The Flowers of Fall: 5 stunning fall blooms to bring your designs to life

The autumn months are known for their cooling weather, their gut-busting holidays, and of course, the stunning array of beautiful colors that emerge from trees, flowers, herbs, vegetables and more. 

Although the foliage usually takes center stage this time of year, the fall offers an entire rainbow of awe-inspiring flowers that can take your breath away as easily as a brisk late-autumn night. With more and more fall designs popping up each day as we inch ever-closer to Halloween and Thanksgiving, we wanted to provide you with a list of our favorite seasonal flowers to help you bring your designs to life. Prepare to experience the entire palette of fall flower colors, including (but not limited to) red, magenta, orange, yellow, white, and purple. Each of these is well-represented on our list and readily available for your next design project. 

As we work our way through the list, we’ve provided information about the flowers themselves, how to properly grow each flower for next year, and how to preserve each of these amazing flowers to add some much-needed color to your winter projects.

Dahlia

The Dahlia flower is known today for its incredible beauty and longevity when cut. They are hugely popular among expert gardeners and horticulturalists for the sheer number of cultivars available. However, these flowers were at one point not solely grown for their beauty. Their tubers (or roots) and were considered vegetables before being reclassified as flowers.

Flower colors: Red, Lavender, White, Yellow, Orange, Black, Peach, Pink, Bi-color

Growing conditions: Full sun, regular watering once sprouting occurs. Can be grown inside or outside.

Size: Dahlias vary in height considerably. Small varieties grow 6’ – 8” tall while the largest can reach up to 5’ tall.

Preservation method: Purchase silica gel from your local store. Place the thick flowers in a suitably sized plastic container. Fill with silica gel until the flower is completely covered. You can put more than one flower into the container if you wish. Let sit for 2-7 days or until dry.

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop has a long history of use as a medicine and a tea for various ailments both physically and spiritually prior to its use as a decorative flower. The leaves of the plant have a licorice-like aroma and can be easily ground up for use in teas. Many tribes in North America have used the plant for its medicinal properties, which can treat coughs, fevers, and wounds. Overall, this is one of the most versatile plants on our list, having a whole host of uses beyond simply looking outstanding.

Flower colors: Blue, Purple, White, Lavender

Growing conditions: Prefers full sun for best growth but can survive in partly shady conditions. Allow soil to become completely dry before watering again. This plant can trick gardeners into watering early due to its habit of wilting on hot summer days despite having moist soil.

Size: Typically grows 2’ – 4’ tall.

Preservation method: Unlike the Dahlia, preserving Anise Hyssop is quite simple. Cut your flowers at the base of the stem and hang upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. This process can take between 1 and 3 weeks.

Chrysanthemums

One of the most revered and cultivated flowers in the world, the Chrysanthemum has certainly left its mark on the world. The flower is considered to be a beacon of happiness and joy by many who practice the art of Feng Shui and was revered so much by Japanese Royalty that it is represented on the Japanese Imperial Crest. 

Flower colors: Most popular colors include (but are not limited to) Gold, White, Yellow, Pink, Bronze, Orange, Red, Maroon, Violet, Purple, and multi-colored.

Growing conditions: Loves full sun and plenty of water, especially in beds that dry out quickly during the late-summer months.

Size: Typically reached 1’ – 3’ in height

Preservation method: The microwave method is preferred for Chrysanthemums. For this, you will need a microwave, silica gel, and a small, disposable plastic container that is microwave safe. This process is slightly complex, so we recommend these easy to follow instructions. 

Iberis

Blooming twice per year in the spring and late fall, the Iberis flower, also known as Candytufts, enjoys life when the weather is cool. This is no surprise, however, when you consider that the flower is part of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and cabbage – all of which are cold-loving vegetables. These beautiful flowers are an outstanding groundcover plant known for their beauty, hardiness, and anti-pest properties.

Flower colors: Predominantly white flowers. May also have pink or violet colors.

Growing conditions: Prefer full sun (as much as possible) and regular watering. This plant is drought resistant, deer resistant, and pest resistant.

Size: Its maximum height is 1 ½ foot tall, but this groundcover plant will spread, covering your land in blindingly white flowers twice per year.

Preservation method: Iberis/Candytufts are best preserved via the pressing method. This method involves placing the freshly cut flowers between the inner pages of a book and laying something heavy on top. Keep in a well-ventilated place for 1-3 weeks for best results.

Helenium

This beautiful fall flower derives its name from the famous Helen of Troy of Greek mythology. It’s said that these flowers grew from Helen’s tears. 

The flower in North American lore is typically referred to as Sneezeweed. It was named by the Native Americans who used Helenium to create a snuff from dried leaves, which, when inhaled, caused sneezing that would rid the body of the evils that cause sickness.

Flower colors: Red, Yellow, Orange, and Bi-color

Growing conditions: As with all of our flowers, Helenium prefers full sunlight. These flowers like water, but be careful not to overdo it.

Size: Typically grow between 3′ and 5’ tall

Preservation method: Use the pressing method to preserve Helenium flowers. For more detail see the Iberis preservation section.

BONUS: Beautyberry

The Beautyberry is a multifaceted plant with so many uses that it’s a wonder they aren’t more popular. You don’t often come by a plant that can be used as a folk insect repellant, a jelly or preserve, fermented into wine, made into a medicine for stomach ailments and fevers, and used to treat itchy skin. The berries are the primary component for the insect repellant, wine, jams, and tea, but the roots and leaves can be used for their medicinal purposes as well. Not to mention they are a great plant for year-round decorations.

Colors: Purple berries with Lavender-pink flowers.

Growing conditions: Prefers full sun but can grow in well in partial sun as well. Water about 1-inch per week.

Size: This hedge typically grows 3’ to 8’ tall and can become quite bushy if not pruned occasionally.

Preservation method: Hang the berries indoors in a cool, dry place for 1-3 weeks. Be extremely careful with your cuttings once they’ve finished as you don’t want the berries to fall off.

Nobody provides world-class plant and holiday designs like Ambius. Whether it’s for your desk or your business, we can help you create unrivaled holiday and plant designs that will inspire awe and wonder throughout the seasons, be sure to contact your local design consultant for more.

If you enjoyed reading about the florals and foliage of Fall, we highly recommend this inspiring read ‘Why We Carve Pumpkins & The Designs That Make Us Shriek (with Joy)!’