There is something magical about bushes that turn red in the fall. They add a touch of brilliance to the landscape, transforming ordinary yards into stunning displays of color. Among these magical bushes is the witch hazel, with its fiery red leaves that stand out against its dark brown bark. Another standout is the sweetspire, whose vibrant red foliage is complemented by its clusters of white flowers.
One of the most iconic red fall bushes is the burning bush, also known as the winged euonymus. Its bright red leaves blaze forth in the autumn, making it a favorite for landscapers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Another popular choice is the cutleaf sumac, with its clusters of red fruits that persist through the winter.
Although these red fall bushes are mostly known for their stunning autumn colors, they also offer beauty in other seasons. For example, the staghorn sumac boasts large, vibrant green leaves in the springtime, while the nandina displays clusters of white flowers in the early summer. The sand cherry bush, with its purple foliage, is another favorite for springtime color, providing a burst of vibrancy to any landscape.
When it comes to red fall bushes, the list goes on. The Chinese Witch Hazel, with its sensational red blooms, will catch the eye of anyone passing by. The Viburnum maroons the yard with its deep red leaves, while the Bailey red twig dogwood brings a pop of color to any landscape with its red stems. And let’s not forget the Rocket Chinese Bush, whose purple flowers and dark red foliage make it a sensational addition to any garden.
In fact, there are so many red fall bushes to choose from that it can be difficult to decide which one to plant. But regardless of which one you choose, these bushes will add a touch of magic to your landscape and bring forth admiration and a sense of wonder.
Fall Foliage Best Trees and Shrubs for Red Fall Color
If you want to add a bang of color to your fall landscape, consider planting trees and shrubs that turn red in the fall. These deciduous plants will tolerate all types of soil, including sand, and can be planted virtually anywhere in your garden. Not only do they provide interesting shades of red, but they also give your garden a sensational pop of color during the autumn months.
One of the best trees for fall color is the Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa). Its leaves turn a rich wine red in the fall, making it a majestic addition to any garden. Another native plant that sports red leaves in the fall is the Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii), which can grow up to 6 feet tall. The striking red color of its leaves will surely catch the admiration of anyone who sees it.
If you’re looking for shrubs with red fall foliage, the Nandina (Nandina domestica) is a great choice. The leaves of this plant turn a deep red in the fall, adding a burst of color to your landscape. Another option is the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), which is known for its vibrant red foliage during the fall season. The Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) is also a popular choice, as it has beautiful purple-leaf foliage that continues to grow throughout the fall.
For more variety in red fall color, consider planting the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) or the Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea). These trees have spectacular red foliage that will enhance the beauty of any garden. Additionally, the Tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica) displays a stunning red color in the fall, making it a standout specimen in any landscape.
To ensure that your trees and shrubs exhibit their vibrant red colors in the fall, it’s important to provide them with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Many of these plants will thrive in acidic soils, so if your soil is naturally acidic, they’re a great choice. Regular fertilizing and pruning will also help promote healthy growth and maintain the red colors throughout the seasons.
In conclusion, there are many trees and shrubs that offer stunning red fall foliage. From the majestic Chinese Dogwood to the vibrant Smoke Bush, these plants will add a splash of color to any garden or landscape. Whether you’re looking for a standout specimen or a burst of red throughout your yard, there’s a perfect tree or shrub to meet your needs.
Best Trees for Red Fall Foliage
When it comes to adding vibrant shades of red to your landscape in the fall, there are several impressive tree options to consider. These trees not only provide a burst of bright-red hues, but they also add beauty and admiration to your outdoor space.
One popular choice is the Euonymus. This tree displays stunning red foliage throughout the fall months, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Another great option is the Spirea, which features little bursts of red that play against a backdrop of green leaves.
If you have acidic soil in your landscape, the Burning Bush is a perfect choice. This tree showcases maroons and bright-red leaves that largely contribute to the spectacular fall display. Another tree that thrives in acidic soil is the Purple-Leaf Plum, which not only adds a pop of purple to your landscape but also produces white blooms in the spring.
The Virginia Creeper is a versatile climbing plant that turns a stunning red in the fall. It can be trained to grow against walls, fences, or even up the side of a tree. The range of colors it displays is truly impressive. Another climbing plant option is the Nandina. This plant not only offers fall foliage in shades of red, but it also produces bright-red berries that add interest and color to your landscape.
The Dogwood tree is well-known for its beautiful flowers, but it also offers a spectacular display of red leaves in the fall. The Chinese Pistache is another tree that turns a vibrant shade of red, which contrasts nicely against its green foliage. The Tupelo tree is another favorite, with its bright red leaves and double white blossoms.
If you’re looking for a smaller tree that still packs a punch, consider the Japanese Maple. This tree offers a wide range of red foliage options, from deep burgundy to bright red. Another great option is the Bottle-Brush Buckeye, which features red leaves and large bottle-brush shaped flowers in the summer.
