8 Shrubs and Trees That Offer Brilliant Fall Interest
With cooler weather on the horizon, we will no doubt be seeing some color change—and not only will our mountains come alive with brilliant reds and golden oranges, but you may find yourself slowing down as you drive down your road...Wait? What’s that plant in your neighbor's yard? At the garden center, we certainly get our fair share of questions regarding some of the most standout shrubs and trees in our region (plus, we usually carry them!), but if you read on you might find some new additions to incorporate some fantastic color to your garden this autumn!
1. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Are you a big lover of hydrangea season and not quite ready to say goodbye to the big, puffy summer blooms? Meet oakleaf hydrangea, who although do typically bloom around spring and summer like most others, can often persist into the fall. Not only will they shoot off some more blooms, but their gorgeous foliage will burnish into beautifully moody burgundies, purples, and reds.
2. Burning Bush
You know them, you love them—you've seen them on the side of the highway or in your neighbor’s landscape—burning bush might win best in prize for how often we have people ask us: what is that? A bright pop of red against the subdued tones of autumn, this shrub is a tough contender for biggest wow factor when it comes to color.
3. Japanese Maples
Coveted by collectors and beloved by just about everyone, Japanese maples offer a whole range of exceptional color for fall. Easy to maintain and easy to love, Japanese maples come in a wide variety of growth habits, leaf shapes, and shades of red to compliment any garden. Some notable varieties we love include Bloodgood, Emperor I, Red Dragon and Crimson Queen.
4. Nandina
A color powerhouse through fall and winter, nandina is especially great if you want bright bursts of red and green—and an evergreen option as well. One of the most popular and reliable varieties (and one of our top sellers) is Fire Power Nandina.
5. Autumn Joy Stonecrop
In the market for something smaller and less intimidating to plant? Autumn Joy stonecrop is one of the most reliable and high pay-off perennials you can plant. A type of sedum, Autumn Joy stonecrop put out adorable puffy and pink clusters of blooms that deepen to a lovely rosy and rush color in the fall.
6. Orange Rocket Barberry
An award-winning shrub that provides stunning color and easy care, Orange Rocket Barberry provides a color show from spring to fall! Starting bright coral earlier in the year and before aging into a ruby red in the fall—it is a great vertical element in gardens due to its unique growth habit.
7. Black Gum Tree
Also known as black tupelo, the black gum tree is a dark horse when it comes to standout autumnal color! With an attractive oval-shaped canopy, black gums often put out even brighter shades of red, orange, yellow, and scarlet than their red maple competitors—better so, they grow just as well and fast as red maples too!
8. Sugar Maple
Ever wanted to make a trip up to the northeast for a different kind of leaf peeping from our own here in the mountains? Sugar maples are responsible for that famous show of color thousands of people flock to every year! Brighter and more yellow orange, sugar maples provide a brighter pop of color than their cousin the red maple.