Although the title says nine there are in fact a further seven suggestions on this list of shrubs for late-season blooms and colorful fruit. As well as descriptions and illustrations of the top nine shrubs you will also find planting instructions and tips on aftercare to keep them looking their best. This information comes from Melinda Myers whose article I found on the Birds and Blooms website.
The arrival of fall signals the end of peak growing season and a shift from the sizzling heat of summer to cooler temps. Say so long and farewell to your brightest blooms, because now it?s time for your shrubs to shine.
Size: 3 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide
This North American native brings year-round beauty to any landscape. Once the colorful autumn leaves drop, the red or black berries take center stage. Birds chow down on the fruit throughout winter. Chokeberry welcomes spring with white flowers and spends the summer decked out in glossy green leaves.
Why we love it: Adaptable chokeberry tolerates full sun to shade and wet to dry soil once established. It?s becoming a popular food crop for jam, jelly and wine.
Viburnum dentatum, Zones 2 to 8
Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
Set your bird garden and shrub border ablaze with the red colors of this native viburnum. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Select a cultivar like Red Feather for consistent and outstanding autumn color.
Why we love it: Birds love it! Plant it where you can watch your feathered friends feast on the blue fruit, but far enough away so you won?t smell the odoriferous spring blooms.
Lindera benzoin, Zones 4 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 feet tall and wide
Turn up the heat in your borders and natural plantings with this native beauty. Enjoy radiant yellow fall color and yellow spring blooms that pop before the leaves. And watch for bright red fruit to steal the show once the foliage drops.
Why we love it: Though spicebush prefers moist, well-draining soil, it tolerates damp soils along creeks and wet woodlands.
See more at Birds and Blooms
Feature photo: Monrovia/Doreen Wynja
