Best Autumn Flowering Plants in the UK: 25 Beautiful Plants

Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of colourful flowers in your garden.

Although many summer plants begin to fade as temperatures fall, there are plenty of beautiful autumn-flowering plants that can keep UK gardens looking spectacular throughout September, October and even November.

From colourful asters and chrysanthemums to elegant Japanese anemones, striking dahlias and long-flowering salvias, there are flowers suitable for almost every garden.

Some autumn flowers are hardy perennials that return year after year.

Others are annuals, bulbs or flowering shrubs that provide seasonal colour.

Many autumn-flowering plants are also particularly valuable for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

As the days become shorter and fewer flowers remain available, late-season nectar and pollen sources can become increasingly important.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I enjoy growing flowers that extend the gardening season.

There’s something particularly rewarding about visiting the allotment during October and discovering colourful flowers still blooming.

Autumn is also a fantastic time to plan future displays, divide established perennials and plant suitable varieties for the following year.

Whether you’re looking for autumn flowers for pots, hardy perennials for borders, colourful bedding plants or flowers that attract bees, there are plenty of options.

In this complete UK gardening guide, we’ll explore 25 of the best autumn-flowering plants.

We’ll also cover when to plant them, how to extend flowering, which plants perform well in September, October and November, and how to create beautiful autumn containers.

Can You Grow Flowers During Autumn in the UK?

Yes.

Many flowering plants perform particularly well during autumn.

Some begin flowering during late summer and continue into October.

Others naturally flower during autumn.

September

September is often an excellent month for colourful flowers.

October

Many late-flowering perennials and shrubs continue blooming.

November

Some hardy flowers and shrubs may still provide colour, particularly during mild weather.

What Affects Autumn Flowering?

• Temperature
• Day length
• Variety
• Soil moisture
• Frost
• Garden location
• Previous plant care

Important Advice

Flowering times vary across the UK.

Plants in sheltered southern gardens may flower longer than those growing in colder, exposed locations.

25 Best Autumn Flowering Plants for UK Gardens

These plants are excellent choices for extending colour into autumn.

1. Asters

Asters are among the most popular autumn-flowering perennials.

They’re often known as Michaelmas daisies.

Their colourful daisy-like flowers are available in shades of purple, pink, blue and white.

When Do Asters Flower?

Many varieties flower from August through October.

Best Position

Full sun or light shade.

Soil

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Why Grow Them?

Asters provide valuable late-season flowers for pollinating insects.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Plant several asters together to create a spectacular autumn display.

2. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are classic autumn flowers.

They produce beautiful blooms in a wide range of colours and shapes.

Flower Colours

Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and white.

When Do Chrysanthemums Flower?

Many varieties flower during September, October and November.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Are Chrysanthemums Hardy?

Hardiness varies considerably between varieties.

Some garden chrysanthemums survive outdoors, while florist’s varieties may require protection.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose hardy garden varieties if you want plants that return year after year.

3. Dahlias

Dahlias are among the most spectacular flowers for late summer and autumn.

They produce large, colourful flowers in numerous shapes.

When Do Dahlias Flower?

Usually July through October, continuing until frost damages the plants.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Why Grow Them?

Dahlias provide bold colour and are excellent for cut flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Deadhead regularly to encourage continued flowering.

4. Japanese Anemones

Japanese anemones produce elegant flowers on tall stems.

They’re particularly attractive in cottage gardens.

Flower Colours

Pink and white.

When Do Japanese Anemones Flower?

Usually August through October.

Best Position

Partial shade or sun with adequate moisture.

Soil

Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Why Grow Them?

They’re excellent hardy perennials for late-season colour.

5. Sedum and Hylotelephium

Autumn-flowering stonecrops are fantastic for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Many plants traditionally sold as sedums are now classified as Hylotelephium.

Popular Variety

Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’, commonly sold as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’.

Flower Colours

Pink, red and dusky rose.

When Do They Flower?

Usually August through October.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow Them?

Their flat flower heads are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies.

6. Salvia ‘Amistad’

Salvia ‘Amistad’ produces striking deep purple flowers.

It’s an excellent plant for adding height and colour to autumn borders.

When Does It Flower?

