September 11, 2023, 2:54 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Autumn is known for its unique color palette. After all, the leaves on the trees now turn red, orange, and yellow. You can also create colorful accents in your own garden or on the balcony with the right plants.
Summer is ending, and with it, the blooms in the garden bed or on the balcony are disappearing. Hobby gardeners can now replace the withered annual plants with autumn plants. These are not only hardy but can also compete well with summer bloomers in terms of color and floral splendor. By the way, a bed or planter looks particularly pretty and harmonious when you combine different growth heights.
1. Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
There are more than 850 species of heather plants, often referred to as “Erika.” The common heather (Calluna vulgaris) is closely related but technically not classified as an Erica species. Its flower buds do not fully open, making it particularly resistant to wind and weather. It’s best to plant common heather in September or October. It is a particularly low-maintenance autumn plant for balconies and gardens. However, you should ensure that the soil is relatively loose and sandy.
Tip: The classic common heather is also available as a delicate mini variety. It looks particularly beautiful when combined with other autumn plants and wire shrubs in smaller flower pots and boxes.
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2. Ornamental Sage (Salvia nemorosa)
Ornamental sage (Salvia nemorosa) is extremely frost- and disease-resistant and blooms intensely from September into November. The flowers also have a strong fragrance. It is well-suited for use as a base in balcony boxes or gardens. Tip: While ornamental sage attracts aphids, it is extremely frost and disease resistant. To prevent aphid infestations, place aphid sticks near the plants.
Also interesting: How to Make a Small Garden Look Bigger
3. Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrop (Sedum) is often known as a popular component of flower bouquets. However, it also makes an excellent autumn plant as a perennial on the balcony or in the garden. The fleshy leaves and bright pink flowers are a standout. Most people know stonecrop as a popular component of flower arrangements, but it also makes an excellent autumn plant as a perennial on the balcony or in the garden. The fleshy leaves and bright pink flowers are a standout. Be sure to avoid waterlogging.
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4. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
The purple coneflower (Echinacea) is primarily known as a medicinal plant but also has a highly decorative appearance. It can grow up to 100 cm tall, making it particularly suitable as an autumn plant for taller pots and garden beds. The flowers shine brightly into October. A sunny location and humus-rich, moist soil are ideal.
Also interesting: When Should Sensitive Potted Plants Be Brought Indoors in the Fall?
5. Argentinian Vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
The Argentinian vervain (Verbena bonariensis) is part of the Verbena genus, which includes over 250 species. The perennial is usually not winter-hardy, but it is quite suitable as an autumn plant for balconies or gardens. The long, bare stems with purple flowers can grow up to two meters high and have a unique charm. Vervain likes sunny spots and is sensitive to waterlogging. A positive side effect: bees and butterflies also enjoy it.
Related: Lemon Verbena – a Fragrant Addition to Gardens and Balconies
6. Cushion Bush (Calocephalus brownii)
The cushion bush (Calocephalus / Leucophyta) may seem a bit bizarre. However, in combination with other autumn plants, it looks elegant and highlights the colors of other fall bloomers with its needle-like, silvery leaves. It likes moist, humus-rich soil. But again, avoid waterlogging. Caution: Leucophyta is not winter-hardy. However, it can be overwintered in a bright place at 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also interesting: When Should Sensitive Potted Plants Be Brought Indoors in the Fall?
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7. Lavender Cotton (Santolina Chamaecyparissus)
The Mediterranean lavender cotton (Santolina Chamaecyparissus) looks beautiful with its silvery matte color and small yellow flowers. If protected against frost, it can even overwinter in our regions. It is ideal as an autumn plant for containers, rock gardens, or sandy, dry soils. The small shrubs have a high content of essential oil, which repels snails and other insects. You can even use the fresh leaves for seasoning in the kitchen.
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8. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum)
When most flowers have passed their prime in the fall, chrysanthemums stand out as classic autumn plants and are available in various colors at every flower shop during the season. When combined correctly, chrysanthemums are anything but boring. They like sunny locations and can benefit from a small dose of flower fertilizer in September or October.