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Fall Perennials: Set It and Forget It When You Plant These in Fall

Gardening Guides

Fall is one of the best times to plant long-lasting perennials. In USDA zones 7a and 7b, warm soil, mild air temperatures, and reliable autumn rain create the ideal environment for root development before winter. With just a little effort now, you’ll enjoy strong, thriving plants next spring and beyond. Your knowledgeable friends at B.B. Barns are happy to help you with this  quick and easy guide!

First, Why Plant Perennials in Fall?

  • Cooler air, warmer soil = less transplant stress
  • Roots grow now and shoots emerge in spring
  • Fewer pests and diseases than in summer
  • More reliable rainfall helps with establishment
  • Early start in spring means earlier blooms and better overall performance

 

Best Perennials to Plant in Fall in Asheville, NC (Zone 7)

Flowering Perennials

  • Coneflower (Echinacea)
  • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
  • Coreopsis
  • Bee Balm (Monarda)
  • Salvia
  • Asters
  • Yarrow (Achillea)
  • Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
  • Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
  • Catmint (Nepeta)

 

Foliage & Texture

  • Coral Bells (Heuchera)
  • Lamb’s Ear
  • Ornamental Grasses (Panicum, Carex, Muhlenbergia)
  • Hellebores (for late winter–early spring blooms)
  • Ferns (great for shaded spaces)
  • Sedum (Autumn Joy, others)

 

Pollinator Favorites

  • Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias incarnata)
  • Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum)
  • Goldenrod (Solidago)
  • Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

 

Planting & Care Tips

  • When to plant: September through mid-November, ideally at least six weeks before the ground freezes
  • Soil prep: Loosen soil and mix in compost for drainage and nutrients
  • Watering: Water deeply after planting and during dry spells through fall
  • Mulch: Add two to three inches of mulch to protect roots and reduce frost heaving
  • Spacing: Allow space for plants to grow to mature size next season

 

Pro Tips

  • Don’t worry if the top growth dies back; roots will continue developing underground
  • Use plant markers so you remember what’s where in spring
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer in fall; you want strong roots, not fresh leaf growth

 

Bonus: Divide & Replant

Fall is also a great time to divide and replant mature perennials such as hostas, irises, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. It’s a budget-friendly way to fill your garden or share with friends.

 

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