Usually summer through autumn until frost.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Winter Hardiness

Relatively tender and may need frost protection.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Take cuttings during summer to protect your favourite plants against winter losses.

7. Salvia ‘Hot Lips’

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ produces distinctive red-and-white flowers.

Flower colour can vary depending on temperature and growing conditions.

When Does It Flower?

Often from summer into autumn.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

It provides a long flowering season and attracts pollinating insects.

Winter Care

Protect during severe cold in exposed gardens.

8. Rudbeckia

Rudbeckias produce cheerful yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.

Their dark central cones create attractive contrast.

When Do Rudbeckias Flower?

Many varieties flower from July through October.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Are Rudbeckias Perennials?

Some are hardy perennials, while others are grown as annuals or short-lived perennials.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is a popular perennial choice.

9. Echinacea

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, produces attractive daisy-like flowers.

Flower Colours

Purple, pink, white, orange and yellow.

When Does It Flower?

Usually July through September, sometimes continuing into October.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

The flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Leave some seed heads standing for winter interest and birds.

10. Verbena bonariensis

Verbena bonariensis produces tall, slender stems topped with clusters of purple flowers.

When Does It Flower?

Usually summer through autumn.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Its flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and bees.

Winter Care

Hardiness can vary depending on winter conditions.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Allow some plants to set seed if you want self-sown seedlings.

11. Cyclamen hederifolium

This hardy cyclamen produces beautiful flowers during late summer and autumn.

Flower Colours

Pink and white.

When Does It Flower?

Usually August through October.

Best Position

Dappled shade.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Excellent for woodland gardens and planting beneath deciduous shrubs.

12. Autumn Crocus

Several crocus species flower during autumn.

Popular Example

Crocus speciosus.

Flower Colours

Purple, lilac and blue-violet.

When Does It Flower?

Usually September through November, depending on species.

Best Position

Full sun or light shade.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Autumn crocuses provide delicate flowers when many spring bulbs are dormant.

Important Advice

True crocuses should not be confused with poisonous Colchicum species.

13. Saffron Crocus

Crocus sativus is an autumn-flowering crocus.

Its purple flowers produce the red stigmas used to make saffron.

When Does It Flower?

Usually October or November.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

It provides attractive autumn flowers and the opportunity to harvest saffron.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Plant corms during late summer in a sunny, well-drained position.

14. Nerine bowdenii

Nerines produce striking pink flowers on tall, leafless stems.

When Do Nerines Flower?

Usually September through November.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow Them?

They’re excellent for sunny, sheltered borders.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Plant in a warm position, such as near a south-facing wall.

15. Colchicum

Colchicums produce large crocus-like flowers during autumn.

They’re sometimes called autumn crocuses.

Flower Colours

Pink, lilac, purple and white.

When Do They Flower?

Usually September through October.

Best Position

Full sun or partial shade.

Soil

Well-drained.

Important Safety Advice

All parts of Colchicum are highly poisonous.

Never confuse them with edible saffron crocus.

16. Helenium

Heleniums produce colourful daisy-like flowers.

They’re sometimes called sneezeweeds.

Flower Colours

Yellow, orange, red and bronze.

When Do Heleniums Flower?

Usually July through September, sometimes continuing into October.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Moisture-retentive but well-drained.

Why Grow Them?

Excellent for colourful late-summer and autumn borders.

17. Gaura

Gaura is often sold under its former botanical name, although many are now classified as Oenothera lindheimeri.

It produces delicate flowers on slender stems.

Flower Colours

White and pink.

When Does It Flower?

Usually summer through autumn.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Its flowers create a light, airy effect.

Winter Care

Avoid waterlogging, particularly in colder gardens.

18. Cosmos

Cosmos produces beautiful daisy-like flowers on attractive feathery foliage.

Flower Colours

Pink, white, purple and crimson shades.

When Does It Flower?

Usually summer through autumn until frost.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Excellent for cottage gardens and cut flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Deadhead regularly to encourage continued flowering.

19. Zinnias

Zinnias produce bold, colourful flowers.

Flower Colours

Red, pink, orange, yellow, white and purple.

When Do Zinnias Flower?

