Fall Shrubs

Fall Shrubs

As the days shorten and temperatures begin to drop, many gardeners look for ways to extend the color and interest in their landscapes. Fall bushes and shrubs with autumnal color are perfect for this, offering a palette of golds, reds, oranges, and purples. These plants not only provide a burst of color but can also add texture and variety to your garden as the season changes.

One of the most popular shrubs for fall color is the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus). Known for its vibrant red foliage in autumn, this bush really stands out in the landscape. While it’s green for most of the year, its fall display is spectacular. It’s important to note, however, that in some areas, the Burning Bush is considered invasive, so check local guidelines before planting.

Another excellent choice for fall color is the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). While hydrangeas are usually thought of for their summer blooms, the Oakleaf variety provides year-round interest with its white blooms in summer that fade to pink, and leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and burgundy in the fall.

For a splash of gold, consider the Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). This unique shrub blooms with fragrant, yellow flowers in late fall or early winter, providing a rare burst of color when most other plants have faded. The foliage also turns a lovely gold to yellow in the autumn.

The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a standout shrub for fall, not because of its foliage, but for its bright purple berries that form in clusters around its stems. These berries last well into the winter, providing interest even after the leaves have fallen.

Viburnums are another diverse group of shrubs that often have stunning fall foliage. Many varieties, such as the Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Winterthur’, display leaves that change to shades of red and purple in the fall, along with berries in colors like blue and pink.

The Fothergilla gardenii is a lesser-known shrub that offers spectacular fall color. Its leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, and in the spring, it features attractive, bottlebrush-like white flowers.

For a low-growing option, the Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) is a smaller version that fits well in limited spaces and offers similar fall color and spring blooms.

When planning a garden with fall interest, consider the overall structure and how these shrubs will fit in with your existing plants. Many fall-color shrubs also offer spring and summer interest, either in the form of flowers or attractive foliage, making them valuable additions for multi-season appeal.

In summary, shrubs like the Burning Bush, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Witch Hazel, American Beautyberry, various Viburnums, and Fothergilla are excellent choices for adding fall color to your garden. These plants not only brighten the landscape with their autumnal hues but also offer additional seasonal interests, such as spring blooms or unique berries, making them versatile and valuable additions to any garden.