Fall brings perfect planting weather to Pennsylvania gardens. The soil stays warm while the air cools down, giving new shrubs time to establish strong roots before winter.
September is especially ideal for adding hardy shrubs that will thrive in our climate and provide years of beauty with minimal fuss.
1. Arrowwood Viburnum
Native to Pennsylvania woodlands, Arrowwood Viburnum thrives in our local conditions with almost zero effort. Its white spring flowers transform into striking blue-black berries that birds absolutely love.
The glossy green leaves turn brilliant red-purple in fall, creating a stunning autumn display. Plant this adaptable shrub in full sun to partial shade and watch it flourish for decades with minimal maintenance.
2. Winterberry Holly
Bright red berries light up the winter landscape when Winterberry Holly takes center stage. Unlike other hollies, this Pennsylvania native drops its leaves in fall, dramatically showcasing its brilliant fruit against snow.
You’ll need both male and female plants for berry production. The berries provide crucial winter food for birds while giving you gorgeous holiday decorations. Grows beautifully in wet areas where other shrubs struggle.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Dramatic white flower clusters the size of your hand transform to stunning pink-purple as summer progresses. The large oak-shaped leaves turn deep burgundy in fall, providing multi-season interest that keeps your garden looking fantastic.
Oakleaf Hydrangea handles Pennsylvania’s occasional droughts once established and doesn’t mind our clay soils. Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade for best results. The peeling cinnamon-colored bark adds winter interest.
4. Summersweet
Fragrance fills the air when Summersweet blooms in late summer when few other shrubs flower. Butterflies and bees can’t resist the sweet-scented spikes of white or pink blooms that appear even in shady spots.
A Pennsylvania native, Summersweet handles wet soils and coastal conditions with ease. The golden fall color extends its garden value. Plant near patios or windows where you can enjoy the delightful vanilla-like scent that gives this shrub its fitting name.
5. Ninebark
Peeling bark creates year-round interest on this tough-as-nails Pennsylvania native. The exfoliating layers reveal multiple colors, giving gardens texture even in winter when other plants disappear.
Newer varieties offer purple or golden foliage that pops against traditional green landscapes. White flower clusters in spring attract pollinators. Ninebark stands up to Pennsylvania’s toughest conditions – drought, poor soil, and bitter winters – while still looking fantastic.
6. Witch Hazel
Spider-like yellow flowers appear in late winter when nothing else dares bloom in Pennsylvania gardens. Native witch hazel brings hope that spring is coming while most landscapes remain dormant.
Fall varieties bloom in October with fragrant golden flowers. The large, wavy-edged leaves turn brilliant yellow in autumn, creating a double season of interest. Grows slowly into a small tree-like form that works beautifully as a focal point in woodland gardens.
7. Red Twig Dogwood
Fiery red stems light up winter landscapes after leaves drop in fall. The brilliant color intensifies during cold Pennsylvania winters, creating a stunning display against snow or evergreens.
White spring flowers develop into white berries that birds devour. Native to our region, Red Twig Dogwood thrives in wet areas where other plants fail. For the brightest winter color, prune older stems in early spring – new growth produces the most vivid red.
8. Mountain Laurel
Pennsylvania’s state flower deserves a spot in your garden! The unique cup-shaped blooms appear in late spring, creating a spectacular display in pink, white, or bicolor depending on variety.
Evergreen leaves provide year-round structure and winter interest. Mountain Laurel grows naturally in woodland edges throughout Pennsylvania. Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade for best results. Avoid heavy clay soils that can lead to root problems.
9. Buttonbush
Perfectly round flower balls covered in tiny white blooms resemble pincushions, attracting butterflies by the dozens. This Pennsylvania native thrives in wet areas where other shrubs struggle, making it perfect for rain gardens or pond edges.
The glossy green leaves stay attractive all summer without pest problems. Buttonbush can handle occasional flooding and seasonal wet spots. The unique spherical seedheads provide winter interest and food for birds long after the flowers fade.
10. Northern Bayberry
Gray-blue berries covered in aromatic wax were once harvested by early Pennsylvania settlers to make candles. The waxy coating creates a silvery effect that persists through winter, adding unique texture to the landscape.
The leathery, glossy leaves have a spicy scent when crushed. Northern Bayberry handles poor soils, drought, and road salt with ease. Plant in full sun for the most berries. Like Winterberry, you’ll need both male and female plants for berry production.