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Royal Horticultural Society Warns Autumn Planting Is Crucial

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Royal Horticultural Society urges gardeners to plant trees and perennials in autumn to establish before summer.
Principal Horticultural Advisor Leigh Hunt says hotter, drier summers make autumn increasingly crucial for gardening.
Autumn planting benefits from rainfall, warm soil, cooler weather and stronger roots before spring.
Hunt recommends drought-tolerant plants such as Abelia, Salvia ‘Blue Spire’, sedums and water-tolerant trees like honey-locust and field maple.

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Story summary

The Royal Horticultural Society urges gardeners to plant trees and perennials in autumn to establish before summer.
Principal Horticultural Advisor Leigh Hunt says hotter, drier summers make autumn increasingly crucial for gardening.
Autumn planting benefits from rainfall, warm soil, cooler weather and stronger roots before spring.
Hunt recommends drought-tolerant plants such as Abelia, Salvia ‘Blue Spire’, sedums and water-tolerant trees like honey-locust and field maple.