• Helianthus are also stars of the October garden . Not all sunflowers are the single-stemmed giants that children love to grow ! The perennial variety , which can grow in a drift reaching 2m tall , bring a long-lasting splash of sunshine throughout the autumn . Bees also appreciate this rich source of nectar late in the season and , once again , they look wonderful next to grasses .
• Penstemon , sometimes known as beardtongue , are cottage-garden favourites that can bloom for an impressive six months of the year ! They happily flower right through October , if frosts stay away . Keep deadheading the tubular flowers , which range in colour from blues to purples and pale pinks , and enjoy watching bees escape from the weather into the safety of the bell-shaped blooms where they can feast on nectar . Don ’ t be tempted to prune once colder weather has arrived , however , as they need the protection of their foliage over the winter .
This selection of late-bloomers is by no means complete , as there are many more October-flowering perennials that will lift the spirits when you seek them out . Gaura , with its delicate , ‘ whirling butterfly ’ flowers , will happily continue to flower throughout October , as will Persicaria , agastache and echinacea ( coneflowers ). Fill your life with flowers and enjoy !
By Caroline Knight
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