As the days grow shorter and evenings draw in, gardens can begin to lose their vibrancy. But with the right flowers, you can keep your outdoor space full of colour well into autumn.
Now is the perfect time to plant for a late-season display. Get it into the ground now and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant blooms just when your garden needs them most, brightening the darker days ahead.
While autumn colour is often associated with fiery reds, burnt oranges and deep greens, some of the season’s most striking flowers bloom in softer shades of pink, purple and white, bringing an unexpected burst of colour long after summer has faded.
We asked Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, to reveal the overlooked flowers that deliver long-lasting colour throughout autumn.
1. Japanese anemones
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Julian describes Japanese anemones as one of the best flowers for adding long-lasting autumn colour. ‘They flower for weeks and bring height and movement,’ he says, making them an ideal choice if you want a softer, more romantic look.
Japanese anemones thrive in partial shade and humus-rich, fertile soil. Fully hardy and easy to grow, they need regular watering while they establish, particularly during their first year. Once settled, they’ll reward you with elegant blooms that brighten the garden well into autumn.
2. Asters
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For flowers that bring colour late into the season, Julian recommends planting asters. These classic plants thrive in lots of sun and well-drained soil. Hardy throughout the UK, they are also relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for those seeking a low-lift way to add autumn colour.
Depending on your choice of colour scheme, consider different varieties. Try ‘Patricia Ballard’ if you want to add bright pink to your garden or ‘Mönch’ if you’re going for a cooler lavender look.
3. Chrysanthemums
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‘Chrysanthemums are worth including too, especially the hardier garden forms, because they give a proper burst of colour when many other plants are winding down,’ Julian says. These bold plants come in a wide range of colours and can sometimes bloom until the first signs of frost.
If you’re looking for less traditional autumn colours, try planting ‘Sheffield Pink’ chrysanthemums for a burst of soft pink. Alternatively, you can try growing ‘E.H. Wilson’ for a pretty pop of white.
4. Sedum
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‘You could also look at sedum, which is reliable and easy to live with, with flat flower heads that hold their shape well into autumn,’ Julian says. Pick sedum for long-lasting colour and a vivid boost in the autumn months.
5. Autumn crocus
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For a shorter burst of colour, you can try planting autumn crocuses. ‘Autumn crocus is a lovely, underrated choice if you want colour later in the season. The goblet-shaped flowers come in soft lilac, pink and white just as the garden starts to fade, which gives them a quiet elegance without feeling showy,’ says Julian.
‘It’s also a good option to plant now because it needs time to settle in before flowering. The effect is simple but striking with flowers first, foliage later, so the look stays clean and uncluttered.’
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