As part of our ‘Autumn is for Planting campaign’, this week we’re focusing why autumn is the perfect time to add perennials and ornamental grasses to your garden.
Perennials can add vibrant flowers and texture to your borders, while grasses can add height and movement. Together, they contrast beautifully to create varied and eye-catching displays that can last throughout autumn.
Why Plant Perennials & Grasses in Autumn?
Perennial plants live for several years, returning with new growth each year. Ornamental grasses can be evergreen or deciduous and are known for their attractive foliage or flower heads.
Planting hardy perennials and ornamental grasses in autumn can give them a head start for the following year, as it gives the roots time to develop while the soil is still warm. This means they can settle in before winter dormancy, so they are in a good position for fresh growth when spring arrives.
Cooler autumn temperatures also place less stress on newly planted plants, while seasonal rainfall can help keep the soil moist. This means plants are less likely to dry out than during hot summer weather, although they should still be watered regularly while they establish.
Our Favourite Combinations of Perennials & Grasses for Autumn Colour
Rudbeckia and Panicum:
Many rudbeckias are perennials that offer long-lasting displays from summer through to late-autumn, with vibrant daisy-like yellow and orange flowers. Panicum, a deciduous grass, adds gentle movement and height with its arching flower stems bearing small, purple-brown flowers in autumn. When planted together in a sunny border, rudbeckia and panicum create a striking contrast between bold flowers and delicate, airy grasses.
Echinacea and Pennisetum:
Echinacea’s large flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees, making it a popular choice for pollinator-friendly and wildlife gardens. Pennisetum is an ornamental grass with arching leaves, adding drama to autumn borders. Combine these together for a beautiful display of bright flowers and flowing foliage.
Salvia and Stipa:
Salvias produce upright flower spikes throughout summer and into autumn, providing an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Pair them with stipa, whose fine foliage and feathery seed heads bring a lighter character to borders. Both thrive in sunny positions and work particularly well together in natural planting schemes.
For Standout Autumn Interest
You don’t need to plant in large groups to make an impact. These are some of our favourite perennials and grasses that can bring standout colour and seasonal interest to your garden by themselves.
- Miscanthus – Reliable grass providing interest from summer through to autumn. Its leaves can develop warm orange or red tints in autumn, while stems carry feathery flower heads.
- Asters – Provides masses of daisy-like flowers later in the season, with many varieties providing nectar and pollen for insects.
- Sedum – Produces clusters of small flowers from late summer into autumn, providing colour as well as a valuable source of nectar for pollinators.
Caring for Perennials & Grasses
Perennials are easy to care for plants, making them suitable for gardeners of all experience. Once they have finished flowering, they can either be cut back or left to provide winter interest. Cutting back perennials helps tidy up your garden and removes any diseased foliage, however leaving seed heads over winter provides seasonal interest and food sources for wildlife such as birds.
Ornamental grasses provide attractive structure over winter, so can be left until spring to be cut back if they are deciduous. All old stems and foliage should be removed, so that new growth can emerge and form a fresh display. If the grass is established, it will rarely require additional feeding, instead mulching with organic matter is usually sufficient.
Evergreen grasses usually only need tidying in spring, by removing dead leaves and old flower heads while leaving healthy foliage in place.
Create an Autumn Border
Combining perennials and grasses can be a great way to bring colour, texture and movement to your borders. By establishing plants this autumn, you can give your garden a head start for the growing season ahead.
Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today to explore our range of perennials and ornamental grasses that are ready to be planted in your garden. Our friendly, knowledgeable team are always on hand to offer planting tips and advice.
Tips, Information & Advice
