What’s in Bloom? October at RBG

What Blooms in October?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

Cooler temperatures return to RBG, bringing rich fall colours in foliage and blooms. While parts of Northern Ontario have moved well into the peak of their fall colours, RBG’s location allows for an extended season to enjoy. From fresh blooms to early autumn hues, the Gardens are bursting with natural wonders to explore!

Over at the Rock Garden, fall colours are slowly trickling in, with the Japanese Maple and Katsura Tree as fiery standouts. More eye-catching flowers are also flourishing at the Rock, including Sweet Amber, Nieuwland’s Blazing Star, White Wood Aster, and Monkshood, all complimented by the collection of richly green coniferous trees.

Pictured, left to right: Chrysanthemum, Blazing Star, Sweet Amber, Katsura Tree

Laking Garden has a full autumn display around the belvedere lookout on the upper terrace, making it the perfect place for a fall photoshoot! Laking Garden currently boasts an impressive fall crop, with pumpkins, kale and squash all featured in the Garden of Necessity. Gomphrena ‘Flamingo Feather’ decorates the iconic gazebo on the lower terrace overlooking Sunfish Pond.

Pictured, left to right: Belvedere fall display, Monkshood, Korean Evodia Tree, Gomphrena ‘Flamingo Feather’, Kale

Over in Hendrie Park, the Helen M. Kippax Garden bursts with pollinator-friendly native plants and their cultivars, including Aster and Goldenrod. Flowering herbs complement fruiting plants of all kinds in Veggie Village as gardeners complete the fall harvest.

In the Rose Garden— while past the peak of their second flush, delightful bursts of red, pink, white, and yellow roses as well as lovely companion plants still decorate the garden.

In the Mediterranean Garden, the one-of-a-kind Bird of Paradise looks stunning as ever, and a rainbow of lantanas shine brightly among the deep greens of palm trees and aloes. Enjoy a range of varieties and textures among the Cacti and Succulent Collection, including some sky-high cacti and the critically endangered Golden Barrel Cactus!

Pictured, left to right: Rose, Coleus, Ornamental Grasses, Freeman Maple, Rose Garden

At the Arboretum, full trees offer shade for those exploring the wide-open garden — keep an eye out for the changing colours of the Maple, Oak, Tuliptree and Linden trees as we move further into fall. And keep an eye out in the Synoptic Shrub Collection for Beautyberry, a fantastic seasonal shrub with richly coloured purple fruit.

Venture through RBG’s nature sanctuaries for amazing birding opportunities during migration season. Over 250 bird species can be seen over the course of migration season, and in the fall every trail hosts something special. The first burst of fall colours have begun along the trails, led by goldenrods and over 30 species of asters, with flowers concentrated around Princess Point, the Arboretum and Rock Chapel.

Pictured, left to right: Beautyberry, Grey Doe Trail, Princess Point, Aster, Oak leaves

October Favourites

Plants that typically flower / Plants of Interest in October at RBG

• Annuals
• Aster
• Autumn crocus
• Blazing star
• Cardinal flower
• Cosmos
• Goldenrod
• Monkshood
• Mountain Fleeceflower
• Russian sage
• Sedum
• Snowberry
• Sunflower
• Sweet-Amber
• Tickseed
• Verbena