Keep Yer Garden Glowing
by Colne Life magazine
What to Plant This Autumn for a Bit o’ Colour
Just because summer’s flowers are fading doesn’t mean your garden has to. Autumn’s a cracking time to plant — even if you’ve only got a few pots. With the right mix, you’ll have reds, purples and golds carrying you right through till winter’s done. Let’s get stuck in with some autumn gardening.
Pansies & Violas
Pop of colour with a frost-hardy punch
Why: These cheerful little faces bloom right through the colder months in purples, oranges, yellows and more.
When to Plant: Late August to October — gives them time to establish before frost.
Grow Tip: Plant in well-drained soil or pots in a sunny spot. Deadhead regularly to keep ’em flowering longer.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
When the leaves drop, the colour pops.
Why: Grown for their colourful foliage — think burgundy, lime, and caramel — adding year-round structure and colour.
When to Plant: Early autumn (September to October) or spring.
Grow Tip: Loves partial shade. Great in containers or borders. Don’t let roots sit soggy — they’re not fans of wet feet.
Cyclamen (Hardy varieties)
Delicate blooms, big autumn drama
Why: These dainty blooms light up shady corners just as everything else fades.
When to Plant: Late August to early October
Grow Tip: Best in dappled shade, under trees or shrubs. Keep soil moist but not wet. Protect from harsh frosts.
Small Space Tip: Mix pansies, heucheras and bulbs in layered containers for a colour show now and again in spring!
Ornamental Grasses (e.g. Festuca, Hakonechloa)
Soft movement and golden tones
Why: Adds height and texture with graceful seed heads that catch autumn light beautifully.
When to Plant: September to early November while the soil’s still warm.
Grow Tip: Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Cut back in late winter to make way for fresh growth.
Tulip & Daffodil Bulbs (for spring colour)
Plant now, thank yourself later
Why: Autumn’s the time to plant bulbs for a spring explosion of colour.
When to Plant:
- Daffodils – September to October
- Tulips – October to November
Grow Tip: Plant bulbs about twice as deep as their height in well-drained soil. Add grit if your soil tends to hold water.
ColneLife Autumn 25
