September plants

As summer slowly eases into autumn, head gardener Andrea Brunsendorf chooses ten plants to keep the show going in the garden

- Andrea Brunsendorf

TROPAEOLUM SPECIOSUM

This is a perennial nasturtium with attractive, small, clover-like foliage and a much finer demeanour than its annual cousins. This herbaceous climber retreats into its hardy tubers each winter, which are best situated in the shade of shrubs. It performs well in cooler summer regions, with shelter from the wind. It is often seen scrambling up yew hedges, where its bright-crimson flowers with long spurs make a compelling show, before producing shiny blue berries. It gently grows through other perennials, providing late-season interest. AGM*.

Height and spread 4m x 1m.

Origin Chile.

Conditions Moist, well-draining, humus-rich soils, preferably acidic; full sun to part shade.

Hardiness RHS H5, USDA 7a-10b†.

Season of interest Flowers July – September; fruit throughout October.

ROSA MORNING MIST (= ‘AUSFIRE’)

This repeat-flowerer is fully hardy and simply ethereal, with its single open flowers arranged in small clusters, ranging from coral pink to peach-flushed orange. The large, yellow boss of stamens attracts many pollinators. The lightly musk-scented flowers turn into brilliant orange hips, so don’t deadhead this one. At Lowther, this mighty northern stalwart forms the central spine of many of our narrow rose beds and is flanked by numerous more petite semi-double beauties, creating an attractive contrast.

Height and spread 1.8m x 1.5m.

Origin Garden (species China).

Conditions Moist, well-draining, humus-rich soils; full sun.

Hardiness RHS H7, USDA 6a-9b.

Season of interest May – early November.

CALYCANTHUS OCCIDENTALIS