9 of Elly’s favourite plants for autumn

Pennisetum alopecuroides An ornamental grass that stays relatively low. Although flower spikes eventually disintegrate, it remains a lovely parchment colour all winter. 1.2m. RHS H3, USDA 6a-9b†.

Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ A red-coloured grass that goes well with late-flowering sedums. Not always easy, but does well on water-retentive soils. 40cm. RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ Long flowering and appears to be immune to all pests and diseases. A good cutting flower. 60cm. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 3a-9b.

Amaranthus caudatus Annual that self-seeds abundantly, although it is still good practice to sow some every year to fill any unexpected gaps. Lovely with hot-coloured dahlias. 1.5m. RHS H2, USDA 2a-11.

Helianthemum ‘Lemon Queen’ A tall, unassuming perennial, that is a lovely shade of pale yellow. Always manages to cheer up a late-season garden. 2m. RHS H4, USDA 4b-9a.

Hylotelephium ‘Matrona’ Some older cultivars have a tendency to fall apart, but this one stands up straight. 75cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3b-9b.

Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ A well-known cultivar, but one still much in use. The seedheads are cheerful in winter, especially when covered with snow. 60cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3b-9b.

Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ Another familiar cultivar but one that remains unsurpassed for its long-lasting flowers and seedheads. 1.2m. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b.

Leycesteria formosa A deciduous shrub known as pheasant berry with delicate ovate leaves and pendulous racemes of flowers. 2m. RHS H5, USDA 7a-9b.