When it comes to gardening, autumn is often overlooked. Yet it's actually one of the most rewarding seasons, with fiery foliage, late-flowering blooms and rich, warming colours transforming outdoor spaces.
What isn't quite so appealing is the amount of work some gardens demand. Keeping high-maintenance plants looking their best can quickly turn relaxing weekends into a long list of gardening jobs.
Fortunately, a beautiful autumn garden doesn't have to mean constant upkeep. By choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal attention, you can enjoy all the seasonal colour without spending hours tending to borders.
'Autumn is the perfect time to choose plants that thrive with very little maintenance, bringing plenty of seasonal colour and interest while requiring minimal watering and care and there are some great low maintenance plants you can choose from, perfect for all gardening abilities,' says Amber Tunney, plant buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
We asked experts what their top recommendations are for a low-maintenance autumn garden.
Low-maintenance autumn plants that thrive on neglect
1) Sedums
'Sedums are a particular favourite because they’re reliable, drought tolerant once established, ideal in this heatwave and drought, and bring rich late-season colour just when borders can start to look a little tired,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.
2) Japanese anemones
'Japanese anemones produce elegant pink or white flowers throughout autumn and return reliably year after year. Once established, they only need watering during prolonged periods of drought, making them an easy addition to any garden,' says Amber.
3) Asters
'Asters are long-lived perennials that produce reliable displays of blue, pink or white daisy-like flowers late into the season. They are a favourite with bees and butterflies and require very little attention, rarely needing watering or feeding,' Amber explains.
4) Ornamental grasses
'Ornamental grasses are another clever choice for a low-maintenance autumn scheme. They add movement, structure and texture, and they need very little intervention beyond a cut back later in the season. That makes them ideal for anyone who wants their garden to look layered and designed, but without spending every weekend deadheading, feeding or fussing,' says Julian.
5) Heucheras
'Heucheras are brilliant too, especially where you want colour without relying solely on flowers. Their foliage carries interest for months, and they’re one of those plants that still look purposeful even when they’re not at their peak,' adds Julian.
Read more: How to grow heuchera (coral bells): the easy-care plant gardeners love
