Everest September Tips
Houseplant of the month
Saintpaulia (African violet)
African violets are treasured houseplants with velvety leaves and colourful flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Native to Tanzania, they were first introduced to Europe in 1892. Compact in form, they thrive on windowsills, tables, or shelves, making them ideal for brightening homes as autumn begins.
In September, shorter days mean they benefit from bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing windowsill is ideal, as direct sun can scorch delicate leaves. Keep them in a steady temperature above 18°C, avoiding draughts and sudden chills.
Water carefully, either from below or onto compost, never onto foliage. Use tepid water and let the soil dry slightly before rewatering. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Feed every two weeks with a potassium-rich fertiliser to maintain flower production.
Remove faded flowers promptly to encourage more buds. With attentiveness, African violets can bloom year-round, offering a cheerful indoor display during September.
Outdoor plant of the month
Hylotelephium (Sedum)
Hylotelephium, more commonly known as sedum, provides one of the garden’s finest autumn displays. Its fleshy, grey-green leaves form a mound topped with starry pink umbels in September. As temperatures cool, flowers gradually deepen in colour, creating contrasts that last until frosts.
A superb choice for pollinator-friendly planting, sedums are magnets for bees and butterflies late in the season, when nectar becomes increasingly scarce. They prefer sunny, open spots with free-draining soil. Once established, they tolerate drought well and need very little maintenance. This makes them dependable perennials.
Leave spent flowerheads standing over winter. Their dried, sculptural form provides structure and shelter for insects and birds. Cut them back in spring as new growth emerges.
Classic varieties such as ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Herbstfreude’ are reliable favourites. Compact cultivars are ideal for pots and small gardens. Sedums bring structure, colour, and wildlife support. This enriches September gardens with lasting seasonal value.
Gardening job for the month
Divide perennials
September is the perfect time to divide overgrown perennials. The soil is still warm from summer, whilst cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly transplanted plants.
Lift clumps carefully with a fork, aiming to keep plenty of roots intact. Perennials like hostas, daylilies, herbaceous geraniums, and asters respond especially well to division now. Split congested clumps into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Discard old, woody centres and replant vigorous sections straight into enriched, well-watered soil.
Spacing divisions evenly prevents overcrowding, encourages air circulation, and promotes stronger flowering the following year. Water plants well after replanting to help roots settle.
Division also provides an easy way to increase stock. Extra plants can be used elsewhere in the garden or shared with friends. By tackling division in September, perennials establish quickly before winter and return refreshed, fuller, and healthier for the next growing season.
