Plants for a ‘hot’ border with autumn and winter interest
Hot colours bring an atmosphere of warmth and vibrancy to a border. A sustainable planting combination makes it easier to create a full and attractive border that is more resilient to climatic challenges
Quick facts
- Reds, oranges and yellows create fiery bursts of colour in our borders
- Fiery autumn foliage creates a dazzling display
- Colourful stems can add pops of colour in your border over the winter
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The planting plan
This planting design provides a range of plants that, once established, will provide a variety of interest throughout the year.
Plants for a ‘hot’ border with autumn and winter interest
Choosing plants for a ‘hot’ border
Several of these plants will attract vital pollinators to your garden, helping to improve biodiversity.
Leaf adaptations allow plants to withstand heat and drought well. The hairy foliage of the Helianthemum and the leathery leaves of the Berberis reduce water loss from the foliage.
The Geum and Rudbeckia create groundcover, which suppresses weed growth and helps to cover the soil. This cover reduces soil erosion and the loss of water from the soil surface by evaporation. Using an organic mulch, preferably homemade compost, can help to provide the same benefits.
1 - Cornus sanguinea ‘Magic Flame’
2 - Spirea japonica GOLDEN PRINCESS (‘Lisp’)
3 - Berberis darwinii
4 - Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii
5 - Geum ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’
6 - Helianthemum ‘Fire Dragon’
2 – Spirea japonica GOLDEN PRINCESS (‘Lisp’) is a bushy deciduous shrub with leaves that open reddish-bronze, become rich gold in summer, and turn reddish in autumn. Flattened heads of bright rosy-pink flowers appear in late summer.
3 – Berberis darwinii is a dense, medium-sized evergreen shrub, with sparsely spined, dark glossy green leaves. Clusters of rich orange flowers in spring, tinged red when in bud, are followed by blue-black berries in late summer.
4 – Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, with black-eyed bright yellow daisies rising above hairy dark green leaves from late summer to mid autumn.
5 – Geum ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’ is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, with semi-double, rich scarlet flowers held on wiry stems above hairy dark green leaves in summer.
6 – Helianthemum ‘Fire Dragon’ is a spreading evergreen shrub to 30cm tall, with narrow grey-green leaves. Flowers are bright orange-red, darker in the centre, and are borne in late spring and early summer.
About plants for a ‘hot’ border
By using plants that are also well suited to the planting situation, the plants tend to be stronger and more naturally resistant to pests and disease. Once the plants are established, this will reduce the need for extra inputs that less well-adapted plants would need, such as excessive water and fertiliser.
Growing plants for a ‘hot’ border
AGM plants tend to be more naturally resistant to pests and disease and, once established, will reduce the need for extra inputs that weaker-growing plants would need, such as excessive water and fertiliser.
A simple planting plan helps to create depth, interest and good coverage in a border.
Why choose a sustainable planting combination
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.