When changing up your containers for the transition from summer to fall, keep in mind vibrantly colored, well-structured and fit-to-flourish in the colder weather plants. Creating beautiful containers can enhance the fall feeling in your yard and make it a pleasure to spend time out in crisper weather – even if it means putting on an extra layer or two.
While incorporating fall decor ideas into your home will make indoors feel cozy and welcoming, be sure to show your outside space some decorative love too. There are so many wonderful fall flowers for pots to choose from to achieve this. Filling pots with plants that bloom in the colder months will add color, while incorporating evergreen foliage and hardy perennials will ensure a lush look even as the leaves turn brown. Don’t forget about your houseplants either – fall calls for a decorative shake-up, which means switching up their planters is on the cards too.
Not sure where to start? Here, we've compiled a list of beautiful ideas to inspire you to curate your perfect fall planters for the upcoming season.
15 stunning fall planter ideas
Planters aren't all about the plants, as it's equally important to choose the right pots and bring in some outdoor fall decor to create a sensational container display for the season. Discover some of our favorite fall planter looks below.
1. Conjure up a contrasting color scheme
Fall color schemes tend to be fairly predictable (and beautiful), but there's no need to stick to tradition for fall planters if you don't want to.
'By using flowers with bright and vivid colors, such as jewel-toned mums, celosia, asters, rudbeckia and pansies, you can create a vibrant display that stands out against the often-muted tones of the season,' says garden designer Laura Janney.
Take it further by using no carve pumpkins and painted pumpkins for a container, like the elegant white pumpkin planter above. Then choosing plants for fall color, like pink chrysanthemums, can add a pop of color.
You can even find faux pumpkin planters online, like this white pumpkin vase from Amazon.
2. Choose dried flowers for a lasting look
Decorating with dried flowers is having something of a moment and is something we don't see going out of style any time soon. It's a great choice for fall planters, assuming yours are part of your fall porch decor – in other words, kept out of the rain.
'Using dried flowers in fall planters is a creative way to add texture and dimension, especially when the variety of fresh blooms starts to dwindle. Dried lotus pods, for example, can introduce an interesting, sculptural element that contrasts beautifully with the softer forms of live plants,' says Laura. 'This approach allows you to extend the visual interest of your planters well into the cooler months.'
Dried flowers will last much longer than fresh flowers and will put on a display for the whole fall season. You could even add a dash of paint to enhance the dried flowers you have chosen, like in the image above.
And while you can come up with a ton of fall wreath ideas made from real flowers, those made from dried flowers will complement your dried flower planters, too.
You can either dry flowers yourself or find dried flowers from retailers and online - these dried daisy flowers from Amazon are the perfect fiery shades for fall.
3. Combine fall planting with Halloween decor
'If you can design a fall planter that's perfect for housing Halloween decor too, you've got it cracked,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor. 'Top of our list is perching faux crows (you can buy fake crows at Walmart) bats or even pumpkin decorations in the best trees for fall color underplanted with pretty flowers.'
You can also add faux spider webs - available at Amazon - on your potted trees that have lost their leaves for the season to uplift them and make bare branches more exciting for fall.
Whatever your personal taste for Halloween, there are so many outdoor Halloween decorations that can be incorporated into planters and will withstand the wet and cold weather of the season.
4. Create a fun fall planter kids will love
A planter full of evergreens that look good year-round can be easily pepped for fall with some faux mushrooms and witch's legs that will bring humor for kids.
Adding plants and shrubs with dark foliage among pops of colors, like coleus and other red plants, can also add intrigue for children as they enjoy the funky foliage.
And don't forget, this shape and style of fall planter can be brought indoors as a fall table decor idea that can be put outside again once it's time to start putting up Christmas decorations.
5. Choose seasonal flowers in fall colors
Choosing plants that bloom during fall is a no-brainer for your fall planter ideas, but picking them in colors that mirror the oranges, reds and yellows of the fall leaves that surround them will boost the warmth of your fall yard landscape.
Some classic fall flowers include rudbeckias, dahlias and chrysanthemums, as seen above. Many of these fall flowers can also be used for fall craft ideas, like making a fall foliage wall.
