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Plants that flower in October

Plants that flower in October

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 18 October 2018 at 3:57 pm

There are plenty of flowers to pick from the garden or cutting patch in October - here are some ideas.

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There's still plenty to pick from the garden in October, including late-blooming perennials, autumn-flowering bulbs and ornamental grasses.

What to plant in October

With some deadheading and feeding, you can keep displays going in the garden or cutting patch and enjoy blooms for the house, too.

Here are six flowers to pick in October.

Nerines

The lipstick-pink flowers of Nerine bowdenii seem to glow in the mellow autumn light. Plant the bulbs in summer for an autumn display - they like a well-drained, sunny spot.

Nerine bowdenii

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums come into their own from October onwards, lighting up the garden in hues of pink, orange, red and yellow - or try the range of green varieties, including 'Green Mist', pictured.

Video: Monty Don demonstrates how to plant chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum 'Green Mist'

Dahlias

With some deadheading and feeding, dahlias will often flower into October, powering on until the first frosts. Once frost has hit, cut down the blackened foliage and lift and store the tubers somewhere cool and dry over winter.

Dahlia 'Freelancer'

Sedum

Sedums are great for the front of a border, where their flat flowerheads contrast well with other flower shapes such as spikes and daisies. They make lovely cut flowers when combined with other flower forms, too.

Sedum 'Carl'

Rudbeckias

Rudbeckias are late-flowering perennials that often flower well into autumn. They combine particularly well with grasses, in the border and in a vase. Try Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', pictured.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

Ornamental grasses

As the flowers and stems of ornamental grasses turn buff in autumn, they make a beautiful addition to flower arrangements, adding an airy feel. Try Pennisetum macrourum, pictured.

Pennisetum 'Macrourum'

Pick evergreens

You can also pick evergreens, such as rosemary and eucalyptus, to supplement your displays - they will add scent, too.

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