11 Trees & Shrubs to Add Color to Your Fall Landscape
We have so many shrubs and trees we love for fall color - both due to their foliage as well as berries! Our list includes what makes it special to us as well as growing details to know if it's a fit for your location.
TREES
1) Sweet Gum - Liquidambar styraciflua
This native shade tree is a wildlife haven! It also displays a mix of red, orange, yellow, and purple foliage - all at once!
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Height: 60-75'
Spread: 40-50'
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Needs: Tolerant of a wide range of conditions: Acidic, clay, drought, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained and wet - Can handle it all!
2) 'Brandywine' Red Maple - Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'
'Brandywine' is a cross between 'October Glory' and 'Autumn Flame' resulting in a more intense and consistent scarlet fall foliage than any other variety! This variety is also smaller than most maples and makes a great choice for those needing a shade tree on the small side. Painters Greenhouse will also offer 'Autumn Blaze', 'Sun Valley', and 'October Glory' Red Maples during Fall Season - all produce an outstanding display of color, but the below information covers 'Brandywine' only.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Height: 35-50'
Spread: 25-40'
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
3) Sourwood - Oxydendrum arboreum
A medium-sized, native tree with a lot to offer in summer and throughout fall: fragrant summer flowers (bees love them, and they are the reason for delicious Sourwood honey), and stunning scarlet fall foliage!
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Height: 25-30'
Spread: 20'
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Grows in acidic, loamy