Late summer shrubs

We have passed high summer in the garden and for some people at this time of year there is a fear of what comes next.  In the period leading into autumn there may be a dearth of interest in the garden, when it comes to flowering shrubs.  When we talk about autumn colour, we are usually referring to the change in leaf colour but there are still a few shrubs that can help to plug this flower-free gap. 

Abelia x grandiflora is one of the first shrubs that springs to my mind, a useful hardly evergreen that sports pink flowers from August to October, if you like the sound of this then maybe delve a little deeper and explore others such as A. x grandiflora ‘Frances Mason’ which is a little less vigorous and have delightful pinkish-mauve funnel-shaped flowers or A. x grandiflora ‘Hopleys Variety’ which offers a variegated leaf as well as soft pink flowers.

Hydrangeas are also a great choice, however you may be the sort of person who thinks this a dull option?  Well, may I suggest that you make a visit to White House Farm, near Sevenoaks in Kent, the arboretum created by Maurice Foster VMH (Victoria Medal of Honour awarded in 2011 for his services to British Horticulture).  Maurice has been breeding Hydrangeas for over 50 years and in particular H. aspera.  One of his absolute beauties is H. Aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ with chocolate-brown coloured, velvety foliage turning golden in autumn. The flowers are pinkish-violet and the best thing of all is, that it will withstand a shady site.

To visit and find out more: www.whitehousefarmgardenandarboretum.com

For a large selection of unusual shrubs visit: www.burncoose.co.uk