PLANTING FOR FALL & WINTER INTEREST

10 SHRUBS, TREES, AND GRASSES FOR FALL AND WINTER INTEREST

​Thankfully, the gardening season here in Charleston is not limited to the warmer months of the year. Planting can continue throughout the Fall and Winter months, allowing new plantings to get settled in before the first flush of Spring growth appears.

Not only can we continue to plant, but there are many trees, shrubs, and grasses that offer seasonal color and blooms during our Fall and Winter months. As the warm-season landscape goes to sleep, the show goes on!

Fall and Winter Landscape Shopping Tip:
​Visit the Garden Center during the Fall and Winter seasons to get a good idea of how landscape plants you've been considering look during cooler weather. You'll discover that the form of some trees and shrubs can be just as interesting in the landscape after they've lost their leaves as they are leafed out in Spring and Summer. For those shrubs that bloom in the Fall and Winter, you'll  also be able to see flower colors and forms in person. And, last but not least, you'll have the opportunity to choose some new favorite evergreens!

Camellia - Queens of the Fall and Winter garden!
​Both of our most popular Camellia shrub species have lustrous green foliage all year long, but there are key differences such as:

Camellia sasanqua
​Fall/Winter-blooming.
Camellia sasanqua has smaller leaves and blooms than Camellia japonica. Depending on variety, you will see blooms appear as early as September and continue into December. This species can tolerate part sun to shade, preferring a break from too much direct afternoon sunlight during the Summer months. Can mature to tree height with age, but maintainable on average at 5-10' tall.

Camellia japonica
​Winter/Spring-blooming.
Camellia japonica has large leaves and large flowers. Blooms of this species begin appearing in December and can bloom all the way into April. Like Camellia sasanqua, exact bloom time will depend on variety. Prefers shade to dappled light or gentle morning sunlight. Can mature to tree height with age, but maintainable on average at 6-12' tall.

Yaupon Holly
​For the birds!
​Our native Yaupon holly comes in various forms. As an upright shrub or tree, it provides loads (LOADS!) of fruit for songbirds. These bright red candy-colored berries contrast beautifully with the small leaves of this evergreen. An excellent landscape addition for Fall/Winter interest. Our upright shrub grows to approximately 10-15' tall. Deer non-preferred.

Encore® Azaleas
​3 seasons of bloom, including Fall!
Encore® Azaleas come in dwarf (approximately 3' tall x 3' wide) and intermediate (approximately 4-5' tall x 4-5' wide) sizes and an array of colors. When given enough sunlight (4+ hours), these multi-season, evergreen bloomers will reward you with flowers Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Oakleaf Hydrangea 
​Suprisingly brilliant Fall color!
Not only will you get large, cone-shaped white blooms that stand tall against a backdrop of lush green foliage in the Summer, but you'll also enjoy the Oakleaf Hydrangea's show well into the cooler months with bright red Fall color. A break from the sun during the hottest part of the day is appreciated, but this shrub can be adapted to full sun if properly irrigated. Non-dwarf varieties mature to approximtely 6-8' tall and wide.

Japanese Maple
​Colorful is an understatement!
​Japanese Maples offer brilliant foliage displays in Spring and Fall. Warm and cool season leaf color depends on variety, but none will disappoint. In addition, these trees offer Winter interest after leaves fall to reveal colorful bark and an array of forms from weeping to mounding to upright. In our climate, Japanese Maples are happiest if given a break from afternoon sunlight. ​

​Green Giant Arborvitae
​Rich green foliage all year!
Fall and Winter is prime time for showcasing evergreens in your landscape. While attractive planted as a specimen or in a small grouping, Green Giant Arborvitae is also an excellent choice for fast-growing privacy along your property line. Matures to approximately 30-50' tall x 12-15' wide. Deer non-preferred.

​Carolina Sapphire Cypress
​As beautiful as its name suggests!
Silvery blue-green, fragrant foliage makes this evergreen stand out from the crowd. While it can also be used for privacy, it's certainly showy enough to grow as a specimen.  Matures to approximately 20-30' tall x 15-20' wide. Part to full sun. Deer non-preferred.

Holiday Decorating Tip: 
​Evergreen trees such as Green Giant Arborvitae and Carolina Sapphire Cypress can also be used as living Christmas trees. Choose a size that makes sense for your indoor or outdoor living space, add your favorite decorations and lights, and enjoy the tree during the Christmas season. Your tree can then be planted in its forever home after the holidays. The fragrant foliage of these trees can also be used in wreaths, swags, and other Winter arrangements!

Sweet Grass (Muhly Grass) 
​THE pink grass seen blooming all over the Lowcountry in Fall!
We LOVE Sweet Grass. And we grow it here at the Nursery from seed that has been collected locally. Maturing to 3-4' tall and wide, Sweet Grass prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight and well-draining soil. Deer non-preferred.

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
​Beautiful on its own or combined with Sweetgrass!
​Maiden Grass offers silvery cream blooms in Fall that shimmer in the breeze. Size varies depending on variety, but all have beautiful blooms. On average, matures to 3-4' tall x 3-4' wide. Deer non-preferred.

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​FOR PLANTING SUCCESS:

We highly recommend amending the soil in your planting area with Brownswood Premium Planting Mix as well as a starter fertilizer such as Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus to give your new plants their best start. You can find our Planting Guide at the link below. It provides planting instructions and helpful information about watering and getting new plants established. We look forward to seeing you at the Garden Center!

Download Our Planting Guide

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