Give borders an autumn boost
Find out how to inject some colour and interest into your garden in the autumn months by planting some perennials in full bloom.
It’s easy to inject fresh colour and vigour into your borders in early autumn by planting some hardy perennials in full bloom. Not only will they look good immediately - they’ll also give repeat performances for years to come.
Discover some unusual shrubs for autumn.
You’ll find a vibrant array of seasonal plants on sale in garden centres and DIY stores throughout the autumn. Choose larger plants for immediate impact, and buy plants that have buds so that you will enjoy their display for longer.
You might also see late-flowering annuals, such as cosmos - these can add an instant colour hit but bear in mind that they will die as soon as the first frosts arrive.
Here are some great autumn-flowering perennials to look out for in September and October.
Michaelmas daisies
Michaelmas daisies (symphyotrichum) have simple daisy blooms in shades of white, blue and pink. Plant them in flower in the middle or back of borders, where they can take over from early summer perennials growing in front. Discover 12 michaelmas daisies to grow.
Ice plants
As well as succulent leaves, Hylotelephium spectabile produces pretty pink flowers. Bees and butterflies love this late supply of nectar. Varieties are available in several sizes, with green, grey or purple-tinged foliage. Plant at the front of the border.
Japanese anemones
Japanese anemones are stately perennials that enjoy full sun or partial shade, gradually spreading once established. Add plenty of compost to the planting hole to encourage their fibrous roots to grow deeply, and keep them well watered. Good for the middle or back of the border.
Caryopteris
With fluffy blue flowers and aromatic leaves, caryopteris grow to 1m tall and likes a warm, sheltered spot. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. When planting, tease out the roots if they look congested.
Chinese blue gentian
Gentiana sino-ornata is a low-growing hardy perennial that produces rich blue trumpets over a spreading carpet of green leaves. It needs acid soil – if you don’t have this, then grow it in a shallow pot of ericaceous compost.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Plant of the Week: Camellia ‘Yuletide’
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.