Fall color is a feast for the eyes . After a hazy , humid summer of pastel blooms , a refreshing chill in the melodic phrase sets the landscape painting ablaze with the bold , brightest hues of the year .
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Shades of brown , gold , orange , pinkish , purple , red , yellow , and blank commixture and mingle , create a rich arras that radiate brilliantly on frizzy , sunny days .
This article showcases a diverseness of plants with outstanding fall colors that you could comprise into your outdoor living space to celebrate autumn in all its glory .
Here ’s our batting order :
Add Vibrant Color to the Fall Landscape
rent ’s climb up aright in !
Annuals
select annualsthat bloom from summer to ice or cool - conditions variety you could pop in after the heat of summer subsides .
1. Celosia
Suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 , celosia , aka Celosia argentea cristata ( Celosiaspp . ) , sport velvety , flame - comparable plume in maroon , orange , pink , over-embellished , red , yellow , and white shade .
Attaining heights of 18 to 24 inches , foliage ranges from green to Bourgogne and gold .
The superlative is just veracious for mediate placements in bed , borderline , and containers .
Red Celosia
blood-red celosia is 14 to 16 inches tall with scarlet plumes and bronze foliage . Seeds areavailable from True Leaf Market .
See ourguide to growing celosiafor more information .
2. Pansy
The pansy , Violaxwittrockiana , prefers cool fall and spring weather . It ’s a perennial in Zones 6 to 10 , with wintertime protection being good in the coldest region .
However , we let in it here because many develop it as an annual , popping industrial plant in the ground in recent winter for a spring display or in early fall forpumpkin season .
Mature heights are a petite six to nine inch . people of color include blue , maroon , orange , pink , purple , cerise , yellow , and white , as well as bicolor combinations .
Their depleted visibility makes nance a good pick for front - of - layer placements , containers , edging , and window boxes .
Swiss Giants Mix Pansies
poove are also well - suited to planting overspring - flowering bulbs , so consider this placement if garden place is an issue .
Swiss Giants Mix pansies areavailable from the Ohio Heirloom Seeds Store via Amazon .
The blossom feature vivacious shades of sorry , purple , red , white , and icteric undivided and bicolor blossoms on four- to 10 - column inch stems .
Ourguide to growing pansieshave all you need to have a go at it to grow your own .
3. Strawflower
The yellow paper daisy , Xerochrysum bracteatum , is like a terse daisy , with its paper - comparable bracts around a center disk .
It grows as an yearbook in zona 2 to 7 and a short - survive perennial in zone 8 to 10 .
It ’s available in shades of lavender , peach , pink , royal , blank , and yellow , with heights of 15 to 40 inch , depend on the cultivar .
Mass planting yields swaths of colorthat anchor the backs of garden beds and fulfil hayfield and drifts with salad days from summertime to frost .
‘ Golden Yellow ’ Strawflower
The straw - alike bract of ‘ Golden Yellow ’ are scandalmongering with orange undersides .
These plants may extend to height of 40 inches .
‘ Golden Yellow ’ golden everlasting seed areavailable from Eden Brothers .
See ourguide to growing strawflowersfor inside information .
Berry-Bearers
Berries in specter of gentle , purple , blood-red , and clean are a stand - out sensation in the late - season landscape .
4. American Beautyberry
befit to Zones 5 to 10 , American beautyberry , Callicarpa americana , is suit to Zones 5 to 10 and grow between six and 10 feet tall .
Nipponese beautyberry , Callicarpa japonica , grows in Zones 5 to 8 and reaches tiptop of four to six human foot .
Both have yellow green foliage and brilliant clusters of lustrous violet berries that are a favorite of foraging wildlife .
The American variety is heavy in height , with a more just growth habit , bigger leaves , and clusters of berries nuzzle against the offset .
American Beautyberry
you’re able to get American beautyberry usable in three - gallon potsfrom Fast Growing Trees .
The Japanese type is shorter with smaller leaf and promiscuous clustering of berries set off from the branches .
Group the shrub for a strong visual encroachment along foundations and perimeters . Place them behind smaller plant to anchor bed .
Nipponese Beautyberry
The four- to six - foot non - aboriginal Nipponese beautyberry offers a more succinct specimen which may meet the needs of gardener adding to established landscapes in Zones 5 to 8 .
Japanese beautyberry isavailable from DAS Farms via Amazon .
See ourbeautyberry grow guidefor complete information .
5. Scarlet Firethorn
blood-red firethorn , Pyracantha coccina , thrives in Zones 6 to 9 and reaches heights of six to 18 foot . It ’s a thorny oasis for birds that set on a spectacular show of orange berries in the capitulation .
habituate it as a suffer - alone specimen , as part of a property perimeter hedge , or in a mixed bush grouping to show off its seasonal colour .
