Top Plants & Shrubs to Add Color to Your Garden in Late Fall

Nashua garden store

As summer blooms fade and the days get colder, many gardeners wonder how to keep their gardens looking vibrant throughout the late fall season. The good news is that there are plenty of plants and shrubs that not only thrive in cooler temperatures but also provide a burst of color and texture when most other plants are winding down. Join us this month as our Nashua garden store shares a guide on the top plants and shrubs that can brighten up your garden and create a stunning display for the late fall season.

Asters

Asters are another great option for late fall color. With their daisy-like flowers, asters come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. They bloom late in the season, providing essential nectar for pollinators preparing for winter. Asters can be planted in garden beds or along borders to add pops of color.

  • Planting Tip: Asters thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and benefit from a layer of mulch to protect their roots as temperatures drop.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

For a bold and dramatic look, ornamental kale and cabbage are excellent choices for late fall gardens. These cool-weather plants feature ruffled leaves in shades of purple, green, and white, adding both color and texture to your landscape. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frost, making them perfect for the season.

  • Planting Tip: These plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Ornamental kale and cabbage are also great for container gardening, allowing you to move them around to create different displays.

Heuchera (‘Coral Bells’)

Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, is a versatile perennial that offers vibrant foliage year-round. In late fall, varieties with deep burgundy, bronze, or silver leaves stand out, providing beautiful contrast in garden beds and borders. Some varieties also produce small, delicate flowers on tall stalks, adding another layer of interest.

  • Planting Tip: Heuchera prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s important to mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect it from the cold.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

Witch hazel is a unique shrub that brings color and fragrance to the late fall garden. Its spidery, yellow or orange flowers bloom as the leaves begin to fall, creating an eye-catching display. Witch hazel also has a lovely scent, making it a delightful addition to pathways or near seating areas.

  • Planting Tip: This shrub does well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Plant it where it has space to spread, as mature witch hazel can grow quite wide.

 

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry holly is a deciduous holly shrub that produces bright red berries in the late fall and winter. These berries persist after the leaves have dropped, providing a splash of color when most other plants have gone dormant. Winterberry is also a favorite for birds, adding an element of wildlife to your garden.

  • Planting Tip: This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained, acidic soil. To produce berries, plant both a male and female shrub nearby.

 

Sunny Valley Farms | Nashua Garden Store

Whether you’re searching for garden decor, shrubs, or delicious food from our market, the possibilities are endless at our Nashua garden store. To explore our inventory, we encourage you to check out our website or stop in and shop with us today!

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