Gardening in autumn can seem like a tedious task on some dark and gloomy days. But despite the cooler weather and damp conditions, this season can be an ideal time to invest in the long-term beauty of your garden. The combination of warm soil and consistent rainfall means plants can establish strong roots before winter fully sets in.
In fact, according to gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin, this time of year presents great advantages for gardeners to add a burst of colour to their borders. Three standout flowers thrive when planted in early autumn, blooming beautifully before winter.
What to plant now for a colourful garden in autumn
Plumbagos
A lesser-known gem, plumbagos are known for their brilliant blue flowers, which come out just as other plants begin to fade.
Gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin recommends them highly “for a dash of vivid blue at this time of the year.”
These compact shrubs are best planted in full sun and work well along pathways or at the front of borders, where their late-season colour can be fully appreciated.
Asters
Asters – often called Michaelmas daisies – are a classic choice for extending the flowering season well into late autumn.
Their daisy-like heads come in a variety of hues and can bloom from August through to November, depending on the weather. They prefer sunny spots but are forgiving enough to handle partial shade.
Cyclamen
Cyclamens are an elegant solution for shadier, more difficult areas of the garden. Their delicate, butterfly-like flowers bring vibrancy beneath trees or in darker corners where little else will flourish.
“The dainty pink flower heads of Cyclamen persicum are also a joy – this is a hardy outdoor cyclamen that pops up in autumn,” Diarmuid shared. “It performs well in dry shady soil and has attractive foliage so is a good choice for those sometimes challenging areas under trees.”
