As the summer fades and the days get shorter, your garden doesn't have to lose its vibrancy or beauty. Using plant species that flower in late summer and autumn, you can extend the gardening season using what we designers call 'succession planting'. Autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy the beauty of flowering plants. For beginner gardeners, it’s a perfect season to start learning how to extend your garden's season beyond spring and summer.
With some Garden Ninja guidance, you can easily grow an autumn display of beautiful coloured plants that keep your garden interested well into the cooler months. So, let’s dive into the top 20 autumn flowering plants that are easy to grow and guaranteed to bring a burst of life to your garden Ninjas!
Asters are classic autumn bloomers. With daisy-like flowers that add a pop of purple, blue, pink, or white to your garden, they bring one last hooray to the garden. They're particularly loved by pollinators like bees and butterflies, to which they provide later-season nectar and pollen. Asters are great for any beekeepers to ensure their hives have enough stores to survive the winter.
Asters grow well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. Being a woodland plant, they can cope with being planted in shade near a wall or somewhere damp, too. So let their original native habitat guide you, especially in compact urban gardens where light levels and low drainage are tricky. These herbaceous perennials will work wonders for those September blooms! Their compact form and long flowering season make them a beginner-friendly plant that can brighten up any border or container. They are not fussy on the soil type, so why not give them a go?
Known for their delicate, papery flowers in shades of pink and white, Japanese Anemones are the stars of the autumn garden. Whilst they look delicate, they are actually incredibly tough and slightly invasive if you're not careful! Use this to your advantage; if you have a new build garden, heavy clay or poor soil, these plants will survive anywhere.
Japanese anemones originate from China, despite their name. They were first cultivated in Japan, which is how they got their common name. Native to central and western China, these hardy perennials were later introduced to Japan and then spread to gardens worldwide due to their resilience and beautiful autumn blooms.
Japanese Anemones thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for garden areas that might not get full sun. Japanese Anemones are fairly low maintenance once established, though they do prefer moist, well-drained soil, but, as I said, will tolerate loads of abuse and neglect!
Chrysanthemums, or “Mums,” are the quintessential autumn plant. Chrysanthemums are ideal for autumn because they thrive in cooler temperatures and shorter days, making them one of the standout plants during the fall season. Chrysanthemum flowers are vibrant and varied, ranging from golds and oranges to deep purples, reds, and whites, providing a burst of colour when many other plants have finished flowering in the garden.
Chrysanthemums are also resilient, capable of withstanding early frosts, and are often long-lasting, maintaining their beauty well into late autumn. Their low maintenance requirements and ability to adapt to different soil types make them perfect for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Additionally, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can extend the life of your garden ecosystem as the season winds down, giving nature a helping hand.
Chrysanthemums are compact, making them great for pots. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, which is perfect for container gardens. A bit of deadheading will keep them blooming for weeks!
Sedum, also known as the Iceplant or Stonecrop, is a hardy perennial that offers striking pink, red, or white flowers in autumn. Its fleshy, drought-resistant leaves make it easy to care for, making it a go-to plant for beginners. Iceplants originate from East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. They thrive in rocky, well-drained soils and are well-suited to dry, temperate climates, which contributes to their popularity in gardens worldwide as a drought-tolerant, hardy succulent.
Super easy to propagate by divisions or splitting, this bulletproof plant will enable your garden to carry on showing off well into October. Its umbellifer flowers are also great for both bees and nighttime moths, so it's a fab plant to help keep wildlife supported as the gardening year winds down.
Sedums thrive in poor soil and need little maintenance, so if you're new to gardening, this plant is a fantastic addition to your autumn display. Try Sedum 'Autumn joy' seen below for a candy shop blush of pink flowers on icey green leaves.
Heuchera is a fantastic foliage plant that provides year-round interest. Given its compact shape, it is a popular container plant. Often seen in glossy magazines as a good foliage plant, it works hard from spring through to late autumn.
Native to North America, most Heuchera species originate from woodland and rocky regions in the United States, particularly in the western parts. These plants thrive in environments that provide partial to full shade, making them well-suited for woodland gardens. Heucheras prefer well-drained soil with organic matter, and while they can tolerate a range of soil conditions, they perform best in neutral to slightly acidic soil.
