11 Plants To Dress Up Your Front Door This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to switch up the plants by your front door. As the weather cools, those summer blooms start to fade, but that doesn’t mean your entrance has to look dull.

There are plenty of fall plants that bring color, texture, and personality to your space. Whether you’re going for easy evergreens or seasonal pops of color, there’s something out there that’ll fit your style.

It’s all about finding the right mix—something that looks good now and lasts through the season. With the right plants, your front door can stay warm and welcoming, no matter how chilly those fall mornings get.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a favorite for its sleek, upright look and versatility. While you often see it used for privacy hedges, it works just as well in containers by the front door. It gives your entrance a polished, tidy vibe.

These plants can be a little finicky to maintain, but don’t stress—we’ve got a growing guide to walk you through the care process and keep your arborvitae looking its best. With the right care, it’ll be a lasting feature that stays green through the seasons.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Spruce up your front door with ornamental kale and cabbage this fall. These aren’t your garden-variety greens; they come in stunning shades from white to green to purple, and their unique, fringy texture makes them real standouts in any arrangement.

Whether you choose compact varieties or larger, leafier types, these plants are super easy to style. Just plant them where they’ll get plenty of sun and keep their soil moist. They’re perfect for adding a fresh, vibrant look that’ll catch every visitor’s eye as they step up to your door.

Hypoestes Red Splash

Brighten up your entrance with the striking Red Splash Hypoestes. This plant is all about adding a pop of color with minimal fuss. Known for its vivid red leaves, it’s a low-maintenance choice that just needs regular watering to stay lush.

Keep in mind, though, it doesn’t handle frost well, so it’s best for dressing up your doorway in early fall or during those milder transitional weeks. This way, you get to enjoy its vibrant beauty without worrying about the colder nights cutting its display short.

Herbs

Adding herbs to your fall container garden is a game-changer. I didn’t think to try it at first either, but now they’re some of my favorites. The way they mix in earthy textures and fresh scents makes your front door arrangement feel so much more inviting. Use rosemary if you want something tall and structured, or plant thyme to spill gracefully over the edges.

Each herb has its own light and watering preferences, but most do fine with full to partial sun and a steady watering routine. Plus, it’s pretty cool to have fresh herbs on hand when you need them.

Purple Coneflower

Add a fresh twist to your fall decor with Purple Coneflowers. These beauties stand out with their striking fuchsia petals, a cool contrast to the usual fall hues. They’re not just pretty—they’re practical, too, attracting bees and butterflies that help all your plants thrive.

Hardy in USDA Zones 3 and higher, these perennials are a cinch to grow and keep looking great as they come back year after year, brightening up your front door with minimal effort.

Hicks Yew Taxus x Media ‘Hicksii’

If you’re after a plant that keeps your entrance looking good all year, consider the Hicks Yew. This evergreen shrub can thrive in both full sun and full shade, perfect for any spot near your door. It’s particularly well-suited to USDA Zones 4 through 7 and needs just a little pruning now and then to keep its neat appearance.

Apart from that, it asks very little of you, making it a top pick for a fuss-free, green welcome mat at your home’s entrance.

Ornamental Grasses

Imagine adding a bit of whimsy to your front entrance with ornamental grasses. These aren’t your typical lawn grasses; they come in exciting colors like bronze, blue, and green and vary from stiff and upright to whimsically arching forms. For a unique touch, try mixing in some ‘Toffee Twist’ Carex flagellifera. It adds a soft, sweeping element that broadens the color palette and breaks up the monotony of regular plant arrangements.

Just be mindful of the variety you choose, as toxicity can vary. A quick check on the ASPCA website before planting ensures you keep your pets safe.

Pansies and Violas

If you’re looking for plants that keep on giving, pansies and violas are the way to go. Not only do these cheerful blooms brighten your entryway with a spectrum of colors through fall, but they’ll also stick around through winter and pop back up in spring. You can align their vibrant colors to complement or contrast with your door’s hue.

These little troopers enjoy full to partial sun and appreciate staying hydrated with regular watering sessions. They’re perfect for adding that enduring splash of color to your doorstep.

Red Rooster Grass

Carex buchananii — Image Credit: Forest & Kim Starr – CC BY 3.0/Wiki Commons.

For a change of pace from the usual floral displays, why not try Red Rooster Grass? This ornamental grass brings a rustic charm with its tall, rust-colored blades that echo the warm tones of autumn. It’s a fuss-free option for your front door, thriving in partial shade and needing just enough water to keep it happy.

If you plant it in your garden, you might need to prune it occasionally to manage its growth. Red Rooster Grass is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a more natural and earthy feel to their fall decorations.

Chrysanthemums

You can’t go wrong with Chrysanthemums when jazzing up your front door for fall. These hardy perennials are not just about their vibrant blooms; they pull from a rich fall color palette that complements any harvest-themed decor.

Opt for perennial varieties—they grow larger and sport more dramatic foliage than the typical annual mums you might find at your local garden center. Position them where they’ll soak up the sun as these beauties thrive in light and need consistent watering, about every other day or when the soil feels dry.

Just a heads up though, keep these plants out of reach if you have furry friends roaming around. Chrysanthemums are known to be toxic to both dogs and cats, so it’s best to play it safe.

Heucheras

For a splash of color that doesn’t need full sun, Heucheras, also known as Coral Bells, are your go-to. These perennials are ideal for shaded areas, perhaps under a covered porch, making them a versatile choice for any entrance. They come in a spectacular array of colors from bright chartreuse to deep onyx, adding a touch of drama to your doorway. In late spring and again in fall, their delicate flower stalks provide an added visual treat.

Pair Heucheras with Autumn Ferns for a stunning evergreen arrangement that lasts through the seasons. You can even toss in some annual flowers to keep the display fresh year-round.

And the best part? They’re completely safe for pets, so no worries about your cats and dogs when they’re exploring the porch.