As the sun dips lower and the nights lengthen, October 2025 brings late-flowering perennials, autumn berries, and coloured autumn leaves.
They produce a burst of bright colour to delight the eyes; here are ten of the very best this month:
1. Aster novae-angliae ‘Violetta’
Few plants bring as much late-season vibrancy as the statuesque New England asters. And ‘Violetta’ is among the finest. Its rich purple flowers provide vital nectar for bees and butterflies when other flowers are fading. Another great plus is it’s also mildew-resistant.
- Flowers from August to October
- Hardy
- Grows to 129cm tall and 60cm wide
- Well-drained but moist, fertile soil
- Full sun
- Exposed
2. Nerine bowdenii ‘Pink Triumph’
These dazzling South African bulbs come into their own in October 2025. ‘Pink Triumph’ produces clusters of lily-like, candy floss-pink flowers that rise above strappy foliage. Perfect for a sunny border or against a warm wall.
- Flowers from September to October
- Hardy
- Grows to 45cm tall and 30cm wide
- Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
3. Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ (Japanese anemone)
This classic autumn perennial has graceful, tall stems with pure white flowers and golden centres. They light up shaded borders and are perfect for extending the season at this time of year.
- Flowers from August to October
- Hardy
- Grows to 120cm tall and 60cm wide
- Well-drained but moist humus-rich soil
- Part shade or full sun
- Sheltered
4. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy blue-flowered leadwort)
The highlight of this low-growing, deciduous shrub at this time of year is the gorgeous, bright and cheerful blue flowers. They almost glow in low autumn light. As the season progresses, its leaves turn rich crimson. Ideal for edging paths or filling gaps at the front of sunny borders.
- Flowers from August to October
- Hardy
- Grows to 30cm tall and 50cm wide
- Well-drained neutral to alkaline soil
- Part shade or full sun
- Sheltered
5. Hesperantha coccinea ‘Major’ (Crimson flag lily)
Another colourful, late-season perennial which produces starry, scarlet-red flowers, often until the first frosts. ‘Major’ thrives in moist soil, making it an excellent choice for pond edges or damp borders. A great choice for October 2025.
- Flowers from September to November
- Hardy
- Grows to 60cm tall and 45cm wide
- Moist, fertile soil
- Part shade or full sun
- Sheltered
6. Fuchsia ‘Mrs Popple’ (Hardy fuchsia)
A classic hardy fuchsia that often flowers well into October, with elegant red-and-purple hanging blooms. This deciduous shrub brings a splash of colour to borders and mixed plantings. Plus, it can also be bought as a focal point half-standard, so you can grow many other flowering plants beneath it. All in all, it’s the perfect autumn flowering tonic in October 2025!
- Flowers from September to November
- Hardy
- Grows to 150cm tall & 150cm wide
- Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Neat, low-growing and evergreen, this perennial has handsome dark purple foliage. It contrasts beautifully in mixed borders and makes excellent edging or front-of-border planting.
- Flowers June to August
- Hardy
- Grows to 60cm tall and 60cm wide
- Moist, fertile soil
- Dappled shade
- Exposed
One of autumn’s great treasures, this hardy cyclamen carpets the ground with dainty pink or white flowers for many weeks. The blooms are followed by striking, marbled leaves that remain throughout the winter months. It looks wonderful planted en masse beneath deciduous trees.
- Flowers from September to November
- Hardy
- Grows to 12cm tall and 30cm wide
- Well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Light shade
- Exposed
9. Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ (Autumn crocus)
This double-flowered colchicum is a showstopper in October 2025. Its large, lilac-pink blooms appear before the leaves, creating a magical effect in lawns, borders, or gravel gardens.
- Flowers from September to November
- Hardy
- Grows to 12cm tall and 30cm wide
- Well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Light shade
- Exposed
10. Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ (Beauty-berry)
Few shrubs rival the beauty of callicarpa in October 2025. At this time of year, ‘Profusion’ develops dense clusters of bead-like, metallic-purple berries that shine out on the dullest of days.
- Flowers from June to August; Berries from September to November
- Hardy
- Grows to 300cm tall and 250cm wide
- Well-drained, moist soil
- Full sun to part shade
- Exposed
With these plants in your borders, October can become a month of rich colour and seasonal drama, long after summer has faded.
For more great gardening advice, make sure you head to my YouTube Channel. Make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on so you don’t miss any of my new videos.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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