Ready for fall? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite fall color plants for your Knoxville landscaping …
Sugar Maple
Why we love it: We love this tree because it’s not as big as some other maples, but it packs a colorful punch. It’s also a great shade tree, and an epic climbing tree for kids!
Where to plant it: Plant this tree away from the house because of its aggressive root structure.
How to care for it: Initially, you’ll want to water this tree every few days until the first frost. As it grows, keep an eye on its branching and prune as needed to ensure a beautiful shape.
Red Oak
Why we love it: This is a tree that will last for generations. It provides tremendous shade and vibrant color, so who wouldn’t love it?
Where to plant it: Plant this tree away from the house because it’ll hold its leaves for a long time so it may clog your gutters through the winter months. Also keep this tree away from driveways and walkways to avoid messy acorn debris when the tree matures. The mess is definitely worth it, though, because this tree adds such majestic beauty (and value!) to your landscaping.
How to care for it: Initially, you’ll want to water this tree every few days until the first frost. As it grows, keep an eye on its branching and prune as needed to ensure a beautiful shape. These aren’t quick growers, so be patient.
Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Why we love it: We love this plant because its has some of the best fall color around. Plus, when the leaves drop, the exfoliated branches are quite striking. Not to mention, these plants have year-round interest with beautiful blooms in the spring and summer, too.
Where to plant it: The beauty of oak leaf hydrangeas is they tolerate shade or sun. We recommend planting this plant in the afternoon sun to amplify its color.
How to care for it: You should prune this plant for shape when its young, but after it has matured, oak leaf hydrangeas are pretty hands off.
Fire Power Nandina
Why we love it: Nandina is an awesome plant for its color, but its also a bullet-proof plant that can tolerate nearly any condition. There are also several color options — lime green, red, deep purple — so there’s a nandina for everyone.
Where to plant it: Plant nandina just about anywhere, but it’s especially great in tight spots such as between a sidewalk and house or next to an air conditioner.
How to care for it: Don’t do a thing. Pruning isn’t required for these beauties. Just sit, watch and enjoy.
Maiden Grass and Crape Myrtle
Why we love it: We love maiden grass for its gorgeous golden color and crape myrtles for the brown and white exfoliated bark.
Where to plant it: Plant maiden grass near other bright, bold colors to set off your reds, purples and greens incredibly well. Crape myrtles are great when they’re planted away from the house either alone or in a large bed. Avoid planting crape myrtles near your pool because they drop a lot of debris.
How to care for it: Wait to trim maiden grass until the spring so you can enjoy its golden hue through the winter. The same goes for crape myrtles.
Ginkgo
Why we love it: A Ginkgo can tolerate bad soil and rough conditions, but we especially love it for its obviously bold yellow color and perfect shape.
Where to plant it: Put this tree out in the open where you can enjoy the full scope of its lovely shape. Make sure you like where you put it because it’ll be there for a very long time. This tree is also a great tree to plant near the street because it can handle some pollution and abuse.
How to care for it: When its young, make sure this tree has a good branch structure. When it’s mature, all you’ll need is a good rake. The leaves will drop all at once, and there will be a lot of them!
Angelina Sedum
Why we love it: There’s nothing we don’t like about this plant. It changes color throughout the year (from green to orange to red and back again). It’s also drought tolerate so it’s perfect for long, dry summers.
Where to plant it: Plant angelina sedum in full sun. It’s an aggressive plant so give this one some limits such as an isolated bed, raised planter or other controlled area. It’s great for filling cracks and crevices of flagstones and boulders.
How to care for it: This is a set it and forget plant for the most part, but you may want to keep it neat and clean by deadheading its blooms in the spring.
