Q&A: Shrubs for Fall Color

Q: Which shrubs are good for fall color?

A: There are lots of options for great autumn color among shrubs. Here are a few:

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) becomes a conversation piece in early fall, when its metallic-lavender berries take center stage. White- and pink-fruit cultivars are also available.

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica). This small deciduous shrub is typically valued for its fragrant bottlebrush blooms, but it also has great rich-red foliage that often can persist into late fall. Its one big drawback, however, is the tendency to sucker.