00:00As the vibrant days of summer start to wind down, it's time to give those tired containers a refreshing fall
00:06makeover.
00:07Simply updating the same summer containers, flower pots, and planters that you already have will save you time and money.
00:14So whether your planters need a little pick-me-up or you're looking to decorate for the season,
00:19we'll offer some fantastic plant choices to revitalize your space with a burst of fall color.
00:25Now let's talk about how to create that perfect finale to the growing season.
00:29Fall container gardening does not follow the same rules as spring or summer.
00:33Depending on your region, the plants will not be in the pots for very long,
00:37so the usual requirements of light, water, and compatibility may not apply.
00:42Although one thing you may want to keep in mind is cold tolerance.
00:45If the fall season means a drop in temperatures in your area,
00:49you will want to select plants that will not only tolerate but thrive in those conditions.
00:53Many of the plants we mentioned will continue to bloom and provide entrance
00:57under a broad range of conditions, often into winter.
01:01And speaking of winter, some plants are actually perennials
01:04and can be overwintered in the pot or in the ground.
01:07Now on to our top 10 list of plants to provide fall splendor.
01:11If you're planting mixed containers or multiple containers,
01:14just remember to play around with varying heights, textures, and colors
01:18to create an eye-catching display.
01:21Of course, the number one plant on the list today is the Garden Mum.
01:25They are the ultimate fall superstar.
01:27With colors ranging from fiery oranges to deep reds to purples and whites,
01:32you can easily find a mum to fit into your decor.
01:35These potted chrysanthemums begin to appear on store shelves in late summer,
01:39enticing customers with their colorful blooms.
01:42But don't be so quick to pick up the first plant you see.
01:46Due to their high demand, these plants are often available for sale
01:49at a wide range of retailers, some of which may not practice good plant care.
01:54First, you will need to look for a mum that is tightly budded
01:57because, spoiler alert, mums do not bloom that long.
02:01The more flowers there are yet to bloom, the longer the colors show will last.
02:06The blooms will last longer in cooler weather,
02:09but it is best to mix in other plants into your containers
02:11for a display with longer appeal.
02:15Also, watch out for any plants that are wilted.
02:17This means the plant has not been watered properly.
02:21Once you've picked out the perfect plant,
02:23give it a whirl to check for any broken or damaged branches
02:25as they will need to be cut out, leaving your mum bare in certain spots.
02:30Last but not least, be sure to select the right size of mum.
02:34These fall plants are usually available in small 4-inch pots
02:37to tuck into tight spaces into your containers,
02:40or larger 6-8-inch pots to create more of a centerpiece in your planter.
02:45Or, look for those large patio pots to add instant charm to a front porch or patio.
02:51Once you get your new plants home, the best thing you can do is re-pot them.
02:55Re-potting will extend their longevity by providing more soil space for the roots to spread
03:00and help to maintain moisture after watering.
03:04Gently remove the plant from its pot and lightly loosen any tight roots the best you can.
03:08Fill in the extra space with additional potting mix or any of the plants I will mention next.
03:14Stay tuned until the end for a few tips on properly watering your mums.
03:19One last word of advice on fall mums.
03:22They generally aren't meant to survive the winter, especially in pots.
03:25They can be treated as annuals and discarded at the end of the growing season,
03:29or you can take a chance and plant them in the ground.
03:32In hardy zones, they may return in the spring after a period of winter dormancy,
03:37but don't get your hopes up.
03:39For more information on growing and overwintering fall mums,
03:43see the link in the description to our video on how to grow long-lasting mums.
03:59Asters are perennial flowers you don't often think of for container gardening, but you really should.
04:04Not only do they bloom well into the fall, but they are a favorite of local pollinators such as bees
04:09and butterflies.
04:10They're available in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
04:14If your plan is to use them as an annual for the fall season, the specific type should not matter.
04:19But, as I said, these are perennials and can be planted in the ground when you are done enjoying them
04:24on your front porch.
04:25If planting in the ground, do a bit of research, as some varieties stay compact, while others can grow upwards
04:31of 3 foot tall or higher.
04:34Every good combination pot needs a foliage accent, something that will add color, texture, and interest even when other plants
04:41have faded or no longer in bloom.
04:43Ornamental cabbage and kale fits this description perfectly.
04:47They can be planted on their own or added to large mixed containers to surely grab attention with lots of
04:53visual interest.
04:54Plus, these plants thrive in cooler weather, even intensifying in color as the temperatures decrease.
05:01The flat, fringed, or ruffled leaves introduce rich grayish-green tones, which are matched well by the gradient of color.
05:08Pansies are another good choice for fall gardening.
