As summer's sizzle cools down, the enchanting season of fall planting begins. This is the only time of year when Mother Nature helps us gardeners by giving us ideal conditions. Autumn isn’t just good for watching the colors change on the leaves. Cool temperatures, moisture in the soil, and reduced pest drama help plants establish their roots and get a head start before spring. In this guide we will highlight the benefits of planting in the fall, which plants are perfect to plant, and some planting tips from our nursery experts.
Autumn Planting – Why it Should be the Favorite Season of Gardeners Everywhere
Fall is an ideal season for planting perennials, shrubs, and trees due to several favorable factors:
- Cooler Temperatures: Fall brings milder temperatures, reducing the stress on newly planted vegetation. Cooler air also means less evaporation and stress on plants' water requirements.
- Moist Soil: Fall typically sees increased rainfall, creating moist soil conditions that promote root establishment and growth.
- Less Heat Stress: Young plants are less susceptible to heat stress in the fall, allowing them to focus on root development before the onset of winter.
- Reduced Pest and Disease Pressure: Many pests and diseases are less active in the fall, minimizing the risk of infestations and infections.
- Spring Readiness: Fall planting gives plants a head start in establishing their root systems, enabling them to take full advantage of spring's abundant sunlight and warmth.
Plant these in Autumn for Fall Interest & Color
Perennials
Grasses – Ornamental grasses shine this time of year. The varieties: Bluestem, Flame, Chameleon, and are great options for fall planting!
Coneflowers – These bloom well into autumn, so enjoy some late-season pops of color with these beauties.
Sedums – Particularly the upright varieties like Autumn Fire, Autumn Joy, and Back in Black put on a great show in fall.
Purple Dome Aster – This is a blooming fall favorite. It puts on a show like no other, with blossoms lasting late into fall.
Threadleaf Bluestar Amsonia – The stunning yellow fall color on this perennial will leave you in awe. Attracts pollinators, but is also deer resistant.
Shrubs
Viking Chokeberry - Viking Chokeberry has multiple seasons of ornamental characteristics. Starting with white flowers in May followed by dark, glossy leaves and crowned by a dynamite fall color show of purple, orange and scarlet. It has edible fruits, which are high in Vitamin C, iodine, and antioxidants and are used stewed, dried, or as juice
Burning Bush - The Dwarf Burning Bush is celebrated not only for its fiery autumnal hues but also for its lush, dark green leaves throughout the spring and summer, providing a stark contrast and visual interest throughout the year. Ideal for creating eye-catching hedges or as a standalone specimen, this shrub maintains a compact form with minimal effort.
Cranberrybush Viburnum - American Cranberrybush Viburnum has handsome flat-topped white flowers in late spring. The forest green foliage turns a spectacular reddish-maroon in the fall. The attractive clusters of shiny red fruit attract birds and are a distinguishing asset to the winter landscape.
Common Ninebark - Common Ninebark is an upright, spreading shrub with recurved branches, lobed leaves, and small clusters of white flowers in summer. These beautiful blooms are followed by reddish seed pods, which look great in fall and winter. On mature shrubs, the bark peels slightly and has reddish-brown hues.
Goldflame Spirea - Goldflame Spirea has outstanding golden-yellow new foliage, which turns to light green in summer. The flowers are a light pink color. It has radiant copper-orange fall color and would make a colorful addition to your landscape. This shrub does best if planted in full sun.
Trees
Fall Fiesta® Sugar Maple – The fall color standard of maples. Stunning red, orange, and yellow leaves. Picture perfect.
Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry – A lot is going on with this Amelanchier, including edible purplish fruit in June, and leaves that turn red-orange in autumn. Bird-watchers rejoice, this tree attracts feathered friends aplenty!
Beacon® Swamp White Oak – Tall and narrow, this outstanding Beacon® Swamp White Oak makes an excellent urban tree for small spaces. Glossy foliage is densely situated on the tree and turns bright yellow in the fall.
Quaking Aspen – With a white trunk, the Aspen offers wonderfully contrasting colors. Bright green foliage in summer, changing to bright golden-yellow in autumn. If you’re near one while there’s a breeze, listen to the leaves tremble in the wind.
Fall Planting Tips
- Choose Healthy Plants: Perennials, shrubs, and trees should have healthy leaves, stems, and roots. We’ve been growers for over 126 years, and plant care and health is a top priority. If you’re in the Oregon or Oshkosh areas in Wisconsin, you can stop by one of our Garden Centers to see plant stock in person.
- Site Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
- Timing: Plant perennials, shrubs, and trees early in the fall, giving them ample time to establish roots before the ground freezes.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist until the ground freezes.
- Mulch, mulch, mulch: We can’t stress this one enough! Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Leave a gap around the stem or trunk to prevent moisture-related issues. For more information on the many, many benefits of mulch, check out our Mulching Guide.
- Protection: If planting late in the fall or an area with harsh winters, consider providing winter protection such as burlap wraps or windbreaks.
- Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees in the fall. Allow them to establish roots before introducing additional nutrients.
- Fall Clean-Up: After the first frost, remove any diseased or pest-infested plant material from the garden to prevent overwintering issues.
By following these tips and selecting appropriate plant varieties, you can take advantage of the fall season to establish a thriving garden of perennials, shrubs, and trees that will flourish come spring.
Looking for additional gardening tips and guides? Check out our Green Tips page, chock full of advice straight from our nursery: https://www.mckaynursery.com/mckay-green-tips