Favorite Plants for Fall
One of nature's greatest shows is the colorful display it puts on in fall. It's breathtaking to see the deciduous trees, shrubs and plants turn fiery shades of red, orange, yellow and gold as they prepare for winter. It's a welcome gift after the last summer bloom fades. Here are a few plants that steal the show in fall:
'Farmington' Michaelmas Daisy
The upright and mounding habit of this plant accentuates the dense lilac bloom clusters for a dazzling display of color. Ideal for perennial and rock gardens.
Botanical name: Aster novi-belgii 'Baldco.'
Hardiness: Zones 3 to 9.
Size: 18 inches tall; 24 inches wide.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Fertile soil, consistent water.
What's new: This variety, extremely resistant to mildew, has deep-emerald leaves that are heavy in texture.
Chrysanthemum
Botanical name: Chrysanthemum x morifolium.
Hardiness: Zones 5 to 9.
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall; 2 to 3 feet wide.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Moist, fertile soil.
Autumn color: Pink, lavender, white, purple, red, yellow or bronze blooms appear in late summer to fall.
Planting: Potted or hardened-off mums can be planted in spring or fall.
'Tiger Rose' Japanese Maple
Beautiful, distinctive foliage changes color every season, adding texture and form to your landscape.
Botanical name: Acer palmatum 'Tiger Rose.'
Hardiness: Zones 5 to 8.
Size: Slow-growing; 6 feet high and wide after 10 years.
Light: Part shade; can tolerate full sun in the north.
Soil: Fertile, well-draining.
What's new: In fall, leaves turn warm shades of yellow, gold and orange, with traces of green. Even the stems, midrib and veins turn crimson!
Tartarian Dogwood
Botanical name: Cornus alba 'Sibirica.'
Hardiness:Zones 2 to 8.
Size: 8 to 10 feet tall; 5 to 10 feet wide.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Moist, fertile soil.
Autumn color: The glossy green leaves turn maroon by fall, while vivid red twigs and blue fruit provide a late autumn show.
Planting: Looks best in a mixed-shrub border.
'Pipsqueak' Burning Bush
Intense, crimson-red foliage make this compact shrub a must-have in landscapes that need a pop of color.
Botanical name: Euonymus alatus 'Pipzam.'
Hardiness: Zones 4 to 9.
Size: 5 feet tall; 5 to 6 feet wide.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Moist, fertile soil.
What's new: Low, round habit is dense in texture and more compact than the traditional burning bush.