Fall in North Central Florida—a time when nature puts on a spectacular show of color, and our landscapes come alive with the vibrant hues of the season. I've seen firsthand the transformation a landscape can make with carefully chosen plants that add a pop of fall color to outdoor space.
Here are some of my top picks for plants that will paint your landscape stunning shades of red, orange, and gold, that celebrates the beauty of the season!
- Florida Flame Maple: With its fiery foliage ablaze in shades of red, orange, and yellow, the Florida Flame Maple is a standout choice for adding dramatic fall color to your landscape. This deciduous tree thrives in Florida's climate and can reach heights of up to 40 feet, making it a striking focal point in any garden.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea: Renowned for its large, oak-shaped leaves that turn brilliant shades of burgundy, bronze, and purple in the fall, the Oakleaf Hydrangea adds a touch of rustic elegance to the autumn landscape. Clusters of creamy white flowers in summer give way to stunning foliage that persists well into the fall months.
- Cardinal Firespike: Sporting vibrant spikes of crimson-red flowers from late summer through fall, the Cardinal Firespike injects bold color and tropical flair into the garden. This perennial shrub thrives in Florida's warm climate and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.
- Crape Myrtle: A beloved Southern favorite, the Crape Myrtle dazzles with its profusion of showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white throughout the summer. As temperatures cool in the fall, the foliage transitions to rich hues of orange, red, and gold, providing a spectacular display of autumn color.
- Red Ruffle Azalea: Boasting large, ruffled blooms in vibrant shades of red, the Red Ruffle Azalea is a showstopper in the fall garden. This compact evergreen shrub thrives in partial shade and acidic soil, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for adding seasonal color to your landscape.
- Pineapple Guava: While not known for its fall foliage, the Pineapple Guava makes up for it with its delectable fruit and exotic blooms. In late summer to fall, this evergreen shrub produces sweet and aromatic guava-like fruits, adding a tropical touch to your autumn garden.
By adding these plants to your landscape, you'll have a colorful display of the season that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Whether you're aiming for vibrant foliage, striking blooms, or a combination of both, these selections will elevate your garden to new levels of seasonal beauty and sophistication.