a front door. You can also grow plants with different soil needs next to each other, such as an arrangement featuring succulents in one, and hydrangeas in another. We recommend the rule of 3’s, combining planters of various heights to create the perfect display.

Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, gardening in general can be difficult. Planters offer easier access with the opportunity to keep your thumb green active without the physical challenges of digging in garden beds.

Beauty: Planters allow you to bring the beauty of the garden to spaces that would otherwise be limited. Take advantage and add the joy of gardening to unexpected places!

Below is our planter type guide to help with your autumn container gardening projects:

Terra Cotta (Clay): Unglazed clay pots are both a great value and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. We love their natural look that gets better with age. Terra cotta is porous so watch your watering and make sure you use a saucer, and if indoors, add protection underneath.

Urns: These are beautiful and are best when made of concrete, but also come in fiberglass and plastic, which look like metal and are also beautiful. Check out this reference for learning how to plant in urns.

Ceramic: For durability ceramic is a clear choice. Shapes, sizes and colors are endless, with artisan glazes create unique effects and color combinations. Look for drainage holes and attached saucers to help prevent overwatering. Don’t forget to rid saucers of standing water.

Plastic, Resin and Fiberglass: If you’re looking for lightweight, the choices are endless with a price range for every budget. Some plastic pots have finishes that resemble ceramic glazes, others have textural features that look more “expensive”. If a drainage hole isn’t included, create your own for optimum plant health.

Want a fun challenge? To get your autumn creativity started, we’ve included a how-to video on how to make your own pumpkin planter and centerpiece!