Usually summer through early autumn until frost.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Why Grow Them?

Excellent for colourful borders and cutting gardens.

Important Advice

Zinnias are frost tender and are generally grown as annuals in the UK.

20. Calendula

Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, produces cheerful yellow and orange flowers.

When Does Calendula Flower?

Often from late spring through autumn.

Best Position

Full sun or light shade.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow It?

It’s easy to grow from seed and can provide late-season colour.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Allow some plants to self-seed for future displays.

21. Japanese Toad Lily

Tricyrtis produces unusual orchid-like flowers.

Botanical Name

Tricyrtis species and cultivars.

Flower Colours

White, pink and purple-spotted.

When Does It Flower?

Usually late summer through autumn.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Soil

Moisture-retentive but well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Excellent for adding unusual flowers to shaded borders.

22. Hardy Fuchsias

Hardy fuchsias can continue flowering well into autumn.

Flower Colours

Pink, red, purple and white combinations.

When Do They Flower?

Usually summer through autumn until significant frost.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade, depending on variety.

Soil

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained.

Why Grow Them?

Their hanging flowers provide long-lasting colour.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose reliably hardy varieties for permanent garden planting.

23. Autumn-Flowering Camellia

Some camellias naturally flower during autumn.

Popular Species

Camellia sasanqua.

Flower Colours

Pink, white and red shades.

When Does It Flower?

Usually autumn into early winter.

Best Position

Sheltered sun or partial shade.

Soil

Acidic, well-drained soil.

Why Grow It?

Provides attractive flowers and evergreen foliage.

Important Advice

Choose a sheltered position because some varieties are less hardy than spring-flowering camellias.

24. Schizostylis / Hesperantha

Hesperantha coccinea, formerly known as Schizostylis coccinea, produces elegant star-shaped flowers.

Flower Colours

Red, pink and white.

When Does It Flower?

Usually late summer through autumn, sometimes into November.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Moisture-retentive but well-drained.

Why Grow It?

Excellent for extending colour into late autumn.

25. Winter Pansies and Violas

Winter pansies and violas can provide colourful flowers during autumn.

Flower Colours

Purple, yellow, blue, red, pink and white.

When Do They Flower?

Autumn through spring, with flowering pauses during severe cold.

Best Position

Full sun or light shade.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil or suitable container compost.

Why Grow Them?

Excellent for autumn and winter containers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Plant during September or October to allow roots to establish before winter.

Best Autumn Flowers by Month in the UK

Month	Flowers to look for
September	Dahlias, asters, rudbeckias, echinacea, cosmos, salvias, Japanese anemones
October	Asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias until frost, sedums, nerines, autumn crocuses, salvias
November	Chrysanthemums, nerines, Hesperantha, winter pansies, violas, some hardy fuchsias and autumn-flowering shrubs

Flowering times vary depending on weather and location.

Best Autumn Flowers for Pots

Containers are an excellent way to add autumn colour.

Suitable Plants

• Chrysanthemums
• Winter pansies
• Violas
• Compact asters
• Cyclamen
• Salvias
• Compact dahlias
• Sedums
• Autumn crocuses
• Heathers

Choosing a Pot

Select a container with drainage holes.

Compost

Use suitable peat-free compost.

Position

Choose somewhere with appropriate sunlight.

Watering

Check moisture regularly.

Winter Protection

Protect tender plants from severe frost.

How to Create a Beautiful Autumn Container

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Pot

Select a frost-resistant container with drainage holes.

Step 2: Add Compost

Use suitable peat-free compost.

Step 3: Choose a Main Plant

A compact chrysanthemum or aster can provide colour.

Step 4: Add Seasonal Bedding

Include pansies or violas.

Step 5: Add Foliage Interest

Choose suitable evergreen or colourful foliage plants.

Step 6: Include Autumn Bulbs

Add suitable autumn-flowering corms where planting times allow.

Step 7: Arrange Plants

Allow enough space for healthy growth.

Step 8: Water

Water after planting.

Step 9: Position the Container

Choose somewhere sheltered.

Step 10: Maintain the Display

Remove faded flowers and check moisture.

