Favored Flora Blooming in September
September can be a challenging time for gardens, as summer flowers have faded and autumn colors have not yet appeared. But fear not, as there are several plants that look their best in September, offering a mix of bright yellows, oranges, purples, pinks, whites, and contrasting foliage tones to keep gardens colorful and lively.
Top plant recommendations by Gardeners' World and other gardening professionals include the iconic chrysanthemums, offering dense, long-lasting blooms in many colors. Rudbeckias, also known as Black-eyed Susans, with warm golden-yellow daisy-like flowers, are hardy and easy to maintain, brightening the garden with classic fall tones.
Sedums, especially Sedum spectabile and Sedum 'Matrona', produce large pink to purplish flower clusters that attract pollinators and maintain color into late season. Pansies and Violas have remarkable cold tolerance and colorful “face-like” blooms that persist through autumn frosts, ideal for containers or borders.
Snapdragons provide vertical architectural interest with a variety of flower colors and bloom until frost, adding height and long-lasting color. Coreopsis, Gaillardias, Cosmos, and Lantanas offer an extended flowering season with vibrant yellow, fiery orange/red, soft pinks/whites/purples, and multicolored blooms respectively.
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum) blooms with delicate pink, purple, or blue petals starting in September, adding a surprising late-season burst of color. From Gardeners’ World recommendations, salvia and Helenium (short varieties) complement autumn plantings with bees-loving flowers and color contrasts, such as purples and oranges.
Also noted for September color are flowering shrubs like Abelia x grandiflora 'Lake Maggiore', with pale pink fragrant flower clusters blooming into mid-autumn. Many of these plants are perennials or hardy annuals prized for low maintenance, extended bloom periods, and attractiveness to pollinators.
In addition to these recommendations, Lucy Felton, BBC Gardeners' World Magazine content coordinator, suggests asters for their cheery 'Michaelmas daisies' throughout September. Cel Robertson, founder of Forever Green Flower Company, recommends Pennisetum, particularly 'Dark Desire', for its dark plume-like flowerheads and ease of growth.
To stay updated with more advice and inspiration for gardens, sign up to receive the newsletter offering expert tips and ideas for your garden. Whether you're looking to brighten up your September garden or prepare for the autumn season, these expert recommendations provide a great starting point for a vibrant and colorful garden.
Invest in chrysanthemums and Rudbeckias for a vibrant yellow and orange touch in your September garden, as they offer long-lasting blooms and are easy to maintain. Additionally, consider planting asters, known for their cheerful 'Michaelmas daisies', to add a splash of color throughout the month.
