What’s In Season for Fall? Expert Fall Flower Guide for Northern Virginia
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What’s In Season for Fall? Expert Fall Flower Guide for Northern Virginia

Celebrate Autumn with Seasonal Flowers

Fall in Northern Virginia is more than sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and autumn décor—it’s a season of stunning blooms. Many flowers thrive in cooler weather, bringing rich textures, jewel tones, and warmth to your home or special events.

Here are 9 must-have fall blooms (plus one show-stopping ornamental grass!) for seasonal floral arrangements:

9 Must-Have Fall Flowers

1. Dahlias

The stunning flower starts blooming in late summer and can continue to bloom until the first frost strikes. With their intricate, layered petals and striking shapes, they add instant depth and drama to any flower arrangement. And their wide range of colors means that you can create your own unique autumnal color palette: creamy whites and dusty rose shades keep your fall romantic and soft, while shades of coral, orange, and apricot bring an instant glow to any floral design, and ruby red, deep plum shades are the perfect focal blooms for spooky season! 

  • Season: Late summer to first frost

  • Colors: Cream, dusty rose, coral, apricot, ruby red, deep plum

  • Design Tips:

    • Works as a single bud or a dramatic centerpiece

    • Pair monochromatic or analogous colors

    • Ask our Reston or McLean designers for seasonal palettes

2. Japanese Anemones

Not to be confused with the spring-blooming De Caen varieties of Anemones that we typically stock our cooler with, the Japanese Anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis) grows on a taller, more delicate stem similar to cosmos. In Chinese, they refer to these blooms as “broken bowl flowers” because of the subtle variations of their petals. Japanese Anemones come in soft colors like crisp white and shades of pink, making it the perfect bloom to add some grace and femininity to any floral arrangement.

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Soft white and pink

  • Design Tips:

    • Long stems add height and movement

    • Combine shades of pink with bold focal blooms

    • Perfect for elegant autumn arrangements

3. Asters

Named after the Greek word for “star,” asters bring bursts of small, daisy-like blooms that can fill your arrangement with dynamic texture and color. Asters are part of the Asteraceae family (the daisy family), one of the largest groupings in botanical classification, with over 32,000 species. That means asters come in seemingly infinite variations! Blooms come in white, pink, purple, peach/apricot, red, and even bi-colored varieties. Larger asters make striking focal blooms in an arrangement, while smaller cultivars add the perfect twinkle to any bouquet.

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–November)

  • Colors: White, pink, purple, peach, red, bi-colored

  • Design Tips:

    • Smaller asters add texture to larger blooms

    • Purple asters pair beautifully with yellow for natural autumn contrast

4. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Also referred to as “stonecrop,” sedum is the textural powerhouse! This flowering succulent creates a large mass of small pink flowers that turn dusty as they blossom. Sedum is sturdy and long-lasting, making it equal parts practical and stylish! 

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Pink to dusty rose

  • Design Tips:

    • Adds volume and texture

    • Pairs easily with other autumnal flowers

5. Marigolds

Some might turn their nose up at marigolds, but at Mayflowers, we believe the humblest of blooms can be an expression of timeless beauty and elegance. And the marigold’s rich history in Native American traditions and Dia de los Muertos celebrations only brings an added allure to the bloom. These large puffy blooms come in the quintessential fall colors of orange, rust, and yellow. There are softer varieties like ‘Kilimanjaro’ and ‘White Swan’that  are buttery shades of cream if you’re looking for a softer take on the fall colors.

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Orange, rust, yellow, cream

  • Design Tips:

    • Cluster for bold arrangements

    • Earthy fragrance enhances sensory appeal

    • Can be dried for wreaths or crafts

6. Chrysanthemums (Mums)

It’s hard to decorate for fall without running into this autumn staple. Chrysanthemums, or mums, are available in a wide range of forms, from tight button shapes to large spider blooms. And new hybrids and heirloom cultivars offer a reimagining of the mum. Their colors span the fall spectrum, too: gold, bronze, burgundy, white, mauve, and even green.

  • Season: Mid-to-late fall (September–November)

  • Colors: Gold, bronze, burgundy, white, mauve, green

  • Design Tips:

    • Pair with strawflowers or grasses for rustic charm

    • Mix varieties and heights for visual interest

7. Amaranthus

Amaranthus is one of the most dramatic accents you can add to a fall arrangement. With its long, trailing tassels in shades of deep burgundy, green, or bronze, it brings movement and a luxurious cascading effect. It also can be dried!

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Burgundy, green, bronze

  • Design Tips:

    • Drape over vases for cascading movement

    • Mix with dahlias or mums for height and drama

    • Dried varieties last through fall

8. Pampas Grass

It’s not a bloom, but pampas grass can be as much a showstopper as many of the blooms on this list. Its large, feathery plumes create a striking texture, its near-metallic sheen is eye-catching, and its height means you can create tall statement pieces with it.

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Creamy, metallic tones

  • Design Tips:

    • Adds height and texture to large arrangements

    • Snip plumes for smaller arrangements or bud vases

    • Great for wreaths or dried décor

9. Strawflowers

The last fall flower on our list is the strawflower. It’s not the largest flower, but it is known for its everlasting charm. The stiff, papery petals have the same feel and sound as rustling straw. They come in bright hues of yellow, orange, pink, and red. And those colors will hold when you dry strawflowers. 

  • Season: Late summer through fall (August–October)

  • Colors: Yellow, orange, pink, red

  • Design Tips:

    • Add pops of texture

    • Air-dry for long-lasting seasonal décor

Why Fall Flowers Matter

Autumn arrangements aren’t just about color—they add texture, movement, fragrance, and atmosphere. Mixing dahlias, asters, mums, and ornamental grasses creates seasonal arrangements that feel personal, vibrant, and luxurious.

Local Tip: For homeowners in Reston, McLean, and Northern Virginia, Mayflowers Floral Studio offers curated seasonal selections and expert guidance. Visit one of our studios to explore our fall collection and design an arrangement perfect for your home or event.

Shop Our Fall Collection

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