As autumn arrives, the stunning colors of fall foliage often go unnoticed in gardens across the country, including here on the North Olympic Peninsula. This season, many gardeners miss the chance to showcase the vibrant colors that can brighten up their landscapes.
The lack of planning for autumn displays can be attributed to the end of summer. After a season of warmth and growth, many people shift their focus to closing up summer activities, such as storing boats and packing camping gear. Additionally, the arrival of Jack Frost often leaves gardens looking tired and worn by September, leading to the decline of flowering plants.
With the return of school and shorter days, many people feel the summer has ended. The combination of fading flowers and the onset of cooler nights encourages a shift in mindset toward preparing for the next gardening season.
However, it’s important to remember that the North Olympic Peninsula enjoys a mild and nurturing climate, making autumn—and even winter—a great time to showcase floral colors. Planting in the coming weeks allows for proper root establishment, ensuring plants thrive.
I encourage everyone to consider planting a stunning tree, shrub, or bush this autumn. A visit to your local nursery can provide the inspiration you need and positively impact your creativity.
Here are 11 breathtaking plants to consider for your fall garden:
Birch (Betula): The white bark of the paper birch contrasts beautifully with its dark trunk. Its fluttering leaves provide movement and dappled sunlight. In fall, birch trees display pure gold and bright yellow leaves, making them a standout choice.
Edible Cherry (Prunus): This tree thrives on the Peninsula, offering beautiful pastel blooms in spring that transform into delicious fruit. Its glossy dark green leaves turn vibrant ember colors in fall, creating a stunning visual impact.
Sumac (Rhus): Known for its vibrant red, yellow, orange, and gold leaves, sumac adds intense color to the garden. Its unique velvet-covered stems and spring flowers make it a standout shrub.
Barberry (Berberis): The thorny spikes of barberry provide winter texture, making it a great addition to rock gardens. The red leaf variety, “Crimson Pygmy,” has striking red summer leaves that turn an eye-catching fire-engine red in fall.
Ornamental Pear (Pyrus): This tree features early spring blooms followed by shiny heart-shaped leaves. Its stunning fall color, combined with its adaptability, makes it a popular choice for urban landscaping.
Flowering Crabapple (Malus): A quintessential spring tree, the flowering crabapple produces beautiful blooms. Its purple or reddish summer leaves transition to bright fall colors, and the fruit provides food for wildlife.
Japanese Maple (Acer): With its elegant shape and colorful foliage, the Japanese maple is a favorite among gardeners. Available in various sizes and colors, it brings striking fall colors to any yard.
Tree Peony (Paeonia): Known for its large summer blooms, tree peonies also offer beautiful fall leaf color. Their unique appearance adds interest to the garden throughout the year.
Smoke Tree: Many varieties display red or burgundy foliage, with wispy flowers creating a smoky effect. In fall, the leaves transform into brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds.
Viburnum: This diverse group of plants is celebrated for its flowers, berries, and ability to attract birds. Varieties like “Mohawk” and V. dentatum are particularly noted for their striking fall colors.
Cryptomeria: This graceful conifer features soft foliage that changes throughout the year. The “Elegans” variety transitions from lime-yellow green in spring to rich coppery red or purple by winter’s end.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): This medium to large shrub is perfect for kickstarting your flowering garden. It boasts spider-like blooms in early spring, while its vibrant fall colors range from yellow to deep burgundy.
By incorporating these plants into your garden this fall, you can create a stunning display of colors that will enhance your landscape and uplift your spirits during this beautiful season.
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