Late summer colour and planting for autumn

Following such a stressful time for plants in our dry gardens this summer, it’s useful to remember that autumn is nature’s time for (re)planting. Wait until the rains have moistened and loosened the soil again, but by mid September it is likely that conditions will be just right for replacing failing plants.

But will they recover anyway? If branches of shrubs are totally brown when cut back hard, it is likely they have died. Look carefully for the more promising signs of green stems and the beginnings of new shoots. For example, many acers have not appreciated the strong sunshine, especially those in pots of patios where the heat from the sun is usually more ferocious than around grass or in a border. However, in my experience the parched leaves, when removed, will often hide a healthy stem underneath. Cut back any brown stems to green wood, keep the soil moist and they are likely to rejuvenate.

Ornamental grasses should have fared well in these conditions –excellent for late summer colour and many with whispering movement from their lofty plumes. They are perfect drought-resistant plants once established. There are so many to choose from – black to red to golden to green and even blue stems, ranging in height from 30cm up to 1.8m or more. Check out Stipa Tenuissima (feather grass), Ophiopogon (short and black) and, for larger imposing plants Stipa Gigantea (the name says it all).

Crocosmia are also thriving this year. Again a good plant for dry and hot summers, they are remarkably resilient plants. Once established they will need little care but will give you fiery colours on robust stems from mid-summer until early autumn. The foliage dies back in the winter but the corms should spread and the green shoots in spring could ultimately, over a few years, give a carpet of colour.

David Hogg

Buckland Nurseries