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Purple-pink New England aster flowers in the autumn gardenPerennials

Aster novae-angliae

New England Aster

autumn bloombutterfly-friendlybee-friendlyfall colourcut flower

New England Aster is the queen of the autumn garden, producing masses of purple to pink daisy-like flowers. From September to October, this vigorous perennial creates a colourful display buzzing with butterflies and bees. An indispensable plant for late-season colour.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
80–150 cm
Spread
60–90 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Asteraceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple, pink
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in moisture-retentive, fertile soil. Water regularly during dry periods. Apply compost or organic fertiliser in spring. Support tall cultivars with plant stakes to prevent flopping.

Pruning tips

Cut back by half in mid-June (the 'Chelsea chop') for bushier growth and more flowers. Cut down to ground level after flowering in November. Divide every three years to maintain vigour.

Good companions

Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

Full sunLow60–90 cm
Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm
Pink flower heads of stonecrop with butterflies in late summerPerennials

Sedum spectabile

Stonecrop

Stonecrop is a succulent perennial with thick, grey-green leaves and flat pink flower heads from August to October. The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and attracts large numbers of butterflies and bees in late summer. The dried flower heads provide striking winter interest.

Full sunLow30–50 cm