They are relatively low-maintenance and can withstand dry conditions once established, though they appreciate consistent moisture in warmer climates. Heucheras also enjoy protection from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions.
Some varieties, like Heuchera 'Autumn Bride', also produce delicate flower spikes in autumn, but it's their foliage that steals the show. Heucheras have thousands of species to choose from in rich purples, reds, and even silver.
Heuchera is a versatile plant that thrives in both sun and shade. It's ideal for beginners because it's so easy to grow and adds colour to borders or containers. However, in my experience, the biggest drawback is vine weevil, a pest for most Heucheras brought in from garden centres. They can be spotted as little white maggots in the pot, and once you have them, they are nearly impossible to get rid of. So my advice is to tap the plant out of the pot in the garden centre, if you see the little white grubs, put it back! (And tell a member of staff!)
Heleniums are perfect for autumn colour, with their warm tones of yellow, orange, and red. They are the quintessential hot garden border flower and look like they are celebrating the middle of summer, not autumn. However, these flowers bloom from August right through to the end of September and are a favourite here at Garden Ninja HQ. In fact I've got quite the collection all grown from seed in the Exploding Atom Garden.
They love sunny spots and are perfect for attracting pollinators. Heleniums are low-maintenance and will keep blooming until the first frost. These tall perennials are a great choice for the back of borders, offering height and a late-season display.
Caryopteris is a stunning late-season shrub that produces clusters of deep blue flowers in late summer and early autumn. It’s a magnet for bees and other pollinators, so again, it helps Mother Nature out in these challenging times of climate change. What I personally love about Caryopteris is that it's one of the only true blue shrubs, apart from Ceonothus, which flowers far earlier in the season.
Gardens should always be a blend of herbaceous perennials, trees, and shrubs, so this shrub is a valuable addition to help give your garden design year-round form and structure!
Once established, Caryopteris is low maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact form makes it ideal for smaller gardens or borders.
Cyclamen hederifolium is a favourite of garden centres and 'winter pot plants'. However, this small, cutesy flower is happier when planted as a perennial, not a bedding plant! It also means you're not increasing your carbon footprint by replacing them each year in your flower beds.
These dainty autumn bloomers with heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of pink and white will provide a touch of detail to the garden, especially at the front of flower beds in the 'ground cover' plant group. Cyclamen are perfect for adding charm to shady spots under trees or in woodland gardens. Cyclamen hederifolium requires little care once planted, as it will naturalize and come back year after year with minimal effort. Treat it like an autumn flowering bulb, and you'll be fine!
Rudbeckia is a robust, cheerful plant that lights up the garden with its golden yellow petals and dark centres. I'd say it's one of my all-time favourite plants. It’s incredibly easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a real marmite plant with many gardeners either loving or hating it, but bear with me, there is no other herbaceous perennial that needs less care and gives more show than a Rudbeckia. Even gardeners with the 'black thumb' (the opposite of a green thumb) can grow this one!
Rudbeckia is a great plant for beginners because it's drought-tolerant and will bloom late into the season, keeping your garden colourful until the first frost. Rudbeckia will happily divide in spring or after flowering to produce more plants for free, enabling you to easily share this with your neighbours.
Bees love it; it works well as a cut flower, and its sunburst yellow colouring will brighten even the darkest autumn weeks!
It's time for another shrub ninja to help bring some autumn cheer and this time, it's a fan favourite: the hydrangea. Panicle Hydrangeas are highly versatile and reliable autumn-flowering shrubs, choosing to flower in late August rather than May and June like most Hydrangeas. Unlike other hydrangea species, which may struggle in colder climates, Hydrangea paniculata is incredibly hardy, thriving in colder parts of the UK. This makes it perfect for gardeners in areas with harsh winters.
They produce large, conical flower heads that can grow up to 12-18 inches long. The flowers start as white or pale green and often turn shades of pink or red as the season progresses, providing a striking contrast against the darkening autumn landscape.
