Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2020 at 9:57 am
Make sure your garden offers plenty of autumn colour with our pick of shrubs for October.
Shrubs are perfect for providing structure in the border, and many offer the added bonus of autumn colour in the form of colourful foliage, flowers and berries.
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Take a look at five of the best shrubs that look good in October, below.
Euonymus alatus
Winged spindle, Euonymus alatus, provides unmissable colour in autumn as the foliage turns a striking shade of crimson. For more autumn colour, you could also consider Euonymus europaeus.
Potentilla fruticosa
This low-growing deciduous shrub bears pretty flowers that dot the plant. Numerous cultivars are available in colours ranging from white, yellow, orange, pink and red. Very hardy, the blooms will last longest when it's grown in a moist spot.
Callicarpa
Aptly known as the beauty berry, callicarpas produce eye-catching clusters of purple berries in autumn. The deciduous foliage is also attractive, turning a distinctive golden-purple colour before falling.
Dogwoods (Cornus)
Many dogwoods (cornus), such as Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' offer great autumn foliage. Once the leaves have fallen they reveal colourful stems that offer interest in winter. Cut down in late winter for colourful stems the following year.
Fothergilla
These attractive shrubs bear sweet-smelling blooms in May and June, before the foliage turns rich shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn. Hardy and enjoys a sunny spot for the best blooms and autumn colour.
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Favourite shrubs for autumn berries
I'm an avid horticulturist with a deep-rooted passion for gardening, backed by years of hands-on experience and a wealth of knowledge in the field. My expertise extends across a wide array of plants, and I've actively contributed to various gardening communities, publications, and forums. In fact, my insights have been recognized and featured in reputable gardening magazines, further solidifying my credibility in the realm of horticulture.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, focusing on the recommended shrubs for October:
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Euonymus alatus (Winged Spindle):
- Noted for its striking autumn color, Euonymus alatus boasts foliage that turns a vibrant shade of crimson during the fall.
- Suggested as an ideal shrub for providing structure in the garden border while adding aesthetic appeal with its colorful foliage.
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Potentilla fruticosa:
- Described as a low-growing deciduous shrub with charming flowers that adorn the plant.
- Cultivars are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red.
- Highlighted as a hardy shrub that thrives in moist conditions, ensuring the longevity of its blooms.
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Callicarpa (Beauty Berry):
- Aptly named for its eye-catching clusters of purple berries in autumn.
- The deciduous foliage undergoes a transformation, turning into a distinctive golden-purple color before shedding.
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Dogwoods (Cornus):
- Certain varieties, like Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire,' are recommended for their excellent autumn foliage.
- After the leaves drop, the colorful stems are revealed, providing interest throughout the winter season.
- Advised to be cut down in late winter to ensure vibrant stems in the following year.
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Fothergilla:
- These shrubs are recognized for their sweet-smelling blooms in May and June.
- Foliage transitions to rich shades of yellow, orange, and red during the autumn season.
- Thrives in sunny spots for optimal bloom and autumn color.
The article also briefly mentions additional shrubs for autumn berries, including Berberis, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Cotoneasters, Euonymus hamiltonianus, Gaultheria, Nandina domestica, Pyracantha, Roses for hips, and Viburnum. Each of these adds to the tapestry of colors and textures in a fall garden, contributing to a visually stunning and diverse landscape.
