Best plant combinations for autumn colour
We bring you ideas for adding a splash of autumn colour to the garden or patio, with some of our favourite plant combinations.
Autumn can be a dazzling season in the garden, thanks to changing leaf colours on trees and shrubs, colourful berries and perennials that flower in autumn. Ornamental grasses and evergreens come into their own, too.
Michaelmas daisies and nerines are just two plants that look good in autumn - discover 10 plants for autumn colour.
Take a look at some of our favourite plant combinations for autumn, below.
Nerines and astrantias
Nerines are autumn stalwarts – just as summer plants start to wane, they emerge. Here, Nerine 'Pink Surprise' is planted alongside a Chelsea-chopped Astrantia 'Roma', which is flowering late in the season.
Daisies, blue fescue and senecio
This silver-toned pot display provides dramatic contrast with the warm colours of autumn. It's planted up with Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue', Jacobaea maritima, cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) and bellis daisies.
Verbena and Michaelmas daisies
Verbena bonariensis flowers for months and is often still going strong in October. Here, it is planted alongside a white Michaelmas daisy, Symphyotrichum 'Oktoberlicht', which means 'October Light'. Discover 12 of the best Michaelmas daisies to grow.
Miscanthus and helianthus
Cheery yellow helianthus are the perfect backdrop to Miscanthus sinensis 'Positano'. Not sure how to grow grasses? Watch this quick video with expert advice on caring for grasses.
Fuji cherry and nerines
Ornamental cherries, here Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai', are known for their spring blossom, summer cherries and rich autumn foliage, which is complemented by the red Nerine sarniensis.
Cornus and carex
Evergreens grasses, like Carex morrowii 'Fisher's Form', really earn their keep in autumn and winter. Here, they are combined with the the colourful stems of a dogwood, Cornus alba 'Sibirica.
Autumn containers
These pots and containers are packed with plants that look marvellous in autumn, including grasses, evergreens and colourful stems. When you're out and about, keep an eye open for old crates, tubs and other containers that could be used as planters - group them together for maximum effect.
Most colourful small trees and shrubs in autumn
- Snowy mespilus, Amelanchier
- Enkianthus perulatus
- Beautyberry, Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion'
- Acer palmatum cultivars
- American witch hazel, Fothergilla major
- Winged spindle, Euonymus alatus
- Sorbus aucuparia 'Joseph Rock'
- Berberis thunbergii 'Cheals Scarlet'
- Katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum
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