Autumn has its own kind of flowers. They are deeper in color, sturdier in the stem, and often bloom right up to the first hard frost. Here in Gloucester, the garden keeps going well into October, with asters full of bees and dahlias leaning on their stakes.
Fall flowers also carry lovely meanings. That makes them a thoughtful choice for autumn birthdays, a thank-you to a host, or a small note of comfort as the days get shorter. Below are nine fall blooms, what they traditionally mean, and a few simple ways to give them.
1. Chrysanthemum: long life and joy
The mum is the flower most people think of in fall. In much of Asia, the chrysanthemum traditionally stands for long life, happiness and quiet strength. In Vietnam, yellow hoa cúc often sits on the family altar, and pots of mums are a common sight at temples and in homes.
Meanings can differ from place to place. In some European countries, chrysanthemums are mostly used to honor the dead, so they are less common as a cheerful gift there. If you are giving mums to someone, a warm note helps make the meaning clear. The chrysanthemum is also the birth flower for November.
2. Aster: patience and love
Asters look like small purple or pink daisies, and they bloom in late summer and fall. Traditionally, the aster stands for love, patience and wisdom. The name comes from the Greek word for star, which suits the shape of the flower.
Asters are the September birth flower. They are also one of the best late-season plants for bees and butterflies, which need food before winter.
3. Dahlia: dignity and lasting commitment
Dahlias are the showstoppers of early fall. They come in almost every color except true blue, and in shapes from small pompons to blooms as wide as a dinner plate. In the Victorian language of flowers, the dahlia traditionally stood for dignity and elegance. Today many people also give dahlias to mark a lasting bond or a new commitment.
A bunch of dahlias makes a generous hostess gift. Cut them in the cool of the morning and they will last several days in a vase.
4. Marigold: warmth and remembrance
Marigolds glow in shades of orange and gold. They are one of the October birth flowers, and they are traditionally linked to warmth, creativity and remembrance. In Mexico, marigolds (cempasúchil) guide the spirits home during Día de los Muertos. In Vietnam, the marigold is called cúc vạn thọ, which means the flower of ten thousand years of long life, and it is a favorite for Tết.
5. Cosmos: harmony and order
Cosmos share the October spot with marigolds. Their name comes from the Greek word kosmos, meaning order or harmony. With their thin stems and simple petals, they keep blooming until frost if you keep cutting them. We wrote more about both October flowers in our guide to October birth flowers.
6. Sunflower: loyalty and warmth
Late sunflowers carry summer into fall. Traditionally, the sunflower stands for adoration, loyalty and long life, partly because the young flowers turn to follow the sun. A single sunflower on a doorstep says a lot without any words at all.
7. Goldenrod: encouragement
Goldenrod lights up roadsides across New England in September. It is often blamed for fall allergies, but the real cause is usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time and spreads its pollen on the wind. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and carried by insects. Traditionally, goldenrod stands for encouragement and good fortune, which makes it a kind flower to send to someone starting something new.
8. Pansy: thinking of you
Pansies love cool weather, and fall is a great time to plant them. Their name comes from the French word pensée, meaning thought. Traditionally, the pansy says "I am thinking of you." A small pot of pansies is an easy, low-cost gift for a neighbor or a friend who could use a little cheer.
9. Celosia: warmth that lasts
Celosia comes in feathery plumes and velvety crests in red, orange, gold and pink. It holds its color for a long time and dries beautifully, so it is often used in fall wreaths and dried bouquets. It is a cheerful way to bring autumn color indoors for weeks.
A note on pets and children
Some fall flowers are not safe to eat. Chrysanthemums and dahlias are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, and they can cause stomach upset or skin irritation. Many garden plants can cause problems if chewed, so keep bouquets and potted plants out of reach of curious pets and small children. If you are unsure about a plant, check the ASPCA's plant list or ask your vet. If a child or pet eats part of a plant and seems unwell, call your vet, your doctor or Poison Control right away.
Fall flower gift ideas
Fresh flowers are lovely, but they fade in a week or two. If you want the meaning to stay, here are a few ideas for the season ahead.
- For an autumn birthday: Give a September, October or November birthday their own flower. Our birth flower prints pair the aster, marigold, cosmos or chrysanthemum with a name and birth details.
- For the whole family: A family birth flower bouquet print gathers everyone's flower into one bouquet, with each name included. It makes a warm gift for grandparents during the holidays.
- For a host: Bring a bunch of dahlias or a pot of mums, and tuck in a small card that explains what the flowers mean.
- For a friend who needs a lift: A pot of pansies or a stem of goldenrod and a short note can mean more than something big.
Not sure which flower fits someone? Our Flower Finder lets you look up a birth month and see its flowers and their traditional meanings.
Plan ahead for the holidays
Personalized gifts take a little time to make and ship. If you are thinking about a flower gift for the holidays, it helps to order in early November. That leaves time for any small changes and for the mail, which gets slower each week in December.
Enjoy the last blooms
Fall flowers remind us that beauty does not only belong to spring. Cut a few stems before the frost comes, put them in a jar on the kitchen table, and enjoy them while they last. And if someone you love was born in the fall, their flower is blooming right now.