A beautiful fall landscape can instill a sense of relaxation and peace. Although the season is changing and temperatures are dropping, it’s not time to put up your gardening tools just yet. Now is the perfect time to add to your fall landscape, because plants are going dormant and don’t require as much nutrients or water as they do in the summer.
These fall landscape ideas are tailored to residents of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you’re in Zone 6, however, any of these plants will thrive in your garden.
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Annuals
Plant these annuals in beds and containers for fast autumn color. They can be tossed into your compost pile at the end of the season.
Pansies
Grows to a height of 6 to 8 inches.
Celosia (Cockscomb)
Grows in full sun, 24 to 36 inches in height.
Flowering Ornamental Cabbage
Select white or purple shades.
Perennials
Plant these now, but expect their biggest blooms next year or the year after.
Garden Mum
Grow in full sun to part shade.
Aster
Grow in full sun to part shade. Tolerates poor soil.
Echinacea
Grow in full sun to part shade.
Shrubs
For a big display of color in your landscape, plant these shrubs with foliage that turns beautiful autumnal colors during the fall.
Fire Power Nandina
Leaves and fruit are poisonous. Grow in full sun to part shade. Great for winter interest.
Pyracantha
Burning Bush
Grow in full sun to part shade.
Brandywine Viburnum
Grow in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wet soil.
Beauty Berry
Grow in full sun to part shade.
Fothergilla
Grow in full sun to part shade. Great for bees and other beneficial insects.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Plant in slightly acidic sun that gets full sun to part shade.
Crape Myrtle
Also prefers slightly acidic soil, with full sun to part shade.
Be sure to check with your local nursery or online for each plant’s exact sunlight, water and soil needs.
Gardening Tips
Here are a couple of things you can do to ensure your plants thrive in your fall landscape.
- Be sure to cover the ground around your newly plants flowers or shrub with a thick layer of mulch.
- While the plants and shrubs are getting established, give them long, deep drinks of water with a soaker hose or a garden hose with low pressure.
Need help designing or planting your fall landscape? Call us at (717) 951-5950 or contact us via this website to get a free, no-strings-attached estimate.
Source: Stauffer’s of Kissel Hill; The National Gardening Association