As a horticulturalist, these are the 7 plants I'm adding to pots this September – top perennials, grasses and ferns for instant joy and color in your fall garden

I’ve always thought of containers as accents or punctuation marks in the garden. You can tuck them into little corners, perch them on steps, or cluster them near the front door to add a pop of color and lift your space. And, as a professional gardener, when the summer haze is golden, and the greens of spring are long gone, I’ve found myself turning to pots in September for a little lift.

Even a single pot with an evergreen fern, a handful of violas and a fading ornamental grass is enough to hold space for the season ahead – a small but pointed nod to the shift into fall.

So, if you’re wondering what to plant in September to help you extend the gardening year, you've come to the right place. These are a few of my favorite plants to add to pots in September. No fuss, just good color and plenty of joy and impact.

7 plants to add to pots in September

These seven plants to add to pots in September are all pretty low-maintenance. Just be sure to use some fresh compost in your containers and give them a good watering after planting.

So, if you are looking for inspiration for your container garden ideas, these seven options are well worth a go.

1. Rudbeckia

I’ve long had a soft spot for black-eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia spp.. Native to North America, these prairie plants are perfect for injecting some joy into any late-summer display.

To me, one of the best rudbeckias is ‘Henry Eilers’, which has thin, spidery yellow flowers that are hard to beat. I have grown this on a few occasions and never tire of it.

But truthfully, any of the Rudbeckias will do. 'Goldsturm', 'Cherry Brandy', 'Indian Summer' – they’re all reliable and give that defiant flash of color just when the rest of the garden starts to pack up.

Hardy down to zone 4, you can grow black eyed Susan plants in pots by the front door, ideally in a sunny spot. Give them a good water during dry spells to keep them happy.

Try this Rudbeckia hirta, with live plants available from Amazon, which should keep the fall show going in your yard until the first frost.

2. Mexican feather grass

I’ve grown Mexican feather grass, or Nassella tenuissima (syn. Stipa Tenuissima), in all sorts of settings – beside paths, under shrubs and in old zinc tubs and terracotta pots.

Hardy down to zone 7, this plant thrives in poor soil, so don't worry too much about the compost in your container. Just make sure there is adequate drainage with a scoop or two of grit.

It prefers full sun, so pot displays on the patio should work well. Just be sure to include a colorful perennial or two (such as Black eyed Susan) to add a sprinkling of joy and impact.

Live Mexican feather grass starter plants can be ordered from Greenwood Nursery via Amazon now.

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3. Autumn fern

The Autumn fern, or Dryopteris erythrosora, is, as you might have guessed by the name, a plant for the fall season.

I once planted several specimens in old stone pots when working for a private estate just outside Monmouthshire, South Wales.

We had trailing mulhenbeckia tucked in, and a drift of lilac violas spilling over the edge. Simple, but it really sang towards the end of summer and into fall.

When the new fronds push through in September, they emerge coppery-orange, as you can see in the image above, fading to deeper green by winter.

Hardy down to zone 5, this evergreen fern prefers dappled shade, and a spot that stays damp, which shouldn't be a problem during October and November. And, with any luck, it will tick along all fall and winter.

Live Autumn fern plants are available now via Amazon.

4. Japanese anemone

At the Garden Museum in London, where I once worked, we had swathes of Japanese anemones with white flowers that grew throughout the woodland borders.

From late summer right into November, the ‘Honorine Jobert’ variety lit up the borders, never failing to stop passers-by.

Yes, they can be considered an invasive perennial in the wrong location, as they have a tendency to spread. But in pots, Japanese anemones are elegant and containable.

They’re hardy to US hardiness zone 4, so you can overwinter them without fuss. I often underplant something trailing. It’s a tall plant, so best in a large stable container.

'Honorine Jobert' Japanese anemone live plants are available now via Amazon.

5. Monkey grass

Monkey grass, or Liriope muscari, is one of the best perennials to add to borders or pots, purely because it is reliable and steadfast.

Live monkey grass plants are available now via Amazon.

Hardy from zone 5 to 10, this evergreen will happily take full shade or dappled sun, and pairs beautifully with autumn ferns or small white cyclamen.

And the purple flowers – don’t forget those. Short spikes of pale lilac (or sometimes white) will emerge in summer, lasting sometimes into October. They’re subtle, but lovely, perfect for understated pot displays.

6. Heuchera

Heuchera spp., or coral bells, are impressive plants typically grown for their unique foliage coloration. Hardy down to zone 4, they thrive in darker spots or shady pot displays.

One of my favorite heuchera varieties is 'Fire Chief’, which glows red in the fall months. So vibrant in the right light, working well if the container is near to a red Japanese maple or a tall copper grass.

I have found that Heuchera spp. need minimal effort. Simply plant them in good quality soil, provide a little water, and a light feed every now and then.

Live heuchera plants are available from Amazon.

7. Violas

I’ve lost count of how many violas I’ve grown over the years. I have a small obsession with 'Tiger Eye' – seen in the image above – all orange, yellow and bronze, perfect for joyful pots.

I also love the delicate Australian violet, or Viola hederacea, though it’s more of a zone 9 to 10 type.

But really, just head to your local nursery and pick whatever viola or pansy catches your eye. There’s no right or wrong here.

I tend to plant in groups, mixing purples and oranges with faded grasses and ferns. Full sun is best, but they’ll manage in part shade, too.

For a darker look, try these purple pansies, with live plants available now via Amazon.

One last tip – most of these container plants can be moved out into the yard come spring. That frees up your pots for spring and summer displays and gives the plants a proper home to stretch out.

Just lift them with care, and plant into borders or under trees. A little bit of water will help, but most are tough and dependable species that should go on to settle in the border.

For more plant inspiration, see our guide on the best perennials to plant in September for spring blooms, to add even more color to your yard for the months ahead.

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