Fall in Ohio is a magical time, and the right plants can make your garden even more stunning. These 14 picks add vibrant color and charm as leaves begin to turn.
I’ve planted several myself, and they keep my yard lively long after summer fades. Brighten your autumn with plants that truly stand out.
1. Sugar Maple
The iconic symbol of fall in Ohio landscapes transforms any garden with its fiery display. Those brilliant orange-red leaves create a canopy of color that can last for weeks in the right conditions.
Many Ohio homeowners plant these native beauties specifically for their reliable autumn performance. Though they grow slowly, the payoff is worth it – reaching heights of 60-75 feet with a spectacular spread that provides ample shade.
2. Burning Bush
Want a showstopper that literally looks like it’s on fire? This compact shrub delivers with its crimson-red foliage that seems to glow from within during peak fall season.
Gardeners across Ohio love its easy-care nature and dramatic transformation. Just be aware that in some parts of the state, it’s considered somewhat invasive, so check local guidelines before planting this fiery beauty in your landscape.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Unlike its summer-blooming cousins, this hydrangea saves its best show for autumn. The large, lobed leaves turn stunning shades of burgundy and purple when temperatures drop across Ohio.
What makes this plant extra special is its multi-season interest. White summer flower panicles dry to an attractive tan, persisting through winter while those gorgeous fall leaves create a colorful backdrop in your garden beds.
4. Sweetgum
Star-shaped leaves make this tree instantly recognizable in Ohio landscapes. Come fall, those distinctive leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors – often displaying yellow, orange, red, and purple all on one tree!
Many Ohio gardeners appreciate how sweetgums hold their colorful leaves longer than maples. Just be prepared for the spiny seed balls that drop in autumn – they’re great for crafts but less fun to step on barefoot.
5. Virginia Sweetspire
This native shrub might be modest in size but delivers major impact when autumn arrives. The arching branches become draped in garnet-red leaves that persist well into winter across Ohio gardens.
Gardeners in the Buckeye State appreciate its versatility in both sun and partial shade. It’s particularly valuable for problem areas like slopes or spots with occasional standing water – adapting beautifully while providing that coveted fall color.
6. Serviceberry
Multi-season interest makes this small tree a smart choice for Ohio gardens. Before the golden-orange fall display, you’ll enjoy spring white blooms and summer berries that attract birds.
Many Ohio landscapers recommend serviceberry as a perfect understory tree. Its modest size (15-25 feet) fits nicely in smaller spaces or beneath larger trees, creating a lovely layered look while contributing those warm autumn tones.
7. Fothergilla
This underused shrub deserves more attention in Ohio gardens for its spectacular fall transformation. The rounded leaves turn a mix of yellow, orange, and red – often all on the same plant – creating a sunset effect in the landscape.
Gardeners throughout Ohio value its compact size and adaptability. Spring brings bottlebrush-like white flowers with a honey scent, making this a true multi-season performer despite being relatively unknown to many homeowners.
8. Sumac
For dramatic, tropical-looking foliage that turns flame-red in autumn, sumac is hard to beat. The compound leaves create a ferny texture all summer before their fiery transformation in Ohio’s cooling fall temperatures.
Many native varieties thrive throughout the Buckeye State. They’re perfect for naturalizing areas or creating informal hedges where their suckering habit becomes an advantage rather than a maintenance concern.
9. Witch Hazel
Late fall bloomers are rare treasures in Ohio gardens, making witch hazel particularly special. While the yellow fall foliage is attractive, the spidery yellow flowers that appear as leaves drop are the real surprise.
Gardeners across the state appreciate this native shrub for extending the garden season. Some varieties bloom as late as November or December, providing unexpected color and fragrance when most Ohio landscapes have gone dormant.
10. Blueberry
Productive and beautiful – blueberry bushes offer the best of both worlds for Ohio gardeners. After providing delicious summer berries, the foliage turns brilliant scarlet-red that glows in autumn sunlight.
Many Ohio families plant these dual-purpose shrubs in their landscapes rather than relegating them to vegetable gardens. With proper soil acidification (often needed in Ohio’s typically alkaline conditions), they’ll reward you with both fruit and fall color.
11. Red Twig Dogwood
While the yellow-orange fall leaves are certainly attractive, this shrub’s real show begins after they drop. The bare stems glow bright red throughout Ohio’s winter landscape, especially striking against snow.
Many savvy Buckeye gardeners plant these native shrubs where winter visibility is important. They thrive in the moist conditions found in many Ohio gardens and create dramatic focal points during the bleakest months of the year.
12. Chokeberry
Glossy red berries complement the wine-red fall foliage on this adaptable native shrub. Birds love the fruits, which often persist into winter across Ohio gardens after the colorful leaves have fallen.
Many Ohio landscapers recommend chokeberry for challenging sites. It handles both wet spots and dry conditions once established, making it ideal for those tricky areas where other plants struggle while still providing outstanding autumn color.
13. Japanese Maple
Few trees match the refined elegance of Japanese maples in fall. The delicate, lacy leaves transform into brilliant shades ranging from golden yellow to deep crimson across Ohio landscapes.
Gardeners throughout the Buckeye State treasure these ornamental trees for their artistic form. While they appreciate some protection from harsh winter winds in northern Ohio, they thrive in most areas of the state with minimal care once established.
14. Viburnum
The diverse viburnum family offers multiple options for fall color in Ohio gardens. Depending on variety, autumn brings burgundy, purple, or red-orange leaves often accompanied by colorful berries.
Many Ohio landscape designers consider viburnums essential backbone shrubs. Their reliable performance, multi-season interest, and adaptability to various conditions make them perfect choices for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants with spectacular fall displays.