Perennial gardening tips for autumn color and pollinators

Gardeners can enhance autumn borders and attract pollinators by selecting specific hardy perennials. The Crazy White coneflower (Echinacea ‘Noam Saul’) is a recommended option for fall planting. This variety features white petals and a raised orange cone that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects. To ensure success, it should be planted in sunny locations receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight and in soil with good drainage to prevent root issues during wet periods.

Chrysanthemums also serve as reliable late-flowering perennials for autumn color. While many commercially available potted ‘mums’ are bred for single-season display, winter-hardy garden varieties are better suited for long-term outdoor growth. These hardy types offer a wide range of colors, including yellows, oranges, reds, and whites. For best results, planting should occur in spring to allow roots to establish, or in autumn while the soil remains warm. Like coneflowers, they require full sun and fertile, well-draining soil to survive the winter.