11 types of flowers that thrive in the crisp fall air

• Planting these 11 popular flowers will keep your garden blooming even as temperatures begin to drop.
• Hardy flowers like mums, asters, and pansies will bloom into the fall and need less water to thrive.
• Annual plants need to be replanted every spring, but perennial plants will return on their own.

While we typically credit the spring and summer as the best times to plant and grow flowers, the autumn season brings about unique blooms that not only tolerate cooler temperatures but flourish in them and provide a picturesque aesthetic.

While there are dozens of flowers that are great for the fall, these 11 are the most popular for their temperature tolerance and autumn appearance. The team at the gardening retailer and brand Proven Winners share their picks and tips on how to care for these autumn blooms.

1. Marigold

• Annual or perennial: Annual

• Light level: Full sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Only when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry

• Hardiness zones: 2-11

• Growing season: May to October

• Common problems: Spider mites, aphids

Arguably the quintessential autumn flower, the marigold is a carnation-like bloom that appears frequently in autumn bouquets. This annual is in the sunflower family Asteraceae and can be identified by its orange hue and clusters of petals.

2. Chrysanthemums

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full sun

• Pet-friendly: No

• Watering frequency: Two to three times per week; keep moist, but not soggy

• Hardiness zones: 5-9

• Growing season: July to October

• Common problems: Root rot, leaf spot fungi

Better known as mums, these flowers come in warm autumn shades of orange, red, pink, and yellow. For your mums to bloom in the fall when they are most popular, it is best to plant them in early spring. Mums can also survive early winter chills in November and December with proper care.

3. Black-eyed Susan

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full or part sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Only when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry

• Hardiness zones: 3-9

• Growing season: June to October

• Common problems: Powdery mildew, slugs, aphids

Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular wildflowers, distinguished by their sunflower or daisy-like appearance and black pistils. These flowers are native to North America and are well known for growing from early summer to mid-fall.

4. Sweet alyssum

• Annual or perennial: Annual

• Light level: Full or part sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Only when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry

• Hardiness zones: 7-11

• Growing season: June to Oct

• Common problems: Stem rot

Sweet alyssum flowers are members of the mustard family (same as the purple cress and cut-leaved toothwort), therefore known for their strong fragrance as well as small, delicate blooms that come in pink, white, and yellow. Sweet alyssums make the perfect accent to any fall flower bouquet or hanging planter basket.

5. Dianthus

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full sun, light shade

• Pet-friendly: No

• Watering frequency: Only when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry

• Hardiness zones: 3-9

• Growing season: May to October

• Common problems: Leaf spot, spider mites, bacterial rot

The spicy yet sweet-smelling scent of the dianthus flower mimics that of cinnamon or clove, making it a perfect autumn flower. Dianthus flowers are hardy, come in blooms of pinks and purples, and are quite low maintenance.

6. False sunflower (Heliopsis)

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full sun, light shade

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Once a week; keep moist, but not soggy

• Hardiness zones: 3-9

• Growing season: June to October

• Common problems: Aphids, powdery mildew

Also known as oxeye sunflowers, false sunflowers are wildflowers native to most of North America. These golden blooms give the appearance of a typical springtime daisy and will do best in warmer climates, but can tolerate cooler autumn temperatures.

7. Stonecrop (aka Sedum)

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full or part sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Once to twice per week

• Hardiness zones: 4-9

• Growing season: June to November

• Common problems: Mealybugs, scale, slugs, deer, and squirrels

The stonecrop plant is a sedum succulent plant, which makes it hardy in warm weather and tolerant in cooler weather (even into winter) because of its water-storing abilities. The sedum genus includes about 600 species, all different colors, sizes, and shapes.

8. Verbena

• Annual or perennial: Annual

• Light level: Full sun

• Pet-friendly: No

• Watering frequency: Once a week; keep moist, but not soggy

• Hardiness zones: 9-11

• Growing season: May to October

• Common problems: Botrytis blight, powdery mildew, mites, root rot

Verbena flowers are renowned for their extremely long bloom times, drought resistance, and citrusy fragrance. These small blooms usually come in purple, pink, white, and red - perfect for a colorful fall bouquet.

9. Aster

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Once a week, less in cooler temperatures

• Hardiness zones: 3-8

• Growing season: August to October

• Common problems: Powdery mildew, lace bugs

Aster flowers got their name from the ancient Greek word for star, a reference to their celestial appearance. These flowers usually come in hues of magenta, purple, and indigo. Asters are also well known to temporarily resist frost through early winter.

10. Pansy

• Annual or perennial: Annual

• Light level: Full or part sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: 1-2 times per week; keep moist, but never soggy

• Hardiness zones: 6-10

• Growing season: May to November

• Common problems: Root rot, powdery mildew

With their heart-shaped "faces," pansies are one of the most popular, whimsical, and colorful flowers. Depending on the region you live in, pansies can be annual or perennial but are hardy in hot and cold weather. These flowers are a great colorful addition to any autumn garden.

11. Russian sage

• Annual or perennial: Perennial

• Light level: Full to part sun

• Pet-friendly: Yes

• Watering frequency: Water thoroughly when first established, then minimal watering

• Hardiness zones: 5-9

• Growing season: June to October

• Common problems: Root rot

The Russian sage flower is quite similar in appearance and fragrance to lavender, making it a favorite for the spring and fall seasons. This flower's preference for dry conditions is also perfect for those who often forget to water their plants and flowers.

Insider's takeaway

Whether you're looking to start your flower garden, grow your current one, or just pick out some flowers for a homemade bouquet, these fall flowers can bring some much-needed color and drama to the grayness of autumn. As blooms that will hold up in crisp fall temperatures and generally need less water, these 11 options will flourish from summer to fall, offering a bit of extra life during the cooler months.