What are strong, container, fall plants for patios in Texas?

Question

I would like suggestions for fall container, patio plants for 2 patios. One is full sun all day and the other is partial sun/mostly shade.
I would like flowering plants mostly.

I live in Austin, TX

Answer 1

Like Pat, my first response is mums. That seems pretty easy, though. You should be seeing mums at every store and garden center that sells fall plants.
If you want something a little different, how about Calibrachoa (Super Bells, Million Bells) and sun loving coleus? Calis are tiny viny petunias which can take quite a bit of sun, but will thrive in the partial sun setting, too. They come in great colors for fall: deep reds and purples, yellows, blues, white and some bicolors like Terra Cotta and Tequila Sunset. Gazania and Gerbera daisies also come in lovely fall colors and will make a good show for a long time in your growing zone. The sun coleus are available in lots of colors and forms and work beautifully as a central, taller element with low growing flowers. Another option for a tall central element, which would work great in Austin, would be an ornamental grass like some Pennisetums. Red Riding Hood comes to mind. If you ask for a purple fountain grass, you'll get some good stuff.

Answer 2

Mums! And you can buy huge flowering containers at HEB or Home Depot. There are easy to divide into smaller containers (definitely recommend you repot at the least)

They'll do well all season, the colors are bright and the blossoms last a long time. They can easily be planted in the ground in TX and will thrive (almost too much)
Just remember, terra cotta pots are not winter hardy in your area. Buy the faux terra cotta - easier to move around :)