6. Viburnum
Suited to Zones 2 to 8 , viburnum , Viburnumspp . , is available in heights ranging from two to 30 foot .
When the foliage changes to shades of orangish , purple , red , and yellow , the ramification are oppressed with clusters of black , blue , pink , purple , or red berries , depending upon the cultivar .
Viburnum make an outstanding focal specimen aggroup with smaller plants or standing alone . It ’s a attracter for migrating birds of the season .
discover more about viburnum care here .
Bulbs
As cite , bulb are easily planted below shallow - rooted plants , doubling the planting electrical capacity of each square foot of soil .
7. Autumn Crocus
Pink or purple autumn crocus , Crocus sativus , aka saffron crocus , is suited to Zones 4 to 8 .
They make a petite six to 12 column inch tall . Cultivars sport white throats and individual or double petal .
Scattered among a lawn litter with gilded leaf , they are herald of winter and a unlike species than the former crocuses of springiness , C. chrysanthusandC. vernus .
These naughty - violet prime are especially attractive in the front man of beds and borders . They wreak well with aboriginal New England andNew York astersof similar hue , zona 4 to 8 companions .
Autumn Crocus
mention that the attractive elongate red stigmas are eatable orange yellow threads .
Autumn crocus bulbs areavailable from Eden Brothers .
determine more about how to develop crocus in our guide .
Other flowers unremarkably called “ autumn crocus ” belong to theColchicumgenus .
Not true crocuses , they resemble them in color and fall bloom of youth time , but are toxic and do not hold saffron .
you could read aboutColchicumautumn crocus here .
8. Cyclamen
Potted in all zone and suitable for year - round cultivation in the ground in Zones 9 to 11 , Cyclamen purpurascens , Cyclamenspp . , produce from flattened Tuber and achieves a mature altitude of six to 14 inch , depend upon the type .
Choose from bicolor , pinkish , purple , red , and white . Green and silver-tongued foliation provides added visual interest .
Plants are pronto available in nurseries in time of year .
The flowers bloom during the cool weather of decline , winter , and leap . Container and edging placement show them to best advantage .
If you live in a cool zona with freezing winters , like me , you may grow yours in potful and get them indoors for the wintertime .
See ourcyclamen growing guidefor point .
9. Dahlia
For gorgeous blooms from midsummer to light , you ca n’t outfox dahlia ( Dahliaspp . ) .
Botanically herbaceous perennials , they grow from tubers that gardeners in cooler climeslift and computer memory for the wintertime . Plants can winter in the ground in Zones 8 to 11 .
Heights straddle from nine to 60 inches , look on the change .
individual and succulent double blooms are useable in near smutty , bronze , lavender , orangish , pinkish , regal , red , livid , yellow , and bicolor combinations .
Summer Tango is a mixture of cultivar with heights that range from 24 to 39 column inch .
Summer Tango Dahlias
The blossom are an electrifying mixing of looker - orange , violet , and wine red , and include the ‘ Boom Boom Red , ’ ‘ Jowey Nicky , ’ and ‘ Jowey Nina ’ cultivated varieties .
They grow in Zones 3 to 10 , but lifting and winter reposition are necessitate in Zones 3 to 8 .
The Summer Tango Dahlia Collection isavailable from Burpee .
Ourguide to mature dahliashas more selective information .
Ground Covers
Dress your out-of-door living space down to the dry land with these low - visibility plant options .
10. Bugleweed
At five to nine inch improbable , Lycopus virginicus , Ajuga reptans , is a vigorous ground cover that chokes out weeds . It ’s suited to Zones 3 to 10 .
Ajuga reptans‘Multicolor ’ boasts variegated foliage of bronze , cream , green , and pink , lend a priming level of seasonal color throughout bed and borders , stamp down weed growth all yr long .
11. Cotoneaster
Ground - covering , Chuck Berry - bearing cotoneaster , Cotoneaster horizontalis , is a substantial addition to the understory plants in a fall garden show .
beseem to zone 5 to 7 , it hit a height of two to three foot . We let in it as a ground cover because of its horizontally spreading growth habit .
Autumn foliage is crimson - purpleness with eye - catching shining crimson berries . stack plant in problem areas like hillsides to inhibit erosion and obviate having to mow .
Cranberry Cotoneaster
Cranberry cotoneaster , Cotoneaster apiculatus , grows in Zones 4 to 7 . Mature plants are two to three feet tall with red and violet foliage and vivid flushed berries .
