7 Perennials to Plant in Fall for an Early Spring Start and Easy Garden Success

After a long winter, seeing the first blooms in your garden can be a real mood booster. If you want to enjoy flowers as soon as spring arrives, there are a few smart planting tricks you can try.

Planting certain perennials in the fall helps them develop strong roots. This way, your garden wakes up quickly and bursts into color when the weather warms up.

Hellebores for early winter blooms

Hellebores are perfect if you crave color while most gardens are still sleeping. They bloom in late winter, bringing soft, cup-shaped flowers to shady corners.

Plant hellebores in fall so their roots can settle before the cold sets in. They prefer well-draining, moist soil and a layer of mulch for protection.

Once spring arrives, you can prune old leaves to let new growth shine. Hellebores are tough, deer-resistant, and easy to care for.

Their leathery, evergreen leaves stick around all year, adding structure even when flowers aren’t blooming. With hellebores, your garden gets a reliable splash of beauty before most plants wake up.

Coral Bells with colorful foliage

Coral Bells, or Heuchera, bring a burst of color to your garden with leaves in shades of green, purple, red, and silver. Even before flowers appear, the foliage keeps your beds lively.

Plant them in fall to give roots a head start. They thrive in well-drained soil and partial shade, and they look great in pots or garden beds.

These perennials form tidy mounds of foliage. In spring and early summer, slender stalks with tiny, bell-shaped flowers appear, but the leaves are the real stars.

Coral Bells are easygoing and can handle some shade. They also resist deer and rabbits, which is helpful if you have wildlife visitors.

Daylilies for vibrant spring flowers

Daylilies are a cheerful addition if you want color without much fuss. Planting them in fall lets their roots get established before winter.

These perennials are known for their easy care. Each flower lasts just one day, but new blooms keep coming for weeks.

Daylilies come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellows to soft pastels. They handle drought and poor soil, and pests rarely bother them.

Peonies that bloom beautifully in spring

Peonies are a classic favorite, famous for their big, colorful flowers in spring. You can find early, mid, and late bloomers to keep the show going longer.

Planting peonies in the fall helps them set strong roots for a healthy return in spring. Their blooms attract butterflies and make gorgeous cut flowers for your home.

Peonies are long-lived and easy to care for.

Sedum with late summer blooms

Sedum brings clusters of star-shaped flowers in pink, white, or yellow. These blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Sedums are hardy and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. You won’t need to water them much, thanks to their thick, fleshy leaves.

You can choose low-growing or tall varieties, depending on your garden style. Both offer beautiful late summer color and help your garden stand out.

Planting sedum in fall gives your garden a jump start for next spring.

Hostas for shady garden spots

Hostas are a go-to for shady areas, filling them with lush, wide leaves in shades from deep green to variegated patterns. They brighten up those tricky, low-light spots.

Hostas are easy to grow and do well in moist, well-drained soil. They thrive in partial to full shade, and some even develop golden centers with a bit of morning sun.

Because they spread out, hostas work well as ground cover. Pair them with other shade-loving plants for a mix of textures and colors.

Planting hostas in the fall lets them settle in before spring. Your garden will look fresh and full when the first warm days arrive.

Bleeding Heart for delicate spring flowers

If you love seeing early blooms after a long winter, Bleeding Heart might be just what your garden needs. Their soft, heart-shaped flowers bring a gentle pop of color to shady corners.

These perennials thrive in spots with little direct sunlight. They are a great choice if your yard doesn’t get much sun.

Plant Bleeding Hearts in the fall so they can settle in before spring arrives. Cool, moist soil is their favorite, and a layer of mulch helps keep their roots comfortable.

Regular watering is important, especially before they bloom. Once established, their arching stems and pink or white flowers create a peaceful, inviting look.

Space the plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety you choose. They may die back in the summer heat, but you can look forward to their return when cooler weather comes around.