These shrubs enjoy full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, though they perform best in well-drained, moist soil. An added benefit is that they bloom on new wood, meaning even if harsh weather or improper pruning affects their growth early in the season, they can still produce stunning flowers by autumn. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring (see my guide here for Hydrangea pruning) will encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering, making Hydrangea paniculata a low-maintenance yet rewarding choice for beginners.
Viburnum bodnantense, also known as Dawn Viburnum, is a standout shrub that blooms from late autumn into winter, adding much-needed colour and a delicious fragrance during the colder months. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 8-10 feet tall and wide, forming an upright, bushy habit. Its delicate, sweetly scented flowers emerge in clusters on bare branches, starting as deep pink buds that open to reveal pale pink or white blossoms. Great for a focal point 'blob' in your flower beds. For most of the year, this green blob acts as a great filler plant and refuge for wildlife, such as birds, in the garden. However, in autumn, it puts on an amazing show of flowers!
This hardy shrub is incredibly resilient, tolerating various soil types and thriving in both full sun and partial shade. It is also frost-resistant, making it ideal for cold climates. With proper care, the shrub will provide years of color and interest. Light pruning can be done in spring after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Nerines, often called Guernsey lilies, are an underutilised choice for beginner gardens that want to add a burst of pink in autumn. Their slender stems and clustered flowers are striking additions to any garden. Nerines thrive in full sun and are relatively low maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners looking for something more unusual. Planting them as bulbs couldn't be simpler, Ninja!
The ideal time to plant them is late spring or early summer, although autumn planting is also possible in warmer climates. When choosing a spot for your Nerines, opt for a sunny and sheltered location. These bulbs thrive in well-drained soil, so a south-facing wall or a rockery is perfect, as it provides the warmth they love.
Planting Nerines in gritty, free-draining soil is important to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Avoid planting them in heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. When planting, place the bulbs with their necks just above the soil surface, spaced about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) apart. After planting, water sparingly, especially before foliage appears, as Nerines prefer drier conditions during their dormant phase.
Once established, Nerines don't like being disturbed, so leaving them in place is best. After flowering, leave your Nerines foliage to die back and give a mulch or liquid plant feed to allow them to store up energy for next year. With these simple steps, your Nerines will reward you with stunning blooms year after year!
Goldenrod is an interesting specimen that actually looks very much like a weed. A fan favourite for wildlife gardeners and those who have meadows, Goldenrod should not be overlooked for even urban gardens. Its bright yellow spires of flowers bring a blast of late blooming colour to the garden, especially if you have awkward, poor soil. It can be a tad bit thuggish, but hybridized varieties like 'Golden Fleece' only spread 45cm and can be easily contained. It’s perfect for naturalizing or adding to wildflower gardens, as it's both hardy and easy to grow.
It prefers dry to moderately moist conditions but can tolerate a range of soil types. It prefers sandy soils or dry meadows. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and does well in areas with good air circulation. Ideal growing conditions include a sunny location with around 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can be managed in partial shade. Goldenrod is low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginner gardeners, and is commonly planted in borders, wildflower gardens, or as part of a meadow garden design. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming.
Eupatorium is a tall perennial with clusters of dusky pink or purple flowers that come into life later in summer. I absolutely love this plant—it's tall, bold, and purple. Winner, winner! It’s easy to grow, thrives in moist soil, and is great for attracting butterflies in late summer and autumn.
Joe Pye Weed is an excellent plant for wildlife because it attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thanks to its large clusters of nectar-rich flowers. It blooms in late summer and fall, providing an essential food source for pollinators when many other plants have stopped flowering. Its tall, sturdy stems offer habitat and shelter for insects and small creatures, while birds are attracted to its seeds. Joe Pye Weed's ability to thrive in moist soils, often near ponds or streams, makes it a versatile plant in supporting local ecosystems.
Persicaria amplexicaulis, commonly known as the Chinese knotweed or red bistort, is an excellent addition to autumn gardens for the slender, fluffy flower heads it brings. This perennial plant features vibrant spikes of tubular flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn, showcasing hues of pink, red, and white that brighten up the garden as other blooms fade. Its lush foliage, closely resembling Japanese Knotweed but without the invasive drama, remains attractive throughout the season, providing a rich backdrop for other plants.
