7 Fall Flowers You Should Plant in July, According to Pros

Shasta Daisies

Shasta daisies are classic perennial flowers with low maintenance requirements and blooms that can last into the fall.

“Shasta daisies are reliable late bloomers, bringing a bright, fresh look to your outdoor space with their lacy foliage and eye-catching white petals,” says Rebecca Sears, CMO and resident green thumb at Ferry-Morse Seed Company.

These classic flowers will grow in full sun or partial shade the second season after sowing, and require an inch to two inches of water per week.

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained

Cornflower

Bachelor’s button, also called cornflower, has striking pom pom-like flowers in shades of blue, violet, pink, or white. These pretty annuals can bloom into the fall season with regular deadheading.

“Perfect for a cottage-style garden, they come in soft pink, blue, and purple hues and will be visited regularly by butterflies and bees,” says Faulkner Jekos. To extend bloom time, seed them on a spaced-out schedule of every two weeks.

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Verbena

Verbena, also known as vervain or verveine, is a herbaceous flowering plant with clusters of bright blooms in colors ranging from white and pink to red and apricot.

“While often grown as an annual in colder climates, gardeners in Zone 7 and up may enjoy it as a short-lived perennial,” Faulkner Jekos says. “Start from transplants or seeds and grow in full sun, then deadhead regularly to extend the bloom season.”

• Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Cosmos

Cosmos are a fast-growing annual showcasing brilliant bursts of yellow, white, pink, red, or orange blooms well into the autumn months.

“Cosmos are ideal for July planting, as you’ll start to see their blooms by late August through October, which can help fill in any gaps once your spring flowers start to fade,” Sears says. “While these are low-maintenance flowers, I recommend getting in the habit of deadheading your cosmos to keep them producing even more flowers throughout the season.”

Cosmos can tolerate dry, poor soil and actually bloom better with less fertilization.

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Acidic, dry, well-drained

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are a classic native U.S. wildflower that is easy to grow with blooms that last through the fall months.

“Hardy and cheerful, these golden flowers bloom late into the season,” says Wes Harvell, horticultural expert and product development manager at Jackson & Perkins.

He recommends watering them during dry spells and cutting back faded flowers to keep them looking tidy.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, often called mums for short, are a popular perennial that blooms in fall with brilliant hues ranging from yellow, orange, red, and pink to purple and white.

“This quintessential fall flower is available in a rainbow of colors,” explains Harvell. “Pinch back stems until mid-July to promote bushier plants and more buds come fall.”

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full
• Soil: Rich, moist

Floribunda Rose

Floribunda roses grow in striking clusters of roses that can reach heights of five to six feet. These hardy hybrid roses have a long bloom time that lasts into fall.

“Floribunda roses, also called tequila sunrise and popcorn drift, are known for clusters of vibrant blooms and excellent repeat flowering into autumn,” Harvell says. “Feed them with a balanced rose fertilizer after planting and again in mid-August to keep blooms coming.”

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained with compost