Seasonal standouts: These plants shine as Louisiana eases into fall

If you still have any warm-season annuals in your garden beds, they’re probably on their last legs and not looking so great. But it’s still a bit early — and warm — to do a complete overhaul with cool-season plants.

The solution to this dilemma?
Bridge the seasonal gap with plants that can handle lingering heat while lending an autumnal vibe to the garden.

Your local garden center likely is awash with colorful, beautiful selections that will fit the bill.

Here’s what LSU AgCenter horticulturist Jason Stagg suggests planting this time of year.
All of these will last until first frost, which normally arrives mid-November in most of Louisiana and as late as early December in the southernmost parishes.

Marigolds

These flowers thrive in the kind of warm, dry weather Louisiana is experiencing so far this fall.

Their yellow, orange and red blooms — along with fine-textured foliage — are stunning.

You’ll likely find both:

• African marigolds — larger, often 1–2 ft. tall, with some growing up to 4 ft.
• French marigolds — more compact, staying under 1 ft., perfect for borders and bed fronts

Chrysanthemums

These classic fall plants are triggered to bloom when days get shorter.

With mounded shapes and blooms in white, yellow, red and purple, mums enhance any seasonal display.

Shopping tip:
Avoid plants in full bloom — instead, pick ones with tightly closed buds for longer color!

While often enjoyed in containers, mums can also be planted in the ground and may return next year.
Handle carefully — they are fragile plants.

Crotons

Their leaves boast vivid streaks of red, orange, yellow, and green — a quintessential autumn look.

These tropical plants thrive in bright, indirect light and may lose color in heavy shade.
Crotons can live many years and also thrive as houseplants.

Ornamental Peppers

Plenty of varieties to choose from:

• Traditional cultivars with orange, yellow, and red peppers
• New selections with variegated purple foliage and dark fruit colors

These peppers are often waxy and extremely spicy — not ideal for eating — but they are a Louisiana Super Plant!

Kale and Cabbage

Unlike ornamental peppers, kale and cabbage are both edible and visually appealing.
They offer interesting foliage and sometimes shades of deep red depending on the cultivar.

Mix, match & enjoy

Combining these plants can create an aesthetically pleasing landscape that will carry your garden through fall — until it’s time to bring out petunias, violas, and other cool-season favorites later this year.