The best fall plants bring rich colors and seasonal charm to your garden when summer flowers begin to fade. Growing them ensures your outdoor space stays lively with hues of scarlet, gold, and purple right into early winter.
Many of these plants also provide berries that attract birds and wildlife, giving your garden more life during cooler months.
Adding fall plants not only boosts curb appeal but also creates cozy corners and striking focal points in your landscape.
With just a little care like regular watering, the right sunlight, and well-draining soil, you can enjoy dazzling displays that celebrate the season’s beauty. Explore these 10 stunning plants to make your fall garden unforgettable.
#1 Burning Bush
Burning Bush is famous for its fiery red foliage that transforms the garden in autumn. In spring and summer, its leaves are green, but by fall they turn vivid scarlet, making the plant an instant standout.
It can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, so give it room to spread. Plant it in full sun to partial shade for the best leaf color.
While its fruits are toxic to people, birds enjoy them as a food source. Prune lightly in early spring if you want to keep it more compact.
#2 Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper is a versatile climber that adapts to many soil and light conditions. Its leaves shift from bright lime in spring to deep green in summer, then explode into shades of red and magenta in fall.
This fast grower clings to walls, fences, or trellises, adding texture and privacy to your space. Plant it in zones 3 to 9, and provide a sturdy structure for climbing.
Small blue-black berries appear in fall, offering food for birds throughout winter. Keep it pruned to control spreading, as it grows quickly.
#3 American Smoke Tree
The American Smoke Tree makes a dramatic statement with foliage that changes from blue-green to red, orange, and purple in fall. Its unique “smoky” flower clusters give it a cloud-like appearance in summer.
Growing 20 to 30 feet tall, it works well as a specimen tree in larger yards. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.
Moderate watering is usually enough once established. Its bold color range makes it one of the most striking trees for autumn landscapes.
#4 Blue Star Amsonia
Blue Star Amsonia is a compact perennial that grows about 3 feet tall and wide. It begins with airy green foliage in summer, then turns golden yellow to burnt orange in autumn.
Its feathery leaves create a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with bolder plants. This variety thrives in zones 5 to 8 in full sun or partial shade.
Water moderately and plant in well-drained soil to prevent root problems. It works perfectly in borders or as part of a mixed perennial bed.
#5 Sugar Maple
Sugar Maple is one of the most iconic trees for fall color, producing a kaleidoscope of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy leaves. Growing up to 120 feet tall, it’s a long-term investment that rewards you each autumn with brilliant displays.
Plant it in full sun and give it plenty of space to spread. It prefers zones 3 to 8 with rich, well-draining soil. Water deeply during dry spells to support its size. Beyond beauty, it is also valued for maple syrup production.
#6 Switch Grass
Switch Grass brings a graceful texture to gardens with its tall, airy clumps. The leaves start bluish-green with red highlights in summer, then turn burgundy and wine-colored in fall.
Growing about 3 feet tall, it fits well in mixed borders or naturalized plantings. Plant it in zones 5 to 9 with full sun or partial shade.
It tolerates drought once established but appreciates occasional watering. Leave the dry stalks through winter for extra interest and cut back in early spring.
#7 Quaking Aspen
Quaking Aspen is known for its fluttering leaves that shimmer in the breeze. The foliage turns a glowing golden yellow in fall, creating a magical forest effect. This hardy tree can reach up to 80 feet tall, making it suitable for large spaces.
It grows best in zones 1 to 7 with full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Plant them in clusters for a more dramatic display. Their smooth, silvery trunks add winter beauty long after the leaves drop.
#8 Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia Sweetspire combines beauty and fragrance, offering cascading white blooms in summer and colorful foliage in fall. Its leaves shift from green to gold, orange, and deep crimson.
This shrub thrives in zones 5 to 9 and grows well in both full sun and partial shade. Water consistently to keep the soil moist, especially during hot months.
Plant it along borders or near patios where you can enjoy its seasonal fragrance and fiery autumn tones.
#9 Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn Sumac is a small tree or shrub with vibrant red, orange, and burgundy foliage in autumn. In spring, it produces fuzzy floral spikes that mature into clusters of red berries by late summer.
These berries persist into winter, feeding birds and wildlife. It grows well in zones 4 to 8 in full sun and tolerates poor soils. Keep it trimmed if you want to control its spreading habit. The bold colors make it an excellent focal point in fall gardens.
#10 American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry earns its name with clusters of bright violet berries that light up the garden in autumn. Its arching branches and glossy green leaves add to its appeal. This shrub thrives in zones 6 to 10 in full sun to partial shade.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during fruiting. The berries are edible and often used for jams, but many gardeners leave them to feed birds. Plant it as a border shrub or accent plant for stunning fall color.