![\"Red](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/The-Best-15-Woody-Shrubs-for-Fall-Color-pin-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Best-Woody-Shrubs-for-Fall-Color-Pin.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Best-Woody-Shrubs-for-Fall-Color-Pin.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n The flora of spring and summer with their lush foliage and eye-catching flowers receive a lot of attention in the garden.<\/p>\n But we shouldn\u2019t forget about autumn\u2019s contribution to Mother Nature\u2019s colorful palette.<\/p>\n Many deciduous shrubs and bushes shine brightly as the dog days of summer wane and a hint of fall\u2019s crisp air begins to sneak in.<\/p>\n We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,\u00a0<\/em>we may earn a commission<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at our top picks, a collection of woody shrubs that are particularly memorable and well-suited for landscapes east, west, north and south.<\/p>\n All of these selections add vivid color and will definitely make an impact in your landscape in the autumn and most can be grown throughout temperate North America and Europe.<\/p>\n American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana<\/em>, is native to southern North America and suitable for cultivation in Zones 6 to 10.<\/p>\n In fall, the bright green leaves turn a fantastic shade of yellow which are beautifully set off by the clusters of bright purple BB-pellet-sized fruits.<\/p>\n As a bonus for those looking for an understory shrub, this plant is shade tolerant \u2013 it prefers a part shade location.<\/p>\n With a shrubby, open growth habit, this plant tops out at three to five feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n American beautyberry is not picky about soil, either, and it\u2019s quite drought-resistant, though it does perform better with regular watering, especially when it\u2019s young.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to add American beautyberry to your garden, you can find plants in four-inch pots available<\/strong> from Green Valley Nursery via Amazon<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n And you can check out our guide to growing American beautyberries here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Bottlebrush buckeye, Aesculus parviflora<\/em>, is among the few shrubs on this list that prefers shady conditions.<\/p>\n It even blooms profusely in the shade, developing long, upright spikes of white blossoms in late summer.<\/p>\n Its thick, light green leaves grow up to five inches in length and turn brilliant yellow to burnished orange in fall.<\/p>\n This plant prefers rich, moist loam, but will do fine in average soil providing it drains well. It is intolerant of dry soils, especially when young.<\/p>\n Native to North America, it has a dense, mounding growth habit reaching a mature height of eight to 12 feet with a width of eight to 15 feet. Bottlebrush buckeye is hardy in Zones 4 to 8.<\/p>\n As if its summer-long display of deep red or pink flowers weren\u2019t enough, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica<\/em>) puts on a fall display too \u2013 with lovely yellow leaves.<\/p>\n Crape myrtles are not picky about soil and can be quite drought-tolerant once established.<\/p>\n They do require a full sun location and are suitable for cultivation in Zones 6 to 9.<\/p>\n Expect a mature height of three to six feet tall and a width of two to four feet.<\/p>\n Crape Myrtle with Pink Flowers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find L. indica<\/em> with pink flowers available in #3 containers from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Fothergilla gardenii<\/em> is native to the southern US and does well in moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils.<\/p>\n This compact beauty flowers best in full sun, but the plant also appreciates some afternoon shade in hot and dry climates.<\/p>\n In spring, you\u2019ll experience fragrant white bottlebrush-like flowers in one- to two-inch clusters.<\/p>\n Come autumn, expect to be dazzled by red, orange, and yellow leaves.<\/p>\n Suitable for growing in Zones 5 to 8, dwarf fothergilla grows to two to three feet tall and wide, with a mounding growth habit.<\/p>\n Dwarf Fothergilla<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find plants available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Spiraea japonica<\/em> \u2018Goldflame\u2019 has leaves that will make you happy from spring through fall.<\/p>\n They emerge bronze-red in the spring, mature to yellowish-green in summer, and then offer a vibrant yellow, copper, and orange show in autumn.<\/p>\n Like many of its colorful cousins<\/a><\/strong>, \u2018Goldflame\u2019 is a butterfly attractor<\/a><\/strong>. It thrives in loamy, medium-moist, well-drained soils in Zones 4 to 8.<\/p>\n Topping out at three to four feet tall and wide, this cultivar prefers a full sun location but will tolerate light shade.