The Best Shrubs to Plant in Northern Virginia This Fall
- holly4704
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Fall in Northern Virginia isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and colorful leaves—it’s also one of the best times of year to plant shrubs. Cooler temperatures, consistent moisture, and reduced stress on plants make autumn planting ideal for giving your landscape a head start for spring. Whether you want to boost curb appeal, support local wildlife, or add year-round interest, selecting the right shrubs can transform your outdoor space.
At Potomac Tree and Shrub, LLC, we work year-round to improve the urban forest one tree (and shrub!) at a time. As certified arborists, we know which shrubs thrive in our local USDA Zones 6–7 climate and deliver lasting beauty. Here are our top recommendations for shrubs to plant this fall in Northern Virginia.
Why Plant Shrubs in the Fall?
Fall planting allows shrubs to focus on developing strong root systems rather than producing new top growth. The soil stays warm even as the air cools, creating the perfect conditions for root establishment before winter dormancy. Come spring, your shrubs will be ready to burst into growth and bloom.
According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, planting in the fall reduces stress on plants, limits competition from weeds, and makes watering easier due to cooler weather and seasonal rainfall.
Top Shrubs for Northern Virginia Landscapes
1. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
A native favorite, Virginia Sweetspire offers fragrant white blooms in spring and stunning red-orange foliage in fall. It adapts well to sun or shade and tolerates a variety of soil conditions—making it an easy-care choice for any landscape.
2. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
This four-season shrub delivers large summer blooms, bold burgundy-red fall foliage, and peeling bark for winter interest. Oakleaf hydrangea prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
3. Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
Known for its honey-scented spring flowers and spectacular mix of yellow, orange, and red fall foliage, Fothergilla is a compact shrub that thrives in both sun and partial shade.
4. Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Red Chokeberry adds vibrant fall color and produces clusters of red berries that persist into winter—providing food for birds and seasonal beauty for your garden.
5. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
A standout for winter landscapes, Winterberry drops its leaves in fall, revealing bright red berries that last through the cold months. It’s a magnet for birds and works well in rain gardens and moist soils.
6. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Beautyberry lives up to its name with striking clusters of purple berries in late summer and fall. It’s tolerant of various soils and provides visual interest deep into the season.
7. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
A host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, this native shrub boasts fragrant yellow flowers in early spring and glowing golden leaves in fall. Female plants also produce bright red berries.
8. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Arrowwood Viburnum produces white spring flowers, blue-black berries, and gorgeous fall foliage. Its berries attract songbirds, while its dense growth provides shelter for wildlife.
Design Tips for Fall Planting
When incorporating shrubs into your Northern Virginia landscape:
Mix evergreen and deciduous species for year-round color and structure.
Layer plant heights to create depth and visual interest.
Use native species to support pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems.
Consider seasonal succession so your yard has something in bloom or with visual interest in every season.
For more inspiration, check out the Plant Virginia Natives resource, which lists dozens of shrubs ideal for our region.
Caring for Newly Planted Shrubs
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, until the ground freezes.
Mulch 2–3 inches deep around the base to insulate roots and conserve moisture.
Avoid heavy pruning during the first year to allow plants to focus on root growth.
By following these steps, you’ll give your shrubs the best chance to thrive and provide beauty for years to come.
Let Potomac Tree and Shrub Help You Get Started
Choosing the right shrubs for your property isn’t just about looks—it’s about selecting plants that will thrive in your specific site conditions. Our certified arborists can assess your soil, light exposure, and design goals to recommend and plant the perfect shrubs for your landscape.
📞 Call Jeremy at 571.354.1153 to schedule a consultation, or visit us at www.PotomacTree.com to learn more about our full range of tree and shrub care services.
Fall is nature’s planting season—don’t miss your chance to create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape that will shine year after year.
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