October is one of my favourite months for planting. While many people think the gardening season is coming to an end, I see it as the perfect opportunity to give trees and shrubs a head start before spring. The soil is still warm after summer, the air is cooler, and autumn rain often does much of the watering for you. That combination helps roots establish well before winter, giving plants the best chance to thrive.

I always try to add a mixture of flowering trees, evergreen shrubs, colourful foliage, and wildlife-friendly plants at this time of year. Whether you’re refreshing a tired border, creating more privacy, or dreaming of spectacular spring colour, these trees and shrubs to plant in October will reward you for years to come.

1. Japanese Maple, A Stunning Tree to Plant in October for Autumn Colour

If I want to create an instant focal point, I always choose a Japanese maple. Its delicate leaves turn brilliant shades of crimson, orange, and gold each autumn, making it one of the most beautiful trees to plant in October.

I like planting it in a sheltered spot with lightly shaded conditions, where its colourful foliage can be admired throughout the changing seasons.

2. Red Twig Dogwood, A Colourful Shrub for Winter Interest

I always recommend Red Twig Dogwood when a garden needs colour during the colder months. Its vivid scarlet stems brighten even the dullest winter days, making it one of my favourite shrubs to plant in October.

Once established, it requires very little maintenance, and a yearly prune encourages the brightest new stems.

3. Hydrangea, A Flowering Shrub That Never Disappoints

Hydrangeas are among my favourite flowering shrubs to plant in October because they provide months of interest. Their large blooms look stunning throughout summer and often dry beautifully for autumn and winter.

Planting hydrangeas in October allows the roots to establish well before next year’s growing season, resulting in stronger plants and larger flowers.

4. Camellia, An Evergreen Shrub with Elegant Winter Flowers

Whenever I want reliable colour during the colder months, I plant a camellia. This elegant evergreen shrub to plant in October produces glossy foliage all year before bursting into flower from late winter into spring.

I always improve the soil with organic matter and choose a sheltered position to help it flourish.

5. Magnolia, A Flowering Tree That Stops Everyone in Their Tracks

Magnolias are simply breathtaking when they burst into bloom. I think they’re one of the finest flowering trees to plant in October, giving roots plenty of time to establish before producing their spectacular spring flowers.

Choosing a sunny, sheltered position helps protect the delicate blossoms from late frosts.

6. Witch Hazel, A Winter-Flowering Garden Favourite

I love plants that surprise people, and witch hazel certainly does that. Its unusual ribbon-like flowers appear during winter when little else is in bloom, making it an excellent tree or large shrub to plant in October.

It also produces wonderful autumn foliage, giving you interest across multiple seasons.

7. Smoke Bush, A Shrub with Spectacular Purple Foliage

Smoke bush always catches the eye thanks to its rich purple leaves and airy flower plumes. I often use this ornamental shrub to plant in October to create contrast among green borders.

The cooler autumn weather allows it to settle comfortably before producing vigorous new growth in spring.

8. Viburnum, A Shrub with Year-Round Appeal

Few plants offer as much value as viburnum. I love that this versatile shrub to plant in October combines fragrant flowers, colourful berries, attractive foliage, and excellent autumn colour.

It fits beautifully into wildlife gardens while also looking smart in more formal landscapes.

9. Serviceberry, A Small Tree for Every Season

Serviceberry offers something beautiful in every season, which is exactly why I enjoy planting it. This elegant tree to plant in October produces delicate white flowers in spring, edible berries during summer, and fiery autumn foliage later in the year.

Birds appreciate it just as much as gardeners do.

10. Ninebark, A Low-Maintenance Shrub with Colourful Leaves

Whenever someone asks for an easy-care shrub, ninebark is high on my list. This dependable shrub to plant in October features richly coloured foliage, clusters of delicate flowers, and attractive peeling bark during winter.

It grows happily in a wide range of soils, making it ideal for beginners.

