As the days shorten and a crispness fills the air, there’s a part of us that wants to hold onto the vibrant warmth of summer. We cling to the last long evenings and the memory of sun-drenched days.
We believe the most beautiful gardens are the ones that keep giving, extending the season of blooms and bright foliage long into the autumn. This isn’t about the traditional fiery reds and oranges of autumn foliage, but about plants that hold onto their spectacular colour, providing a continuous display that bridges the gap between seasons. From bold, late-flowering hydrangeas to evergreens and stunning grasses, here is a selection of our favourite plants for extending colour in your garden well into autumn.
Here is a selection of our favourite plants for extending colour in your garden well into autumn. Visit us for inspiration and solutions for instant colour.
Hydrangeas are perfect for filling gaps and providing bold splashes of colour from late summer through to Autumn.
- Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Zorro’ is stunning grown in groups in a mixed border or as an informal hedge.
- Or choose one of the more unusual Hydrangeas with ‘lacecap’ or conical flowers.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Magical Starlight’ and Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ are two favourites.
- Quercifolia type Hydrangeas also offer attractive autumn colour.
- For something very different try our Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’.
Perennials:
- Achillea
- Coreopsis
- Echinacea
- Geum
- Helenium
- Penstemon
- Rudbeckia
- Salvias
- Scabiosa
- Verbena bonariensis
Shrubs
Deciduous shrubs and small trees make great feature plants in a mixed border where their foliage often changes colour in autumn. By including some low maintenance evergreen shrubs you’ll add structure and year round interest, such as this Pittosporum tobira (below).
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis add height, movement and atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop to flowering perennials for a stunning finale to the late summer border. Effective planting partners include long flowering perennials Achillea (Yarrow), Penstemon, Echinacea purpurea and Verbena bonariensis.
Evergreen Grasses add a unique atmosphere to the garden and provide interest all year. Try Anemanthele lessoniana or Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ with perennial Achillea ‘Terracotta’ for a hot combination or the neat silver grass Festuca glauca with blue Agapanthus for cooler hues. Then simply sit back and enjoy!
Hydrangeas look particularly stunning grown in groups at the back of a mixed border or as an informal hedge, set amongst ornamental grasses.
In terms of colour, think dusky pinks and burnt oranges to take you through to early autumn.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.