Every fall, I find myself staring out my kitchen window, wishing my garden had more color.
Sure, the maple trees are gorgeous, but I’ve discovered there’s so much more we can do!
Let me share my favorite shrubs and bushes that add stunning red colors to your fall garden.
1. Oak Leaf Hydrangea
I absolutely adore my Oak Leaf hydrangeas! They’re like the gift that keeps on giving throughout the seasons.
These beauties start with white flowers in summer that slowly turn into the prettiest pinkish-brown colors as fall approaches.
But what really makes me smile is when those big, oak-like leaves transform into stunning shades of red, orange, and burgundy.
Here’s a pro-mom tip: plant these where you can see them from your kitchen window – they even look pretty in winter with their peeling bark!
2. Gold Mound Spirea
This is my go-to plant when neighbors ask for landscaping advice. It’s practically fool-proof (trust me, I’ve tested this theory!).
You’ll get three whole seasons of pretty views – spring brings fresh foliage, summer gives you flowers, and fall treats you to golden leaves with splashes of light red.
If you’re really after that “wow” factor, try its cousin, the Taurus Spirea. Mine turns the most incredible purple-red color in fall!
3. Sumac
Don’t run away when I mention sumac! I know some people think it’s just a weed, but I promise it’s not the scary poison sumac.
Both Staghorn and smooth sumac varieties give you the most incredible fall colors – we’re talking deep reds, burgundies, and even some golden yellows.
Fair warning though: these can grow pretty tall (over 10 feet!), so maybe don’t plant them right next to your kitchen herbs like I initially did!
4. Arnold Promise Witch Hazel
This shrub holds a special place in my garden. It’s actually a clever mix of Japanese and Chinese witch hazel.
I love how it kicks off spring with yellow flowers, then surprises us again in fall with a gorgeous mix of yellow, orange, and red leaves.
Just make sure it gets plenty of sun – it’s kind of like my teenagers, needs lots of light to perform its best!
5. Virginia Sweetspire
Looking for something that won’t take over your garden? This is your plant! It’s my favorite alternative to the somewhat aggressive burning bush.
In spring, it graces us with delicate white flowers that look lovely in photos.
Come fall, it really shows off with the most beautiful rusty red colors that make my garden look like something from a magazine.
6. Virginia Creeper
Now, this one comes with a disclaimer – it’s like that enthusiastic friend who doesn’t know when to stop!
While it gives us spectacular red fall colors, it can climb up to 50 feet if you let it. (Ask me how I know this… my garage can tell stories!)
Just keep an eye on it and don’t let it climb your favorite trees. Plant it in full sun for the best color show.
7. Viburnum
Last but definitely not least is the Viburnum – particularly the Korean Spice variety, which has become my absolute favorite.
Not only does it give us beautiful orange-red leaves in fall, but it also has this amazing fragrance that makes working in the garden pure joy.
I planted mine near our patio, and every time we have fall gatherings, someone always asks about that wonderful smell!