What to Plant in Fall: Maryland’s Best Perennials

Hands wearing gloves are digging into rich soil, carefully planting seedlings among vibrant flowers in a sunny backyard setting.

Just because summer’s winding down doesn’t mean you need to put your green thumb away. In fact, fall is one of the best times to plant perennials in Maryland. The cooler air, warm soil, and consistent rainfall create the perfect environment for root growth, helping your plants get a strong head start for next spring.

If you’re looking to add some long-lasting color and texture to your yard, here are some of Maryland’s best perennial picks for fall planting.

Black-Eyed Susans

It doesn’t get more Maryland than the black-eyed Susan. These cheerful yellow flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer and come back stronger every year. They thrive in full sun, attract pollinators, and are surprisingly low maintenance.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are a staple in many local gardens. Not only are they great for attracting butterflies and bees, but they also handle drought pretty well. Plant them in a sunny spot and enjoy a burst of purple or pink blooms year after year.

Coreopsis

This sunny flower adds a nice pop of gold or orange to your garden beds. Coreopsis is easy to grow, tolerant of poor soil, and blooms from summer into fall. It pairs well with ornamental grasses and other wildflower-style plants.

Hostas

For shady areas, hostas are a great choice. Their big, textured leaves come in a variety of greens and variegated patterns. They’re ideal for under trees, along walkways, or in spots that get filtered sunlight throughout the day.

Russian Sage

Looking for something tall and airy? Russian sage has silvery stems and soft lavender-blue flowers that bloom into the fall. It’s a nice way to add vertical interest without crowding your garden beds.

Get Ready for Fall Planting

Fall planting is all about giving your garden a strong foundation before the first frost hits. Whether you’re refreshing flower beds, filling in gaps, or completely rethinking your landscape, having a planting plan makes a big difference. Focus on sun exposure, spacing, and soil prep to give your new perennials the best chance to settle in before winter.

If you’re ready to enhance your Maryland landscape this fall, the team at Better View Landscape LLC can help. We offer expert planting services for shrubs, trees, and flowers, along with design support to make your yard truly stand out. Contact us at (410)921-1100 or complete our online contact form to schedule your fall landscaping project.