10 Perennials For Autumn And Winter Interest
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Add some interest at what can be a quiet time of year with this fine selection of autumn and winter-interest perennials. Their understated beauty is sure to win you over
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Helleborus Niger
Suitable for shady spots, the Christmas rose as it’s commonly known can flower from Christmas, though usually waits until later in winter. Its leathery leaves and virgin-white blooms are a delight. Height: 30cm.
Pic Credit to Drew Avery
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Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’
Commonly known as the zebra grass due to its creamy horizontal bands. The drought-tolerant grass turns russet in autumn with sprays of maroon flowers. Leave it to stand over winter. Height: 1.2m.
Pic Credit to asmic
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Physalis Alkekengi
The tiny white flowers aren’t much but the papery lantern-like seed casings that follow in autumn certainly are! Left on the plant, these will skeletonise – a beautiful testament to the passing seasons. Height: 70cm.
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Phlomis Russeliana
This perennial prefers a well-drained, almost dry soil. It works hard for its spot, flowering on and off from spring right up to autumn. Try pairing it with an ornamental grass for a prairie look.
Height: 90cm.
Pic Credit Drew Avery
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Arum Italicum
Its arrow-shaped, glossy leaves stand right through winter. In autumn orange-red berries follow on from its summer flowers. Look out also
for the marbled variety ‘Marmoratum’. Height: 30cm.
Pic Credit peganum
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Aster Amellus
These Michaelmas daisies put on a show from August to October with their purple, starry blooms. A great choice for attracting beneficial insects, including end-of-season butterflies and bees.
Height: 45-60cm.
Pic Credit D H Wright
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Echinops Ritro
The globe thistle has spiky leaves and metallic- coloured, globe-shaped flowers. Look out also for sea holly (Eryngium giganteum), which offers a similar effect. Both can be left standing over winter. Height: 1.2m.
Pic Credit Carl E Lewis
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Echinacea Purpurea
While the purple coneflower produces its flowers in late summer, it can be left standing during the colder months to give a prairie-like effect. Rudbeckias are a sound alternative. Plant both en masse.
Height: 1.2m.
Pic Credit BarefootGardener
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Pachysandra Terminalis
An evergreen groundcover plant that will happily spread beneath taller shrubs. It copes with dry shade but does require an acidic soil. There is a variegated form available. Height: 25cm.
Pic Credit to Carl E Lewis
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Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’
Try to not stroke the soft, wool-like leaves of this beauty, also known as lamb’s ears! The evergreen mat-former is ideal for the front of the border where it will cope with dry soil. Height: 15cm.
Pic Credit to Carl E Lewis