7 Perennials To Plant In October Before It's Too Late

1Salvias purple salvia plants Alex Manders

Providing pops of colour in sunny borders, salvias are great to plant in October to extend outdoor interest.

Julian says: ‘There’s a real mix of colours available now: salmon pink, pure white, deep purple, rich blue, and even some soft yellows. Salvias often keep going well into winter if it stays mild and come back year after year with more flowers.’

For best results, choose a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage.

2Peonies pink peony flower Aleksa Torri//Getty Images

‘Peonies are another popular choice, especially if starting from bare root plants, as well as potted plants,’ says Julian. ‘Get these planted in rich, well-drained soil and be careful not to bury the buds too deep, aiming for just a few centimetres below the surface.’

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3Gaura gaura flower Alex Manders//Getty Images

These pretty perennials dazzle with their starry white and pink flowers. Blooming from summer to early autumn, they will stand out against green foliage.

Julian adds: ‘Gaura is another stalwart for planting now, often flowering right into November if frosts are late, with plenty of airy, delicate blooms. When planting, work some compost into the soil, water everything in well, and mulch with bark or compost to keep frost off and hold in moisture over winter.’

4Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) Photos by R A Kearton//Getty Images

Likewise, the Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is great for planting now, offering purple leaves and wispy flowers during autumn. New plants should be watered regularly for the first two years to help them establish.

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5Heuchera (Coral Bells) heuchera plant growing outside Azad Jain//Getty Images

These low-maintence plants provide excellent ground cover when other flowers fade back. With beautiful foliage and long-lasting flowers, heucheras can also be planted now before the first frost hits.

‘Heucheras are great for their evergreen, colourful foliage. They brighten up dull spots and handle a bit of shade without complaint,’ adds Julian.

6Verbenas purple verbena flowers Alex Manders//Getty Images

Different varieties of verbena — including bonariensis, rigida and officinalis — are great to plant in October. They are loved for their late autumn colour, and can attract pollinating insects right through the season.

‘Verbena produces clouds of tiny lilac flowers from late summer into autumn. Full of nectar, the plant is highly attractive to butterflies, while providing continuous forage for bees.’

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7Chrysanthemums chrysanthemum flowers shunyufan//Getty Images

‘Chrysanthemums come into their own in autumn, and now’s the time to pick them up from garden centres. They like a sunny spot, and regular feeding helps them put on the best show. It’s worth mulching around the base to help them overwinter,’ says Julian.

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Headshot of Lisa Joyner Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.

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