Our Blog

Colorful dahlias

The Perfect Flowers for Fall Arrangements

Fall is a magical season. The air turns crisp, the leaves transform into fiery shades of amber and crimson, and cozy vibes take over our homes. One of the best ways to celebrate this gorgeous time of year is by filling your space with beautiful floral arrangements that capture the essence of autumn. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, decorating your front porch, or just want to add some warmth to your home, at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we’ve got the perfect flowers to help you create the ultimate autumn aesthetic.

Chrysanthemums (The Star of the Season)

Chrysanthemums, or “mums” as they’re often called, are the quintessential fall flower. Their vibrant colors and full, pom-pom-like blooms scream autumn, and they’re incredibly versatile. You can find mums in almost every fall hue imaginable—rusty oranges, deep reds, warm yellows, purples, and even shades of burgundy and bronze. They thrive as both indoor and outdoor flowers, which means you can use them in almost any fall arrangement.

When arranging chrysanthemums, think about mixing textures and colors. Their full, rounded shape pairs beautifully with other more delicate flowers, and the wide range of colors means you can get creative. Try a combo of bronze and yellow mums with a few stems of deep red roses for a warm, classic autumn look. Or mix purple chrysanthemums with white dahlias for a more modern and sophisticated arrangement. Mums are also long-lasting, making them perfect for outdoor displays like porch pots or wreaths.

If you’re DIY-ing an arrangement, keep in mind that mums are super hardy! They love cooler weather and will last well into the season with minimal effort. Plus, they’re easy to grow and maintain, so you can enjoy these beauties long after your arrangement is made.

Chrysanthemum and rose fall arrangement

Dahlias (The Bold Beauty)

Dahlias are like the divas of the flower world, and honestly, we are here for it! Their large, dramatic blooms make them a standout in any fall arrangement. While they come in a range of colors, fall dahlias are often rich in jewel tones like deep burgundy, vibrant orange, and plum, which just feels like pure autumn magic. You might also find dahlias in soft creams and whites, which add a beautiful contrast to the season’s more intense color palette.

Because of their size and eye-catching appearance, dahlias are perfect for creating focal points in your fall arrangements. Use them as the centerpiece in a bouquet, with smaller blooms like zinnias or mums acting as supporting players. Or, for a more daring design, let dahlias steal the show by pairing them with grasses and dark foliage (think: eucalyptus or ferns) to bring a natural, woodland vibe to your home decor.

One of the reasons dahlias are ideal for fall arrangements is their texture. The petals are often layered and have a soft, lush feel that adds depth to any bouquet. You can also mix and match dahlia sizes—from the giant, dinner-plate variety to the smaller pom-pom versions—to create an arrangement that feels both structured and a little wild.

If you’re a dahlia fan like us, just remember to give them plenty of water! These flowers can be thirsty, but with a little TLC, they’ll add some serious wow-factor to your fall decor.

Fall flower arrangement with dahlias

Roses (Not Just for Summer)

Many people think of roses as a summer bloom, but they’re actually a fantastic choice for fall arrangements, too! In fact, fall is one of the best times for roses because the cooler temperatures help intensify their color, resulting in some seriously stunning shades. Picture roses in deep reds, rich oranges, peachy tones, and even velvety purples. Gorgeous, right?

Roses bring a spark of romance and elegance to fall arrangements. While chrysanthemums and dahlias have that quintessential autumn feel, roses add a timeless quality that softens the whole look. For a luxurious fall centerpiece, mix deep red roses with some golden mums and dark dahlias. You can also use orange roses to brighten up a more rustic arrangement with berries, wheat stalks, or even tiny pumpkins.

Another great reason to include roses in your fall floral arrangements is their fragrance. While many fall flowers are all about the visuals, roses bring that extra sensory element, making your home smell as good as it looks. Plus, roses are known for their long vase life—just be sure to snip the ends of the stems to keep them looking fresh.

Bride and bridesmaids with fall rose bouquets

Zinnias (The Understated Charm)

Zinnias are one of the most cheerful flowers you can add to a fall arrangement. With their bright, bold colors and daisy-like shape, they bring a sense of fun and lightness to the season’s deeper, moodier tones. Zinnias bloom in almost every color imaginable—from hot pinks to sunny yellows to fiery oranges—which makes them a great companion flower in arrangements where you want to add a pop of brightness.

In fall, we love pairing zinnias with other rustic elements like straw, twine, or burlap for a more laid-back, farmhouse vibe. They also work well in mixed bouquets with flowers like chrysanthemums and roses, balancing out the heavier blooms with their light, airy look.

Because zinnias have a compact shape and grow in various sizes, they’re ideal for creating tight, structured bouquets. However, they also look beautiful when used more sparingly in looser, more organic arrangements. Plus, zinnias are super low maintenance—they can last up to two weeks in a vase if properly cared for, making them perfect for long-lasting fall arrangements.

Colorful zinnias in a bucket

Final Tips for Fall Arrangements

When creating your fall floral arrangement, don’t be afraid to mix and match. The magic of autumn is in its diversity, so pair those big, showy dahlias with dainty zinnias, or layer soft roses against the more textured chrysanthemums. Don’t forget to add seasonal touches like dried grasses, seed pods, or even mini pumpkins for an extra fall vibe. And as always, keep your flowers fresh by changing the water regularly and trimming the stems as needed.

With chrysanthemums, dahlias, roses, and zinnias from Cascade Floral Wholesale in your fall floral toolkit, you’ll have endless possibilities to create arrangements that are as unique and colorful as the season itself. Happy arranging!