Autumn Glory
While many plants are winding down for the coming winter, ornamental grasses and autumn-flowering perennials are preparing for their peak. Here, horticulturist Tammy Huynh’s top five.
Horticulturist Tammy Huynh’s top picks for seasonal colour and texture.
Many garden owners look to deciduous trees to bring their autumn garden to life, but there are equally rich rewards to be found in using a palette of ornamental grasses and flowering perennials. Their interesting shapes, colours, and textures combine well, and can produce a dramatic display of foliage and flowers. These perennials present well in the garden year-round, but now is their time to shine.
MISCANTHUS (1)
This highly ornamental grass is the epitome of autumnal elegance. It forms loose mounds of green, silver or variegated foliage that beautifully complements the arching plumes of silver, gold, red or purple that appear in late summer and autumn. Give it plenty of space so the foliage can grow to its full potential. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, and cut back to ground level in late winter.
JAPANESE WINDFLOWER (2)
( Anemone)
One of the stars of autumn, with clusters of long stems topped with single or double flowers in shades of pink or white. The slender stems grow up to 1.2 metres high and dance and sway at the slightest breeze. Despite the name, these plants need protection from strong winds that will damage the flowers. Plant in part shade – under trees in dappled light is perfect – and enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter. Once flowering has finished, cut stems back to ground level.
SEDUM (3)
( Sedum spectabile)
An ideal choice for low-maintenance and waterwise gardens, sedum’s fleshy succulent leaves form a dense clumping habit and give rise to sprays of stunning pink-red flowers. ‘Autumn Joy’ is the classic choice, with flowers opening pale pink and ageing to a deep copper-red. Don’t be quick to remove spent flowers, though. There is beauty even in death, as they fade to a rich brown – the perfect accompaniment to the russet-toned autumn leaves of deciduous trees.
FOUNTAIN GRASS (4)
( Pennisetum)
This grass is widely used in nature strips and roadside plantings, but its beauty is often hidden due to severe trimming. Give it freedom to grow in the garden, however, and its true charm is revealed. Alluring mounds of cascading foliage, topped with feathery cream or pink-to-purple flowers. ‘Tall Tails’ has weeping cream plumes and grows to 1.5 metres, while ‘Nafray’ is a more compact 60 centimetres.
GOLDEN OATS (5)
( Stipa gigantea)
A spectacular statement plant with slender stems of fine green foliage and tall spires of glistening golden oat-like flowers. It grows 1.8 to 2 metres tall, so it’s best planted as a standalone clump to allow the plumes to arch and spread. Underplant with lowgrowing perennial flowers to draw even more attention to the star attraction. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
These perennials present well in the garden year-round but autumn is their time to shine.