Gardeners are being urged to plant five flower varieties before the end of August to ensure a colourful autumn display, according to horticulture specialist Jane Fairlie, who has collaborated with Redrow.
The recommended plants are primroses, polyanthus, bellis daisies, pansies and violas. Planting now allows new plants to become established before the threat of frost. The specialist notes they are undemanding, requiring little attention beyond watering and removing spent blooms.
Planting tips for primroses and polyanthus
Jane said: "Primroses and polyanthus are herbaceous perennials which can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in a variety of situations. They need moist, fertile soil which drains well, so if the soil is heavy in the garden, consider planting them into containers or raised beds where compost can be used instead."
For those planting now, Jane suggested doing so in late August or early September, as this allows specimens sufficient time to develop their root systems before cooler conditions set in. She added: "In spring, the flowers are bright and colourful, with shades of yellow, red, purple, white and even variegated. Remove dead flowers to promote continual flowering throughout the seasons."
Bellis daisies and pansies for low-maintenance colour
As an easy choice, the horticulture specialist suggested bellis daisies, which can provide structure throughout autumn before producing blooms in spring. Jane said: "Bellis daisies are evergreen perennial plants which can be grown in all well-drained soil types, in beds, borders and pots. Full sun or partial shade is ideal for these plants, which grow in clumps in autumn and flower in spring."
She advised selecting plug plants to help them establish more quickly, and removing spent blooms during the flowering period to encourage prolonged flowering. They can also be dug up, separated after flowering, and transplanted to other areas of the garden.
For "reliable" colour throughout the colder months when little else is blooming, pansies and violas are an excellent choice. Jane explained: "Pansies and violas are the more traditional autumn through to spring colour as they are very hardy and withstand cooler weather conditions."
They can be positioned in beds and borders, containers or hanging baskets, with trailing varieties also performing particularly well in baskets. She added: "They can be grown in hanging baskets, containers or in beds and borders for winter-long colour due to excellent winter hardiness." To maintain continuous flowering, it's crucial to deadhead spent blooms to stimulate fresh growth.
For all three varieties, the gardening expert suggested gentle watering during periods of drought and deadheading faded flowers, which helps promote continued blooming.
