September Plant of the Month - Best Plants for Fall Color
Best Plants for Fall Color in Northern Illinois
Northern Illinois falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5, characterized by cold winters and mild summers, making it ideal for a wide range of hardy plants. Incorporating fall color into garden design is essential for seasonal interest, with factors like temperature, soil conditions, and plant health playing key roles in achieving vibrant autumn displays.
Trees for Fall Color
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Description: Brilliant orange and red foliage.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Description: Vibrant red leaves.
Ideal conditions: Moist, slightly acidic soil, full sun to partial shade.
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Description: Deep red to burgundy leaves.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Description: Golden-yellow leaves.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Shrubs for Fall Color
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
Description: Fiery red foliage.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Description: Red, orange, and purple foliage.
Ideal conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade.
Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
Description: Yellow, orange, and red leaves.
Ideal conditions: Moist, acidic soil, full sun to partial shade.
Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)
Description: Deep purple to orange-red leaves.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Woody Vines for Fall Color
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Description: Bright red foliage.
Ideal conditions: Adaptable to various soils, full sun to shade.
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Description: Crimson red leaves.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Perennials for Fall Color
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Description: Purple, pink, or blue flowers.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile)
Description: Pink to red flowers.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
Description: Pink or white flowers.
Ideal conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Description: Yellow flowers with a dark center.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Ornamental Grasses for Fall Color
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Description: Golden-yellow foliage.
Ideal conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, full sun.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Description: Red, orange, and purple foliage.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis)
Description: Silver to reddish-bronze plumes.
Ideal conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun.
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Description: Bronze to reddish-brown seed heads.
Ideal conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade.
For the best fall color, several growing conditions related to weather, soil, and sunlight play a crucial role such as:
Weather Conditions
- Cool Nights: Cool nights slow down the breakdown of sugars in the leaves, which contributes to the production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for red and purple hues.
- Warm, Sunny Days: Warm days help with photosynthesis, leading to more sugar production in the leaves. That then enhances the intensity of red and purple colors.
- Moisture: Adequate moisture throughout the growing season is vital. Dry summers can stress plants, lead to early leaf drop and reduce potential fall color. Well-timed rain in late summer/early fall can help maintain the color.
Soil Conditions
- Well-Drained Soils: This helps prevent root rot and other issues that can stress plants and reduce their ability to produce vibrant colors.
- Slightly Acidic to Neutral pH: Many plants with brilliant fall colors prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5 to 7). Acidic soils enhance nutrient availability that contributes to healthy growth and color development.
- Nutrient-Rich: Balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, supports healthy root development and overall plant health, contributing to better fall color.
Sunlight
- Full Sun to Partial Shade: Most trees and shrubs with good fall color perform best in full sun. Sunlight enhances the production of sugars in the leaves, leading to more vivid reds, oranges, and purples.
These conditions work together to create the most spectacular fall displays, particularly in regions like Northern Illinois, where cool autumn nights and sunny days are common.
Jennifer Brennan
Chalet Horticulturist
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