Autumn is one of the best times to plant because the soil still holds the warmth of summer, allowing roots to establish quickly while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on new plants; this combination creates ideal conditions for perennials, shrubs and trees to settle in before winter. To create the perfect autumn garden you need to focus on foliage colour.
Planting Guide
Begin by preparing the soil with plenty of compost or leaf mould to improve structure, drainage and moisture retention, then plant at the same depth as the nursery pot and water deeply to eliminate air pockets around the roots. For the first two to three weeks, keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, so roots can anchor firmly before temperatures drop. Once planted, apply a generous layer of mulch to stabilise soil temperature, suppress weeds, and lock in moisture as the season cools.
Autumn is also the perfect time to add plants that shine late in the year, such as Anemones and Ornamental grasses, which provide colour, structure and movement well into November.
Evergreens and shrubs also thrive when planted now, as they have months to root before spring growth begins. With the right preparation, thoughtful watering, and a protective mulch, autumn planting sets your garden up for stronger, healthier growth the following year while delivering immediate seasonal colour.
Shrubs
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud) – A small deciduous tree celebrated for its deep burgundy foliage and compact growth. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves emerge deep red purple before taking on green hues in the summer and then displaying shades of orange and red in the autumn, creating a striking contrast in gardens. In early spring, it blooms with clusters of rosy-pink flowers along bare branches, attracting pollinators. A valuable addition to the garden as a focal point. Height and Spread 4m. Grow in well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Dogwood) – Common known as Siberian Dogwood, ‘Sibirica’ is a medium sized shrub with stunning red stems revealed in winter. Wonderful when mixed with other dogwoods these stems are great for adding interest to any garden in winter. A great plant for wet areas and near rivers we think we will be using these more and more, as climate change creates wetter winters.
Height and spread 1.5-2.5 metres if left unpruned. Plant in moist but well drained, sunny/partial shade position.
Daphne × transatlantica ‘Summer Ice’ – A compact shrub valued for its variegated foliage and long flowering season. Narrow green leaves edged in creamy white provide year-round interest and brighten borders. From late spring through summer, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers flushed with pink and a sweet fragrance. Neat and bushy in habit, it typically grows 1.5m tall and wide. ‘Summer Ice’ prefers moist but well-drained soil and a sheltered position, in full sun or partial shade.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’ – Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’ is known for its distinctive two-toned flower panicles. It starts with creamy white blooms in summer, gradually transitioning to pink and creating a striking ombre effect. This hardy deciduous shrub thrives in moist but well drained soil and prefers a partially shaded spot. Its upright, bushy habit and strong stems make it ideal as a feature in the border. ‘Pinky Winky’ provides a long-lasting display of colour, extending into autumn, and adding vibrant interest to the garden.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ – A popular, hardy shrub known for its large, cone-shaped flower heads and reliable summer display. From mid to late summer, lime-green blooms emerge, gradually softening to creamy white and often blushing pink as autumn approaches. Strong, upright stems hold the flowers well, making them ideal for cutting and drying. Deep green foliage provides a fresh backdrop throughout the growing season. Growing to 2.5m high, ‘Limelight’ prefers moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Its long-lasting flowers, robust habit, and easy care make it a standout choice for the borders.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle‘ – A robust, deciduous shrub known for its large, showy blooms and sturdy structure. It features dense, dark green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for its impressive flowers. In mid to late summer, it produces abundant, round clusters of pure white flowers, which often fade to soft green as they mature. This variety is particularly valued for its strong stems, which resist flopping, ensuring the blooms remain upright. A reliable choice for borders or as a focal point. Height and Spread 2.5m.
Grow in moist but well drained soil in partial shade.
Deciduous trees
Many trees turn stunning autumn shades and bear fruits that can last well into winter. In addition to the ever popular Acers and flowering cherry trees, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ is a popular ‘garden designer choice’ for its vibrant red foliage.
Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) – Commonly known as the paperbark maple, is a small, slow-growing tree admired for its year-round ornamental appeal. It features distinctive cinnamon-brown bark that peels in delicate, papery curls, creating winter interest. Three-lobed leaves are dark green before turning to shades of red and orange in autumn. Typically reaching 8-12m in height, Acer griseum forms a graceful, open canopy well suited to gardens and courtyards as a statement plant. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ – A popular and robust Japanese Maple, valued for its striking deep burgundy foliage and elegant growth habit. Its palmate leaves emerge a vibrant red in spring, deepening to a rich purple-red throughout summer before turning brilliant scarlet in autumn. This deciduous tree typically grows 4m high and wide, with a graceful form that complements both formal and informal landscapes. It produces small red flowers in spring, followed by red-winged samaras. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position Partial shade.
Acer palmatum ‘Red Emperor’ – A stunning Japanese maple prized for its rich, long-lasting red foliage that appears later than most, reducing the risk of late frost damage. In spring, its deeply lobed leaves emerge a deep red-purple before turning a brilliant scarlet in autumn, creating a spectacular display. This deciduous tree has a bushy form, reaching around 4-8 metres tall. Grow in moist, but well-drained soil in a sheltered position with partial shade, will also tolerate full sun. ‘Red Emperor’ would make a stunning focal point in the garden.
Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry) – Commonly known as Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub, multistem or small tree celebrated for its ornamental value. In spring, it showcases profuse clusters of delicate white flowers, followed by small, edible purple-black berries in early summer. The foliage is characterized by elliptical leaves that are bonze tinged when young and then turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. With a compact and upright habit, is favoured for providing visual interest throughout the seasons and attracting wildlife with its blossoms and fruits. Height 5-7m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Amelanchier lamarckii thrives in various soils but not chalky conditions.
