Fall Planting Guide: Best Perennials and Shrubs to Plant in September

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As summer winds down and the days begin to cool, fall is the perfect time to refresh your garden by planting perennials and shrubs that will flourish next spring. The crisp air and moist soil create ideal conditions for these plants to establish strong root systems before winter. Whether you’re looking to fill in empty spots or completely redesign your garden, planting in the fall sets your garden up for success come spring.

Here’s our guide to the best perennials and shrubs to plant this month in Minnesota and why fall planting is a smart choice.

Why Plant in Fall?

There are several reasons fall is an excellent time to plant perennials and shrubs:

  • Cooler Weather: The heat of summer can be stressful on newly planted plants, but the cooler fall temperatures provide a less stressful environment, helping them thrive.

  • Less Watering Required: With cooler days and more moisture in the air, you won’t need to water your plants as often. This makes fall planting more manageable and eco-friendly.

  • Strong Root Development: Fall planting allows perennials and shrubs to focus on root development rather than top growth, leading to healthier, stronger plants that are better prepared for spring.

Best Perennials to Plant in September

If you’re looking for perennials that will reward you with beautiful blooms next year, here are a few of our favorites to plant in the fall:

  1. Coneflower (Echinacea)

    • Known for their bright, daisy-like blooms, coneflowers are hardy perennials that thrive in a variety of conditions. Plant them in fall for strong roots and vibrant flowers come summer.

  2. Daylilies

    • Daylilies are tough, drought-tolerant plants that do well with fall planting. Their cheerful blooms will light up your garden throughout the summer months.

  3. Hostas

    • These shade-loving perennials are a fall planting favorite. Hostas offer beautiful foliage in various shades of green, blue, and yellow, adding texture and color to any garden.

  4. Sedum (Stonecrop)

    • Sedum is a low-maintenance perennial that provides stunning autumn color. They thrive in dry, well-drained soil and are ideal for adding structure to your garden in the cooler months.

  5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

    • These golden beauties are excellent for fall planting and will bring bright, cheerful color to your garden for years to come.

Best Shrubs to Plant in September

In addition to perennials, fall is also the perfect time to plant shrubs. Here are a few excellent choices for Minnesota gardens:

  1. Hydrangea

    • Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, showy blooms and vibrant fall foliage. Plant them in the fall to ensure strong growth and abundant blooms next summer.

  2. Boxwood

    • Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs that provide year-round interest. They’re easy to shape and maintain, making them ideal for borders or topiary projects.

  3. Spirea

    • This easy-to-grow shrub offers stunning spring and summer flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. Spirea is a low-maintenance shrub that adds great visual appeal to your landscape.

  4. Lilac

    • Known for their fragrant, colorful spring blooms, lilacs are perfect for fall planting. They thrive in colder climates like Minnesota, making them a great addition to any garden.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall Planting

Before you get started, follow these simple steps to ensure your garden is ready for fall planting:

  1. Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, dead plants, or debris from your garden beds. This will give your new plants a clean, healthy environment to establish themselves.

  2. Enrich the Soil: Fall is the perfect time to work compost or other organic matter into the soil. This will provide nutrients for your new plants and improve drainage.

  3. Water Thoroughly: Even though fall weather tends to be cooler and wetter, it’s important to water your new plants well after planting to help them settle in. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fall Recipe: Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

As the cooler weather rolls in, warm up with this hearty fall recipe that incorporates fresh sage, one of our favorite fall herbs:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Arborio rice

  • 1 small pumpkin, diced

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 1/2 cup white wine

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

  2. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

  3. Add the white wine and stir until absorbed. Slowly add the broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed.

  4. While the risotto is cooking, roast the pumpkin cubes in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender.

  5. Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the roasted pumpkin and fresh sage. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Garden Tip: Preparing Your Soil for Fall Planting

Before planting, loosen the soil in your garden beds with a garden fork or tiller. This helps roots penetrate more easily and gives your plants a better chance to establish strong root systems. If your soil is compacted or has poor drainage, consider mixing in some compost or peat moss to improve the structure.

Planting in fall may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually one of the best times to give your garden a head start on the next growing season. Whether you're adding new perennials, shrubs, or both, your efforts now will reward you with a beautiful, thriving landscape come spring.

Happy planting!