<\/p>\n S. japonica<\/em> is native to Japan and can spread aggressively via suckers and seeds.<\/p>\n It\u2019s currently listed as invasive<\/a><\/strong> in many states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, so be sure to check before planting.<\/p>\n Highbush blueberry shrubs (Vaccinium corymbosum<\/em>) don\u2019t just provide ornamental interest in the garden, but you\u2019ll enjoy a harvest of edible berries as well.<\/p>\n Grow this tasty treat in acidic soil in a full to part sun location in Zones 3 to 7.<\/p>\n This plant, native to eastern Canada and eastern and southern US, shows off all year, with reddish-green spring leaves that turn blue green in summer and then red, yellow, purple, and orange in fall.<\/p>\n The small berries ripen from July through August.<\/p>\n \u2018Jersey\u2019 is a vigorous cultivar that produces medium sized berries on six- to eight-feet-tall plants. The green leaves turn a flaming orange in fall.<\/p>\n \u2018Jersey\u2019 Highbush Blueberry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find \u2018Jersey\u2019 plants available from Burpee<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing highbush blueberries shrubs here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia<\/em>) is native to southeastern US that blooms with long, graceful panicles in pink, red, or white.<\/p>\n These shrubs prefer rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that stays evenly moist without becoming soggy.<\/p>\n Easy to cultivate in Zones 5 to 9, they top out at four to 15 feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n The oak-like leaves can grow up to 12 inches wide, and come fall, they transform into a radiant show of red, orange, gold, bronze and purple.<\/p>\n In some climates, the colorful display can last into the winter months. When the bush does drop its leaves, exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark is revealed.<\/p>\n Gatsby Pink\u00ae aka H. quercifolia<\/em> \u2018JoAnn\u2019 sports bright pink blooms that last from midsummer into late fall. <\/p>\n Gatsby Pink<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find Gatsby Pink\u00ae available at Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Native to the eastern United States, chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia<\/em>) offers seasonal interest year-round.<\/p>\n Clusters of very small white flowers arrive in spring, followed by copious amounts of small, glossy red fruit.<\/p>\n Leaves are dark green on top and gray-green underneath, turning bright red to reddish-purple in fall.<\/p>\n This low-maintenance shrub thrives in a variety of soil types<\/a><\/strong>, and grows to a mature height of six to eight feet with a spread of three to four feet.<\/p>\n Red chokeberry is hardy in Zones 4 to 9 and needs at least six hours of direct sun daily.<\/p>\n Red Chokeberry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Plants in #3 containers and two- to three-feet-tall bare roots are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea<\/em>) aka creek or red twig dogwood is native to North America and its stunning fall color comes not from the leaves but from the stems.<\/p>\n This deciduous shrub has an upright, spreading growth habit and its numerous stems turn a brilliant red in the fall.<\/p>\n In late spring, small white flowers are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, giving way to white berries.<\/p>\n The deep green foliage turns reddish-purple in autumn before falling to the ground and revealing the gorgeous red stems.<\/p>\n Red osier dogwood is hardy in Zones 2 to 7 and needs about four hours of direct sunlight each day, but is fine with shade or dappled shade the rest of the day.<\/p>\n Expect a mature height of seven to nine feet, with a spread of up to 10 feet.<\/p>\n Red Osier Dogwood<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find plants available at Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong> in a choice of sizes.<\/p>\n Find tips on growing red osier dogwood here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Spicebush (Lindera benzoin<\/em>) is popular not only with humans but also with birds<\/a><\/strong>, deer, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums.<\/p>\n One type of butterfly likes spicebush so much that it took its name from the plant \u2013 Papilio troilus<\/em> is commonly known as the spicebush swallowtail.<\/p>\n Native to North America and hardy in Zones 4 to 9, spicebush sports light green, fragrant leaves and in early spring the branches are adorned with yellow-green flower clusters that attract a variety of pollinators.<\/p>\n The foliage rings in autumn with a display of brilliant yellow leaves. The color is more vibrant when it is planted in full sun.