Shrubs for autumn flowers and foliage

Deciduous subjects may be starting to show autumn tints and cooler damper weather seems to give evergreens a fresher feel. However there are some that come into their own as the days start to shorten.

Abelia grandiflora is one of the finest evergreen flowering shrubs blooming from late summer through autumn. Its arching red-brown stems with small, shining deep green leaves grow to form a large mounded shrub which is light and elegant in habit. Clusters of pale pink fragrant flowers appear from late summer. They are highly attractive to bees and late pollinators and make a wonderful display against the foliage.The salmon pink calyces remain after the flowers have fallen; just as attractive as the blooms. This hardy shrub grows well on most soils and thrives in sun or semi-shade. The species is a large grower, but smaller cultivars are available; look out for them.

As the sun gets lower in the sky blue flowers become more visible. Perovskia, Russian Sage usually blooms well into autumn and lavenders often put on a second flush of flowers, if cut back soon after the first flowering. Caryopteris is a real star of autumn, but is at its best on chalk or dry alkaline soils. If pruned hard in late winter the fine new stems produce clusters of sparkling flowers in the leaf axils. There are pink and white forms, but the blues are the ones to grow. Caryopteris ‘First Choice’ is an excellent cultivar with bee friendly sapphire blooms and attractive narrow leaves.

Read Learning with Expert's latest blog which takes a closer look at the best shrubs for autumn flowers and foliage.