Best plant combinations for autumn colour

Purple verbena flowers planted with white michaelmas daisies

Nerines and astrantias

Nerines are autumn stalwarts – just as summer plants start to wane, they emerge. Here, Nerine 'Pink Surprise' is planted alongside a Chelsea-chopped Astrantia 'Roma', which is flowering late in the season.

Daisies, blue fescue and senecio

This silver-toned pot display provides dramatic contrast with the warm colours of autumn. It's planted up with Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue', Jacobaea maritima, cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) and bellis daisies.

Verbena and Michaelmas daisies

Verbena bonariensis flowers for months and is often still going strong in October. Here, it is planted alongside a white Michaelmas daisy, Symphyotrichum 'Oktoberlicht', which means 'October Light'. Discover 12 of the best Michaelmas daisies to grow.

Miscanthus and helianthus

Cheery yellow helianthus are the perfect backdrop to Miscanthus sinensis 'Positano'. Not sure how to grow grasses? Watch this quick video with expert advice on caring for grasses.

Fuji cherry and nerines

Ornamental cherries, here Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai', are known for their spring blossom, summer cherries and rich autumn foliage, which is complemented by the red Nerine sarniensis.

Cornus and carex

Evergreens grasses, like Carex morrowii 'Fisher's Form', really earn their keep in autumn and winter. Here, they are combined with the the colourful stems of a dogwood, Cornus alba 'Sibirica.

Autumn containers

These pots and containers are packed with plants that look marvellous in autumn, including grasses, evergreens and colourful stems. When you're out and about, keep an eye open for old crates, tubs and other containers that could be used as planters - group them together for maximum effect.