Georgia’s autumn landscape transforms into a spectacular show of color when certain bushes trade their green leaves for brilliant shades of crimson and scarlet. Planting the right shrubs in your yard means you can enjoy this breathtaking seasonal display right outside your window.
If you’re a seasoned gardener or just want to try something new out, adding these stunning bushes will make your fall season unforgettable.
1. Burning Bush
Few plants live up to their name quite like this one. When autumn arrives, the entire shrub explodes into flames of crimson red that practically glow in the sunlight.
Growing about six to ten feet tall, it works beautifully as a hedge or standalone accent piece. The color change happens gradually, starting with hints of pink before deepening into that signature fire-engine red.
Plant it where you’ll see it often because you won’t want to miss a single day of its transformation.
2. Winged Sumac
This native Georgia shrub brings drama to any landscape with leaves that shift from green to blazing scarlet. Its unique winged stems give it an interesting texture even after the leaves drop.
Birds absolutely love the berry clusters that appear in late summer, making your yard a wildlife haven. Growing wild along roadsides, it adapts easily to garden conditions and handles drought like a champion.
You’ll appreciate how low-maintenance it is while still delivering knockout fall color.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
With leaves shaped like oak trees, this Southern favorite puts on a multi-colored autumn show ranging from burgundy to bright red. Summer brings gorgeous white flower clusters that age to pink, giving you beauty across multiple seasons.
The peeling bark adds winter interest after leaves fall, so your garden stays attractive year-round. It prefers some shade, making it perfect for those tricky spots under trees.
Deer tend to leave it alone, which is a bonus for many Georgia gardeners.
4. Red Chokeberry
Don’t let the name fool you—this shrub is absolutely gorgeous when fall rolls around. Leaves turn a stunning glossy red that catches every ray of sunlight, while bright red berries dangle from the branches.
Native to the Southeast, it thrives in Georgia’s climate and even tolerates wet soil that other plants hate. Songbirds flock to the berries, though they’re tart enough that wildlife usually waits until winter to eat them.
It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas.
5. Fothergilla
Springtime brings bottlebrush-like white flowers that smell like honey, but autumn is when this shrub really steals the show. Leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow that looks almost painted on.
Compact varieties stay around three feet tall, while larger types can reach six feet or more. It grows slowly and needs minimal pruning, which means less work for you.
Plant it near a walkway where you can enjoy the sweet spring fragrance and fall fireworks up close.
6. Virginia Sweetspire
This underrated native shrub deserves way more attention than it gets. Long, fragrant white flower spikes appear in late spring, followed by foliage that turns rich shades of red and burgundy come fall.
It spreads slowly through underground stems, creating natural-looking drifts perfect for filling larger spaces. Adaptable to both wet and dry conditions, it’s practically foolproof for Georgia gardeners.
Butterflies and bees visit the flowers in droves, adding movement and life to your yard throughout the growing season.
7. Japanese Barberry
Tiny leaves pack a powerful punch when they turn brilliant shades of orange-red and crimson in autumn. Small red berries add extra color and persist through winter, providing food for birds during lean months.
Available in several varieties including dwarf types perfect for small gardens, it forms dense hedges that discourage foot traffic. The thorny branches mean you should plant it away from walkways and play areas.
Once established, it’s incredibly tough and handles heat and drought with ease.
8. Nandina
Sometimes called heavenly bamboo, this popular Southern shrub offers lacy foliage that shifts from green to fiery red as temperatures drop. Clusters of bright red berries appear in fall and last well into winter, creating a stunning contrast against the colorful leaves.
It grows well in sun or shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Compact varieties stay under two feet, while standard types reach six feet or taller.
The evergreen foliage means you get year-round interest, not just seasonal beauty.
9. Serviceberry
Early spring brings delicate white flowers before most other plants wake up, making this multi-season performer truly special. Edible purple berries ripen in June and taste similar to blueberries, though birds usually grab them first.
Fall foliage ranges from yellow-orange to deep red depending on the weather and variety. Native to North America, it adapts beautifully to Georgia gardens and needs very little fussing over.
Plant several together for a better berry crop and more dramatic fall color display.
10. Black Gum Shrub
While black gum usually grows as a tree, dwarf varieties stay shrub-sized and deliver the same spectacular fall color. Leaves turn an intense scarlet red that’s often the first sign of autumn in the neighborhood.
The color appears earlier than most other plants, sometimes starting in late August or early September. Small blue-black fruits attract dozens of bird species, making it a wildlife magnet.
It prefers acidic soil and consistent moisture, thriving in Georgia’s naturally acidic conditions without extra amendments.