Fagus sylvatica (Beech) – Fagus sylvatica is one of our most majestic native trees. The Common Beech (also known as the European beech) can become very large and it has a low branched habit. Beech trees will thrive in most conditions but do not like exposed or coastal sites. We do not recommend under-planting as Fagus sylvatica is a shallow rooted tree. Broad elliptic yellow to green leaves in spring turn a rich russet brown in autumn. A good tree for most reasonably fertile, well drained soils, except heavy clay or light sand, Fagus sylvatica tends to favour more temperate climates but extra care is needed for plant establishment when planting in extreme heat and drought. Best to avoid planting in paved or tarmac areas where the tree can suffer from reflected heat and light. A versatile tree for woodland, parkland and in broad verge plantings, with rich, copper autumn foliage. Medium sized specimens are supplied with the lower branches still on the trunk and can therefore be used for instant hedging purposes. Holding its leaves through winter until the new spring growth emerges makes this an ideal plant for screening. Mature height: 17-22m.
Rhus typhina (Tiger’s Eye) – Commonly known as Staghorn Sumac, is a bold, small tree admired for its dramatic foliage and seasonal colour. It features large, pinnate leaves that create a tropical appearance, turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn. Upright, velvety branches resemble a stag’s antlers, giving the tree its common name. In summer, cone-shaped clusters of greenish flowers develop into deep red seed heads that persist into winter and attract wildlife. Reaching 3-7m in height, Rhus typhina prefers well drained soil, and thrives in full sun, making it a striking feature in the garden.
Sorbus ulleungensis ‘Olympic Flame’ (Rowan) – Also known as ‘Dodong’ this Rowan originates from Japan. Selected from seed by a Swedish botanist in 1976 for its exotic look, it is now firm a favourite in Europe. Its glossy green foliage is vibrant throughout the growing season and turns to an impressive range of flame oranges and reds in autumn. Dark orange berries are produced from clusters of white spring flowers by late summer. Its young trunk is punctuated by lenticels and it thrives on most free draining soils. It does not tolerate excessive reflective heat and light from hard areas surrounding it. This tree is good for bees and other wildlife. Mature height: 5-8m
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) – A stunning deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant autumn foliage, distinctive maple-like leaves, and attractive spiky fruits. One of its striking features is the kaleidoscope of colours in the autumn including shades of yellow, orange, red and purple that add to the vibrancy of the garden. Spiky spherical fruits appear in late autumn through the winter. Height 12-17m Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Malus × moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ (Crab Apple) – A highly ornamental deciduous crab apple, prized for its outstanding spring blossom and autumn interest. Deep crimson buds open to masses of rich, dark pink flowers turning lighter pink in mid to late spring, creating a spectacular display. These are followed by small, dark red fruits that persist into autumn and attract wildlife. The bronze-green foliage matures to deep green before turning warm autumn tones. Ideal as a specimen tree for gardens, it grows in full sun and tolerates most soils including clay. At maturity, it typically reaches around 3-8 metres in height and offers seasonal charm.
Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ (Flowering Cherry) – Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ was introduced to the UK in the 1990s and won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and is considered one of the best cherries available producing a show of flowers rarely rivalled in other species of cherries. New foliage is copper in colour, contrasting nicely with pink flowers. It turns green to orange in autumn. Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ is a small tree which produces a fairly spreading shaped crown. Toleratant of most soils, this cherry prefers well drained conditions. This tree is good for bees and other pollinators. Mature height: 5-8m
Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (Flowering Cherry) – Prunus ‘Kanzan’ is quite possibly the most popular cherry tree planted in Britain, with its signature pink blossom. Introduced in the 1900s it has won numerous horticultural accolades over a number of years, including the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Its profusion of vivid dark pink double flowers in spring are considered by some, perhaps unfairly, as garish, though it is fair to say this tree is a real show-off! Foliage appears a coppery red colour, the leaves are fairly large and serrated on the edges, turning brilliant orange and coppery red in autumn. This small to medium sized tree is a little columnar as a young tree, becoming more rounded as it matures.
With its vigorous root system it will perform well on all soil types, preferring well drained soils. If you are on a clay soil, a flowering Crab Apple may be a better choice. This beautiful cherry is great for avenue planting and will give a guaranteed glorious display of flowers each spring.
A good tree for bringing colour into gardens, providing it is not planted in paved areas, where its vigorous nature can cause disturbance. This tree is good for bees and other pollinators. Mature height: 5-8m.
Ornamental Grasses
Deciduous grasses are the way to go in terms of colour progression with their autumnal toasted golden – brown hues. There are several that lose their verdant colour in the autumn but keep their foliage and therefore perfect for providing good coverage and winter interest. Stipa gigantea (Golden Oats) and Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ are good examples.
When planning your autumn garden, foliage is the real star but don’t forget to incorporate berries as well for an additional splash of colour. Not only do they look great, they also provide food for wildlife. Autumnal tones of natural ochres, vibrant maroons and vivid reds from shrubs and trees can been combined with late flowering perennials for an added accent.
Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant’s tail grass) – This is a fantastic ornamental grass that provides colour, movement and structure. With evergreen foliage which emerges green but becomes striped with yellow, orange, and red with age it’s a super grass for year round interest. Sprays of airy flowerheads appear in late summer. Clump forming it’s easy to divide and multiply, it’s our ‘go-to’ grass of choice!
Grow in full sun to partial shade in well drained fertile soil.
Mature Height: 50cm
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ – One of the best evergreen plants for adding colour and interest to the garden during the winter months as it forms a dense, arching mound of eye-catching bright orange-green foliage. With insignificant brown flower spikes appearing in summer and drooping elegantly with age, it retains colour and adds contrast to any planting scheme. Like other Carex, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-draining soils. Mature Height: 50cm.
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