Fall is the perfect time to add new shrubs to your Georgia garden. The cooler temperatures help plants establish strong roots before winter arrives, giving them a head start for spring growth.
Adding colorful shrubs now will transform your landscape with vibrant hues that last through multiple seasons.
1. Fiery Red Burning Bush
Nothing says autumn like the spectacular crimson display of a Burning Bush. These hardy shrubs burst into flames of red each fall, creating a focal point that’ll make neighbors stop and stare.
Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. They’re drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for Georgia’s occasionally dry conditions. Reaching 6-8 feet tall, they can be kept smaller with regular pruning.
2. Oakleaf Hydrangea’s Rusty Charm
Native to Georgia, Oakleaf Hydrangeas offer a three-season show unlike any other shrub. Summer’s white cone-shaped blooms gradually transform into rusty pink flowers that persist through fall.
The large oak-shaped leaves turn magnificent burgundy and purple as temperatures drop. Peeling cinnamon-colored bark adds winter interest when other plants have gone dormant. Give them morning sun and afternoon shade for best performance in Georgia’s climate.
3. Sumac’s Flaming Fall Display
Want a show-stopping autumn display? Look no further than Fragrant Sumac. The feathery foliage ignites into a blaze of oranges and reds that will light up your landscape from September through November.
Birds adore the fuzzy red berries that appear in clusters above the colorful leaves. Growing 5-7 feet tall, this adaptable native thrives in Georgia’s clay soils and tolerates drought once established. Plant in full sun for the most intense fall color.
4. Virginia Sweetspire’s Purple Waves
Looking for a low-maintenance native that delivers big on fall color? Virginia Sweetspire creates waves of purple-red foliage that persist well into winter, long after other shrubs have dropped their leaves.
In spring, fragrant white flower spikes attract butterflies and bees to your garden. This adaptable shrub handles both wet areas and dry spells with ease. Plant several in a row for a stunning informal hedge that transforms with the seasons.
5. Blueberry Bushes’ Crimson Surprise
Surprise! Blueberry bushes aren’t just for summer fruit – they’re fall color champions too. The glossy green leaves transform into brilliant crimson, creating a fiery backdrop in autumn gardens.
Rabbiteye varieties like ‘Brightwell’ and ‘Climax’ thrive in Georgia’s climate and acidic soils. Plant at least two different varieties for better pollination and fruit production. Come spring, delicate bell-shaped flowers will appear, followed by nutritious berries in summer.
6. Witch Hazel’s Golden Surprise
When most plants are shutting down for winter, Witch Hazel is just getting started! The spidery yellow flowers appear in late fall to early winter, releasing a sweet fragrance that carries through crisp air.
Before flowering, the leaves turn a spectacular golden yellow. Native varieties like Hamamelis virginiana are perfectly adapted to Georgia’s growing conditions. Plant where you’ll enjoy both the fall color and unusual winter blooms from your windows.
7. Fothergilla’s Rainbow Effect
Fothergilla puts on one of the most spectacular color shows of any shrub in Georgia gardens. The leaves don’t just turn one color – they transform into a painter’s palette of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples all on the same plant!
Spring brings bottlebrush-like white flowers with a honey scent before the leaves emerge. This native southeastern shrub thrives in Georgia’s acidic soils and partial shade. Dwarf varieties stay under 3 feet tall, perfect for smaller gardens.
8. Winterberry Holly’s Red Jewels
Winterberry Holly drops its leaves in fall to reveal something spectacular – branches absolutely covered in bright red berries that persist through winter. The effect against Georgia’s occasional snow is simply magical.
Unlike other hollies, this native deciduous shrub doesn’t have prickly leaves. You’ll need both male and female plants for berry production. Plant in moist areas of your garden where other shrubs might struggle. Birds will thank you for the winter food source!
9. Beautyberry’s Purple Explosion
American Beautyberry creates a truly magical display in fall Georgia gardens. Clusters of vibrant purple berries hug the stems like nature’s jewelry, standing out dramatically after the yellow leaves drop.
This native shrub is incredibly easy to grow in almost any soil. The arching branches create a graceful form that reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide. Wildlife lovers rejoice – birds absolutely devour the berries, bringing feathered visitors to your garden.
10. Nandina’s Evergreen Palette
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina) keeps your garden colorful when everything else goes dormant. The finely-cut foliage resembles bamboo but turns vibrant red and burgundy in fall, holding its color throughout winter.
Clusters of bright red berries appear in autumn, creating a festive look perfect for holiday decorating. Dwarf varieties like ‘Firepower’ stay compact at just 2 feet tall. Plant in sun or partial shade in well-drained soil for best performance in Georgia gardens.
11. Tea Olive’s Fragrant Surprise
While most shrubs shine with fall color, Tea Olive dazzles with incredible fragrance. The tiny white flowers appear in autumn, filling Georgia gardens with a sweet perfume reminiscent of apricots and gardenia.
This evergreen shrub keeps its glossy leaves year-round, providing structure when deciduous plants are bare. Growing 8-10 feet tall, Tea Olive makes an excellent privacy screen or foundation planting. Plant near windows, doors, or patios where you’ll enjoy the heavenly scent.
12. Loropetalum’s Purple-Red Drama
Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum) brings year-round color to Georgia landscapes with burgundy-purple foliage that intensifies in fall. The dramatic dark leaves create perfect contrast against traditional green shrubs.
Pink fringe-like flowers appear in spring, but the foliage is the real star. Varieties like ‘Ruby’ and ‘Plum’ maintain their rich color through Georgia’s mild winters. Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade and well-drained soil for a show-stopping addition to your landscape.