Five plants to add 'instant' colour to your garden until autumn - and deter pests

Although the prime planting season may have passed, there's always room to inject a bit of colour with "stunning flowering blooms".

While many garden enthusiasts often opt for roses or hydrangeas, there are other varieties that can bloom right up until autumn.

Charlotte McGrattan, hardy nursery stock buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, has shared five top picks that will add some life to your garden.

1. Rudbeckia

According to Charlotte: "Rudbeckia is a hardy, clump-forming perennial that brings vibrant colour to the garden from mid-summer into autumn," reports the Express.

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"It features dark green leaves and produces upright stems adorned with striking golden-yellow flowers with a distinctive dark brown central cone."

2. Agapanthus

This plant forms a clump of green leaves and produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers on upright stems.

Its beautiful blooms make for a "long season" of "brilliant" colour, according to Charlotte. They're perfect for beds and borders and are a "real must-have" for any style of garden.

3. Verbena bonariensis

Charlotte explained: "With its tall, elegant stems and clusters of vibrant purple flowers, verbena bonariensis fills borders with charm.

"Loved by bees and butterflies, it's perfect for herbaceous borders, adding a touch of colour from summer to autumn."

This plant is stunning and adds a lovely pop of unusual colour to the garden throughout the entire season.

4. Penstemon

Available in a variety of hues including purple and pink, penstemons are particularly favoured for their lengthy blooming period.

These plants will bloom from summer right through to autumn, providing much-needed colour in the garden during these seasons.

Additionally, bees are attracted to the plant's beautiful flowers, making it an excellent choice for any type of garden.

5. Leucanthemum

The gardening expert went on to say: "Characterised by its toothed dark green leaves and cheerful blooms, Leucanthemum produces a profusion of white flowers from summer through to autumn.

"These top summer plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. Keep them well-watered until they are established and to encourage repeat blooming, deadhead the flowers regularly."