Planting With a Mind for Autumn

From left to right, Acer palmatum "Bloodgood" (Japanese Maple) , Larix decidua (European Larch), Japanese Maple, Nandina, deciduous azealea, Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)

Autumn is the perfect time in the Pacific Northwest to plant trees and shrubs. With the coming rains and cooler weather newly planted trees and shrubs have plenty of time to settle in before any ground freezing begins. As a bonus, many nurseries are having sales of up to 50% off their stock. Why not fill in your landscape with plants that will give you autumn color?

Japanese Maple and Dogwood stand out against the dark green background of conifers

Many flowering trees and shrubs close the summer with a crescendo of color. Extend garden interest by choosing Dogwood, Sourwood, Deciduous Azalea, Hydrangea, Fothergilla, Viburnum, Cercis canadensis, Weeping European Larch and others.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) not only sports bright orange leaves in autumn but also holds its seed clusters through the winter.

Viburnum and Hydrangea effectively create a background boarder. Planted en masse this combination can provide three seasons of interest. The Viburnum leafs out in early Spring followed by large white flower heads and then summer berries while Hydrangea leafs out in late spring and then blooms mid-summer and holds its flower heads until early winter. Both have autumn shades of burgundy and purple. Colors and bloom times vary within varieties selected. Selective pruning can enhance winter interest with architectural branching especially when adorned by snow or frost.

Viburnum and Hydrangea compliment each other in late summer.

Larix decidua pendula (weeping European Larch) is a deciduous conifer. Its needles turn yellow and orange before shedding. In spring the new growth is bright green.

Dwarf Nandina (foreground) is a compact evergreen. Use en masse as a ground cover or where space is limited to add color year round.

Dial-up the autumn interest in your garden by adding these plants into your landscape this year. I offer consultations to homeowners who need assistance. Let me help you properly place plants into your existing landscape!