Great Shrubs with Brilliant Fall Color for New England Gardens

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, New England Gardening

New England, New England garden, Best shrubs, shrubs for New England, Great shrubs, Top Shrubs, Northeast region, Northeast garden, Best shrubs for Northeast, Fall color, Fall foliage

Few gardeners choose their shrubs because they have brilliant fall colors. Fragrance, flowers, colorful berries, and ornamental shapes are usually the main features most gardeners request. And yet, the long-lasting autumn leaf change is one of the most spectacular displays in the plant world. Lasting longer than any spring floral show, it occurs at a time when color is least expected.

While most of us are familiar with the showy Japanese maples, there are many shrubs that can provide an explosion of color in the garden.

Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that will bring fiery sparkles to your garden. As you will note, some are top performers and have received prestigious awards.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 7
Heat Zones	1 - 3
Plant Type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Fall
Height
Spread
Characteristics	Plant of Merit, Showy

Shrubs with Brilliant Fall Color for New England Gardens

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ (Japanese Maple)

Considered one of the finest purple-leaved Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a stunning deciduous shrub or small rounded tree. Its beauty spans all seasons, with small purple flowers in spring, followed by red fruits. The foliage features pointed, lobed leaves that emerge wine-red, hold their color in summer, and transform into vibrant crimson-red in fall. The exposed blackish-red bark adds winter interest to the landscape.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ (Red Chokeberry)

Noted for its attractive glossy red berries and excellent red fall foliage color, Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ (Red Chokeberry) is a deciduous shrub adding multi-season beauty to the garden. In spring, a profusion of white to light pink flower clusters appear along the branches. They are followed in late summer by abundant clusters of edible red berries that persist throughout fall and well into winter.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)

Aronia melanocarpa, or Black Chokeberry, is a spreading deciduous shrub prized for its black berries and purple-red foliage. Fragrant, whitish-pink flowers in spring yield glossy black berries by late summer, lasting into winter. The elliptic leaves transition from bright green to crimson to apricot in fall, adding beauty to shady spots.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)

Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry)

With exceptional hardiness, Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry) is a captivating plant that offers year-round appeal. In mid-spring, this small semi-evergreen shrub showcases beautiful hanging clusters of golden-yellow flowers. These blooms are followed by an abundance of bright red berries that often persist through winter. The foliage transitions from medium green in summer to stunning maroon and deep purple hues in the fall, adding to its allure.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ (Summersweet)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ (Summersweet) is a compact, fragrant shrub that blooms in mid to late summer with white bottlebrush spikes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dark brown fruits and golden-yellow foliage provide interest in fall. It thrives in shady locations and produces abundant blooms.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)

This compact and beautiful shrub features bright pink, fragrant flower spikes that last for up to six weeks in mid-late summer. With lustrous dark green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in fall, it provides great fall color. Plant it near a patio to fully enjoy its extremely fragrant blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Cornus alba (Tatarian Dogwood)

Noted for its colorful stems and twigs in winter, Cornus alba (Tatarian Dogwood) is a medium-sized ornamental shrub with great appeal. Rapidly growing, and adaptable to wet soils or dry soils, it features spectacular decorative features: stunning fall color, attractive berries, showy red stems, and sometimes a lovely variegated summer foliage. A spectacular addition in the garden for most seasons, Tatarian Dogwood certainly adds a WOW! to a winter landscape.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ (Virginia Sweetspire)

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ (Virginia Sweetspire) is an award-winning compact shrub with arching branches, adorned with bottlebrush spikes of creamy-white, lightly fragrant flowers in mid-spring to early summer. The profuse blossoms attract butterflies and pollinators. Oval, lustrous leaves turn brilliant red and purple in fall, persisting into winter. Thriving in full sun or shade, this low-maintenance shrub offers three seasons of interest and is ideal for mass plantings in banks, beds, and borders. It is also semi-evergreen in mild winter regions.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus) is a stunning upright shrub that offers a beautiful display throughout the seasons. From late spring to mid-summer, it showcases clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers with red veins in shades of creamy-yellow to whitish-pink. The elliptic blue-green leaves cluster at the branch tips and transform into magnificent hues of orange and red in the fall. This shrub is generally resilient against pests and diseases.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’ (Dwarf Fothergilla)