For those who prefer a unique twist on fall foliage, the Oakleaf Hydrangea and the Sweetshrub are excellent choices. Both of these trees turn a deep wine red in the fall and add a bit of flair to your landscape.
When it comes to adding red hues to your landscape in the fall, there are plenty of tree options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a specimen tree or something to play nicely with other plants in your yard, these trees are sure to impress.
| Tree | Red Fall Foliage |
|---|---|
| Euonymus | Yes |
| Spirea | Yes |
| Burning Bush | Yes |
| Purple-Leaf Plum | Yes |
| Virginia Creeper | Yes |
| Nandina | Yes |
| Dogwood | Yes |
| Chinese Pistache | Yes |
| Tupelo | Yes |
| Japanese Maple | Yes |
| Bottle-Brush Buckeye | Yes |
| Oakleaf Hydrangea | Yes |
| Sweetshrub | Yes |
Best Shrubs for Red Fall Foliage
If you’re a fan of vibrant fall colors, it’s hard to beat the beauty of shrubs that turn red in the autumn. From Chinese witch hazel to oakleaf hydrangeas, there are a wide variety of shrubs that display stunning red foliage when the weather gets cooler.
One standout option is the Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis), which features large, burst-like red flowers and leaves that turn golden yellow before transforming into a vibrant red hue. Another option is the Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), a tree that turns a deep red in the fall. Both of these plants are low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including partial shade and acidic soil.
If you’re looking for a shrub with unique red foliage all year-round, consider the Diabolo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’). This shrub not only turns a rich purple-leaf color in the fall, but also boasts dark purple foliage in the spring and summer. It’s a great option for adding color and interest to your outdoor space.
The Red Sprite winterberry (Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’) is another excellent choice for red fall foliage. This shrub produces clusters of vibrant red berries that last well into the winter, providing food for birds and adding a splash of color to your garden.
For those with smaller gardens, the Purple-Leaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena) is a great option. This compact shrub features deep purple foliage that turns a bright red color in the fall. It’s also a favorite of birds, who enjoy the small fruits it produces.
Other shrubs that turn red in the fall include the Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), which displays stunning red foliage along with showy white flowers in the summer; the Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria), which has large, purple-tinged foliage that turns a deep red in the fall; and the Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), which features vibrant red foliage and large clusters of red fruits.
No matter which shrub you choose, you’re sure to find a variety that will add beauty and admiration to your fall garden. Whether it’s the Chinese witch hazel’s burst of red color or the Diabolo ninebark’s year-round purple-leaf hue, these shrubs are a great way to add a pop of color to your outdoor space.
| Shrub Name | Fall Foliage Color | Notable Features | Preferred Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Witch Hazel | Red | Large burst-like flowers | Partial shade, well-drained soil |
| Shumard Oak | Red | Large tree, vibrant fall color | Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil |
| Diabolo Ninebark | Purple, Red | Year-round color, dark purple foliage | Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil |
| Red Sprite Winterberry | Red | Clusters of red berries | Full sun to partial shade, acidic soil |
| Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry | Red | Compact size, small red fruits | Full sun, well-drained soil |
Bushes That Turn Red in The Fall
When designing your landscape, it’s important to consider plants and bushes that not only bring color and life to your yard throughout the seasons, but also offer a stunning display in the fall. One of the most captivating features of a fall garden is the vibrant red foliage. If you’re looking to add a pop of red to your yard, here are some bushes that will do just that.
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
The Japanese Maple is known for its stunning red foliage in the fall. With its delicate leaves and wide range of color options, this tree is a favorite for many gardeners. Depending on the variety, the Japanese Maple can showcase shades of maroons, purples, and fiery reds, adding a burst of color to any landscape.
2. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
The Burning Bush is another popular choice for fall color. This shrub turns a vibrant red in the fall, creating a stunning contrast against the green lawn and other plants. Its unique winged stems add an interesting texture to the landscape, making it a focal point in any garden.
3. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
The Virginia Creeper is a fast-growing vine that can cover large areas in a short amount of time. While it may not be technically a bush, this vine is known for its dramatic red foliage in the fall. Its leaves turn a deep red or purple, adding a touch of drama to any space.
4. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Witch Hazel is a shrub that offers beautiful yellow or orange flowers in the fall, but its fall foliage is equally stunning. The leaves of Witch Hazel turn a vibrant red, creating a striking contrast against the yellow flowers. This shrub is also known for its unique scent and medicinal properties.
5. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
The Oakleaf Hydrangea is a versatile shrub that offers interest year-round. In the fall, its broad leaves turn shades of purple and red, adding a burst of color to the garden. Its cone-shaped flower clusters also take on a warm, rusty hue, creating a beautiful display against the changing foliage.
By incorporating these red-foliaged bushes into your landscape design, you can create a stunning fall display that will keep your yard looking vibrant and colorful throughout the season. Whether you choose Japanese Maples, Burning Bushes, Virginia Creeper, Witch Hazel, or Oakleaf Hydrangeas, the red foliage will add a pop of color and bring your yard to life.
