Fall is the perfect season for planting shrubs to enhance your home’s curb appeal. If you live in the Southeastern US hardiness zone, plant some flowering shrubs that will bring lush foliage and a little color to your landscape throughout the year. There are so many benefits of planting hedges and shrubs, from privacy and protection to curb appeal and energy conservation.
If you want outstanding shrubs in your landscaping, plant these three varieties:
Winter Blooming Tea Olive
The Winter Blooming Tea Olive are admired for their sweet scent that is described as being similar to jasmine or a fresh peach. These shrubs bloom tiny flowers that grow in clusters of soft white to dark-yellow and orange. Tea olives grow slowly, around four-to-twelve inches annually, depending on the type of soil and fertilizer that you use. For the record, Tea Olives like sun to medium shade and require little maintenance to thrive. Plant Tea Olives near a window or patio where you can enjoy their intense fragrance each time you pass.
Chinese Fringe Flower
Loropetalum, also known as Chinese fringe-flower, is related to Witch-Hazel; this shrub is noted for the long, slender petals of its creamy white blossoms. Originally cultivated in Japan, this shrub is found frequently in the southern US, particularly South Carolina. This shrub is lauded for its longevity, minimal maintenance, and hardy nature, as it does particularly well when in partly-sunny growing conditions with afternoon shade. While Loropetalum is resistant to pests and disease, root rot can be a problem if you don’t keep the soil adequately drained.
Japanese Fatsia
Fatsia or Japanese Fatsia is a highly popular shrub in Southern landscapes due to its exotic and tropical appearance. This shrub can tolerate cold, and it does best in shady conditions with moist soil. These shrubs can reach heights of 15-feet, but if you want to curb growth, provide drier soil and full-sun; don’t worry- the hardy Fatsia can handle it. The flowers bloom in early to mid-winter, and are white clusters that also yield green berries in winter. The Japanese Fatsia is dramatic and resilient- the perfect combination for your South Carolinian landscape!
Some Fall Planting Advice
It makes sense to plant in the fall and spend time landscaping late-season:
- Planting in the fall promises healthy, hardy foliage in the spring when the weather warms.
- It gives you a chance to get ready for winter and opportunity to assess your property before the long, hard winter ahead.
- Planting and putting forth an effort in your landscape creates improved curb appeal during a season when things tend to whither and hibernate.
Spend a little time in your yard and garden this fall and consider planting some hardy and aesthetically-appealing shrubs. Talk with your landscape professional about obtaining these varieties to plant in autumn. Consider enlisting the services of a reputable landscape company to plant, protect, and preserve your property as the season changes. Natural Tendencies would be happy to help.