Oklahoma Fall Flowers: Blooming While Your Neighbors Are Leaf-Raking Losers
So, summer's on its last gasp, the air is crisp (-ish, for Oklahoma), and you're itching to add a splash of color to your yard. But wait! Don't just shove some tired pansies in the ground and call it a day. Fall in Oklahoma is prime time for some truly spectacular blooms. That's right, folks, while everyone else is wrestling with leaf blowers, you can be the envy of the neighborhood with a vibrant fall flower fiesta.
What Flowers Can I Plant In The Fall In Oklahoma |
Fall's the Best Time to Be a Rebel (Flowering Rebel, That Is)
Why fall? Because Oklahoma's brutal summer heat says "hasta la vista" to most flowers. But come fall, the temperatures mellow out, making it perfect for some fantastic flora that would wilt faster than a politician's promise in July.
Showtime for the Fall Flower Hall of Famers:
Mums are the MVPs (Most Valuable Plants): These cheerful guys are a fall classic for a reason. They come in a dazzling array of colors (think sunshine yellow, fiery reds, and deep purples) and are pretty darn low-maintenance. Just don't expect them to win a marathon; mums are more like the sprinter of the flower world.
Pansies: Winter's Cheerleaders Starting Early: These little troopers actually prefer the cooler weather and will keep blooming well into winter, adding a shot of color when your neighbors' yards look like a war zone of fallen leaves.
Salvia: The Hummingbird Highway: Salvia's vibrant blooms come in pinks, purples, and reds, and they're a magnet for hummingbirds. Basically, you'll have your own personal feathered light show going on in your yard.
Asters: Like Daisies on Steroids: Bigger and bolder than their daisy cousins, asters come in a cool range of colors and bloom late into fall. They're perfect for adding a touch of drama to your flower bed.
But wait, there's more! This is just a starting point, folks. Oklahoma has a ton of other fantastic fall flower options, like ornamental grasses, sedum, and even some late-blooming perennials.
How to Not Be a Fall Flower Foe:
- Timing is Key: Fall planting in Oklahoma ideally happens from mid-September to mid-October. This gives your plants time to establish themselves before the winter chill sets in.
- Location, Location, Location: Just like us humans, flowers have preferences. Make sure you plant your chosen superstars in a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Bonus Tip: Don't forget to give your fall flowers a good watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Fall Flower FAQ: You Asked, We Answered (In a Super Casual Way)
How to keep my fall flowers alive over winter?
Some fall flowers, like pansies, will keep blooming through winter with a little protection (like mulch) from the harshest cold snaps. Mums are a bit more delicate, but you can try digging them up and storing them in a cool, dark place for next year.
How much sun do my fall flowers need?
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Most fall favorites prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. But always check the specific needs of your chosen flower - some may do well with a bit more shade.
How do I attract butterflies to my fall flowers?
Plant flowers with flat, open blooms in colors like yellow, orange, and purple. Butterflies are particularly fond of asters, zinnias, and coneflowers (though these last two technically bloom earlier in the season).
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How do I stop my fall flowers from getting leggy?
Leggy means your flowers are stretching for sunlight. To avoid this, pinch off the top growth when the plants are young. This will encourage them to grow bushier and produce more flowers.
How do I make my fall flower bed look super awesome?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Play with color! Mix and match different flower varieties for a vibrant display. You can also add some textural interest with ornamental grasses or plants with interesting foliage.
So there you have it! With a little planning and some of these fantastic fall flower options, you can have a yard that's the talk of the neighborhood (in a good way) long after everyone else's flowers have faded. Now go forth and bloom, Oklahoma!