Fall in Florida might not mean crunchy leaves and sweaters, but it’s still one of the best times to plant. Cooler nights and shorter days help roots establish before spring growth kicks in. If you’re looking to add a little color or texture to your yard, 3-gallon plants give you instant presence without blowing the budget. Here are standouts that thrive in our climate, how to place them, and how to get the most bang for your backyard buck.
Best fall plants for North Florida
Fall is also the time when horticulturists evaluate which plants will thrive in North Florida landscapes. They look for species with strong, healthy root systems, adaptability to local soil and climate, and the ability to handle Florida’s sun, humidity, and occasional dry spells. Good fall plants establish quickly, require less maintenance, and provide lasting structure, color, or texture to your garden. By choosing plants suited to these conditions, you set your landscape up for success long before spring growth begins.
Azalea Encore bring classic color
For a late-winter and early-spring show, Azalea Encore deliver repeat blooms that outlast traditional varieties. Look for types suited to our region and give them dappled light with rich, well-drained soil. They’re perfect along foundations, under high-canopy trees, or massed along a fence line for a hedge that blooms in waves.
Loropetalum adds four-season interest
Its burgundy foliage plays beautifully against Florida greens, and the fringe-like pink blooms are a bonus. Use it as a statement shrub near the entry, to anchor a bed, or as a color block in a hedge. It’s adaptable, low-maintenance, and easy to shape.
Viburnum is the all-rounder
If you need structure, privacy, or a clean backdrop for flowering plants, viburnum is a workhorse. Plant in rows for screening, shear for a formal look, or let it grow more naturally in a mixed border. It tolerates our soils well and settles in quickly with fall planting.
Little Volcano Lespedeza brings a graceful fall show
This arching, deciduous shrub erupts in late summer and fall with cascades of rosy-pink flowers that attract pollinators and soften sunny borders. Give it full sun and room to spill — it’s ideal for slopes or as a loose backdrop where its airy form can shine. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and nearly effortless.
Sweet Almond Bush perfumes the garden
For fragrance that carries on the breeze, Sweet Almond Bush (Aloysia virgata) can’t be beat. Its long, white flower spikes bloom almost year-round in Florida and draw clouds of butterflies. Plant it near patios or walkways where you can enjoy its scent, and prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Red Fountain Grass adds movement and color
Replacing traditional annual color with texture, Red Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) brings deep burgundy foliage and arching plumes that sway beautifully in the breeze. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a striking accent among flowering shrubs or along borders.
Coontie and Muhly Grass bring resilience
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is a tough, tidy native cycad great for modern, low-water designs. Pair it with muhly grass for a painterly fall display when the muhly blooms in feathery pink clouds.
How to plant smart in the fall
In a 10–15-foot bed, think tall (viburnum or firebush), medium (loropetalum or azalea), and foreground (red fountain grass, coontie, or groundcovers). Odd numbers look natural — three or five of a kind spaced to mature size. Mulch to conserve moisture and make those new additions look finished on day one.
Right plant, right place
Florida sun is no joke; full sun truly means six or more hours. If you’re not sure where you stand, check light patterns for a couple of days before you plant. Protect new installs from string trimmers and keep a two-inch mulch ring a few inches off the stems.
Water the smart way
The first two weeks are the most important. Water deeply and less often, and aim for morning so foliage dries through the day. Once established, most of these plants are low-effort.
Stack your savings
While you’re planning the layout, consider upsizing key specimens to 5-gallon where instant impact matters most — entries and focal points. Liberty’s Buy 2 Get 1 on 5-gallon plants makes it easy to fill a cart and a bed at the same time, and you can mix and match varieties to build a layered look that feels cohesive from the start.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida’s full-service garden center and landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the region. From plants, trees, sod, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery, lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and pros plan, shop, and install with confidence — making landscape projects easy.
To learn more, visit www.libertylandscapesupply.com.
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Drew Peterson
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drew@libertylandscapesupply.com
