Blueberries do have specific growing needs, but once you’re in the loop, you’re on your way to success. First, acidic soil is essential. Your local garden center will have home tester kits if you don’t know the pH of your soil. If you have more alkaline soil, adding peat moss, pine needles and old coffee grounds can help enhance the soil’s acidity. Another option is to plant the blueberries in large containers, using an Azalea-Camellia potting mixture or similar made for acid-loving plants. This way you’ll have more control over the soil and moisture levels. Yes, moisture is important because Blueberries have shallow root systems, so they need more frequent watering than other shrubs. Next, they need a sunny spot in the garden. In very hot climates, we suggest full morning sun and dappled sun in the afternoon.

When you see a Burning Bush from a distance it looks like it is in full flower – but that is just the brightly colored fall foliage. The Dwarf Burning Bush is an intense scarlet and has a nice tidy mounding habit. It is a marvelous addition to a grove of conifers. These are easy-to-grow shrubs in a wide range of climates; and despite the name, are good choices for a fire-safe landscape.

Japanese Maples are smaller than other Maples and have delicate leaves that seem to dance in the breeze. Their fall foliage colors are dazzling, with varieties turning burnt orange, scarlet, burgundy or red-black. Autumn Moon evolves from chartreuse to many shades of deep orange. Fernleaf Full-Moon is a graceful beauty, with its bright green leaves turning a rich, ruby-red crimson in the fall. Bloodgood is popular for its burgundy foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet. Jamie Durie has one in his “outdoor bath”!

berry nice

The Beautyberry is a fabulous shrub for fall color. Its branches are loaded with clusters of bright colored berries that last for weeks. Early Amethyst has yellow-green foliage that contrasts nicely with its berries; and Profusion is noted for its abundance of long-lasting violet berries. Pyracantha is another great choice for colorful long-lasting berries. You’ll find them in a range of bright reds and oranges. Be sure to bring in some of the berry-laden branches indoors and create stunning cut flower arrangements.

ever-changing foliage

Three of our favorite easy-care shrubs for fall color are Abelia, Spirea and Heavenly Bamboo. Bronze Anniversary™ Abelia has a graceful habit and lovely lime-gold leaves. Magic Carpet Spirea has bright gold foliage that turns russet in autumn; and Double Play® Big Bang has deep yellow leaves that become rich golden orange as the weather cools. Heavenly Bamboo gets its name from China, where it was often planted on temple grounds to symbolize good fortune. In the fall, Sienna Sunrise® has fiery red highlights and Plum Passion® a deep purplish-red.