What to plant

Perennials (Come Back Every Year)
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) – Golden yellow flowers, late summer to autumn.
Echinacea (Coneflower) – Pink, purple, white, and orange varieties, attracts pollinators.
Sedum (Stonecrop) – Late summer/autumn bloomer, drought-tolerant.
Helenium (Sneezeweed) – Warm red, orange, and yellow flowers from late summer to autumn.
Asters – Lovely purple, pink, and white flowers in late summer to autumn.
Annuals (Need Planting Every Year)
Cosmos – Blooms all summer into autumn, very easy to grow.
Zinnias – Bright, long-lasting flowers, great for cutting.
Marigolds – Vibrant orange and yellow, thrive in full sun.
Nasturtiums – Bright flowers and edible leaves.
Sunflowers – Tall and striking, blooms in late summer.
Climbers for South-Facing Walls or Fences
Clematis (Late-flowering varieties) – Blooms in late summer/autumn.
Passionflower (Passiflora) – Exotic-looking flowers, loves the sun.
Shrubs with Late Summer/Autumn Flowers
Hydrangea ‘Paniculata’ – Large, showy blooms that change color.
Caryopteris (Bluebeard) – Blue flowers in late summer.
Abelia Grandiflora – Pretty pink and white flowers, fragrant.

For Low-Maintenance, Wildlife-Friendly Flowers

Echinacea (Coneflower) – Drought-tolerant, long blooming, loved by bees and butterflies.
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) – Bright yellow flowers, attracts pollinators.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Thrives in dry conditions, attracts bees and butterflies.
Lavender – Drought-resistant, highly fragrant, attracts bees and butterflies.
Asters – Late-summer/autumn blooms, essential for late-season pollinators.
Verbena bonariensis – Tall, airy purple flowers, adored by butterflies.
Helenium (Sneezeweed) – Warm-toned flowers, a late-season nectar source.
Salvia (Sage) – Long flowering, attracts bees and hummingbirds (if present).
Marigolds – Pest-resistant, easy to grow, and great for beneficial insects.
Cosmos – Blooms all summer and autumn, self-seeds for next year.
Low-Maintenance Shrubs for Pollinators
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) – Very easy to grow, a butterfly magnet.
Caryopteris (Bluebeard) – Late-summer blue flowers, bee-friendly.
Hebe – Evergreen, easy care, provides nectar well into autumn.
Low-Maintenance Climbing Plants
Clematis ‘Bill MacKenzie’ (Tangutica Group) – Yellow lantern-like flowers, blooms into autumn.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’) – Fragrant, attracts bees and moths.
Extra Tips for an Easy, Wildlife-Friendly Garden:
✅ Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
✅ Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
✅ Leave seed heads (e.g., Echinacea, Rudbeckia) for birds in winter.
✅ Use a small water source (birdbath or shallow dish) to support wildlife.