Six Spectacular Shrubs for Fall Planting

by Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice®

Our spring planting season seems to get shorter every year, with rising temperatures arriving sooner than expected. The rush to plant before the heat hits can be stressful for gardeners and tough on new plants, as early hot, dry conditions make it harder for tender roots and leaves to establish. That’s where fall planting can help solve some of these challenges.

But before we jump into fall planting, there are some shrubs you should avoid planting at this time of year. Shrubs that are slow to establish or sensitive to cold like broadleaf evergreens – think boxwood, rhododendrons, and azaleas - take longer to root and are more vulnerable to winter damage. Likewise, tender perennials or warmer-climate shrubs like camellias may not have enough time to settle before the ground freezes, making them prone to frost damage. These varieties are better suited for spring planting.

Fall, though, is the perfect time to plant many woody perennials. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide ideal conditions for establishing strong root systems before winter. When spring arrives, your plants will already be well-rooted, ready to thrive with vibrant blooms and foliage.

Plus, planting in autumn takes the rush out of gardening. With milder weather, you’ll have more time to plan, making it easier to position your plants for success. And come spring, your garden will be ahead of the curve, full of growth and color.

Here are six outstanding shrubs that not only thrive when planted in the fall but also bring effortless color and interest to your garden by next spring:

1. Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
   Flowering Quince is a tough, adaptable shrub known for its early-spring display of striking, cup-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, or white. Planting in the fall gives it time to establish, ensuring a vibrant, show-stopping display when it bursts into bloom next spring. For an extra bonus, stems can be cut in late-winter and forced in a vase, bringing a touch of early spring to your inside spaces. Choose a thornless variety like the Double Take® series of quince, to avoid any unwelcome pokes in the fingers. These are medium sized shrubs at 4-5’ tall/wide and will thrive in USDA zones 5-9.

2. Diervilla (Diervilla lonicera)
   A hardy native shrub, diervilla thrives in a wide range of conditions, including dry or shaded areas. It boasts vibrant yellow flowers in early summer, followed by attractive fall foliage. Planting diervilla will yield foliage interest that can be cut for vases or just provide a lovely natural backdrop in your garden all next season. Look for the KODIAK® series of Diervilla, with four fab colors from which to choose. These tough natives are hardy down to USDA zone 3 and will grow to about 3-4’ tall/wide.

3. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
   Known for its stunning, long-lasting blooms, this variety offers a burst of color from mid-summer to fall. By planting in the autumn, you ensure these beauties establish quickly, so they can put on a show with minimal fuss when the warmer months return. Limelight Prime® is an improved ‘Limelight’ and brings that classic green panicle bloom on a sturdy, upright form. Measures a manageable 4-6’ and can be grown in USDA zones 3-8.

4. Roses (Rosa)
   Fall is a great time to plant roses for those who live in regions with mild winters. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture help the roots establish before the ground freezes, allowing the roses to be better prepared for growth in the spring. However, timing is important—roses should be planted at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost to give them enough time to settle in. Mulching around the base can help protect them from temperature fluctuations. For colder regions, spring planting is often safer to ensure that the roses have a full growing season to establish themselves before winter sets in. Reminiscent® roses are a great choice for gardeners who want the classic look for a garden rose, but the maintenance of an easy-care shrub rose. This line is hardy down to USDA zone 4, and comes in three bloom colors, pink, coral, and creamy-white.

5. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
   Rose of Sharon is a resilient and colorful shrub that flowers late into the summer, providing a burst of beauty just when other plants are starting to fade. Planting in the fall allows them to establish without the stress of extreme heat, setting the stage for a vibrant display next season. Pollypetite® (3-4’) and Sugar Tip® (5-6’) rose of Sharon are both moderately sized, hardy down to zone 5, and have a low seed set, so you’ll see fewer of the nuisance seedlings that are common with conventional varieties.

6. Spirea (Spiraea)
   With their compact size and cheerful blooms, spirea are a wonderful low-maintenance option for any garden. Plant in fall and watch the pollinators buzz around abundant blooms that last through late spring and early summer. For candy apple red spring color that transitions to orange and yellow in summer with purple flowers, choose Double Play® Candy Corn® spirea. It’s nice and tidy at 1.5-2.5’ and hardy down to USDA zone 4.

By choosing to plant these fall-friendly shrubs, you’re setting your garden up for a thriving spring with less work and fewer headaches. So grab that shovel and enjoy a relaxed planting experience that pays off in a big way come next year.

For more fall planting information, check out “Fall is a great time to plant” by Spring Meadow Nursery’s horticulturist, Stacey Hirvela. It gives you all the information you need about which varieties of shrubs are best planted in the fall, and how to successfully establish them.

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