Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
As the leaves begin to change colour and the air turns crisp, nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike are captivated by the stunning transformation of their outdoor spaces. One of the most magical aspects of this season is the gentle colour change of leaves from all the shades of green to all the shades of orange.
Tied with that is the spectacle of the autumn flowering flowers. These beautiful, vibrant flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also contribute significantly to our garden's seasonality and sustainability.
What is in flower in October
2023 has been a funny old year, hasn't it? Remember that heatwave we had back in May? And then the quick switch to a chilly, wet summer? Well, my dear cutting garden has had quite the time trying to keep up with these wild weather shifts. But as we're wrapping up the growing season, it's clear that everything's got itself in a bit of a pickle.
I've got non-traditional autumn bloomers like geum, lupins, and phlox still bringing a burst of colour and charm to my garden. This is unusual. Maybe this is just a sneak peek of what's to come with our changing weather patterns.
Despite the unpredictable weather, I have to give it up for my seed-sown lupins and geums. They have flowered their hearts out all season long. I can tell you now, I won't be parting with them anytime soon.
The 5 spectacular autumn flowering flowers for your garden
By the time autumn swings around, certainly by October, most perennials have started their slow die back for their winter sleep. So if you still want some colour in the garden you might want to consider bulbs, tubers, or annuals.
Annuals are a good choice as you can control when you sow them. A late spring sowing can reward you with a lovely late bloom. Even better, some annuals naturally take their time to flower, gracing your autumn with a splendid display.
With certain perennials, you can coax out a second bloom by cutting them hard back after their first flush of flowers. I have had fantastic results doing this with feverfew, achillea and lupins.
Autumn flowering flowers are generally easy to grow and care for, making them a perfect choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners.
Ready to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn flowers? Let's explore five extraordinary plants that can add a pinch of autumnal charm to your flower garden season:
Dahlia
Dahlias, oh how I adore them!
They are the quintessential autumn flowering flowers. Typically, they tend to start flowering in August, but once they start they don’t stop until the first frost blackens their leaves.
One of the reasons to fall in love with them is their ‘cut-and-come-again' nature. Pick them regularly and you'll be rewarded with a weekly burst of new blossoms.
There are so many variations of dahlias, both in colour and shape, that you'll be hard-pressed to not find one that catches your eye.
Sure, they can be a touch finicky when it comes to getting through the winter, but trust me, a little bit of TLC is a small price to pay for the months of joy these beauties bring.
Zinnia
Zinnia is a tender annual. They only germinate once the weather starts to warm in spring, so I’m not sure whether this late start means they naturally are late bloomers or whether, if you can get them started earlier, they would flower sooner. No matter, if you keep their growing conditions simple, then September is when they flower in my garden in the UK.
Again, these come in quite a variety of colours from bright neon yellows and pinks to subtle dusty reds and limes.
I'm particularly fond of the Queen Red Lime mix, although I must say, the Oklahoma and Benary’s range are also fantastic for cut flowers, thanks to their generous stem length.
Zinnias are the gift that keeps on giving! They're cut-and-come again flowers, so one plant gives you a constant supply of flowers; the more you pick, the more you get.
China Aster
Yet another glorious cut-and-come-again tender annualn china aster (Callistephus chinensis). It is a bit of a slow starter in the spring, which might be why it's still going strong when autumn rolls around.
They do require staking to get a good straight stem for cutting. Otherwise you can let them do their thing, and they will fill their little patch of the garden with glamorous, chrysanthemums-like, large flower heads in lots of vintage colours.
They are a stunning flower, I absolutely adore them.
Rudbeckia
These are for you if you after a plant in autumnal colours of oranges, yellows or reds. Their large daisy-like heads certainly make a statement in a flower arrangement, and last for a good length of time in the vase.
Another cut-and-come-again plant, which can be perennial or annual, depending on your chosen variety. They are easy to grow from seed, but I would get them started fairly early in the season to ensure they can get established in time to flower.
My first time growing these produced no flowers in the first season, but they were prolific in the autumn of the following season and then didn’t make it through the following winter. Now I start the seeds each year with the assumption that I am growing them for the following year. Any flowers in the first season is a bonus.
Cosmos
I am somewhat undecided on cosmos. They are very easy to grow, but produce such large plants, that only start flowering late in the season. I always debate whether I want to make room for them.
I planted some at my mum’s last year and she got bored of the sight of all of their foliage and had pulled them out before they even started to flower!
But here's the thing, if you persist, you will get lovely delicate flowers, floating above all of the foliage. They, too, are cut-and-come-again and come in a range of colours from bright pinks to the softest blush.
To be honest another downside is that they are also a bit of a pain to pick, unless you are happy to use all of the foliage. In fact, I sometimes just use it as a foliage plant and the flowers are just an added bonus.
I know it seems like I've been going on about their less than stellar points, but I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with a bunch of cosmos in my garden this year, just like always.
If you want to buy any of these annual cut flowers, I sell them in my seed shop. if you re interested in what other seeds you can sow this autumn take a look at this post.
The benefits of autumn flowering flowers
The autumn flowering flowers are a remarkable group of plants that bloom beautifully during the fall through to the first frosts. Not only do they keep your garden colourful, but they also provide late-season nectar for bees and promote beneficial soil microorganisms by keeping their roots in the ground longer.
But the magic of these flowers doesn't stop there! What makes autumn-blooming flowers extra special is their versatility. They not only add a splash of colour to your garden, but they also make stunning cut flowers. By bringing these blooms indoors, you can extend the beauty of autumn into your home while promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
Transform your garden with autumn flowering flowers
Autumn is a season of change and transformation, and there's no better way to embrace this change than by filling your garden with the vibrant hues of autumn flowering flowers.
As the captivating words of Stanley Horowitz remind us,
“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolour, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.”
Stanley Horowitz
Let's make the most of this mosaic by bringing the magic of autumn flowering flowers into our gardens.
