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perennials for autumn planting

When autumn arrives in New Zealand, many gardeners mistakenly believe it’s time to wind down and pack away the trowels. In reality, autumn is one of the very best times of year to add hardy, beautiful perennials to your garden. Planting perennials in autumn takes advantage of the cooler temperatures, gentler sun, and increased rainfall—helping those plants establish strong roots so they’re ready to burst into action next spring. Whether you want vibrant colour, structure, or long-lasting foliage, choosing the right perennials for autumn planting will ensure your garden brightens up year after year.

A beautiful Sedum 'Autumn Joy' plant in a garden with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

4.5 from 2 customers

Sedum 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is grown for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial produces flowers from summer through autumn that open pink, then mature to a copper colour. The flowers are borne above the succulent, mid-green leaves as it grows to 40 cm tall and the same width.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
salvia-african-sky-

Salvia 'African Sky'

5 from 1 customers

Salvia 'African Sky' is a stunning perennial valued for its masses of vivid sky blue flowers that bloom over a long season from spring through autumn. Its upright growth, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract bees and birds make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
bulbine-frutescens--1
Bulbine frutescens

Bulbine frutescens is a hardy evergreen perennial valued for its succulent like foliage and long lasting spikes of bright yellow or orange star...

From$19.50
Large Salvia leucantha plant with purple flowers and green foliage.
Salvia leucantha

Salvia leucantha (Mexican Sage Plant) is a spectacular perennial known for its velvety purple and white flower spikes that create a stunning display...

From$30.29
pelargonium-sidoides-
Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its unusual deep maroon to almost black flowers that are produced from spring...

From$20.63
Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' plant with cream-coloured flowers and lush foliage.
Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' (Torchlily)

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' is a compact evergreen perennial grown for its vibrant pineapple yellow flower spikes that appear from late spring...

From$20.63
salvia-wendys-wish-
Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'

Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' is a spectacular perennial admired for its vibrant pink flowers and aromatic green foliage that provide colour from late spring...

From$27.53
Tulbaghia 'Milky Way' grass plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia 'Milky Way' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia 'Milky Way' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its creamy white star shaped flowers and slender grey green foliage. This...

From$11.50
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1
Perovskia atriplicifolia

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage, is a striking perennial admired for its airy spikes of lavender blue flowers and aromatic...

From$27.53
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.
Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.87
agapanthus-lapis-5
Agapanthus 'Lapis'

Agapanthus 'Lapis' is a compact and elegant perennial prized for its abundant clusters of rich blue flowers that appear above tidy clumps of lush...

From$13.95
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' plants with a yellow flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella'

Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' is a variety of the commonly known Day Lily, and features large and showy, yellow flowers that are only at peak condition...

From$20.63
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
canna-felix-ragout-
Canna 'Felix Ragout'

Canna 'Felix Ragout' is a striking tropical perennial admired for its lush green foliage and spectacular large flowers that provide vibrant colour...

From$23.39
acer-autumn-glory-
Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

From$299.95
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
A Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' specimen tree with colourful, yellow foliage in autumn.
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold'

Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' is grown for its impressive and colourful foliage. It produces distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves which turn bright...

From$387.55
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
Francoa 'Starry Eyes'

Francoa 'Starry Eyes' is an elegant perennial that produces graceful spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its lush green...

From$17.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bulbine, Kniphofia, and Pelargonium, or related Categories - Perennials.

Search perennials for autumn planting

Why Plant Perennials in Autumn?

Autumn planting gives perennials a crucial head-start. The soil is still warm from the summer months, but the air is cool, creating the perfect environment for root development without the stress of excessive heat. With perennials for autumn planting, you can expect them to settle in and thrive, leading to stronger, more floriferous plants come spring and summer.

Top Perennials for Autumn Planting in New Zealand

There is a wide range of perennials perfect for autumn planting, offering texture, colour, and resilience through various conditions. Below are some standout choices that New Zealand gardeners love:

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

For gardeners looking for unique foliage and striking blooms, consider Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant). This hardy perennial is a bromeliad with silvery green leaves and dramatic pink flowers, ideal for adding a touch of the tropics to your garden or brightening up a shaded spot.

Kniphofia ‘Border Ballet’ and ‘Dwarf Scarlet’ (Hot Poker Plants)

Looking to add bold colour and attract pollinators? Kniphofia varieties are essential perennials for autumn planting. Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant) delivers a lively mix of red, orange, and yellow flower spikes that light up the autumn garden, while Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant) brings vibrant scarlet hues in a more compact form—perfect for borders or smaller spaces.

Azalea Autumn Starlite and Autumn Lilac

Azaleas aren’t just for spring—they can also be part of your autumn planting plans. Azalea Autumn Starlite (Autumn Starlite Azalea) produces masses of delicate white blooms, even in the cooler months. For a splash of soft lavender, Azalea Autumn Lilac (Autumn Lilac Azalea) is an outstanding choice, offering reliable colour and evergreen leaves.

Planting and Care Tips

When selecting perennials for autumn planting, aim for healthy, disease-free plants and prepare your soil by enriching it with compost or well-rotted animal manure. Position your perennials where they'll receive their preferred amount of light and give them enough space for growth. Water them in well after planting, and apply a light mulch to conserve soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. As winter sets in, your perennials’ roots will continue getting established beneath the surface, laying the foundation for an impressive spring display.

Transform Your Garden This Autumn

By choosing the best perennials for autumn planting, you’re investing in a vibrant, resilient garden that will reward you with colour and texture for years to come. Ready to get started? Explore favourites like Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant), Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant), Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant), Azalea Autumn Starlite (Autumn Starlite Azalea), and Azalea Autumn Lilac (Autumn Lilac Azalea) to create your ideal autumn-planted perennial garden. Happy planting!


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' and Cereus tetragonus are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Westringia 'Wynyabbie Gem', Phoenix roebelenii, and Thymus pseudolanuginosus.
–The Plant Company

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