October’s Plant Picks: Beautify Your Garden with Autumn Blooms
Introduction
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to start thinking about plants that will add a touch of color and cheer to your autumn garden. Here are some of our favorite October plants, chosen by experts from the gardening world.
Plants for Small Spaces
If you’re short on space, don’t worry! There are plenty of gorgeous plants that are perfect for growing in small gardens or even in pots. Some of our favorites include:
- Dahlias: These showy flowers come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and they’re a great source of nectar for pollinators.
- Panicum ‘Northwind’: This upright, narrow grass is ideal for smaller spaces, and its blue-green leaves turn striking shades of yellow and orange in the fall.
- Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Tall Moor Grass): This grass has a small footprint and can be grown in a variety of locations. Its foliage turns a beautiful buttery yellow in the fall.
Show-Stopping Blooms
If you’re looking for plants that will make a statement in your garden, look no further than these show-stopping blooms:
- Dahlia ‘Penhill Watermelon’: This dahlia has huge, striking blooms in shades of dusky pink and apricot.
- Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Judas Tree): This tree has vibrant pink flowers in the spring, and its leaves turn brilliant shades of red, amber, and gold in the fall.
- Nerine bowdenii: These lily-like flowers bloom in late summer and early fall, adding a welcome splash of color to the autumn garden.
Unusual Delights
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out these unusual and beautiful plants:
- Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Pink Cloud’: This aster has tiny, delicate flowers that bloom in the fall. It’s a great choice for cut flowers.
- Salvia ‘Hot Lips’: This salvia has arresting bi-colored flowers and tiny leaves that turn red in the fall.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ (Chinese Fountain Grass): This grass has enormous bottle-brush flowerheads that emerge from a clump of elegant grassy foliage.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your October plants, follow these tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil: Most October plants prefer well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter.
- Water regularly: October plants need regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize monthly: Fertilize your October plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent blooms: Deadheading spent blooms will encourage your plants to produce more flowers.
- Protect from frost: If you live in a cold climate, protect your October plants from frost by covering them with a blanket or tarp.
With a little care and attention, your October plants will thrive and add beauty to your garden all season long.
