TERRA - Fall Interest Shrubs

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Fall Interest Shrubs

The late-season garden can be truly spectacular with a bit of planning. By including some of the following plants, you can extend the life of your garden well into the fall, with beautiful vibrant colour until frost.

OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA is a medium-sized shrub with gorgeous white flowers which fade to pinkish-brown in the fall. This Hydrangea also features fabulous fall foliage, turning shades of red, orange, and yellow before the leaves drop for the winter. Oakleaf Hydrangea’s exfoliating bark also offers exceptional winter interest.

STAGHORN SUMACS are common native plants found at the forest edge and the roadside throughout Southern Ontario. They are at their most dramatic in the fall as their leaves turn firey shades of scarlet, orange and yellow. Bear in mind that Sumac has a vigorous, spreading habit and is best planted where it has plenty of room to expand.

SERVICEBERRIES are large shrubs or small trees, many of which are native to North America. They provide year-round interest, changing throughout the seasons. They bear white flowers in the spring before the leaves emerge, followed by purple berries in the summer. In the fall their leaves turn shades of brilliant red, orange and yellow. Many also have attractive bark and a graceful branching structure.

VIRGINIA CREEPER is another plant native to North America. This vigorous, clinging vine will grow pretty much anywhere! It’s at its best in the fall when it turns bright red. The effect is particularly dramatic when the vine is mature, often covering the side of a building.

VIBURNUMS not only offer gorgeous fall foliage, but they provide interest throughout the rest of the year too. Its fall foliage ranges from bright red to pale yellow and can be quite spectacular. However, Viburnums also have an interesting branching structure through the winter, beautiful white flowers in the spring and many produce fruit in the summer.

BURNING BUSH is an ever-popular landscape plant. It is easy to maintain, has great texture, and turns shades of red, orange and yellow in the fall. Burning Bush is happy in full sun or full shade, but shows the best fall colour in full sun.