Autumn Flowers: 8 Cool Weather Stunners

Flowers
1. Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
This enchanting plant looks typical in its beginnings, but blooms to do something unexpected. In the fall, the white blossoms turn into bright orange or red paper-y flowers that, as you may have guessed, perfectly resemble the traditional Chinese lantern. (Inside is a fruit that most do not consider very edible.)
2. Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
A derivative of the common sunflower, swamp sunflowers are valued for their ability to grow and thrive late in seasons, most notably for our purposes in autumn. Also, as their name may suggest, they have an innate knack for survival, independently warding off pests and animals (such as deer), and can grow in a variety of environmental conditions.
3. Autumn Joy (Sedum spectabile)
If you love pretty pink flowers, then you will love this fall beauty. Known for long-lasting lifelines and hardiness against the elements, this flower species births a light pink color in the end of summer and turns darker shades of rose as fall approaches. This plant has even been known to survive into snowfall. Why not give it a try in your backyard?
4. Blue Beard (Caryopteris)
This flower is interesting because it blooms in late summer and fall, with unique gorgeous blue and violet flowers. It's also known for having a lovely floral aroma when gently brushed. This plant is hardy, pretty, and will be sure to stand out among the fall foliage with its blue shades. It seems to be a perfect option for all gardening needs.
5. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
An odd name, I agree, this plant is also commonly called "coneflower." From late summer well into fall, it offers bright yellow flowers with black centers. This all-American flower is ideal as it require minimal care and attention, usually naturalizing back into its own environment at the end of its lifespan.
Plants and Trees


This plant is a bit different from the others studied. It's actually a large green bush that blossoms tall purple flowers as the seasons turn. Around mid-November the color turns golden and, with the forests of winter, turns beige as the weather gets colder. The plant requires very little work (no cutting or pruning) and thanks to its hardy nature beautifies an otherwise dull landscape in the winter very well.