Best Autumn Flowers for Shady Gardens

Shady gardens can still provide beautiful autumn colour.

Japanese Anemones

Excellent for partial shade.

Cyclamen hederifolium

Ideal beneath deciduous trees.

Tricyrtis

Excellent for shaded borders.

Hardy Fuchsias

Many varieties tolerate partial shade.

Autumn-Flowering Camellias

Suitable for sheltered partial shade.

Important Advice

Choose plants according to the amount of light available.

Best Autumn Flowers for Sunny Gardens

Sunny positions provide numerous options.

Dahlias

Excellent for bold colour.

Asters

Fantastic for autumn borders.

Rudbeckias

Bright yellow flowers.

Salvias

Long-lasting flowers.

Sedums

Excellent for bees and butterflies.

Cosmos

Airy flowers until frost.

Zinnias

Bold colours during early autumn.

Nerines

Excellent for sunny, sheltered positions.

Best Autumn Flowers for Bees

Autumn flowers are particularly valuable for pollinating insects.

Asters

Excellent late-season nectar and pollen plants.

Sedums

Their flat flower heads attract numerous insects.

Salvias

Provide nectar over a long period.

Echinacea

Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Verbena bonariensis

Popular with butterflies and bees.

Rudbeckias

Can provide useful pollen and nectar.

Heleniums

Attractive to pollinating insects.

Important Advice

Choose single-flowered varieties where possible because their nectar and pollen are often more accessible.

When Should You Plant Autumn Flowers?

Planting times vary depending on the plant.

Spring

An excellent time to plant many perennial autumn flowers.

Summer

Container-grown plants can often be planted if watered carefully.

September

A good month for planting many hardy perennials and autumn bedding plants.

October

Suitable for planting some hardy perennials and winter bedding.

November

Some hardy plants can still be planted when conditions are suitable.

Best Advice

Avoid planting tender varieties immediately before severe frost.

How to Keep Autumn Flowers Blooming Longer

Several simple steps can help extend flowering.

Deadhead Regularly

Remove faded flowers from suitable plants.

Water During Dry Weather

Autumn can occasionally be dry.

Avoid Excessive Nitrogen

Heavy feeding can encourage foliage rather than flowers.

Provide Suitable Sunlight

Many autumn flowers perform best in sunny positions.

Support Tall Plants

Use stakes for dahlias and other tall varieties.

Protect Tender Plants

Move containers under protection before damaging frost.

Choose Different Varieties

Combining plants with different flowering times creates a longer display.

How to Care for Autumn Flowering Plants

Watering

Water newly planted flowers during dry periods.

Feeding

Use suitable fertiliser where necessary.

Deadheading

Remove faded flowers from plants that benefit.

Pruning

Follow species-specific pruning requirements.

Mulching

Apply suitable mulch around hardy perennials where appropriate.

Drainage

Avoid waterlogging.

Frost Protection

Protect tender plants during cold weather.

Should You Cut Back Autumn Flowers in Winter?

It depends on the plant.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennials

Dead stems can often be removed during late autumn or spring.

Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

Leaving some stems standing can provide winter habitat.

Tender Salvias

Avoid hard autumn pruning.

Dahlias

Protect or lift tubers according to winter conditions.

Chrysanthemums

Winter care depends on variety.

Best Advice

Don’t cut every autumn-flowering plant back in the same way.

Common Problems with Autumn Flowers

Early Frost

Tender flowers may be damaged.

Powdery Mildew

Some asters and other plants may develop fungal problems.

Waterlogging

Wet soil can damage roots.

Slugs and Snails

These may remain active during mild autumn weather.

Weak Stems

Tall flowers may need support.

Poor Flowering

Insufficient sunlight or unsuitable growing conditions may be responsible.

Prevention

Choose suitable varieties and maintain healthy growing conditions.

Best Autumn Flowers for an Allotment

Autumn flowers are excellent for keeping allotments colourful.

Permanent Flower Borders

Plant asters, rudbeckias, sedums and Japanese anemones.

Cutting Gardens

Grow dahlias, cosmos, chrysanthemums and zinnias.

Wildlife Areas

Include asters, salvias and Verbena bonariensis.

Around the Shed

Use autumn containers filled with pansies and violas.

