One of the best times to plant in the Quad Cities is right NOW!
Now is an excellent time for planting with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, providing optimal conditions for new additions in your outdoor space to thrive. At Greenspace Associates, Inc., we’re passionate about helping you create a custom, stunning and resilient landscape that can be enjoyed all year long. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best plants for fall color to incorporate in to your landscaping, ensuring your outdoor space remains beautiful and vibrant even as the seasons change.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to your fall landscape. Their graceful plumes and textured foliage add visual interest and movement, providing a captivating display as they sway in the autumn breeze. Varieties like Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) offer unique colors and textures that complement the fall palette. (Insider secret… Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grasses may be one of our designer FAVORITE plants to use all season long!)
Fall-Blooming Perennials
Extend the beauty of your garden into the fall with fall-blooming perennials. These hardy plants add a burst of color when other flowers begin to fade. Consider planting Asters, Sedums, and Chrysanthemums for vibrant late-season blooms. Their rich hues of purple, pink, and gold provide a stunning contrast to the changing foliage.
Shrubs with Fall Interest
Selecting shrubs that offer striking fall foliage can transform your landscape. Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) showcase an array of red, orange, and gold leaves, creating a captivating focal point. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) adds a touch of fragrant yellow or red blooms, while Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) boasts brilliant red and orange foliage.
Evergreens for Year-Round Appeal
Integrate evergreens into your fall planting plan to ensure year-round beauty. Conifers like Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) and Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) provide a touch of green amidst the changing colors, while Boxwood (Buxus) offers a classic and versatile option for borders and hedges.
Trees with Stunning Fall Foliage
Trees play a pivotal role in shaping the character of your landscape. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) dazzles with its fan-shaped golden leaves, while Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) offers a fiery display of reds and oranges. Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are also noteworthy for their vibrant fall foliage.
Don’t Forget Your Bulbs
Looking ahead to the coming spring, fall is also the perfect time to plan and execute your bulb plantings. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths are just a few examples of bulbs that can bring a burst of color to your landscape as the weather warms. By planting bulbs in the fall, you’re ensuring they establish strong root systems during the winter months, resulting in robust and vibrant blooms when spring arrives. Imagine your garden coming to life with a tapestry of colors, adding a sense of renewal and freshness after the winter season.
Fall in the Quad Cities presents a unique opportunity to refresh and enhance your outdoor space. Whether you’re aiming to enhance texture, introduce autumnal colors, or create a lasting impact, the right plant choices can transform your outdoor space into a captivating haven. At Greenspace, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Stop by and check out our nursery stock or contact us to bring your fall landscaping vision to life and experience the magic of a well-curated and flourishing autumn landscape. 🍂🌿 #FallLandscaping #IowaPlants #GreenspaceAssociates #BestFallPlants #FallColor #FallFoliage