Cosmos, dahlias, chrysanthemums and asters are the usual favourites that gardeners rely on to brighten their plots as the days shorten.
But what if we told you there's an even more dazzling autumn perennial you're probably overlooking?
Meet the nerine, also known as the Guernsey lily or spider lily. These graceful blooms burst into colour just as many other plants begin to fade; their spidery petals, which grow on tall, leafless stems, shimmer in vivid shades of white, brilliant pink and bright red, adding both texture and vibrancy to late-season borders.
Often forgotten in conversations about autumn flowers, these 'naked ladies' – a nickname for blooms whose petals grow on bare stems – are true seasonal heroes, and not just because of their vibrant colour.
Beyond their beauty, they're also delightfully easy to care for, says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.
Despite being native to the warm climate of South Africa's mountainous regions, "The most common species, Nerine bowdenii, is hardy and thrives in the UK autumn," Julian says. "They are also ideal for beginner gardeners to grow."
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Finally, he adds, they bloom well into November, making them one of the last men – or ladies – standing.
While the ideal planting window for bulbs has passed for this year (they're best planted in spring or early summer so they can establish strong roots, Julian explains), there's still time to enjoy their charm.
"The best way to do it is to buy potted plants that are already in flower at your local garden centre," Julian recommends.
A special tip? Position them right up against a warm house or wall, where they'll happily thrive for at least another month.
And don't forget to add them to your spring bulb-planting list for next year. With their pretty petals and easy-going nature, nerines might just become your new autumn favourite.
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