'Coral bells are another great option, offering rich colors that add drama and depth to your arrangements. For a sophisticated look, try using the same tone of a color across different plants,' says Laura Janney.
'Bring the outside in with touches of fall foliage throughout your home,' says interior design expert Amber Shay. Consider a wreath of fall leaves for your front door, use pumpkins for seasonally themed centerpieces for your dining room table, and cut branches from trees to create more sculptural and natural floral arrangements,' she suggests.
6. Add pumpkins and gourds to your display
Gleefully bulbous and vibrantly colored, fewer natural forms so clearly signal the arrival of fall as the pumpkin. They aren’t just for Halloween either – as well as picking out miniature gourds to include in your fall front door ideas, consider using them to add a seasonal touch to your outdoor planters.
Above, pumpkins and gourds of different orange and white shades have been used to sit next to, and in between, planters of fall blooms. This is a clever way to lead guests up to the front door, while uplifting the floral container display that cascades down the stairs.
You could even add pumpkins and gourds to planters themselves. They would work well in a hanging basket, alongside the best plants for a hanging basket.
Use this selection of mini pumpkins from Walmart for all of your planters this fall.
7. Choose warming colors and materials for indoor planters
As the temperatures drop, you’ll likely be spending less time in the backyard – so be sure to consider indoor plants within your living room fall decor too.
'Cool greys have been popular for interiors in the last few years, but we’re seeing a shift to warmer tones, such as 'greige,' tan, and sun-baked pinks. I expect to see a lot of gold tones and warmer browns used in homes this fall,' says Amber. 'Warmer tones are aesthetically pleasing and add a cozier, comforting feel to homes, especially during the fall. They provide a neutral foundation to any room in a home,' she adds.
Think about switching up your houseplants’ looks by moving them into seasonally colored planters – like the wicker planters in the image above. You could also consider a palette of rusts and ochres to reflect the changing season outdoors.
Using a warm-toned indoor plant stand, like this gold metal plant stand from Wayfair, can also help tie in a fall color palette among your indoor potted plants.
8. Use a planter as part of your fall porch decor
Gathering together atmospheric fall porch ideas is a great way to create a warm welcome for guests arriving in the colder months. Along with a wreath, pumpkins and lanterns lining the steps, and seasonal climbers turning the front of the house into a color riot, consider throwing a statement fall planter into the mix.
Here, a mixture of Halloween planters has been placed together. The metal planters add a rustic look, while the pumpkin pots add a playful touch. The planters are filled with a mixture of seasonal flowers and leafy foliage but can be swapped out with any plants to suit your aesthetic.
If you want even more drama, try styling a red Japanese maple in a pot on your porch. It can offer a 'wow' moment as your guests arrive and provide an influx of fall color at your front door.
9. Celebrate harvest season with ornamental cabbages
We may be losing the leaves from the trees, but we’re gaining a lot at this time of year too. With the arrival of fall comes a whole host of newly seasonal fruits and vegetables sprouting from the garden. If you can’t get enough of the harvest season and want to continue the celebration beyond the vegetable patch, consider growing ornamental cabbages in your containers.
They’re often edible, but can be very bitter – choose them instead for their purple, blue, white or pink rosettes of leaves. As well as for the garden, their vegetal aesthetic makes them a great addition to fall table decor in the dining room too.
'Growing ornamental kale in pots is another popular choice for fall planters, as it withstands frosts with ease and imparts a distinct fall vibe,' notes Meredith Bishop, flower grower and owner of Bloom and Bounty.
10. Build height with hardy grasses
Including ornamental grasses in planters adds texture and movement, as well as bringing height to container gardens.
'The plumes of grasses, when they dry, continue to look beautiful, adding a rich texture that enhances the overall aesthetic of the planter,' says Laura Janney. 'Their natural elegance complements the more structured forms of flowers and foliage, creating a balanced and visually appealing composition,' she adds.
Miscanthus and pony tail grass, like in the above image, are beautiful choices for their flowy movement and soft appearance. Many grasses are also among the best plants for seedheads, enhancing the fall feeling in your yard.
Shop for ornamental grasses at Nature Hills.
