By Cate Deane, Director of Training and People Development
When people think about creating beautiful landscapes, spring flowers often steal the spotlight. But some of the most memorable gardens and landscapes reach their peak in autumn, when vibrant reds, oranges, golds, and purples transform ordinary yards into stunning seasonal displays.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance curb appeal or a commercial property manager wanting to create memorable seasonal displays, these plants can add months of additional beauty while supporting wildlife and increasing year-round landscape interest.
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – A true fall classic, Red Maple is prized for its brilliant scarlet foliage that lights up neighborhoods each autumn. This fast-growing native tree also provides excellent shade throughout the summer, making it a beautiful and practical choice for larger properties.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Few trees create a more dramatic fall display than the Ginkgo. Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn an intense golden yellow before dropping almost all at once, creating a breathtaking carpet of gold beneath the tree.- Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) – One of the world’s few deciduous conifers, Dawn Redwood offers unique texture throughout the growing season before its soft needles transition to rich bronze and copper tones in fall. It’s an excellent specimen tree for properties with plenty of space.
- Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – Also known as Black Gum, this native tree produces one of the longest-lasting and most vibrant fall displays. Leaves often change to shades of crimson, orange, yellow, and purple—all on the same tree. It also supports pollinators in spring and provides food for birds in fall.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – This versatile native shrub offers interest during every season. Large white summer blooms fade to rosy pink while its distinctive oak-shaped leaves transition to deep burgundy and wine-red hues in autumn. Even after the leaves fall, its exfoliating bark adds winter appeal.
- Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) – For decades, Burning Bush has been known for its unforgettable crimson-red fall foliage. Its compact shape makes it a popular foundation or accent shrub. (Keep in mind that this plant is considered invasive in some regions, so consult a landscape professional about suitable alternatives where necessary.)
- Fothergilla – An underutilized landscape gem, Fothergilla delivers a spectacular blend of yellow, orange, red, and purple foliage each fall. This native shrub also produces fragrant, bottlebrush-like white flowers in early spring, giving two seasons of outstanding color.
- Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Beautyberry is a showstopper in late fall. As its leaves fade to soft yellow, clusters of vivid purple berries emerge and remain on the bare stems well into winter—at least until birds discover them. It’s an excellent choice for adding both color and wildlife value to the landscape.
- Euphorbia (Spurge) – Many varieties of Euphorbia quietly transform as temperatures cool, with foliage turning shades of red, orange, and burgundy. Unlike many perennials that quickly fade after summer, these colorful plants continue providing visual interest well into the colder months.
- Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) – While its autumn foliage is relatively subtle, Winterberry truly shines as leaves begin to drop, revealing brilliant red berries that persist throughout much of the winter. These vibrant berries provide outstanding seasonal color while serving as an important food source for birds.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Few trees create a more dramatic fall display than the Ginkgo. Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn an intense golden yellow before dropping almost all at once, creating a breathtaking carpet of gold beneath the tree.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – This versatile native shrub offers interest during every season. Large white summer blooms fade to rosy pink while its distinctive oak-shaped leaves transition to deep burgundy and wine-red hues in autumn. Even after the leaves fall, its exfoliating bark adds winter appeal.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Beautyberry is a showstopper in late fall. As its leaves fade to soft yellow, clusters of vivid purple berries emerge and remain on the bare stems well into winter—at least until birds discover them. It’s an excellent choice for adding both color and wildlife value to the landscape.A thoughtfully designed landscape should offer something to enjoy during every season—not just spring and summer. By incorporating plants with exceptional fall color, you’ll create a landscape that continues to impress long after the flowers have faded.