Anemones provide fantastic late season colour and Anemone x hybrida 'Whirlwind' has upright stems bearing clear white, double flowers with yellow centres. Their petals are quilled and overlap, producing a striking effect. Anemones prefer semi-shade and moist soil that does not dry out during the summer. They will form a large clump and reach about 120cm (4ft), providing useful height at the back of the border.
Grasses provide interest to the autumn garden by adding texture, movement and sound. They are very versatile and can be used in mixed borders, herbaceous plantings or in a naturalistic scheme. Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a compact variety of pampas grass and is therefore a better selection for many gardens. From late summer, strong stems emerge with creamy plumes that produce a dazzling display, particularly effective against a clear autumn sky.
Dahlias provide fantastic foliage and colour through late summer and autumn and are a superb addition to any border. There are many cultivars reaching various heights which makes them very versatile. Dahlia 'Moonshine' is shorter than some, reaching 90-120cm (3-4ft) and can be used to great affect at the front of the border where its dark purple foliage contrasts wonderfully with other plants.
Salvia uliginosa makes a tall dense clump with erect, wavy stems and narrow green leaves. In late summer pale blue flowers emerge from green buds at the tips of the stems, which gradually extend as they age. This species reaches 180cm (6ft) and has an attractive lax habit so it doesn’t require staking. It provides excellent late summer height and colour to a border, although in good conditions it can spread into a large clump. It prefers an open sunny site, but the soil must remain moist in summer.
Stipa tenuissima is a small evergreen grass that erupts into flower in summer with green plumes that fade to beige in a wonderfully fluffy haze. The flower heads stay attractive for months, becoming white and wispy. By contrast, in spring the foliage is bright green and if it has become untidy over winter it can be cut back at this time. This Stipa grows well on poor sandy soils in full sun and it looks best grown in long drifts where the effects of light and wind can be enjoyed.
Zauschneria californica 'Ed Carmen', the Californian fuchsia, provides vibrant late season colour with a dazzling display of small, red flowers. Zauschneria is a low-growing perennial with a woody base that spreads outwards by small runners which form a large clump. Originating from California and Mexico, it prefers to be grown in an open, sunny position, in well-drained soil. Cut it back in the spring to keep it in shape.