The leaves are changing and that means it is time to trade out your summer annuals for autumnal tones. From flowers and berries to trees and grasses, there are numerous choices to add fall color to your space.
Dwarf Fothergilla
Dwarf Fothergilla is an ornamental shrub that is known for its fuzzy bottlebrush flowers. They are commonly used as hedges or borders in landscape.It requires moist, well-drained acid soil and is not drought tolerant.
In the fall, their leaves turn from green to varieties of reds, yellows and oranges. This shrub is a great choice for fall color because the color lasts well into November.
Beautyberry
Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub with dainty white flowers in the summer months but in the fall they turn into beautiful purple berries – hence the name. The plant has long branches with yellow-green fall foliage and clusters of glossy purple fruit. This plant grows between 3 to 5 feet tall. The foliage is known to be a favorite of the white tail deer as well. The bright purple berries make this one fo the most unique plants for fall interest.
Chokeberry
If you’re looking for bright red tones then this is the plant for you. The chokeberry plant is vibrant with its red berries or black berries and coordinating leaves. In the spring, the chokeberry has dainty white flowers with red accents.
Chokeberry is a great choice if you’re looking for a bold statement that is easy to care for. The berries are tart when eaten fresh but can be used in preserves. Chokeberry is a native plant so it is very hardy. It is available as a low-growing border plant or as a larger shrub.
Sugar Maple
If you love maple syrup and gorgeous fall foliage, then this is the tree for you! Sugar Maple trees are widely known for being a source of a maple syrup. Their leaves are the most colorful of all the maples with a medley of reds, yellows and oranges.
Sugar Maple trees are native to the Midwest and grow approximately 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. In summer, its lustrous foliage provides excellent shade, making it a great choice for parks, golf courses, and home landscapes
Limelight Hydrangea
The limelight hydrangea has bright green summer blooms that turn dusty pink as autumn rolls around. The fall foliage is green with a tinge of yellow then turns reddish-purple. These shrubs begin blooming late-July and remain showy through the autumn months and even into early winter.
Limelight Hydrangea has large flowers ranging from 6 to 12 inches long and are held upright on the shrub. Their blooms are great cut flowers in both fresh and dried bouquets.
Blue Muffin Viburnum
Blue Muffin Viburnum is a deciduous shrub with an upright habit. This shrub is known for its shiny green foliage that turns shades of purple-red and gold in the fall months. The name “Blue muffin” comes from their blue berries in the summer and fall.
Blue Muffin Viburnum is a good choice for fall color because it lasts well into the winter while providing interest to your landscape. The shrub is great for borders, hedges and small gardens. This shrub is also low maintenance and virtually pest free.
Maiden Grass
Maiden Grass is an attractive, ornamental grass that is widely used to add texture to borders or beds. They start with finely textured green blades that begin to turn golden-bronze after the first frost.
It grows best in full sun and prefers moist soil. Although tolerant of clay soil, it will perform better in well-drained soil. Once established, Maiden Grass is a drought-tolerant perennial which makes it versatile and easy to care for.