September is a wonderful time to give your Virginia garden a fresh boost with new shrubs. The cooler days and crisp mornings make planting easier on both you and your plants.
Imagine strolling past vibrant greenery that will fill out beautifully by next spring. Grab your gardening gloves and enjoy planting shrubs that will brighten your yard for years to come.
1. Arborvitae
Fast-growing and perfect for privacy screens in Virginia yards. These evergreen beauties establish quickly when planted in early fall, giving roots time to settle before winter frost.
Choose ‘Green Giant’ variety for rapid height or ‘Emerald Green’ for narrower spaces. They prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade in Virginia’s varied climate.
2. Boxwood
Classic Virginia landscape staple with year-round structure and formal appeal. Many historic Virginia gardens showcase these versatile shrubs that can be shaped into hedges or topiary forms.
American and English varieties both perform well in the Commonwealth’s climate. Plant now for strong establishment before the challenging summer heat returns next year.
3. Viburnum
Renowned for spectacular spring flowers and colorful fall berries that Virginia birds adore. September planting gives these adaptable shrubs time to develop strong roots before their spring show.
Choose native species like arrowwood for best wildlife value in your Virginia landscape. Most varieties handle the state’s clay soils remarkably well with minimal amendment needed.
4. Hydrangea
Virginia gardeners love these showstoppers for their massive summer blooms that last into fall. September planting allows roots to establish while avoiding summer transplant stress.
Adjust your soil pH to change flower colors throughout Virginia’s diverse growing regions. Oakleaf varieties are especially suited to the Commonwealth’s woodland edges with dappled shade.
5. Azalea
Nothing says Virginia spring like azaleas in full bloom! Fall planting gives these acid-loving shrubs time to settle in before their spectacular floral display.
Native varieties like the flame azalea thrive in Virginia’s Piedmont and mountain regions. Choose reblooming varieties for extended color through Virginia’s long growing season.
6. Rhododendron
Majestic flowering shrubs that create stunning woodland displays throughout Virginia’s mountainous regions. September planting allows these acid-loving plants to establish before summer heat arrives.
Choose varieties suited to your specific Virginia hardiness zone for best results. They appreciate protection from harsh winter winds common in the Commonwealth’s higher elevations.
7. Holly
Evergreen structure and bright winter berries make holly essential in Virginia landscapes. Female plants produce the iconic red berries that brighten winter gardens throughout the Commonwealth.
Native American holly thrives in Virginia’s coastal to mountain regions. Plant male and female varieties together in September for reliable berry production in future seasons.
8. Witch Hazel
Unusual winter-blooming shrub that brings surprising color to Virginia’s dormant landscape. The spidery yellow flowers appear when almost nothing else blooms in the Commonwealth’s gardens.
Native varieties are especially well-adapted to Virginia’s diverse growing conditions. Plant in September to enjoy fragrant blooms from January through March in most Virginia regions.
9. Beautyberry
Stunning purple berries create fall drama in Virginia gardens after summer’s flowers fade. The vibrant fruit clusters persist well into winter, providing food for birds throughout the Commonwealth.
Native American beautyberry thrives in Virginia’s varied soils with minimal care. September planting allows this easy-growing shrub to establish before its spectacular berry show next year.
10. Spirea
Reliable flowering shrubs that bring waves of blooms to Virginia gardens from spring through summer. Many varieties offer attractive fall foliage as a bonus in the Commonwealth’s landscapes.
Drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for Virginia’s occasionally dry periods. September planting gives these adaptable shrubs time to develop strong roots before winter dormancy.
11. Forsythia
Harbinger of spring with brilliant yellow flowers that brighten Virginia landscapes after winter. The cheery blooms appear before leaves emerge, creating dramatic golden arches throughout the Commonwealth.
Extremely adaptable to Virginia’s varied soil conditions from coastal to mountain regions. September planting ensures strong root development for an impressive flower display next spring.
12. Ninebark
Native shrub with exfoliating bark that adds winter interest to Virginia gardens. The peeling cinnamon-colored bark reveals multiple layers, creating visual interest even in the Commonwealth’s dormant season.
Purple-leaved varieties add dramatic contrast in Virginia landscapes year-round. Plant in September to enjoy three-season appeal with spring flowers, summer foliage, and winter bark texture.
13. Blueberry
Productive shrubs that combine ornamental features with delicious fruit for Virginia gardeners. The glossy foliage turns brilliant red in fall, adding seasonal color to Commonwealth landscapes.
Highbush varieties perform well in most Virginia regions with proper soil preparation. September planting allows these acid-loving shrubs to establish before producing fruit next summer.
14. Winterberry
Native holly relative that drops its leaves to showcase spectacular red berries in Virginia winters. The bright fruit persists for months, creating dramatic winter color throughout the Commonwealth.
Thrives in wet areas where other shrubs struggle in Virginia’s diverse landscapes. Plant male and female varieties together in September for reliable berry production in future years.
15. Sweetshrub
Fragrant native with unusual maroon flowers that perfume Virginia gardens in spring. The spicy scent reminiscent of strawberries wafts through Commonwealth gardens on warm days.
Extremely adaptable to Virginia’s varied growing conditions from mountains to coastal plain. September planting allows this carefree shrub to establish before putting on its aromatic spring show.
16. Serviceberry
Multi-season performer with spring flowers, summer berries, and brilliant fall color in Virginia landscapes. The delicious blueberry-like fruit attracts birds and can be harvested for pies throughout the Commonwealth.
Native varieties are perfectly adapted to Virginia’s growing conditions from coast to mountains. September planting gives these adaptable shrubs or small trees time to establish strong roots.