05:11These little happy-faced plants produce flowers throughout the season, even surviving frost and single-digit temperatures.
05:18They are available in various shades of pink, red, orange, blue, yellow, purple, and white to match any aesthetic.
05:24They are tiny enough to pop into a mixed container or plant them alone to create a wow effect that
05:30will keep blooming for months on end.
05:32With their explosion of fall-like colors, ornamental peppers are becoming more popular as a spicy addition to fall containers.
05:39The multi-colored fruits cover the plant, adding a fun and unique interest to your pots.
05:44It is common to have peppers in various stages of coloration on the same plant, which add to its appeal.
05:51Plus, these same fruits commonly remain on the plant for several months, all while maintaining the vibrant colors.
05:57Even though they are technically pepper plants, they are grown as a decorative accent, not for food.
06:03They are edible, but the flavor may be disappointing.
06:06In fact, some are very, very, very hot.
06:10In late summer, you may begin to notice potted sunflowers hit the shelves at your local garden center.
06:15But these are not your typical sunflower.
06:18They are often reblooming sunflowers that not only stay compact, but continue to bloom for weeks on end.
06:24Commonly referred to as sunfinity, suncredible, or sunbuzz sunflowers, these plants are a great addition to a mixed container and
06:32a perfect way to greet the fall season.
06:35Although they produce little pollen and few seeds, the nectar-rich flowers are visited by bees and birds.
06:41You can watch it buzz with activity all season long.
06:44To add a tall focal point, millet will deliver both height and drama with its strappy foliage and cattail-like
06:51plumes.
06:52This accent plant would make you think it's a hybrid between ornamental grass and corn, but it's actually a member
06:58of the pennisetum family, which also contains the very popular fountain grass.
07:03If produced, the seed spikes may be left on the plant to provide food for birds, or may be cut
07:08and used in floral arrangements.
07:10For an additional pop of color, try cilogia.
07:13The colors can range from deep red to orange and magenta, adding a feathery and fluffy inflorescence to your containers.
07:20Not only are colors abundant, but they're offered in various sizes and shapes as well.
07:24These flowers will tolerate a bit of cold, but unfortunately will not survive a hard frost.
07:30Just remember to deadhead any old blooms before they start to lose color.
07:34This will encourage new flowers to develop.
07:37Another perennial plant on this list that would add texture and unmatched color to your pots are coral bells.
07:42The saturated leaves come in a spectrum of shades, from earthy purples to oranges to lime green and almost black.
07:50Plus, the variation of leaf forms would give your container a unique visual appeal.
07:55Their leaves look great throughout autumn and remain in good condition throughout the winter months, extending the color display.
08:02Similar to the millet, ornamental grasses work well in fall containers to add height and texture.
08:07Tall grasses that work well in this position would be dwarf fountain grass, purple fountain grass,
08:12and switchgrass.
08:14Shorter grasses also work well in the front of a container to provide contrast to other blooming plants.
08:19These would include blue frescu or sedge grass.
08:23Even as the grasses fade, the autumnal brown tones continue to add the perfect seasonal color to your display.
08:30So that concludes our top 10 plants for pretty fall containers, but we can't forget about a few seasonal accents.
08:37Whether that be corn stalks, scarecrows, straw bales, or metal garden art,
08:41any addition to your display will result in a fall-tastic entryway brimming with fun.
08:47To add additional character, we cannot forget about another fall staple, pumpkins.
08:52Small pumpkins and gourds can be added right to your containers,
08:55while larger pumpkins can be piled around your display or even stacked to create a unique presentation.
09:01Now that you have your list of plants, I wanted to share some tips on transitioning your pots from summer
09:05to fall.
09:06After you have pulled out the tired-looking spring and summer annuals, you may want to consider refreshing the soil.
09:13Loosen any compacted soil and replenish with either new potting mix or compost to provide essential nutrients to your new
09:19plants.
09:20Then, once your new container is designed and planted, give it a good drink.
09:24Even though fall is cooler and the plants don't require as much water, they still need proper hydration.
09:31And proper hydration means watering around the base of the plant, not over the flowers or foliage.
09:37This is especially true for mums.
09:39There isn't much you can do about rainwater, but keeping the hose or watering can at the base of the
09:45soil will help prevent any fungal growth on the wet leaves.
09:49So, as you can see, changing out your patio pots and containers is a fantastic way to keep your outdoor
09:54space looking updated and fresh as the seasons change.
09:58Let us know in the comments below how you like to decorate your outdoor spaces for the fall season.
10:03We hope you enjoyed this video and if you would like to see more, please subscribe to our channel and
10:08visit our website at gardeningknowhow.com.
10:10Well, thanks for watching and happy gardening!
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