Plants areavailable from Nature Hills .
memorize more about growing cotoneaster here .
12. Sedum
Sedum , Sedumspp . , is a genus of succulent that arise in Zones ranging from 3 to 10 , depending upon your chosen character . The heights are just as varying , between three and 24 inches , dependingon the variety .
leafage colors include maroon , pink , imperial , and yellow - William Green for a bright grass - suppressing rug of color .
The plants have shallow roots , relieve oneself them suitable companion plants for bulbs . Small - statured varieties , likeS. album‘Coral Carpet , ’ are suited to ground screening refinement .
Taller variety , like ‘ Autumn Joy , ’ ( reclassify into theHylotelephiumgenus ) have flattened corymb - expressive style flower that make a stunning mid - rise swath of color through molding .
Autumn Joy Sedum
Rose deepens to russet for rich seasonal color . Mature height are 18 to 24 inch in Zones 3 to 9 .
‘ Autumn Joy ’ isavailable from Nature Hills .
See oursedum growing guidefor more entropy .
Ornamental Grasses
sess and sedges add color and movement to the landscape painting with their loose , feathery inflorescence or flower stalks that sway in the breeze and run to seed as the growing season draws to a close .
13. Pink Muhly Grass
Although not what you might typically call a fall colouring material , pink muhly Gunter Wilhelm Grass , Muhlenbergiacapillaris , definitely add together color to the late summertime to fall landscape with cotton wool - confect - like inflorescences that intensify to gray - purple as they pass to seed .
beseem to finish in Zones 5 to 9 , multiple plants with their fountain - like form make a carefree cozy hedge .
single clumps make stand - out specimen alone or in mixed groupings . Pair with pinkish , purple , and lily-white seasonal options .
find out more about decorative green goddess in our guide .
14. Sedge
Sedge ( Carexspp . ) is in the Cyperaceae category of forage - like plant with unique triangular blades , inflorescences , and an upright to arc growth habit .
Colors include fleeceable , orangish , red , and lily-livered .
There are sedge for every Zone from 2 to 10 and a wide variety of species and cultivars that grow to heights of four to 60 inches .
Use this cosmetic green goddess - like plant as a stand - alone specimen , fellow traveller to shrubs of similar height in a motley grouping , or aggregate plant for an loose margin privacy hedge .
‘ Everglow ’ Sedge
Carex morrowii‘Everglow ’ in the EverColor ® series has orange and green stripy foliage with spiky chocolate-brown seed heads .
accommodate to Zones 6 to 9 , it achieves ripe heights of 15 to 18 inches .
‘ Everglow ’ isavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
See ourguide to growing sedgefor details .
15. Switchgrass
Common switchgrass , Panicumvirgatum , grows in Zones 5 to 9 and tops out at three to six feet .
Its fountain - like shape is calorie-free and airy , with a pile of flowering inflorescences with a insidious pinkish - purplish daze that runs to gold - dark-brown seed in the fall .
This cosmetic grass is suited to informal hedge or specimen planting . It is also an excellent back - of - bed anchor plant for lower - profile flora .
Perennials
Late - season perennialshave long been my go - to sources of fall color .
They add dark-green foliation to the summer garden , press their metre until they explode into peak as their companions wane .
16. Aster
Daisy - corresponding asters(Aster , Doellingeria , Eurybia , Inonactis , andSymphyotrichumspp . ) are shrubby plants that range in height from eight to 36 inches , depending on the species .
aster bloom in shades of blue , pink , purple , or blanched . They grow in Zones 4 to 8 .
Often call Michaelmas daisies , they produce rich quantities of little blooms from late summertime to autumn .
Give them room to rove in mass - institute drift and meadows , and tot up them to cottage , cut , and pollinator garden .
Symphyotrichum novae - angliae‘Purple Dome ’ are bright purpleNew England astersfor Zones 4 to 9 .
‘ Purple Dome ’ New England Asters
These reach mature height of 18 to 24 inch with exceptional peak that measure an inch and a half across .
‘ Purple Dome ’ asters areavailable from Burpee .
Read more about produce asters here .
17. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums , Chrysanthemumspp . , are suited to zone 5 to 9 , with some hardy to Zone 4 , where they bloom through the dusk to the first hoar .
nursery carry potted mums in sunglasses of orange , lavender , purple , russet , yellow , and bloodless for instantaneous decor .
Hardy or garden mamma are repeated . Florist mommy are annuals . correspond with the seller to determine which you are getting .
beautify the front porch railing or describe the steps with potted annual varieties . Transplant stalwart types into the garden beside languish perennials or in the spaces left by annual that have already finished .
expend one or more colors to create borders along the walkway to your front ledger entry .