11. Channel spooky season with an urn
If fall for you is all about Halloween, ensure your planters are ready for the spooky season. If you’re looking to invest in new planters, think about urn planters.
Not just for adding grandeur to fall mantel ideas, the classical shape of urns was popular in the 18th century and adds a historical aura to a garden, while the deathly connotations that come with the vessel’s alternative use come to full fruition on Halloween night.
Look for distressed examples, like cement urn planter from Amazon.
12. Use evergreens for structure
Of course, the colder temperatures of this time of year will limit what will flourish in your fall planter – so include some dependable evergreens to make sure your pots have structure all year round. Luckily, there are lots of plants for pots all year round to choose from.
‘The planting for my container garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was all about getting contrast within the form of the foliage and less about the flowers,’ says garden designer Ellie Edkins, who put together the above example for Chelsea Flower Show 2021.
‘Evergreen structure for a shady space could be created in the form of the Carex 'Ice Dance', which when cozied up to Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) balls, creates a wonderful pairing,’ says Ellie.
‘I used three sizes of Ilex crenata balls across the clusters of planters for interest and to keep the eye moving around the space. Geranium 'Rozanne' sits below the Ilex balls – it is such a hard-working little plant and will flower right the way through fall if treated right, tolerating partial shade.’
13. Channel a little desert heat with succulents
While cacti and aloe may instantly channel notions of baking desert heat, hardy succulents will happily prove that they can deal with pretty much anything if you include them in your fall planter ideas.
It's important to pay attention to caring for succulents in winter before going ahead with creating a fall succulent planter. If you’re planting them outdoors, ensure you choose frost-hardy varieties – the likes of sempervivums and some varieties of sedum are perfect for the job.
It can also be wise to bring your fall succulent planter indoors before frosts kick in if you have less hardy varieties, so you can enjoy the display for longer.
14. Pick pansies for pockets of fall color
A long-standing favorite in the world of fall planters, pansies are always a great way to ensure dabs of bright color dot your fall yard.
Often flowering through late fall and into winter and spring, they are continually popular for fall planters both small and large. There are even winter pansies to choose from so that you can get an extended display.
With a wide range of colored and bi-colored varieties available, you can use them to add quaint chromatic details to evergreen planters. Try growing this pansy mix from Amazon to brighten up your fall pots.
15. Create a fall planter that blooms again in spring
'I prefer to think of planters as serving multiple functions and seasons at one time, and using a deep vessel can easily accomplish this task,' says Meredith Bishop.
Lasagne gardening is one way to achieve this, where you layer plants that will bloom in a consecutive order. 'For example, plant tulips, daffodils and alliums in deep planters during fall (for spring color) and top with blooms such as pansies, violas or asters for fall and winter interest,' suggests Meredith.
This way, when the fall and winter flowers die back, spring blooms will soon emerge and extend the display in your container.
'An unusual choice for a fall planter, but a favorite of mine, is to plant a hellebore in the center and surround it with bright pansies or violas,' says Meredith. 'While the hellebore won't bloom during fall or winter, the deep green leaves can offer stature and height while the annuals offers color and interest.
'The true magic of this fall arrangement happens in very early spring, when the hellebore explodes in blooms amidst the still-blooming annuals,' she adds.
FAQs
What can I plant in pots in October?
In terms of what to plant in October for your pots and containers, foodies should think ahead for spring and summer. Plant strawberries in early October and ensure you add some doses of well-rotted manure or compost to help them along. Peas are also a great shout for this time of year – the fact that they climb makes them perfect for smaller container gardens without a lot of ground space. On a similar note, fava beans should also be planted this month. On the floral side of things, planting sweet peas in October will result in bigger blooms that emerge sooner and last longer. Crocus bulbs are also best planted in pots at this time of year.
The best thing about fall planters is that the options are never-ending. You can choose plants, pots and decor items that suit your taste and style, and can even change them up so you have some variation throughout your yard. Whatever you choose to create, there's no denying that fall planters are a beautiful way to uplift your outdoor space for the colder season.
When you're choosing plants for your planters, don't forget to take into account your US hardiness zone so that you can grow plants that will last through the season. Likewise, it's important to add any essential care for your chosen planter plants to your fall gardening checklist.
