Pink flowers might not be the first color that comes to mind when thinking about fall gardens, but they can bring unexpected beauty and vibrancy to the season. Pairing pink with traditional fall colors like orange, yellow, and red creates unique combinations that can truly transform your garden. Recently, I had a client who was pleasantly surprised by how well her ‘Sheffield’s Pink’ mums looked when planted next to the red and yellow hues of a liquid amber tree. It was a perfect example of why pink should be more commonly used in fall garden designs.

A quick look at the color wheel shows that pink, a lighter version of red, pairs naturally with fall’s warm hues. It’s a color that can soften bold reds and oranges while still making a statement of its own. I always keep my color wheel handy when helping clients visualize how different colors work together. Pink flowers, with their variety of shades ranging from soft pastels to bright pops, complement the fall palette beautifully.

Here are a few of my favorite pink flowers that brighten the fall garden:

Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Gibraltar’ (Bush Clover)
Zones 4-8
On a recent visit to New York’s Conservatory Garden, I was mesmerized by the large bush clover shrub covered in bubblegum-pink blooms. While it’s a beauty in cooler zones, it unfortunately won’t grow in my hot zone-9 garden. However, it’s an ideal choice for cooler climates, with arching branches and vibrant flowers that light up any space.

Chrysanthemum ‘Sheffield Pink’
Zones 3-9
This hardy mum is one of my all-time favorites for fall color. Starting in October, ‘Sheffield Pink’ blooms with daisy-like flowers in soft pink tones with subtle orange undertones. It thrives in full sun, is drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Plus, with a quick trim after the first round of blooms, you can often enjoy a second flush of flowers.

Symphoricarpos ‘Proud Berry’ (Snowberry)
Zones 3-7
While most snowberries are white, the ‘Proud Berry’ variety stands out with its vibrant hot-pink berries. Growing to about 4’x4’, this plant provides beautiful fall color with its bright pink berries, which start out soft and gradually deepen into a striking hue. For those who prefer a subtler pink, the ‘Charming Fantasy’ variety offers a softer blush.

Cyclamen hederifolium (Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen)
Zones 4-9
Cyclamen’s delicate pink flowers mark the arrival of fall, appearing on slender stems that seem to appear overnight. These flowers last for weeks and are followed by stunning ivy-shaped leaves that hide the fading blooms, creating a seamless transition through the season.

Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower)
Zones 7-9
This deciduous shrub features fragrant white flowers that give way to unusual blue berries surrounded by raspberry-pink calyces in fall. The vibrant combination creates a striking visual and adds a unique touch to any garden. Its large size and colorful display make it a standout in the landscape.

Ptilotus ‘Joey’ (Mulla Mulla)
Annual
This annual plant combines feathery pink flowers with the contrasting round balls of gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields.’ The ptilotus blooms in shades of lavender and rose, with hot-pink tips, providing a striking contrast in shape and color. It blooms from mid-summer until the first frost, offering lasting color in the fall garden.

Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)
Zones 6-10
Pink muhly grass is a must-have for adding texture and movement to the garden. In the fall, the delicate pink plumes bloom and create a soft, mist-like effect that transforms the garden into a dreamy landscape. It’s especially stunning when the light hits just right.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Zones 5-9
This ornamental grass is known for its graceful pink inflorescences that sway in the breeze. The combination of the pink flowers with nearby fall tones of burgundy and gold creates a harmonious blend of colors, enhancing the garden’s overall autumn beauty.

Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’
Zones 3-9
This sedum variety is a classic fall favorite. Its blooms start in bright pink and gradually change to a dusky rose, making it a dynamic addition to the garden. ‘Autumn Joy’ is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a favorite of pollinators, making it a reliable choice for fall color.

Tricyrtis hirta (Toad Lily)
Zones 3-8
Toad lilies are a unique addition to the fall garden with their orchid-like flowers. The pink and purple blooms appear on tall stems and are a delightful surprise for gardeners in the fall, offering a touch of whimsy to any garden design.

Abelia chinensis ‘Edward Goucher’
Zones 6-9
This semi-dwarf shrub blooms with bright pink bell-shaped flowers in the fall, unlike other abelia varieties that typically produce white flowers. The pink blooms are followed by bronze-tipped calyces, which enhance the autumn foliage color. It’s also loved by hummingbirds and pollinators.

Aster divaricatus (Wood Aster)
Zones 3-9
Wood asters are perfect for adding a soft touch of pink in shaded areas. Their small flowers bloom from mid-summer into fall, and as temperatures cool, the flowers take on a soft pink hue, complementing the changing color of the leaves.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Apple Blossom’
Zones 7-10
Camellias are a fall favorite, and ‘Apple Blossom’ is one of the most charming varieties. The creamy white flowers, edged with pale pink, resemble the blooms of its namesake apple blossom. It’s a lovely addition to any garden, blooming from September to November.

Incorporating pink flowers into your fall garden creates a softer, more harmonious palette that works beautifully with the vibrant fall colors. Whether it’s the delicate blooms of cyclamen or the striking hues of the ‘Sheffield Pink’ mums, pink can brighten up the season in unexpected ways.