PERENNIALS TO PLANT THIS AUTUMN
Perennials are the quiet achievers of the garden. Planted once, they return year after year – often bigger, better, and more beautiful with time. Autumn is one of the best times to plant, with warm soil, reliable rainfall and cooler temperatures that reduce stress on young plants. It’s the perfect window for root establishment before winter. But perennials aren’t just about long-term planning. Many varieties offer colour, texture and even flowers through the colder months, keeping borders lively well into winter.
Spring may be the traditional planting season, but autumn has distinct advantages. Plants focus their energy on root development rather than top growth, which means they settle in more efficiently. By the time spring arrives, they’re ready to surge into growth. Autumn planting also gives you a clearer view of your garden’s structure. With summer blooms fading, it’s easier to spot gaps and think about how to extend interest into the colder months. Why autumn is ideal for perennials
Planning your planting
When choosing perennials for autumn planting, think about the following. Seasonal continuity: What will carry your borders through winter and into early spring? Structure and texture: Grasses, seedheads and evergreen foliage can all add visual interest. Wildlife value: Many perennials provide food and shelter for insects and birds over winter. It’s also worth considering how your chosen plants will age. Some perennials, like hellebores and bergenias, look good even in the depths of winter. Others, such as rudbeckias or echinaceas, may fade gracefully, their seedheads catching frost and feeding birds.
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