<\/p>\n Spicebush is easy to grow in average soil, provided it drains well, and tops out at six to 12 feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n Spicebush<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find one- to two-foot-tall plants available at Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Rhus<\/em> genus consists of about 35 species commonly known as sumac and many types are renowned for their lovely fall color. <\/p>\n Here are a couple of standouts to look for:<\/p>\n Cutleaf staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina<\/em> \u2018Dissecta\u2019) grows best in Zones 4 to 8. You can expect it to reach heights of nine to 15 feet, with a spread of 15 to 20 feet.<\/p>\n This species grows big enough that some might call it a tree, but its wide spread, multiple stems, and aggressive thicket-forming habit put it more in the shrub category.<\/p>\n Whatever you call it, it\u2019s a beauty, especially come autumn when the long, deeply serrated leaves turn yellow, orange, and red.<\/p>\n This one likes average soil that drains well. It appreciates full sun but will tolerate some shade, and it is drought-tolerant once established.<\/p>\n Cutleaf Staghorn \u2018Dissecta\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Fragrant Sumac (R. aromatica<\/em>) may be grown in Zones 3 to 9. It\u2019s a smaller shrub, maxing out at two to six feet tall and six to 10 feet wide.<\/p>\n While related to poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)<\/em>, fragrant sumac is not poisonous and its leaves offer a pleasant scent when crushed.<\/p>\n The trifoliate green leaves turn yellow, orange, red, and purple in autumn, offering a spectacular display of fall color<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n This low-maintenance beauty does well in much of the United States, requiring part shade to full sun, and needing low to moderate amounts of water.<\/p>\n It prefers well-drained soils and thrives in difficult areas.<\/p>\n Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia)<\/em> likes it hot, and rewards with numerous tiny yellow flowers in late summer and fall.<\/p>\n Its common name comes from the fact that the foliage is covered with a resin that, when touched, smells like turpentine. Its other common name is narrowleaf goldenbush.<\/p>\n This evergreen plant grows best in Zones 7 to 10, and thrives in poor, dry soils that are low in organic material. It\u2019s tolerant of sandy soils and those containing limestone.<\/p>\n Turpentine bush is drought tolerant and tops out at one to three feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n Or read our detailed Ericameria laricifolia<\/em> growing guide here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n A number of viburnum species display brilliant fall color, and it\u2019s too hard for us to pick just one!<\/p>\n Blackhaw, for example, shows off not only purple, reddish-bronze, or crimson leaves, but also blue-black berries in autumn.<\/p>\n It will tolerate drought and may be planted in clay soil. It likes full sun to part shade.<\/p>\n This type grows best in Zones 3 to 9, and can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet and widths of eight to 10 feet at maturity.<\/p>\n \u2018Forest Rouge\u2019 Blackhaw Viburnum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Forest Rouge\u2019 blackhaw plants (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em> \u2018McKRouge\u2019) are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n V. nudum<\/em> \u2018Winterthur\u2019 aka smooth witherod is another gorgeous option. It produces showy, fragrant white flowers in the spring, and the foliage turns deep red in the fall.<\/p>\n \u2018Winterthur\u2019 appreciates full sun to light shade and wet to moderately dry soils.<\/p>\n It can be grown in Zones 5 to 9 and will reach a mature height of about six feet tall with a spread of five to 12 feet.<\/p>\n Korean spice (V. carlesii<\/em>) is another enticing option.<\/p>\n This low-maintenance plant likes a moderate amount of water and prefers full sun to partial shade. The foliage turns various shades of red in autumn.<\/p>\n Korean Spice Viburnum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It will grow happily in Zones 4 to 7, maxing out at about four to six feet in height and width.<\/p>\n Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong> in #3 and #5 containers.<\/p>\n Finally, consider arrowwood (V. dentatum<\/em>), another viburnum to look for if you\u2019re after cool-weather color.<\/p>\n Its lustrous, dark green leaves change to glossy red and reddish-purple in the fall. Half-inch dark blue berries ripen in early fall.<\/p>\n It thrives in Zones 2 to 8, and you can expect it to reach five to nine feet tall and wide at maturity.<\/p>\n Read more about growing viburnum here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica<\/em>) is native to the eastern United States and it flourishes in average, well-drained soil.<\/p>\n It prefers moist, humus-rich soils, but will tolerate a wide range.<\/p>\n It will do well in full sun to part shade locations in Zones 5 to 9, reaching a mature height of three to four feet with a spread of four to six feet.