Chasing the Rainbow: A Leaf Lover’s Guide to Vibrant Fall Foliage
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, nature’s canvas erupts into a magnificent display of hues – a true feast for the senses. If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await this time of year, when the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors that leave you awestruck.
As I’ve discovered, it’s not just the usual suspects like towering maples and liquid ambers that steal the autumn spotlight. There’s a whole host of surprising sources of fall color waiting to be discovered in the garden. From the deep burgundy foliage of penstemon to the fiery hues of celosia, the possibilities for creating a vibrant, multi-season display are endless.
Unexpected Autumn Gems
Take the wood aster, for example. Its soft plum hues are the icing on the cake, complementing the zillions of dainty white flowers that cover the plant. Or how about the solidago ‘Fireworks’ and ‘Little Lemon’ varieties? The former keeps its sunny yellow tones long after most other goldenrods have faded, while the latter’s compact habit makes it perfect for the front of the border.
And let’s not forget about those trusty peonies – not only do they gift us with stunning spring blooms, but many varieties also reward us with gorgeous garnet or golden amber foliage in the fall. Combined with the cool-toned wood aster and a low-growing blue juniper, you’ve got a beautiful three-season combination that’ll have your neighbors green with envy.
A Shrub for Every Season
Shrubs are another category where you can find unexpected autumn stars. The St. John’s Wort ‘Sunburst,’ for instance, boasts glaucous foliage that rivals its sunburst-yellow flowers in drama. But come fall, it really shines, turning shades of apricot, amber, and red to light up the garden one last time before winter.
And who could forget the Therese Bugnet rose? With its fragrant lipstick-pink flowers and intensity of fall colors, this large, rambling rugosa rose is a true stunner. Just be sure to give it plenty of space to show off its full glory.
Shrubs That Sing in Autumn
Another shrub that most gardeners don’t associate with fantastic fall color is the sweetspire. The variety ‘Henry’s Garnet’ turns a deep ruby red and holds onto its leaves for a long time before dropping, while the more compact ‘Little Henry’ is also a delight. Both are deer-resistant, heat-tolerant, and low-water – the trifecta of desirable traits for gardeners in areas like Temecula.
And let’s not forget the humble grapevine. While the grapes themselves may be tiny with a fair amount of seeds, the stunning fall color this fast-growing vine can provide is worth the effort. Imagine it scrambling over an arbor or blanketing an aviary – a true autumnal masterpiece.
Bringing the Rainbow Home
As you can see, the options for adding vibrant fall color to your landscape are practically endless. Whether you’re drawn to the golden glory of a ginkgo, the fiery reds of a burning bush, or the soft charm of a sweetspire, there’s a plant out there to suit every garden and personal style.
So why not take a stroll through your own outdoor space and make a list of the plants that could use a little autumn pizzazz? Then head to your local nursery A1 Landscape Construction and let’s get planting. After all, the best time to plan for next year’s fall foliage extravaganza is right now. Trust me, your future self will thank you when your garden is bursting with seasonal color come autumn.