11. Beautyberry, A Shrub Covered in Bright Purple Berries

Beautyberry never fails to impress once its vibrant purple berries appear in autumn. I love including this berry-producing shrub to plant in October because it provides brilliant colour after many flowering plants have faded.

It also attracts birds, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

12. Winterberry Holly, A Shrub That Brightens Winter Gardens

Winterberry holly creates one of the most colourful displays of the colder months. Its bright red berries remain on the branches well into winter, making it one of my favourite shrubs to plant in October.

I always remember to plant a compatible male variety nearby to ensure plenty of berries develop.

13. Oakleaf Hydrangea, A Shrub with Outstanding Autumn Foliage

Oakleaf hydrangea offers much more than beautiful flowers. I particularly enjoy its large leaves, which transform into rich burgundy shades during autumn before revealing attractive bark throughout winter.

Planting this hydrangea in October allows it to establish before putting on an even better display the following year.

14. Paperbark Maple, A Tree with Beautiful Peeling Bark

Paperbark maple is one of those trees that becomes more impressive every year. I love its striking cinnamon-coloured bark, which peels naturally to create year-round interest.

As one of the finest ornamental trees to plant in October, it rewards patience with outstanding beauty in every season.

15. Box, A Classic Evergreen Shrub for Structure

Box remains one of my favourite evergreen shrubs because it provides shape and structure throughout the year.

This dependable evergreen shrub to plant in October works perfectly for low hedges, formal borders, and neatly clipped topiary. Planting during autumn gives it plenty of time to establish before spring growth begins.

16. Arborvitae, A Fast-Growing Privacy Tree

If privacy is the goal, arborvitae is always worth considering. This popular privacy tree to plant in October forms a dense evergreen screen that provides shelter and screening throughout the year.

I like planting several together to create a natural hedge that quickly transforms a garden.

17. Pieris Japonica, An Evergreen Shrub with Cascading Blooms

Pieris japonica is one of my favourite evergreen shrubs because it looks attractive in every season. Its colourful young foliage is followed by elegant clusters of flowers in early spring, making it an excellent evergreen shrub to plant in October.

It performs particularly well in acidic soil with partial shade.

18. Flowering Quince, A Shrub Full of Early Spring Colour

Flowering quince always feels like one of the first signs that winter is ending. I enjoy planting this colourful flowering shrub in October because it rewards the wait with masses of vibrant blossoms long before many other shrubs begin flowering.

It also makes an excellent informal hedge.

19. Lilac, A Fragrant Shrub Everyone Loves

The scent of lilac in spring is hard to beat. I always recommend this classic flowering shrub to plant in October because it produces spectacular blooms while attracting bees and butterflies into the garden.

Giving it a sunny position encourages the strongest flowering each year.

20. Rhododendron, A Show-Stopping Shrub for Spring Displays

Rhododendrons produce some of the largest and most colourful flower displays you’ll find. I think they’re among the best flowering shrubs to plant in October because the cooler conditions reduce transplant stress while allowing the roots to establish before spring.

Acidic soil and consistent moisture help them perform at their best.

21. Eastern Redbud, A Charming Tree Covered in Pink Blossom

Eastern redbud is one of the prettiest ornamental trees I know. Its vivid pink flowers appear directly along the bare branches before the leaves emerge, creating a truly memorable spring display.

As one of the most rewarding trees to plant in October, it’s a wonderful choice for adding early-season colour to any garden.

Clive’s Tips for Planting Trees and Shrubs in October

A little planning in October can make a huge difference to how your garden looks next spring and beyond. These simple tips have always helped me get the best results.

• Plant while the soil is still warm, giving roots plenty of time to establish before winter arrives.
• Water thoroughly after planting, even if rain is forecast, to remove air pockets around the roots.
• Add a generous layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil during winter.
• Give every tree and shrub enough room to mature, avoiding overcrowding as the garden grows.
• Mix evergreen shrubs, flowering trees, and berry-producing plants to create colour, texture, and wildlife interest throughout every season.