By Ann Marie VanDerZanden
Department of Horticulture
for Iowa State University Extension
As the long, hot days of summer slowly end, I anxiously await the arrival of my favorite time of year. In autumn, I am constantly captivated by the systematic transformation of a landscape from basic green into flamboyant hues of crimson, auburn, deep ochre and rich violet. Often, plants that spend the spring and summer lurking in the background of their flashy brethren suddenly burst onto the stage. This dramatic color change accentuates ripening clusters of colorful fruit and the delicate beauty of intricate seed heads and puzzling seedpods. All of these plant features create a striking landscape.
With basic planning, and a little homework, this fall and early winter show can occur in most any landscape. Planning for fall color should not be limited to just trees and shrubs. Perennials, vines and ornamental grasses can further enhance the gardener’s autumnal palette. Although it was difficult to whittle my list of fall stunners down to just a few favorites, below I’ve listed some “best bets” perennials, vines and ornamental grasses.
Best Bet Perennials
Amsonia spp. (Zone 3-8)
The Blue Stars including Amsonia tabernamontana (Blue Star), Amsonia ciliata (Downy Blue Star), and Amsonia hubrechtii (Arkansas Blue Star) are famous for their clear yellow fall color. The narrow foliage of the downy and Arkansas blue stars gives these species the added bonus of creating an interesting textural contrast with other plants in the landscape. Blue stars are durable plants that do best in part shade and moist, well-drained fertile soil, but they can also handle poor soils.
Geranium sanguineum (Zone 3-8)
Although bloody cranesbill doesn’t sound like an attractive plant, this geranium is a great choice for fall color. This geranium reaches 6-12 inches in height and spread. It grows best in full sun to part sun and can handle a range of soil conditions. The brilliant red fall color develops after the plant experiences a hard frost.
Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ (Zone 3-8)
Autumn Joy sedum has thick fleshy leaves and grows to 1-2 feet tall. Like other sedums it can handle hot dry locations and doesn’t do well in soggy soils. The large flower clusters develop in late summer and turn a bronzy-red in the fall. The flower stalks can persist into winter. Other sedums that have a great presence in the fall garden are S. spectabile ‘Star Dust’ which has large creamy flowers on stems that are 18 inches tall. And, ‘Matrona’ which blooms a little earlier than ‘Autumn Joy’ showcasing dark pink flower heads atop thick shiny red stems that contrast with succulent green foliage. The one in my garden has been spectacular the past two years.
Best Bet Grasses
Panicum virgatum (Zone 4-8)
Common switchgrass is a major component of North America’s tallgrass prairies and does well in hot dry conditions. A number of cultivars, ranging in size from 4-8 feet tall, are available in the nursery trade and many provide excellent fall color. Consider using ‘Hänse Herms’(burgundy), ‘Shenandoah’ (dark burgundy), ‘Campfire’ (mix of orange and red).
Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ (Zone 4-8)
Flame grass provides the most reliable fall color of all miscantus. It has an upright growth habit to about 5 feet, is cold hardy and blooms in late summer. Fall color is a bright orange-red color when the plant grows in full sun; a more muted version of the same color develops when the plant grows in part shade.
Best Bet Vines
Parthenocisis quinquefolia (Zone 4-9)
Virginia creeper is a fast growing vine that easily grows 6-10 feet each year. It is tough and low-maintenance which can be grown up a wall or trellis, or allowed to ramble across the ground. In fall it turns to a vibrant purple-red color. In addition to great fall color, the Virginia creeper also produces many berries in the fall. Birds devour these berries and often spread Virginia Creeper seeds to other parts of the surrounding landscape.
Celastrus scandens (Zone 3-8)
American bittersweet is an under-planted vine. It is a vigorous grower to 20 feet and will climb up most any structure. (Planting it in poor soil will slow down the plant’s growth and may be a good management tool to consider.) The fall color is a greenish yellow, but the bright orange fruit with red seeds inside are what make this plant most attractive in the fall. It is dioecious and therefore requires both male and female plants in order to set fruit.
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