Ourguide to growing chrysanthemumshas all you demand to know .
18. Montauk Daisy
Another favorite , the Montauk daisy , Nipponanthemum nipponicum , blooms in the fall when yougive it a Chelsea Chopin the spring .
Grow it in Zones 5 to 9 . It ’s a Hellenic daisy with frosty white beam of light and yellow center .
Mature pinnacle are 18 to 36 inches . With early pruning , compact industrial plant are well - behave in beds and mete alongside earlier blooming yearbook and perennial likeblack - eyed Susansandconeflowers .
See ourguide to turn Montauk daisiesfor cultivation details .
Shrubs
bush are more challenging to pop into an existing landscape than flowers .
However , if you need to replace a bush , considerthose with fall colorsto maximize your investing and build up a seasonal colouring scheme .
19. Burning Bush
The burning bush is controversial because the non - native metal money , Euonymus alatus , is separate as invasive across about half of the US .
However , for those proofreader who hold out where it is not banned , include our international audience , it adds resistless scarlet colour and bright red berries to the late - season landscape .
E. alatusgrows in Zones 4 to 8 to mature stature of 15 to 20 feet .
The choice is the native burn bush , E. atropurpureus , that thrive in Zones 3 to 7 and accomplish heights of 12 to 20 feet . Its foliage is a dull shade of redness , but it also sports bright red berry .
magniloquent and gnome metal money work as institution planting , stand - alone specimen , and formal or informal hedging . They look attractive in mixed bush pigeonholing .
Little Moses ™ Burning Bush
E. alatus‘Odom , ’ aka Little Moses ™ sting bush , is a dwarf potpourri for Zones 4 to 9 that reaches a mature tallness of 30 to 36 inches and display bright cerise foliage .
Little Moses ™ burning bush isavailable from Nature Hills .
See ourguide to grow burning bushesfor more information .
20. Fothergilla
Fothergilla , Fothergillaspp . , is available in two types . Large witch alder , F. major , is suited to Zones 4 to 8 and grows between four and 15 foot marvellous .
Dwarf fothergilla , F. gardenii , grows in Zones 5 to 9 and pass out at three to six human foot . Fall foliage colors include undimmed orange , red , and lily-livered .
bombastic shrubs make splendid property perimeter planting and informal privacy hedges .
Dwarf type are suit to initiation planting , low hedgerows , standalone specimen in large bed , and mixed dwarf bush groupings .
Dwarf Beaver Creek Fothergilla
Dwarf Beaver Creek witch alder , F. gardenii‘Klmtwo , ’ grows in Zones 5 to 8 and reaches mature tallness of two to three feet .
declension color is preponderantly red with purple , orange , and white-livered highlights .
Dwarf Beaver Creek fothergilla isavailable from Nature Hills .
say more about growing fothergilla here .
21. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea , Hydrangea quercifolia , raise in Zones 5 to 9 . Heights vary from two to 12 feet , depending upon the variety . Oak - like leaves turn red and shade to Bourgogne in the dip .
ripe uses include mass planting in the shady understory beneath deciduous Tree , foundation planting , standalone specimen use , or mixed seam groupings .
‘ Alice ’ Oakleaf Hydrangea
H. quercifolia‘Alice ’ is suited to zone 5 to 9 . Mature heights are eight to 12 feet tall and the fall leafage is red and purple .
‘ Alice ’ oakleaf hydrangea isavailable from Nature Hills .
See ourguide to acquire oakleaf hydrangeafor more information .
Trees
Trees are the most substantial plant investments in an outdoor living space , and command much care before installing .
As with bush , when pick out a new Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , reckon fall colorbefore arrive at a selection .
22. Flowering Dogwood
Flowering dogwood , Cornus florida , grow in Zones 5 to 9 . Mature pinnacle are 15 to 35 feet .
Red to scarlet - purpleness foliage and burnished red berry make it a landscape focal full point as the weather condition turns cooler .
As a native species , flowering cornel is a worthful addition to the outdoor living blank space that attracts local birdie and wildlife , such as woodland margin , shuttle garden , andcottage gardensettings .
Pink Flowering Dogwood
pinkish flowering dogwood , C. floridavar.ruba , is suited to geographical zone 5 to 9 and achieve mature heights of 15 to 25 understructure . Bright reddish berries and crimson foliage are a standout attraction .
Pink flowering dogwood isavailable from Nature Hills .
Read more in ourguide to growing blossom dogwood trees .
23. Redbud
Redbud , Cercisspp . , grow in Zones 4 to 10 . Its heart - shaped leavesturn yellowas the 24-hour interval develop shorter .
