The Best September Flowering Plants at Hilltop Garden Centre

As summer fades and the cooler days of autumn arrive, many people assume that their gardens are destined to look dull and lifeless. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Autumn is a season of vibrant, rich colours, and at Hilltop Garden Centre, we have a stunning selection of flowering plants that will bring your outdoor space back to life. September is the perfect time to plant autumn bloomers that will thrive well into the season, creating a burst of colour when much of your garden may be winding down.

Asters

Asters, sometimes called Michaelmas daisies, are a must-have for any autumn garden. Their delicate daisy-like flowers bloom in a variety of shades, including purples, pinks, blues, and whites, and they attract bees and butterflies, making them a perfect choice for anyone wanting to support local wildlife as the weather cools.

  • Why Plant Asters?
    Asters are incredibly versatile and hardy, making them suitable for a variety of garden styles, from cottage gardens to formal borders. Asters are known for their long-lasting blooms that persist from late summer into early autumn, offering a splash of colour at a time when many other plants have stopped flowering.

  • How to Care for Asters:
    Asters prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate a good layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly but avoid letting the soil become waterlogged. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage even more blooms and prolong the flowering season.

Chrysanthemums

Few flowers say “autumn” quite like Chrysanthemums. Known for their large, vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, Chrysanthemums can be used in pots and borders, and offer unbeatable autumn colour.

  • Why Plant Chrysanthemums?
    Chrysanthemums are known for their wide range of bloom shapes and sizes, and are incredibly easy to maintain. Coming in a huge spectrum of colours, meaning you can choose varieties that complement your existing garden space. With their ability to bloom right through the autumn, Chrysanthemums provide the perfect finishing touch to your garden as the temperatures start to drop.

  • How to Care for Chrysanthemums:
    Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. Plant them in a sunny location and give them plenty of room to grow. Deadheading spent flowers will keep your plants looking neat and promote further blooming. 

Rudbeckia

Also known as Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia offers striking yellow or gold daisy-like flowers with dark, cone-shaped centres. These flowers bloom profusely from late summer through autumn, providing a brilliant splash of golden colour that brightens up any garden.

  • Why Plant Rudbeckia?
    Rudbeckia is a tough, hardy perennial that is extremely easy to grow. It’s drought-tolerant and adaptable to a range of soil conditions, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant. In addition to its beautiful blooms, Rudbeckia is a fantastic plant for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

  • How to Care for Rudbeckia:
    Rudbeckia prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. It thrives in well-drained soil but is also adaptable to poor or sandy soils. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater. Deadheading spent flowers will help to extend the flowering period and keep your plants looking tidy.

Cyclamen

Known for its dainty flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white, this plant is ideal for adding colour to shady spots in your garden, as it thrives in partial to full shade.

  • Why Plant Cyclamen?
    Cyclamen offers an ethereal beauty that is perfect for brightening up darker corners of your garden, under trees, or in shaded beds. Its long-lasting blooms appear in late summer and continue through the autumn, making it an excellent plant for extending the flowering season. Cyclamen are also well-suited for containers, so if you’re short on space, they can still bring autumnal colour to your outdoor areas.

  • How to Care for Cyclamen:
    Cyclamen prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and does best in partial to full shade. These plants require regular watering but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Cyclamen are relatively low-maintenance, but make sure to remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking its best. Mulching around the base of the plant will help to retain moisture and protect the roots during colder weather.

Dahlias

Dahlias are often thought of as summer flowers, but many varieties bloom well into autumn, making them a wonderful choice for September planting. With their striking, large blooms in a wide array of colours, Dahlias add drama and flair to any garden. 

  • Why Plant Dahlias?
    Dahlias offer incredible versatility and come in almost every colour imaginable. Their bold, showy flowers are perfect for creating focal points in your garden or for adding a pop of colour to borders. Dahlias also make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring a touch of autumnal beauty indoors. With proper care, Dahlias will continue to bloom until the first frost, providing months of enjoyment.

  • How to Care for Dahlias:
    Dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively thirsty plants, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadheading regularly will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Get Ready for Autumn at Hilltop Garden Centre

September is a wonderful time to refresh your garden and add a final flourish of colour before winter sets in. Whether you’re looking for bold, dramatic blooms like Dahlias and Chrysanthemums, or delicate, woodland flowers like Cyclamen, we have everything you need to create a vibrant autumn garden. Visit Hilltop Garden Centre today to explore our full range of autumn flowering plants and get expert advice on how to keep your garden looking its best throughout the season. Happy gardening!