As autumn settles in, gardens transform into striking displays of texture and light. The lower-angled sunlight highlights the architectural beauty of plants, and few take centre stage as dramatically as ornamental grasses. These versatile plants are gaining popularity for their structural elegance, low maintenance, and wildlife-friendly benefits.
Grasses That Shine in Autumn
If you’re looking to add movement and dimension to your garden, consider these standout varieties:
Miscanthus
Miscanthus grasses are clump-forming and produce eye-catching plumes that rise above their foliage. Popular choices include:
- Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’: Reaches up to 1.8m, with lilac-purple plumes that fade to silver-grey.
- Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrina’: Known for cream zebra-striped foliage and 1m silver plumes.
- Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’: Features shimmering silver-striped foliage, perfect for catching the autumn light.
Pennisetum
These grasses come in annual and perennial forms, adding texture and colour:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’: Hardy and produces silver panicles through autumn.
- Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’: A tender perennial with mahogany-red foliage and deep purple panicles—perfect for containers or borders.
Calamagrostis (Reed Grasses)
Ideal for heavier, moisture-retentive soils, these grasses thrive in Yorkshire’s wet winters:
- Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’: Hardy with pink panicles up to 1.4m tall.
- Calamagrostis brachytricha: Produces silver-white fronds between 1.4m and 2m.
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’: Features striped foliage and silver plumes.
These grasses provide height and interest throughout winter. Simply cut them back in late February and feed with fish, blood, and bone for a robust return.
Garden of the Month: Scampston Walled Garden
For inspiration on incorporating grasses into your garden, visit Piet Oudolf’s celebrated planting design at Scampston Walled Garden. Nestled in Yorkshire, this internationally acclaimed garden showcases a stunning blend of ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials, and structural shrubs. The walled garden offers endless ideas, from bold colour combinations to innovative layouts. You’ll leave with a notebook full of ideas to try in your own space!
Nigel’s Plant of the Month: Hesperantha coccinea
For a splash of colour in autumn, I recommend Hesperantha coccinea. This South African hardy bulb thrives in well-drained soil and shines in containers or borders. Its star-shaped flowers bloom in scarlet, pink, or white, making it a vibrant addition to late-season displays.
Pair Hesperantha with ornamental grasses or late-flowering chrysanthemums for a striking contrast. To prevent rot, keep the bulbs in gritty soil and elevate containers on pot feet during winter.
Nigel’s Q&A
Q: My Phalaenopsis orchid won’t flower, and its roots are spilling out of the pot. What can I do?
A: Your orchid sounds healthy—it just needs a little care to encourage flowering.
Feeding: Use orchid-specific feed three times out of four waterings. On the fourth watering, use plain water to flush out any residue. This routine should encourage new leaves and flower spikes.
Roots: Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees. Roots outside the pot are normal and don’t mean it’s time to repot. Replace the bark compost annually in spring, and trim any withered roots.
Q: How can I store my fruit crops over winter?
A: Apples and pears can be wrapped individually in newspaper and stored in trays in a cool, dark place. Check every two weeks to remove any spoiled fruit. Alternatively, preserve your harvest by making chutneys, jams, or bottled fruits for use throughout the winter.