5 autumn-flowering perennials to plant now — including pretty Gaura and bee-loving verbena
A little planning will help your garden thrive during the autumn months
While we may still be enjoying summer, cooler temperatures following the recent heatwave are a reminder that autumn is just around the corner.
This year, the autumn equinox falls on 23 September, but it's a good idea to start thinking about autumn-flowering perennials long before that.
Once the weather cools, late summer is an ideal time to plan your autumn flowers and plants. The air is cooler, but the soil retains its warmth, encouraging strong root growth. With wetter weather in the autumn, plants have plenty of time to establish before winter frosts arrive.
"Start planting Autumn flowers when the weather breaks, never in the heatwave or dry spell," expert gardener and sustainability advocate Claire Smith tells Country Living.
Changes in our climate in the UK mean gardeners are having to adapt both their schedule and the type of plants and flowers they're planting. "We need to be considering the long-term sustainability of our traditional favourites given our changing climate," Claire continues. "
Our summers are hotter and our winters less cold, but can be very wet. With that in mind, I have some suggestions on the best flowers to plant this year."
We asked Claire to share the autumn-flowering perennials to plant now, and the best ways to care for them for beautiful late-summer and autumn blooms.
Gaura
"Gaura ‘whirling butterflies’ will flower all summer long and far into autumn," Claire explains. "They're beautiful and airy flowers, great for wafting in the breeze."
Pretty Gaura will add a soft and whimsical element to any garden, with delicate flowers that will also attract pollinators with their fluttering movement. It's best to start Gaura in containers so watering can be managed and the flowers can be given extra care.
"Gaura is an easy perennial if planted on well-drained soil," Claire tells us, so you may want to ensure containers have drainage holes to help the plant thrive.
Verbena Bonariensis
Verbena Bonariensis is a herbaceous perennial native to South America that adds height to borders with its pretty flowers.
"Verbena Bonariensis is another summer favourite that, with deadheading, will happily flower well into autumn," explains Claire.
Verbena Bonariensis needs to be given extra care in the summer, with daily watering.
"It prefers well-drained soil, and once you have it, it’s likely to reward you with very gentle self-seeding. This flower looks great with the Gaura and tall but not light-blocking, so great for privacy around seating areas."
Salvia Amistad
"Any tall salvia will now flower into autumn until first frost," Claire suggests. But the expert gardener warns there are some special requirements for caring for this perennial.
"It must have good drainage, and here needs the protection of a wall or evergreen to get it through the winter, but great in drought and hardy anywhere south. It's easy to take cuttings from it too if you need an insurance policy."
Hylotelephium
"Hylotelephium, or ‘red cauli’, also known as a sedum, but with beautiful deep pink flower heads on red stems, is a good option to plant now," Claire suggests.
"Again, it's drought-resistant and hardy so it thrives in our new climate."
Hylotelephium, like most flowers, is best planted on a cooler summer day and not during a heatwave, and it's important to keep up with daily watering until it's established. Vibrant Hylotelephium is also a great addition to the front of a border for a rich autumn colour.
Miscanthus
For the back of a border, try Miscanthus, also known as 'Ferner Osten'.
"This flower turns a beautiful shade of orange in winter and draws the eye in a border or as a specimen plant grows to 5ft," says Claire, before advising, "Plant in well-drained soil and only cut back in February or March to enjoy the frosts on the stems and seed heads, but also to protect overwintering insects."
Mulching around the base can help conserve moisture during hot weather if planting in July or August.
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