Garden experts reveal their favourite autumn container plants
Just because the days are getting shorter and darker, it doesn't mean your garden has to hibernate. An easy way to ensure it thrives with little care and attention is to create stunning container displays. From cyclamen (winter heroes that can be brought to flower from autumn to spring) to sedums (succulent plants loved by pollinators), these planting ideas will bring joy and colour to your outdoor space throughout the last seasons of the year.
1. Cyclamen
Offering a pleasant pop of colour in late winter, these cup-shaped flowers are perfect for both small and large containers, says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group.
'To get the best out of these flowers, plant tubers between now and the end of October. When they bloom you’ll have beautiful bursts of pink or white heart-shaped flowers, signalling that spring is not too far away,' says Craig Wilson, gardening expert and founder of Gardeners Dream.
2. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
This plant has stunning coral red stems and lime green leaves which turn soft yellow in autumn. 'As with a lot of the Japanese maples, they are suitable for growing in a small garden or large container. If possible, position them out of the wind and midday sun; if this is not possible, then make sure they are kept moist at all times to counteract the drying effects of the wind and sun as the delicate foliage soon goes brown and shrivels,' explains . Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World,
2. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, a nectar-rich bloom adored by butterflies, is a resilient perennial that flourishes in a variety of soil types and produces a glorious mass of colour, perfect for an autumn container. 'These cheerful daisy-like blooms add a burst of vibrancy to your garden and are easy to care for,' says Julian.
'They are particularly good at withstanding heavy rain and waterlogged conditions, as well as temporary periods of drought,' adds Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk.
4. Skimmia
Adding a touch of elegance to your garden, skimmia is an evergreen shrub which produces vibrant red or white berries throughout autumn and winter, and clusters of fragrant flowers in spring. Due to its low-maintenance qualities, it's a good plant for a beginner gardener. It can be grown in containers or as a hedge and is ideal for shady spots.
5. Chrysanthemums
Back in vogue, chrysanthemums are a classic choice for autumn containers. They're available in a variety of colours, including classic white and yellow to deep reds, purples, and oranges. 'Not only will chrysanthemums provide a welcome boost of rich colour this autumn, because they’re hardy perennials, they’ll come back year after year if cared for properly,' says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies.
6. Heathers
Inexpensive and brilliant for adding texture to your garden, these hardy plants are evergreen, easy to grow, and long-flowering, providing a splash of colour throughout the later months with pink, white and purple flowers. 'It is also drought-tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures, making it ideal for your autumn container,' adds Julien.
7. Conifer
Not to be overlooked, conifers are great autumn staple plants, despite often being regarded as old-fashioned. Angela recommends Chamaecyparis Boulevard, a low-maintenance variety that's perfect for small spaces and containers. This compact cypress has a dense, pyramidal shape and bright green foliage.
'Don’t forget to use a dedicated compost for conifers as they like slightly acidic conditions,' says Angela, who suggests using conifers in minimalist contemporary gardens. 'All they need is clipping over once a year to keep them in their original shape,' she adds.
8. Sedums
Adding texture and interest to your containers, sedums – succulent plants that store water in their leaves, making them exceptionally drought-tolerant – are loved by pollinating insects that will feast on its nectar throughout autumn.
'Sedums are low-maintenance and can thrive in poor soil, making them versatile garden additions and great for gardeners that aren’t particularly green-fingered,' says Chris.
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