7 Perennials You Should Plant in October Before It's Too Late

Salvias add a pop of color to sunny borders and are great to plant in October to add outdoor interest.

Julian says: “There's a real mix of colors now: salmon pink, pure white, deep purple, rich blue and even some soft yellows.” “Salvias often bloom well into winter if the weather remains mild, and come back with more blooms year after year.”

For best results, choose a sunny, sheltered location with good drainage.

“Peonies are another popular choice, especially if you’re going for bare-root or potted plants,” says Julian. “Plant these in rich, well-drained soil, taking care not to bury the buds too deeply, just a few inches below the surface.”

These pretty perennials impress with their starry white and pink flowers. They bloom from summer to early fall and stand out against the green foliage.

Julian adds: “Gaura is now another faithful helper for planting. It often flowers into November when frost is late, with lots of airy, delicate flowers. When planting, work some compost into the soil, water everything well and mulch with bark or compost to keep out frost and retain moisture over the winter.”

The smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is also ideal for planting now and offers purple leaves and delicate flowers in autumn. New plants should be watered regularly for the first two years to help them become more established.

These easy-care plants provide excellent ground cover when other flowers fade. With beautiful foliage and long-lasting flowers, Heucheras can now be planted before the first frost arrives.

“Heucheras are characterized by their evergreen, colorful foliage. They brighten up dull areas and can tolerate a little shade without complaint,” adds Julian.

Various varieties of verbena – including Bonariensis, Rigida and Officinalis – are great to plant in October. They are popular for their late fall color and can attract pollinating insects all season long.

“Vervain produces clouds of tiny purple flowers from late summer through fall.” Full of nectar, the plant is extremely attractive to butterflies while providing continuous food for bees.”

“Chrysanthemums really come into their own in the fall, and now is the time to pick them up at the garden center.” They like a sunny spot and regular feeding will help them look their best. “It’s worth mulching the soil so that they can overwinter better,” says Julian.

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