Are you considering which new plants to add for fall color? Your garden can boast color well into November, depending on frost dates. Color can come from shade trees to ground covers. There are even some tropical plants that love cooler weather, and will now inch their way to epic proportions. Among the surprises, there are some Hydrangeas that display their prettiest blooms in late September.

This article provides a sampling of plants that can inject some color into the fall. The list includes five woody plants, two hardy perennials, and two tropical plants.

Which new plants to add for fall color? How about some woody plants!

Panicle Hydrangeas:

Dozens of new panicle Hydrangeas are introduced on a regular basis, but one of fall’s showiest is Hydrangea ‘Zinfin Doll’. Like most types (H. paniculata), cut its height by about one third in early spring and watch it rebound with flowers in late summer. The flower heads on panicle Hydrangeas start out white and gradually turn to pink. Spring Meadow Nursery has introduced a new variety with stronger stems. The nursery’s own Hydrangea hunter, Tim Wood, recommends seeking out Hydrangea ‘Quick Fire Fab’, which should be available soon. Panicle Hydrangeas are hardy to Zone 4. Click for more information about Hydrangeas.

Magnolia:

There are hundreds of Magnolia varieties, some that put on a show in spring only, others that obtain fall color, and many that offer branches of vibrant fruit beloved by birds. On of my favorites is  Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ because it is has sunshine yellow flowers in late spring, and in the fall, its leaves turn a vibrant gold. Magnolia ‘Pink Charm’ has medium-pink flowers that open from deep pink buds. Its late season interest comes from the fruit that forms from pollinated flowers. Will these varieties work in your garden? The two magnolia varieties highlighted here thrive in Zone 5 – 9.

Seeds of the Magnolia are bright red, and beloved by birds. Photo by Jean Starr