Fall foliage color is not limited to trees. The leaves of deciduous shrubs can be equally as colorful. When selecting shrubs for your garden, consider those that offer interest in the fall and winter as well as spring and summer.
Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) is one of my favorite native shrubs for fall color. The leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, purple, and burgundy in autumn. Fothergilla prefers to be planted in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It can tolerate even more shade, but the fall color will be less vivid. It is in the same family as witch hazels (Hammelis spp.), and they also have a showy fall color.
Fothergilla ‘Mount Airy’ leaves are blue-green in the spring and summer, then turn into shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall.
Jordan Franklin, © 2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) has creamy white blooms in spring and colorful fall foliage. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy and show color for several weeks. Popular cultivars include ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and a similar dwarf cultivar ‘Little Henry.’ Virginia sweetspire prefers sun to part shade and can tolerate wetter soils.
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is best known for its creamy white flowers in early summer but also has showy fall foliage. Its large oak-like leaves turn burgundy, purple, or orange in the fall. After the colorful leaves drop, the peeling bark is another interesting feature. Plant it where it will be shaded in the afternoon in moist, well-drained soil.
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has dark green leaves in the summer and shades of burgundy, purple, or orange in the fall.
Jordan Franklin, © 2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is native to South Carolina and has bright yellow flowers in early spring. In the fall, its leaves turn golden yellow. It is also a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. Plant spicebush in part shade.
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), such as ‘Limelight’, have bright yellow leaf color in the fall. In northern regions of the country with cooler nights, the flower panicles turn pink in the late summer. In South Carolina, we rarely get that pink color. Instead, the panicles turn brown. Plant panicle hydrangeas in sunny locations with afternoon shade.
The dried flowers of Little Lime® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ USPP22,330) turn papery brown in the fall and provide interest throughout winter.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) have striking red to burgundy fall foliage color. Some have yellow, orange, and purple colors too. There are dwarf varieties that can be grown in pots. They prefer sun and acidic soil.
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.) Many deciduous species of viburnum have colorful fall foliage. Smooth witherod (Viburnum cassinoides) has orange and red leaves in the fall, and colorful fruits. Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) has burgundy fall color and red to black fruits. Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) is native to South Carolina and has fall color ranging from yellow to red to purple. It also has dark blue to black fruit.
To learn more about fall leaf color, see HGIC 1029, Color Changes in Autumn Leaves.
