As the weather starts to cool down, the beautiful summer blooms will begin to die off.
Watch: Graham’s favourite winter plants
While it might be sad to see your favourite summer flowers disappear for another year, it’s time to move on and start thinking about your autumn garden.
The easiest flowers to grow in autumn
Believe it or not, there’s a lot to choose from when adding colourful flowers to your garden in autumn, but if you’re looking for a quick win: pansies and violas are two of the easiest autumn flowers to grow.
Kevin Parker is a senior horticulturist at The Greenery Garden and Home. He says, “Pansies and violas are probably the most popular; they can be used in sunny gardens, pots, or patios, and they flower for ages.”
In saying that, if Kevin had to choose one, it would be violas.
“One of the easiest to grow is the viola, and they’ll go right through until about September,” he says. “They’re excellent value.”
Pansies and violas both belong to the Violaceae family, which is a family of plants that includes over 600 species. But they do have some differences.
Pansies
Pansies have larger, more vibrant flowers, which Kevin describes as “having a face on them.”
“That’s how you distinguish between a pansy and a viola,” he says. “They come in various colours, from deep purples and blues to bright yellows and oranges.
Pansies can also tolerate the cold a little better.
Violas have smaller flowers with a sweet scent. They come in various colours too but tend to be more pastel shades.
How to grow pansies and violas
Aspect: part sun. Pansies and violas prefer cooler temperatures and won’t be happy if left in the heat or direct sunlight for too long.
Water: keep the soil moist without overwatering.
Fertiliser: a slow-release fertiliser during the growing season can help give pansies and violas an added push when flowering.
Maintenance: deadhead flowers once they die off to encourage new growth.
Pests: watch for aphids and powdery mildew, as pansies and violas are susceptible.
So if you’re looking for the perfect flowering plants for your autumn garden, look no further than pansies and violas. They are the ideal choice for brightening your outdoor space.
To grow these plants successfully, it’s essential to provide them with partial shade, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, occasional fertilisation, and regular maintenance.
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