Bruce Allentuck of Allentuck Landscaping Co. in Maryland shares some plants to introduce in your client’s landscapes to get fall color anywhere.
This is the time to drive out to the Shenandoah Valley or up to New England to take in the vibrant fall colors. But, what if you can’t? Not to worry. There are plenty of plants you can introduce into landscape gardens to give the pleasure of the colors of fall. Here are six ideas:
1. New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dame’) — This dwarf native aster blooms through fall with an intensity that is hard to believe.
2. Sedum ‘Angelina’ (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) — The evergreen needle-like leaves shine a brilliant yellow. The plant grows to about 4” tall in full sun and well drained soil. When the the weather turns colder, the tips turn a reddish-orange tinge, which lasts all winter.
3. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) — This creeper is not actually related to true ivy but is in the grape family. It is a favorite for covering walls and trellises. In fall, the leaves turn a brilliant red.
4. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’) — Named due to its copper color when young, this semi-evergreen fern matures to a dark green. The 24” upright fronds take on a coppery color again in the fall. They thrive best in dappled shade.
5. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus ‘Compacta’) — Probably the best known of the fall color shrubs turning a brilliant bright red as the weather cools off. This shrub grows 6-10’ tall but can be pruned to just about any size.
6. Blueberry (Vaccinium species) — These bushes are brilliant maroon or orange torches of color in the fall garden. They grow 3-4 feet tall. Full sun and well-drained, acidic soil are essential. Enjoy the spring blooms and fruit.
