Fall is one of the smartest, most underrated times to expand a pollinator garden. Cooler air, still-warm soil, and lower drought stress let plants put energy into roots instead of leaves so they arrive at spring with a head start.
Why Fall planting often beats Spring
- Faster root development, less summer stress. Cooler air temps + warm soil let newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees grow roots without losing water through hot leaves — improving survival and vigor next summer. Extension research and planting guides consistently recommend fall for perennials, shrubs and trees for this reason.
- Better timing for native seeds that need cold. Many native wildflowers (including several milkweed species) need a period of cold to break dormancy; sowing in fall lets winter do the stratifying for you so seeds germinate naturally in spring.
- Opportunity to build late-season forage. Fall-blooming natives (asters, goldenrods, sedums, etc.) are critical nectar sources for migrating butterflies, bees and hummingbirds — planting now helps establish those stands for next autumn. Conservation groups emphasize preserving and adding late-season bloom for pollinator resilience.
What to plant in September
These lists assume you’re planting container or bareroot perennials, shrubs, plug seedlings, or sowing seed. Local native selections are best — substitute species from the same genera that are native to your ecoregion whenever possible.
Top perennials and late-bloomers to plant in Sept
- Asters (Symphyotrichum spp., e.g., Georgia aster, Eastern silver aster) — late nectar bonanza for bees and migrating butterflies; plant now so roots establish for strong fall display next year.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) — often unfairly slandered; excellent late-season nectar for many bees and butterflies. Great for mass planting.
- Sedum / Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium spp.) — succulent leaves plus late autumn flower heads loved by bees and late hoverflies. Good in drier spots.
- Echinacea (Purple coneflower) — durable native perennial; plant as potted stock in fall for established clumps next summer.
- Perennial nectar plants for shade/part shade: Virginia bluebells (spring) and columbine (spring) can be planted in fall to establish roots — but for September plantings that will bloom in the next spring/summer, choose locally recommended perennials.
Shrubs and woody plants to add
- Inkberry holly, Serviceberry, Spicebush, Summersweet (Clethra), Itea (sweetspire) — these provide multi-season benefits: spring flowers, summer fruit for birds, and structure for pollinators. Planting shrubs in fall gives roots time to establish before top growth resumes in spring.
Host plants & seed sowing in Fall
- Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) — many species (common, swamp, butterfly weed) are best sown in autumn or stratified so seeds experience winter chill; planting in fall helps monarchs next year. Make sure milkweeds are native species (e.g., A. tuberosa, A. incarnata) rather than tropical milkweed (A. curassavica).
- Save & sow native wildflower seed mixes in fall — Look for “Southeast native” or “Georgia native” on the packaging. Many mixes marketed as wildflower blends contain non-natives that can become invasive.
September Planting How-to
- Pick the right plants for your region. Use regional native plants that are naturally adapted to Georgia’s climate and ecosystems, and they support local bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.
- Soil prep: We recommend to soil test well in advanced to planting. Loosen soil, add organic matter or other soil amendments where needed, and remove aggressive weeds. Healthy soil promotes faster root growth in fall.
- Planting timing: aim to finish planting at least 4–6 weeks before your average first hard frost to allow root establishment; exact timing depends on your zone; September through mid-October is ideal.
- Watering: water in well after planting and keep soil slightly moist (not waterlogged) for the first few weeks; reduced evapotranspiration in fall helps.
- Mulch lightly: a 1–2″ layer around new plants suppresses weeds and conserves moisture, but avoid piling mulch against crowns.
- Leave stems & seedheads (where reasonable): overwintering stems and seedheads give shelter to beneficial insects and food to birds; follow best practices for diseased plants (remove those stems).
- Avoid insecticides & systemic neonicotinoids. These harm pollinators, especially in sites designed to attract them.
A simple September checklist
- Choose regionally native asters, goldenrod, sedum, coneflowers and milkweed species.
- Plant container or bareroot perennials/shrubs 4–6+ weeks before frost.
- Water well, mulch lightly, plant in clumps (not singles) to help pollinators find flowers.
Final Notes & Resources
As your local UGA Extension agent, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources we offer to help your fall pollinator garden thrive. By planting in September, you’re giving your pollinator plants a strong start and setting the stage for vibrant blooms and healthy pollinator activity next spring. Visit extension.uga.edu for our research-based plant lists, bloom calendars, and native plant guides tailored to Georgia’s regions. And don’t hesitate to contact your county Extension office — we’re here to answer questions, review plant selections, and even provide soil testing. Be sure to check out the Great Southeast Pollinator Census that happens each year in August! We will be hosting the event in Newton County at the Extension Demonstration Garden on the Cricket Frog Trail at Pace Street.
Landscape Basics: Success with Herbaceous Perennials
Fall Garden Tips to Benefit Bumble Bees All Year
Selecting Plants for Pollinators: Southeastern Mixed Forests