<\/p>\n Virginia sweetspire bears fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in three- to six-inch-long cylindrical clusters.<\/p>\n Its dark green oval leaves turn varying shades of gold, red, purple, and orange in autumn.<\/p>\n Scentlandia\u00ae is a dwarf cultivar that tops out at two to three feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n It features highly fragrant white blooms in the summer months and vibrant red and deep purple foliage come fall.<\/p>\n Scentlandia\u00ae Sweetspire<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find Scentlandia\u00ae plants in #3 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Common witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana<\/em>, puts on a dazzling autumn show with fragrant yellow flowers featuring strap-like, crumpled petals that are similar to those of Chinese fringe flower<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Best-Woody-Shrubs-for-Fall-Color-Feature-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n15 Woody Shrubs for Dramatic Autumn Color<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
1. American Beautyberry<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/American-Beautyberry-Growing-in-the-Garden.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n2. Bottlebrush Buckeye<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bottlebrush-Buckeye-Foliage.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bottlebrush-Buckeye-Foliage.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n3. Crape Myrtle<\/h2>\n
![\"Orange](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Crape-Myrtle-in-Fall.jpg\"\/)
![\"Orange](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Crape-Myrtle-in-Fall.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pink-Crape-Myrtle.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n4. Dwarf Fothergilla<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dwarf-Fothergilla-Growing-in-the-Garden-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dwarf-Fothergilla.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. Goldflame Spirea<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Goldflame-Spirea-Foliage-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n6. Highbush Blueberry<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Highbush-Blueberry-Fall-Colors-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Jersey-Blueberry.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Oakleaf Hydrangea<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Fall-Foliage-of-Oakleaf-Hydrangea-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Gatsby-Pink-Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n8. Red Chokeberry<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Red-Chokeberry-Fall-Foliage-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Red-Chokeberry.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n9. Red Osier Dogwood<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Red-Osier-Dogwood.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Red-Osier-Dogwood.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Red-Twig-Dogwood.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n10. Spicebush<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yellow-Leaves-of-Spicebush.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yellow-Leaves-of-Spicebush.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Audubon-Native-Spicebush.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n11. Sumac<\/h2>\n
![\"Cutleaf](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Rhus-Typhina-Autumn-Foliage.jpg\"\/)
![\"Cutleaf](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Rhus-Typhina-Autumn-Foliage.jpg\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cutleaf-Staghorn-Sumac.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Rhus-Aromatica-Fall-Foliage.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Rhus-Aromatica-Fall-Foliage.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Turpentine Bush<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Turpentine-Bush-Growing-Wild.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Turpentine-Bush-Growing-Wild.jpg\")
13. Viburnum<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Viburnum-with-Vibrant-Fall-foliage-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Forest-Rouge-Blackhaw-Viburnum-in-Autumn.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Korean-Spice-Viburnum.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n14. Virginia Sweetspire<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Virginia-Sweetspire-Itea-virginica-with-fall-foliage.jpg\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Scentlandia-Sweetspire.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n15. Witch Hazel<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Witch-Hazel-Growing-in-the-Garden.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Witch-Hazel-Growing-in-the-Garden.jpg\")