Native shrubs that bring autumn’s brilliance to compact gardens

This is the time of year when big trees steal the show. And while we all love a good ‘leaf peeping’ road trip, what if you could have that vibrant fall color right in your own yard? For many of us, limited space or a lack of patience for slow-growing trees makes that feel impossible. The good news? It’s not! You can enjoy a spectacular autumn display by choosing native shrubs that deliver a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors.

But there is the hidden gem in all of them listed below. Not only do they provide your eyes with a sense of vibrancy on a gray day right outside your window, they have hidden talents. Some of these are flowering shrubs, yet they have the additional benefit of feeding pollinators and/or producing berries for wildlife!

• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) Pictured above!
  Fiery red foliage and fragrant blooms loved by pollinators. Only grows about 3-5 feet tall. An unpicky shrub, I have a few in full sun and some in shade, and they both do equally well.
  
• Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)*
  Large leaf stunner that turn bright red and papery bark. White flowers in summer. Grows about 8 feet tall, and about 6-8 feet wide.
  
• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
  Golden fall glow; host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly. Fifteen to 20 feet tall. Needs shade and moisture.
  
• Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
  Late-summer blooms, yellow fall color, loved by hummingbirds, smells amazing (no, not like pepper). Normally 3-6 tall, but can reach to 12.
  
• Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum)
  Red berries and scarlet leaves brighten woodland edges. Migrating warblers love these berries! Grows to about 12-15 feet.
  
• Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
  Winter interest with striking scarlet stems after colored leaves fall. Grows 6-12 feet.
  
• Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) pictured below
  This is actually a grass, but by fall it blooms big enough to call itself a shrub in my garden. It has a lavender-pink hue in fall and it absolutely gorgeous. Just make sure it gets plenty of sun.

These are just a few of my favorite native shrubs that bring the colors of autumn closer to home.

*Fun fact about oakleaf hydrandgea. They can tolerate sun and shade equally. The difference is that in a more shady spot, the leaves will be bigger. In more sunny spots, the leaves will be smaller. Hint…for more vibrancy in fall, pick the shady spot and you will have these magnificent red leaves!

The following PDF is a quick printable for your next trip to pick up some plants. Just click on the download button below!