Fall color doesn’t have to mean a bunch of blowing and raking.
Though we can’t deny the magic of bright red foliage pouring from amaple in peak season.
“Statement plants elevate the garden from ordinary to extraordinary, giving the space a focal point.”
Think blueberry bushes are just for summer picking? Think again. These shrubs are a blaze with color come cooler months. Leaves change to red, orange, or yellow combinations that offer a welcomed bonus to the plant’s summer fruit. Learn more. .Credit: Andrei Berezovskii/Getty Images
Tamony is quick to point out that fall planting also has the benefit of time.
The trick is knowing how to do it.
“Select shrubs with foliage that will reflect and complement those colors.”
Cleyera.Credit: Getty Images
Putnam also urges home gardeners to look to the unexpected when it comes to fall color.
Edible plants can be the most hardworking items in your garden.
Evergreens
Let’s start broad.
Credit: Courtesy of PDSI
It’s important to think of your garden as a whole before you begin adding shrubs here and there.
“Stunning shrubs like nandina, cleyera, and holly lend year-round color to the garden.
Many offer additional cool weather delights like color-changing leaves, bright berries, and elegant foliage.”
Credit: Getty/Kazam Jan / EyeEm
He advises looking at evergreens as the foundation of your landscaping.
They make excellent borders and can provide color and structure year-round.
For scarlet-colored leaves and easy care, he suggestsObsession nandina.
Credit: Joshua McCullough/Getty Images
His variety of choice?
TheDownHome Harvest Hello Darlin' blueberry, which is a hardy grower inUSDA Zones 7-9.
For even more heat-tolerance, Tamony suggests Bountiful Delight blueberry, which is suitable for USDA Zones 8-10.
Credit: Southern Living Plant Collection
“With beautiful foliage and a compact habit, Bountiful Delight creates a stunning shrub,” Tamony offers.
Holly
“No fall landscape would be complete without a triumphant golden yellow,” says Putnam.
It works well in full sun to partial shade inUSDA Zones 6-9.
Flame Azalea at the Botanical Garden.Credit: Courtesy Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Some might avoid loropetalum due to their staggering size, but compact options likePurple Daydreammake the ideal choice.
It grows in USDA Zones 7-10 reaching 2-3 feet high by 3-4 feet wide.
“Abelias are superstars of the Southern landscape.
Credit: ilbusca/Getty
It performs best in part-sun to shade in USDA Zones 6-9.
Azalea
Don’t just think ofazaleaswhen it comes to their gorgeous and abounding blossoms.
Plant in USDA Zones 6-10.
For brilliant fall color, Tamony suggests looking toButterscotch Baby spirea.
It requires full sun and is best suited for USDA Zones 4-9.
