Diary of a Gardener - Fall Container Garden Ideas for Florida – Using Florida-Friendly Plants
Fall in Florida might not bring crisp air and fiery foliage like it does up north, but we can still celebrate the season with vibrant container gardens. Using the right mix of Florida-friendly plants, you can create eye-catching pots filled with rich color, bold textures, and long-lasting blooms that thrive in our climate.
Here’s how to design your own fall containers using a mix of tried-and-true favorites.
Florida-Friendly Fall Plant Picks
1. Celosia (Celosia argentea)
Flame-like plumes in gold, red, and orange bring instant autumn vibes.
Thrives in full sun and heat, making it a great centerpiece plant.
2. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Known for its dramatic foliage in burgundy, lime, and coppery tones.
Works as a filler or even the star of the pot in shadier areas.
3. Phlox (Phlox drummondii)
Adds soft, cottage-style blooms in pinks, purples, and whites.
Provides a gentle contrast against bold foliage like croton.
4. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
A Florida favorite for its tropical foliage in gold, orange, and crimson.
Bold, upright growth makes it the perfect thriller in fall containers.
5. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Native wildflower with cheerful red-and-yellow blooms.
Long-lasting color that pollinators love.
6. Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
The ultimate fall flower—yes, they grow here too!
Great for adding traditional autumn color with a Florida twist.
7. Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
Known as the “firecracker plant” with bright orange blooms.
A unique tropical accent that adds a warm seasonal glow.
8. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Cascading vines in chartreuse or deep purple.
Perfect spiller to soften the edges of containers.
Design Tips for Gorgeous Fall Containers
Follow the Thriller–Filler–Spiller Rule:
Thriller: Croton, Celosia
Filler: Coleus, Mums, Crossandra, Phlox, Blanket Flower
Spiller: Sweet Potato Vine
Mix textures & tones: Pair croton’s leathery leaves with soft phlox blooms or trailing vines.
Layer warm + cool colors: Think burgundy coleus with golden mums, or purple vines with fiery crossandra.
Cluster containers: Use 2–3 pots in varying heights for a full, lush look.
Add embellishments: Add items like faux pumpkins, birch stems or tree branches.
Care Tips for Fall Containers in Florida
Water consistently: Containers dry out quickly—check daily, especially in sunny spots.
Feed lightly: Use a slow-release fertilizer to keep flowers blooming through the season.
Refresh as needed: Swap out tired summer plants for fall selections to keep pots looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
With bold foliage from croton, cheerful blooms from mums and blanket flowers, and cascading accents from sweet potato vine, your fall containers can look festive, colorful, and unmistakably Florida. These Florida-friendly plants will give you the rich, warm tones of autumn—without ever needing a pumpkin patch.
So go ahead, mix, match, and play with textures to create your own Florida-style fall containers. Your porch, patio, or lanai will thank you!
Need help? Schedule a consult for us to discuss planter recipes for your fall planters.
Always keep growing.
