The Best Flowers to Brighten Your Home This Fall Season
As the golden glow of summer has softened into the rich tones of fall, there’s no better time to bring the beauty of the season indoors. At Fantasy Florist, we love this transitional time of year—it’s when vibrant summer blooms meet the cozy, earthy colors of autumn. If you’re looking to refresh your space, here are some of the best flowers (especially ones grown locally in the Virginia and greater DMV area!) to brighten your home right now.
🌼 Zinnias: A Burst of Cheer
Zinnias are at their peak around this time of the year and are often locally grown throughout Virginia. With their bold, daisy-like blooms in shades of hot pink, orange, red, and gold, and moodier tones in mauves and pinks and faded oranges, they add instant energy to any room. They’re also long-lasting in vases—perfect for those who want their arrangements to stay fresh all week.
Pro tip: Pair zinnias with herbs like basil or mint (also locally grown!) for a fresh, fragrant arrangement.
🌻 Sunflowers: The Ultimate Fall Favorite
Few flowers capture the spirit of late summer and Fall like sunflowers. As we edge closer to fall, locally grown varieties such as Autumn Beauty and Moulin Rouge show off deeper, richer tones like burgundy, bronze, and chestnut. While the Teddy Bear variety gives us fluffy vibes. They are even more fun if you pick the petals off and let them be green! These colors blend beautifully with fall décor while still celebrating the warmth of summer.
Great for: Entryway arrangements or sunny kitchen nooks.
🧡 Celosia: Velvet Texture Meets Fiery Color
Known for its feathery plumes or brain-like crests, celosia comes in rich shades of orange, red, magenta, and yellow. Grown on many Virginia flower farms, it brings both texture and color to arrangements. It also dries beautifully, so you can enjoy it long after the season ends.
Style tip: Use celosia in a mixed bouquet with dahlias and eucalyptus for a wild, harvest-inspired look.
🌸 Dahlias: The Drama Queens of Fall
As one of the most beloved flowers in Virginia during this time of year, dahlias are the stars of late summer and early fall. From delicate pom-poms to dinner-plate-sized blooms, they come in a stunning variety of colors and shapes. Their depth and richness make them ideal for more dramatic, seasonal arrangements.
Best used in: Dining room centerpieces or living room focal arrangements.
🌾 Goldenrod: A Local Wildflower with a Glow
Often overlooked, goldenrod or "Solidago" is native to the DMV region and adds a soft, golden-yellow accent to floral designs. It pairs well with more structured flowers and brings a touch of the natural fields and meadows into your home.
Why we love it: It's bee-friendly and abundant in the wild—plus it dries well!
🌿 Seasonal Foliage: Nature’s Frame
To truly embrace the shift into fall, don’t forget the greens (and reds, and golds!). Locally sourced foliage like eucalyptus, maple branches, oak leaves, and berry sprigs can round out your arrangements and help them transition beautifully with the season.
Support Local, Shop Seasonal 💐
At Fantasy Floral, we’re proud to source many of our blooms from local farms. Supporting local growers means fresher flowers for you and a more sustainable floral industry for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, send a seasonal gift, or update your home for the cozy months ahead, we’d love to help you create the perfect late-summer-to-fall floral moment.
Stop by our shop or order online to bring home the best of the season!
Local farmers we love and use: Hunt Country Flowers, Warrenton, Virginia
Grateful Gardeners, Poolesville, Maryland