With its unique blue summer foliage, Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’ is a captivating deciduous shrub that adds year-round appeal to any landscape. In spring, fragrant creamy-white bottlebrush-like flowers adorn the compact mound before the oval leaves emerge. The frosty blue-green foliage provides a striking contrast in summer, and in fall, it transforms into a vibrant display of yellow, orange, and red.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel) is a medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree with strongly fragrant, brilliant golden-yellow flowers in late winter. Each flower has 4 ribbon-like, crinkled petals. Blooming along leafless branches, the petals unfurl on mild days but curl up on cold days to protect from freezing temperatures. The straggling branches are covered in nearly black bark and adorned with oval green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Native to China, it boasts the most fragrant flowers among witch hazels.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) adds winter interest with its dense clusters of fragrant, frost-proof, yellow to red-orange flowers on naked branches from mid-winter to early spring. The strap-shaped petals curl on very cold days and unfurl when the weather warms. Its foliage turns from light green to dark green in summer, then to golden yellow in fall. The shrub’s fruit ripens in fall, attracting birds. Tolerant of various conditions, it’s great for shrub borders, hedges, and erosion control.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m)

Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, admired for its fantastic fall attributes. Its sweetly-scented, pale yellow flowers appear in fall and early winter, with ribbon-like, crinkled petals. The smooth, broadly oval leaves open light green and turn to brilliant golden yellow shades in fall. This Witch Hazel’s smooth gray bark, floral splendor, and colorful fall foliage make it a wonderful addition to any landscape. Additionally, it is the species used to produce medicinal witch-hazel extract.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)

Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy upright deciduous shrub, gracing the garden with its small oval blue-green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple in the fall. In late spring to early summer, it produces urn-shaped creamy-white flowers, followed by clusters of delicious blueberries cherished by wildlife. The reddish twiggy branches create an attractive winter silhouette. To ensure optimal fruit production, plant multiple varieties with the same bloom time to encourage cross-pollination by bees and attract butterflies to the nectar-rich flowers. Highbush Blueberry is prized for its berries, stunning fall foliage, and suitability for naturalized landscaping.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum rufidulum (Southern Blackhaw)

Southern Blackhaw, or Viburnum rufidulum, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree known for its all-season allure. In the spring, it features clusters of up to 150 creamy-white flowers that draw in butterflies and bees. By fall, these flowers turn into edible dark blue berries that are a favorite among birds and wildlife. Its lustrous, dark green leaves transform into vibrant hues of pink, red, and purple, and its stems showcase rusty brown hairs, earning its alternate name, Rusty Blackhaw.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw)

Viburnum prunifolium, or Blackhaw, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree. Spring brings creamy-white flower clusters, drawing butterflies and pollinators. These flowers develop into pink-rose berries, ripening to blue-black in fall. Its plum-like leaves change to rich bronze and vibrant red, adding autumnal beauty. Blackhaw is not only visually appealing but also pest-resistant, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow Root)

Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow Root) is a low-growing, spreading shrub with pinnately compound leaves that turn vivid red, yellow, orange, or purple in fall. In mid to late spring, it produces plum-colored star-shaped flowers with yellow centers. The main attraction is its elegant foliage, and the stems and roots yield a deep-yellow dye when crushed. Native to eastern North America, it thrives in moist woodlands with acidic soils and makes an excellent ground cover or stabilizer for slopes in naturalistic gardens.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea), native to the United States, is a stunning and adaptable deciduous shrub that offers year-round beauty. Its distinctive leaves lend it its name, and in late spring and early summer, it produces abundant clusters of creamy-white flowers, up to 12 inches long (30 cm). As fall approaches, the flower clusters gradually transform into a lovely pink hue.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) Read More

Selecting the right shrub can be daunting for New England gardeners. You may want to review the guides below if you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in the New England region. They will assist you in finding the top-performing shrubs that are perfectly suited to your garden.

Award-Winning Shrubs for Gardeners in New England

Great Shrubs for Dry Soils in New England

Great Shrubs for Shady Gardens in New England

Great Shrubs for Sunny Slopes in New England Gardens

Great Shrubs with Berries for Winter Interest for New England

Overlooked Flowering Shrubs for New England Gardens

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

New England

Guides with

New England

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.