10 Perennials You'll Regret Planting This Fall (Plus the Better Time to Do It)

While fall is a great time to plant many perennials, it's not ideal for all. Certain tender perennials need a longer, frost-free period to establish roots and thrive. Planting them in fall can lead to poor growth or even plant failure. Perennials to Avoid Planting in Fall These perennials are best planted in spring to ensure healthy growth: • Canna Lilies: Sensitive to frost; plant in spring. • Tender Salvias: Require a long frost-free period; spring planting is ideal. • False Indigo (Baptisia): Needs time to establish roots; better planted in spring. • Bougainvillea: Frost-sensitive; plant in spring. • Dahlias: Tubers are vulnerable to frost; spring planting recommended. • Gladiolus: Corms can rot in cold soil; plant in spring. • Mandevilla: Tropical vine; plant in spring. • Lavender: Requires dry conditions and time to establish; spring planting is best. • Rosemary: Susceptible to root rot; prefers spring planting. • Tuberose: Needs warm soil to establish; plant in spring. Better Planting Times For optimal growth, consider planting these perennials in spring: • Canna Lilies: Plant after the last frost in spring. • Tender Salvias: Wait until spring when temperatures are consistently warm. • False Indigo (Baptisia): Spring planting allows for root establishment. • Bougainvillea: Best planted in spring when frost danger has passed. • Dahlias: Plant tubers in spring after the threat of frost. • Gladiolus: Spring planting ensures corms have time to grow. • Mandevilla: Plant in spring for optimal growth. • Lavender: Spring planting gives it time to establish before winter. • Rosemary: Plant in spring for better root development. • Tuberose: Spring planting allows for warm soil and proper rooting. Final Thoughts By planting these perennials in spring, you give them the best chance to establish strong roots and thrive in your garden. Avoiding fall planting for these varieties helps prevent issues related to frost and insufficient root development.