Birthday
HydrangeasAn autumn garden does not have to be bare: the right plants flower until the frosts, and some only start in September. Here are perennials, bulbs and annuals that brighten beds in autumn, with planting and care tips.
Autumn-flowering perennials
- Perennial asters (New York and New England asters, often called Michaelmas daisies). Clouds of small lilac, pink and white flowers from September to the frosts. Divide every 3–4 years to keep the centre from going bare.
- Japanese (hybrid) anemone. Elegant pink and white flowers on tall stems in September; likes part shade and moist soil.
- Showy sedum. Pink and burgundy flower heads loved by butterflies; drought-tolerant.
- Korean chrysanthemums. The toughest autumn flowers in the garden: they survive light frosts and bloom until late October.
- Helenium and rudbeckia. Warm yellow, orange and copper tones from August to October.
- Heather. Flowers August to October; needs acid soil and sun.
Bulbs that flower in autumn
- Colchicum (autumn crocus). Planted in August, it produces large lilac crocus-like flowers without leaves just weeks later. All parts are poisonous.
- True autumn crocuses (such as Crocus speciosus). Flower in September–October; plant in late summer.
- Dahlias. Tubers are planted in spring and peak in late summer and autumn, until the first frost. Then lift the tubers and store them in a cool cellar.
Annuals that last until the frosts
Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums and China asters keep flowering until the first frosts if you deadhead them. For autumn containers and beds, try ornamental cabbage: its colours intensify as it gets colder.
How to extend autumn flowering
- Deadhead spent flowers so the plant puts energy into new buds rather than seed.
- Avoid nitrogen in late summer: it pushes leaves rather than flowers and reduces winter hardiness.
- Water in a dry autumn — especially asters and chrysanthemums, which set buds in September.
- Protect from the first frosts — a light fleece at night can extend flowering by 1–2 weeks.
- Don't plant Canada goldenrod — despite its pretty yellow plumes, it is invasive in Ukraine and quickly crowds out other plants.
An autumn border idea
At the back, tall perennial asters and helenium; in the middle, Japanese anemones and sedum; at the front, Korean chrysanthemums and heather. Between them, grasses (miscanthus, pennisetum) that look good even after flowering ends. For more long-flowering ideas see flowers that bloom all summer and our low-maintenance garden guide. To bring autumn indoors, browse our autumn bouquets.
FAQ
Which perennials flower longest in autumn?
Korean chrysanthemums and perennial asters: they tolerate light frosts and bloom until late October, longer in a mild autumn.
When should autumn-flowering bulbs be planted?
Colchicum and autumn crocuses in August; dahlias in spring after the frosts.
Can I cut autumn garden flowers for a vase?
Yes: asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias and rudbeckia last well, chrysanthemums up to 2–3 weeks.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
