September’s Garden Gems: Plants to Brighten Your Autumn
September can be a tricky time in the garden. Summer flowers have faded, and shrubs and trees aren’t yet showing off their autumn colors. But don’t despair! There are plenty of gorgeous plants that look their best right now. Here’s a guide to some of our favorites, chosen by the Gardeners’ World team and other gardening experts.
Devil’s Bit Scabious: A Wildlife Haven
This British native is a joy to behold when planted in masses. Its lilac pincushion flowers sway in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing effect. Devil’s bit scabious thrives in damp soil in partial shade and is a magnet for bees and butterflies. It’s a great choice for a wildlife garden and provides late-season color.
Sorbus Aria: A Tree for All Seasons
Whitebeams are beloved by birds, bees, and even caterpillars. They offer beautiful spring flowers and autumn berries. Their gnarled appearance and unique botanical oddities make them special trees.
Persicaria: A Fast-Growing Groundcover
Persicarias are fast-growing perennials that thrive in damp soil, in sun or partial shade. Their vibrant flower spikes add color to the garden for months. While they can spread aggressively, their pretty foliage and long flowering period make them a popular choice for ground cover.
Hydrangea ‘Blue Wave’: A Showstopper for Autumn
September is hydrangea time, and ‘Blue Wave’ is a standout variety. Its delicate blue lacecap flowers last long into winter, transforming through shades of mauve and purple before drying to a driftwood white. This hydrangea makes a great cut flower and is a must-have for autumn gardens.
Actaea: A Shady Delight
Actaea thrives in shady spots, where its stately stems topped with bottlebrush-like white flowers add height and elegance. The dark foliage provides a dramatic backdrop throughout the summer. But the best attribute of actaea is its sweet scent, an unexpected treat at this time of year.
Pennisetum: A Touch of Drama
Pennisetum, or fountain grass, adds drama to autumn borders with its dark plume-like flowerheads. Varieties like ‘Dark Desire’ bring a touch of mystery to the garden. Easy to grow, pennisetum can be used fresh or dried in floral arrangements.
Echinacea Purpurea: A Prairie Beauty
Also known as coneflowers, echinaceas bring joy to the garden with their cheerful flowers that range in color from hot pink to sunshine yellow. They love sunny spots with well-draining soil and look fantastic when grown with other daisies and ornamental grasses.
Rosa ‘Desdemona’: A Fragrant Delight
This shrub rose blooms non-stop from early summer to late autumn. Its voluptuous flowers are deliciously lemon scented and produced in such abundance that the ground below becomes a carpet of fallen petals. ‘Desdemona’ can be grown in a border or a large container.
Aster: A Symphony of Color
Asters, now properly called Symphyotrichum, offer large flowers in a range of colors, including pink, blue, purple, and white. New England Asters are renowned for their cheerful waves of color in September. They make a great choice for twin planters by the front door or as a border accent.
Garden Design Tips for September
- Choose plants that thrive in September conditions, such as damp soil or partial shade.
- Consider plants that attract wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Add height and drama to your borders with plants like actaea and pennisetum.
- Plant a variety of colors and textures to create a visually appealing garden.
- Don’t forget to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth and flowering.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and vibrant garden that will brighten up your autumn days.
