2. Japanese anemone

When:
Late August–October
Where:
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Walmer Castle and Gardens
Osborne

A star of autumn gardens, Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis, Anemone x hybrida) are tall saucer-shaped flowers that float alongside silvery buds above foliage which dies back in the winter after flowering, and returns in spring. These plants are sometimes also known as 'windflowers' for their gentle nodding movement in the wind.

Despite their name, Japanese anemones originate from China, but have been grown in Japanese gardens for centuries. They were first brought to Britain by the plant collector Robert Fortune in the mid-19th century.

Japanese anemones feature in Osborne's walled garden. The swathes of pink flowers transform the area in early autumn, extending the garden's flowering period.

4. Dahlia

Best time to spot them:
August–early October
Where:
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Audley End House and Gardens
Osborne
Walmer Castle and Gardens
Wrest Park

Dahlias originate from southern and central America. They were first brought to Europe in the late 18th century, but not successfully grown in Britain until the early 19th century.

The first 'single' flowers were soon bred to produce a variety of colours and fancier 'double' blooms, which became incredibly popular in the first half of the 19th century. Since then, dahlias have fluctuated in popularity, at some points being considered vulgar and only fit for allotments.

At English Heritage, dahlias can be found growing from kitchen gardens and walled gardens for cut flowers (Walmer and Wrest Park), to bedding arrangements and summer displays (Osborne, Eltham and Audley End), reflecting their changing popularity through history.

Did you know? Stonehenge once hosted dahlia shows. During the 1840s, Stonehenge was the unlikely venue for dahlia shows, which featured competitions to find the best blooms, 'floral devices' – sculptures made entirely dahlias – live music, a 'universal picnic', and even a cricket match.

6. Chrysanthemum

When:
September–November 
Where:
Audley End House and Gardens
Carisbrooke Castle
Home of Charles Darwin – Down House
Walmer Castle and Gardens.

Chrysanthemums come in a huge array of sizes, shapes and colours. They can produce a plentiful supply of cut flowers in autumn, right through to early winter.

Chrysanthemums originate from China, where they have been grown for centuries as a herb. Chrysanthemums are also very significant in Japanese culture, associated with royalty, having been brought to Japan through trade with China in around the 5th century.

Chrysanthemums are thought to have been introduced to Europe in the 17th century and were very popular as a cut flower in the 19th century as they can last for almost two weeks. At our sites, you can usually find them in kitchen gardens and cutting borders.

Did you know? The diary of William Cresswell, a gardener at Audley End during the 1870s, refers to potting on Chrysanthemums into larger pots. So we know these autumnal flowers were grown at Audley End in the late 19th century.

8. Nerines

When:
Flowering in September and October
Where:
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Osborne 
Walmer Castle and Gardens 
Wrest Park

Nerines grow from bulbs and flower during September and October. They form tall stems, topped with clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers with curly petals mostly commonly found in shades of pink.

The plant doesn't have visible leaves during the flowering period and are a popular bloom for flower arranging. You can find nerines at Eltham Palace, Osborne, Walmer Castle and Wrest Park, where they add a last pop of colour to the late summer planting.

Nerines are a South African plant, brought to Europe in the 17th century.

Did you know? There's a 'wild' population of nerines growing on the Channel Island of Guernsey, said to have become established after a box of the bulbs washed up on the shore following a shipwreck. This legend has helped Nerines earn the common name of 'Guernsey Lily'.

10. Bodinier beautyberry

When:
October–December
Where:
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Walmer Castle and Gardens

The unusual Bodinier beautyberry plant (Callicarpa bodinieri) from western and central China is a showstopper in autumn. In summer, it produces small pale purple clusters of flowers, followed by glossy, round, purple berries in the autumn.

The Bodinier beautyberry is named after Emile Marie Bodinier, a French missionary and plant collector who sent back a specimen of the plant in the 1890s. It was only made more widely available after 1907.

Its striking and unusual colour made it a popular exotic choice for gardens in the early 20th century. To get the most berries, a number of plants must be grouped together, which might have caused a decline in its popularity.