Cercis canadensis rise as marvelous as 30 feet . apply them as stand - alone specimens or in drifts with understory plantings that opt dappled spectre .
Native Eastern Redbud
suit to Zones 4 to 9 , aboriginal easterly redbud ( C. canadensis ) matures to meridian of 20 to 30 foot . Leaves nuance to a mellowed harvest chicken .
aboriginal Eastern redbud isavailable from Nature Hills .
You ’ll find oneself more information in ourguide to growing redbud trees .
24. Red Maple
Maple trees , Acerspp . , get in Zones ranging from 2 to 10 , look on the coinage .
They may be dwarf or full size , acquire up to 150 feet marvellous . The cherry maple , A. rubrum , is fit to zone 3 to 9 and matures to a top of 40 to 70 feet .
The orangish - red leaf is arresting in the autumn landscape . industrial plant as a stand - alone specimen or as a dramatic stand of multiple trees .
Red Pointe ® Red Maple
Red Pointe ® red maple , Acer rubrum‘Frank Jr. , ’ is suited to zona 5 to 9 and achieves mature top of 40 to 45 foot . It has an upright , teardrop shape and bright red descent foliage .
Red Pointe ® reddened maple isavailable from Nature Hills .
For detailed finish instructions , see ourguide to grow crimson maple trees .
Vines
yearly or perennial vines that pussyfoot and climb take up little land space if you train them up a trellis or along a fencing , making them reasonable additions to existing landscapes .
25. Crimson Glory Vine
Crimson glory vine , Vitis coignetiae , is an ornamental grape vine that grows in Zones 5 to 9 and reaches duration of 30 to 60 feet .
Its heart - shaped leaves turn bright red as the growing time of year take out to a finis . violet - black Charles Edward Berry emphasize the brilliant foliage .
Crimson Glory Vine
Start a carmine glory vine from come and show it to best advantage by training it up and over an mandril , up a treillage , or along a fencing .
Crimson nimbus vine seeds areavailable from CZ Grain via Walmart .
26. Morning Glory
Annual forenoon glory , Ipomoea purpurea , grow quickly from seed with flush useable in shades of profane , pinkish , reddish blue , and white .
It blooms from summertime to ice and is suited to Zones 2 to 11 .
Purple morning resplendency play well with chicken mum and purple and yellow pansy . If you leave the morning halo to mature over a fence or trellis , you could come out potted blooms in front of them for an instant garden modification - up .
motley magenta and violet morning aureole are at rest home in geographical zone 2 to 11 and make a salient impression all season long .
Morning Glory Mixed Magenta and Violet
Mixed magenta and purplish aurora aura seeds areavailable from reliable Leaf Market .
Ourmorning glory growing guidehas detailed information .
27. Virginia Creeper
With its abstruse blue berry and scarlet and orange foliage , Virginia creeper , Parthenocissus quinquefolia , is a countryfied roaming vine with the signature fiery foliage of fall . It grows in Zones 3 to 9 .
Virginia creeper achieves fledged heights of 30 to 50 feet . And as if the vibrant leaves were n’t enough , dusky , abstruse blue Charles Edward Berry provide an tot attraction .
Train vigorous Virginia creeper over arbors , fencing , and trellises to showcase dramatic masses of colour .
Red Wall ® Virginia Creeper
Red Wall ® virginia creeper , P. quinquefolia‘Troki , ’ is suited to zone 3 to 9 and reaches length of 30 to 50 feet . The fall foliage is bright red .
Red Wall ® virginia creeper isavailable from Nature Hills .
See ourguide to maturate Virginia creeperfor contingent .
Build in the Bold
When you design an out-of-door keep blank space that includes late - blooming blossom , berry , and striking foliage , a declining summertime scene becomes a bright encore performance .
If you add to an existing conception scheme , remember that shallow - root flora , like pansies and sedum , grow well in the soil above natural spring - blossom bulb .
Many plants arise well in containers that are gentle to post in beds , borders , and entree for an instant makeover .
vine afforded a fence or trellis for climbing take up piddling added ground space in established garden .
And if you are in the market for newfangled shrubs or trees , consider the color of their autumn leaf before making selections .
It ’s time to do it up your fall landscape !
And for moreideas and tips for your fall garden , be sure to check out these helpful guide next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally published on October 26 , 2014 . Last update on August 14 , 2023 . Product pic via Burpee , DAS Farms , Eden Brothers , Nature Hills Nursery , Ohio Heirloom Seeds , lawful Leaf Market , and Walmart . Uncredited pic : Shutterstock .
About
Nan Schiller
