Timing is key to the Perfect autumn planters

Timing is everything with autumn planters. If you wait until October, it’s often too cold for plants to grow. The easiest option is to use fully grown plants already in flower and pack the planter well for instant impact.

If you can plan ahead, having two sets of pots is ideal. Plant your autumn displays in August or early September, then simply swap them over when your summer pots finish.

Autumn plants are hardy and only need protection in severe weather. Remember to keep watering—pots can still dry out in winter. Cold, drying winds (think Beast from the East) can damage plants when roots are frozen and can’t take up water.

With a little care—watering, deadheading, and a feed in spring—violas, primroses, bellis, and wallflowers will grow and flower again the following spring.

For an extra treat, add spring-flowering bulbs. Mini daffodils like Tête-à-Tête give early colour, while hyacinths and tulips follow in March and April for a surprise burst of colour

A Simple Way to Choose Plants

Plants naturally grow in different ways. Some grow tall, some spread out, and some trail over the edges. Once you understand this, putting a planter together becomes much easier.

Plants are very forgiving—and so is planter design. Start simple, trust your eye, and enjoy the process. The more you play, the more confident you’ll become.

planter design tips link

Thriller, Filler, Spiller – Made Easy

Creating a great-looking planter is simple with the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method.

  • Thriller – one taller plant for height and impact
  • Filler – plants that fill the pot with colour and texture
  • Spiller – trailing plants to soften the edges

It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to build full, balanced spring pots with instant results—perfect for first-time designers.