Pathway Edges

Plant compact asters and hardy cyclamen.

Important Advice

Choose positions where flowers won’t shade vegetable crops unnecessarily.

How to Plan an Autumn Garden That Flowers for Months

The best approach is to combine plants with overlapping flowering periods.

Early Autumn

Choose dahlias, cosmos, echinacea and rudbeckias.

Mid-Autumn

Include asters, chrysanthemums, sedums and Japanese anemones.

Late Autumn

Add nerines, Hesperantha, autumn crocuses and winter pansies.

Best Advice

Don’t rely on one plant to provide colour throughout the entire season.

Combining different varieties creates a much longer display.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Flowers

What Are the Best Autumn Flowers for UK Gardens?

Asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, Japanese anemones, sedums and salvias are excellent choices.

What Flowers Bloom in September?

Dahlias, cosmos, rudbeckias, echinacea, asters and salvias.

What Flowers Bloom in October?

Asters, chrysanthemums, sedums, nerines and autumn crocuses.

What Flowers Bloom in November?

Some chrysanthemums, nerines, Hesperantha, pansies and autumn-flowering shrubs.

Are There Hardy Autumn Flowers?

Yes. Many asters, Japanese anemones, sedums and rudbeckias are hardy perennials.

Do Autumn Flowers Come Back Every Year?

Many perennial varieties return annually.

What Are the Best Autumn Flowers for Pots?

Chrysanthemums, pansies, violas, compact asters and cyclamen.

What Autumn Flowers Grow in Shade?

Japanese anemones, hardy cyclamen and Tricyrtis.

What Autumn Flowers Grow in Full Sun?

Dahlias, asters, rudbeckias, salvias and sedums.

What Autumn Flowers Are Good for Bees?

Asters, sedums, salvias, echinacea and Verbena bonariensis.

When Should You Plant Autumn Flowers?

Spring and early autumn are suitable for many hardy perennials.

Can You Plant Autumn Flowers in October?

Yes, depending on the plant and weather.

Can You Plant Autumn Flowers in November?

Some hardy plants can be planted when soil conditions are suitable.

Should You Deadhead Autumn Flowers?

Many plants benefit from regular deadheading.

Do Autumn Flowers Need Feeding?

Some benefit from suitable feeding, particularly container-grown plants.

How Often Should You Water Autumn Flowers?

Water according to soil moisture and weather conditions.

Why Are My Autumn Flowers Not Blooming?

Insufficient sunlight, excessive nitrogen or unsuitable growing conditions may be responsible.

Can Autumn Flowers Survive Frost?

Hardiness varies between species and varieties.

Do Dahlias Flower in October?

Yes, until significant frost damages the plants.

Do Asters Flower in November?

Some may continue flowering during mild weather.

Are Chrysanthemums Hardy?

Some varieties are hardy, while others need winter protection.

Do Salvias Flower in Autumn?

Yes. Many salvias flower well into autumn.

Do Sedums Flower in October?

Yes. Many autumn-flowering stonecrops bloom during September and October.

Can You Grow Autumn Flowers in Hanging Baskets?

Yes. Pansies, violas and suitable trailing plants can provide seasonal colour.

Can You Grow Autumn Flowers on an Allotment?

Yes. They’re excellent for flower borders, cutting gardens and wildlife areas.

Final Thoughts: Growing Beautiful Autumn Flowers in the UK

Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of colourful flowers in your garden.

With careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy beautiful blooms throughout September, October and sometimes into November.

Asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, sedums, Japanese anemones and salvias are among the best choices for creating spectacular autumn displays.

For the best results, choose plants suited to your garden’s sunlight, soil and drainage.

Combine early and late-flowering varieties to extend the season.

Deadhead suitable plants regularly and provide support for taller flowers.

One of the most important things to remember is that autumn-flowering plants have different winter care requirements.

Some are hardy perennials that return year after year.

Others are tender and need protection from frost.

And don’t forget the wildlife benefits.

Late-flowering plants can provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies when fewer other flowers are available.

Whether you’re planting a colourful cottage garden border, filling patio containers or adding flowers around your allotment, autumn is a wonderful season for gardening.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!