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This blog has been written by Squires Garden Centre, our exhibitions partner for Flower Fairies™: The Magical World of Cicely Mary Barker
Inject a burst of colour into your autumn garden with stunning blooms like asters, chrysanthemums, dainty violas, cyclamen, and pansies. These hardy flowers will brighten up your beds and containers, adding life to your outdoor space. As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, bold and vibrant colours will make a significant impact. You'll be amazed at how many beloved flowers can withstand the winter chill.
Discover our curated list of 10 plants for autumn interest and transform your garden into a colourful haven.
The Paniculata hydrangea is a versatile and striking plant that can be used to create a stunning focal point in your garden. Its large, conical flowerheads start out as a beautiful pinkish-white and gradually deepen in colour as the seasons change. This cold-hardy shrub can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including full sun and partial shade. To ensure optimal flowering, plant it in well-drained soil. With its reliable blooming and impressive size, the Paniculata hydrangea is a wonderful addition to any outdoor space.
Sedum, particularly the 'Autumn Joy' variety, truly lives up to its name. Its star-shaped flowers emerge as a soft rose-pink, gradually deepening into a dusty red as autumn progresses. This stunning display of colour perfectly complements the seasonal palette.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, Sedum thrives in well-drained soil and sunny or partially shaded locations. Once established, these low-maintenance perennials require minimal care. Their resilient root system ensures they return year after year, providing a reliable and beautiful addition to your garden.
Cyclamen are a stunning choice for adding a burst of colour to your garden during the colder months. Available in a range of vibrant hues, including burgundy, pink, purple, and white, these hardy little plants thrive in shaded areas and under trees. Their compact size makes them perfect for planting in decorative bowls or hanging baskets, allowing you to easily move them around your garden.
The Photinia Carre Rouge is a stunning, low-maintenance shrub that can add a splash of vibrant color to any garden. Its evergreen foliage, which boasts bright shades of red, provides striking contrast to other plants. This compact variety is perfect for smaller gardens, whether planted in beds, used as borders, or grown in containers on patios or balconies. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires well-drained soil.
Pansies and violas are beloved for their vibrant colours and ability to brighten up gardens throughout the autumn and winter months. Their compact size and sturdy nature make them ideal for bedding areas, where they can withstand harsh weather conditions. These charming flowers come in a wide range of colours, from deep purples and blues to bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Many varieties also boast a delightful fragrance. While pansies prefer full sun, they can also thrive in semi-shaded areas. To ensure optimal growth, plant them in well-drained soil. These versatile flowers are perfect for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, adding a splash of colour to any outdoor space.
Chrysanthemums are a timeless autumn staple. Their large, showy blooms add a burst of colour to the garden when other plants are winding down. These hardy flowers come in a wide range of colours, including reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. As they mature, they form beautiful, dome-shaped mounds, making them perfect for both garden beds and containers. To ensure optimal growth, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. It's important to give them plenty of space to establish themselves, as they can be easily overwhelmed by other plants.
The Rhododendron Bloombux is a robust, evergreen shrub that produces stunning clusters of pink flowers. It typically grows to a height and spread of around 1 meter, making it a versatile plant for gardens of all sizes. Its tolerance for pruning makes it an excellent choice for creating beautiful hedges or borders. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade. Well-drained soil is essential for optimal growth. This hardy shrub provides year-round interest, with its vibrant winter foliage and spring blooms.
Hebe, also known as 'Autumn Glory,' is a resilient evergreen shrub that brings a splash of colour to your garden, especially during the autumn months. Its vibrant foliage and striking white, lilac, or deep purple flowers make it a standout plant.
Hebes are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent waterlogging. These low-maintenance plants have low nutrient requirements and are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Hebes are incredibly versatile and can be grown in garden beds or containers. Their compact size and attractive foliage make them perfect for adding colour to patios, balconies, or any outdoor space.
Japanese Anemones are a stunning choice for adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Their tall, graceful stems topped with delicate, colourful flowers create a captivating display. The blooms range from pure white to deep pink, adding a touch of romance to any border.
One of the most enchanting features of Anemones is their ability to open and close their petals in response to light. As the sun sets, the petals close, only to reopen the following morning, symbolizing the passage of time.
Blooming from late summer to early autumn, Japanese Anemones are perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements. They are a beautiful and unique addition to any garden.
Heather Garden Girls are a delightful, low-growing evergreen shrub that adds a splash of color to any garden. Available in various shades of red, pink, and white, these hardy plants are a perfect choice for creating a vibrant display. Often seen thriving on heathlands and moorlands, they are particularly stunning in late summer and early autumn.
Their unique flower buds, which don't fully open, make them more resilient to harsh weather conditions, ensuring a long-lasting display of colour. Heather Garden Girls prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
With a maximum height of around 30cm, these compact shrubs are perfect for planting in pots or containers, adding a touch of colour to patios, balconies, or any small outdoor space.
Step into the enchanting world of Cicely Mary Barker (1895 - 1973), the creator of the much-loved Flower Fairies, in this playful exhibition.