In addition to its ornamental value, Persicaria amplexicaulis has benefits for gut health. It is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. The plant is also known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, which may support overall digestive wellness. Its dual appeal as a striking garden plant and a beneficial addition to a healthy diet make it a standout choice for autumn gardens.
This tough perennial brings long-lasting spires of red or pink flowers in the late summer through autumn. It’s hardy and low maintenance, ideal for planting in moist, well-drained soil.
A sunflower in autumn? Yes you read that correctly this plant species is related to the sunflower but is a far daimtier and later flowering specimen. A sturdy plant that produces bright yellow flowers in late summer and autumn. These are low-maintenance and thrive in sunny spots, offering excellent pollinator support late into the season.
They are great for prairie borders as they give height with some late-season interest and work well with nearly all grasses. I plant them en masse here at Garden Ninja HQ, but they can be easily woven through all planting schemes. The foliage is light and delicate, and so it works well in smaller space gardens. These thrive in nearly all soil types apart from heavy clay. They also need full sun to full flower i not, you will just be left with foliager.
Fancy an autumn plant that looks like its from the middle of May? Well look no further than the Blanket flower for a pop of heat! Gaillardia's bold red, orange, and yellow flowers bloom well into autumn, making them ideal for sunny borders. These hardy perennials are easy to grow and drought-tolerant. You can find both annual and perennial Gaillardias both of which are easy to grow from seed or cuttings.
Growing Gaillardias from seed is easy, but it is best to start indoors; sow seeds on the surface of well-draining soil 6-8 weeks before the last frost, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and warm, around 20°C (70°F), and expect germination in 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings develop a few true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden in full sun. Alternatively, you can directly sow seeds in the garden after the frost has passed, pressing them lightly into the soil.
To grow Gaillardia from cuttings, take 3-4 inch softwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist in indirect light until roots form, typically in 3-4 weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into the garden or a larger pot, ensuring they receive full sun.
This grass is simply stirring when it comes to autumn interest in the garden given its long slender silver gtreen foiage and beautiful white flower plumes. Its delicate, pinkish-silver flower plumes appear from late summer to autumn, creating graceful movement, especially when backlit by sunlight.
This grass thrives in full sun, although it tolerates light shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it's drought-tolerant but performs best with occasional watering during dry spells. It's a low-maintenance option for adding height to borders, reaching up to 2 meters tall, and should be cut back in late winter around February, ready for next year's growth. Follow my guide here on how to prune ornamental grasses.
Panicums, or switchgrass, offers rich burgundy-red foliage that intensifies in autumn, complemented by reddish-purple flower panicles and is a real sizable specimen in the garden, giving oomph and impact Ninjas! I use Panicums in a lot of my garden design planting plans as they add height without bringing shade or obstructing airflow. I also love the movement of ornamental grasses in the garden.
This tall yet clump-forming grass adds architectural structure to gardens, with its airy blooms appearing in late summer. It grows best in full sun but adapts well to a range of soil types, including poor or sandy soils. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it provides seeds for birds and shelter during colder months. Growing up to 1.2 meters tall, it is perfect for both formal borders and wildflower gardens, needing only an annual cutback in late winter.
Clematis terniflora, commonly known as sweet autumn clematis, is an exceptional climbing plant that produces a blast of white flowers in late summer and autumn. As with most clematis, it is a fast-growing smothered wall, arbours, obelisks, and trellis, so be warned if you have a small garden or tricky neighbours!
It features clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn, emitting a delightful fragrance that attracts pollinators. The lush green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop, and as autumn progresses, the leaves turn golden, enhancing the plant's seasonal appeal. Sweet autumn clematis is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in a range of soil types and preferring full sun to partial shade. Its rapid growth and stunning floral display make it a fantastic choice for adding charm and fragrance to any garden in the fall.
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If you're a beginner gardener, starting with these easy-care, autumn-flowering plants will give you a head start in creating a vibrant garden that extends well beyond summer. With minimal maintenance and maximum reward, these plants will keep your garden looking stunning while you learn the ropes of gardening. So, grab your trowel, get planting, and watch your garden flourish through autumn!
Happy gardening from The Garden Ninja! 🌿
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