12 Hardy Perennials I Plant Every Fall Without Fail

Each fall, as the air turns crisp and the garden begins to fade, I look forward to planting my favorite hardy perennials. These reliable plants not only survive the cold months but come back each spring more vibrant than before.

From cheerful blooms to lush foliage, these perennials are my go-to choices for a garden that practically takes care of itself. Here are 12 hardy perennials I plant every fall without fail.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Tough, drought-tolerant, and endlessly colorful, coneflowers are a fall must-have. They attract pollinators in summer and their seed heads feed birds through winter. Once planted, they return year after year with little effort.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

These golden blooms brighten any garden and thrive in almost any soil. Their long-lasting flowers appear in late summer and carry color into fall. Plus, they’re deer-resistant and low maintenance—perfect for busy gardeners.

Russian Sage

With silvery foliage and lavender-blue blooms, Russian sage adds color and texture that last well into autumn. It’s heat- and drought-tolerant, and its airy form pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and coneflowers.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum is one of the most reliable fall performers. Its succulent leaves and clusters of pink or red flowers look stunning from summer through frost. Even in winter, the dried blooms add lovely structure to the garden.

Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is a fragrant, pollinator-friendly perennial that blooms for months. Its soft lavender flowers and silvery-green foliage create a calming, cottage-garden feel. Once established, it’s practically indestructible.

Daylilies

Few perennials are as dependable as daylilies. Their strap-like leaves stay neat, and their blooms come in endless colors. Plant them in fall and enjoy their effortless beauty for years to come.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Grown mostly for their colorful foliage, coral bells add year-round interest. Their leaves come in shades of burgundy, lime, and silver, and delicate blooms rise above the foliage in spring. They’re great for borders or shady spots.

Hosta

Hostas are shade garden classics that thrive in fall plantings. Their lush leaves create instant texture, and they’re available in dozens of varieties. Once planted, they multiply each year with minimal care.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, or tickseed, brings cheerful yellow or pink blooms that seem to never stop. They’re easy to grow, tolerate poor soil, and add a burst of sunshine to any bed. Plant them in fall for strong roots and bright blooms come spring.

Asters

Asters bloom just as many other plants fade, providing vital late-season color. Their daisy-like flowers attract bees and butterflies, extending the garden’s life well into fall. They’re hardy, vibrant, and thrive in cooler weather.

Peonies

Though they won’t bloom until spring, fall is the ideal time to plant peonies. These long-lived perennials can thrive for decades, rewarding your patience with fragrant, show-stopping blooms each year.

Salvia

Salvia is another perennial that thrives in fall plantings. Its vibrant spikes of purple or blue flowers attract pollinators, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. The best part—it reblooms beautifully with minimal care.

Fall planting sets the stage for a thriving, low-maintenance garden come spring. These hardy perennials are my tried-and-true favorites—tough enough to handle the cold and rewarding enough to enjoy year after year.