Fall Color with Staying Power

We had some rain storms and high winds blow through our area over the last week or so and the weather knocked out some of our fall color. Our weeping cherry, which sported a lovely palette of fall colors, lost all its leaves.

We have four notable examples in our yard that are still providing rich colors to our fall landscape: Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii), Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)  and Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica).

This native, ilex verticillata, which Anne planted along with its pollinator for birds, combines yellowish foliage with bright red berries and looks great against a green backdrop.

Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Even when it finally loses its leaves, the berries linger until hungry birds finish them off.

This dwarf variety of Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) displays a stunningly vibrant leaf color. It's also called Dwarf Witchalder.

Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)

Japanese Maples are ubiquitous but it’s easy to understand why. That deep, rich red is a fabulous fall highlight.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Parrotia persica is less well-known but one of our new favorites. It provides a mellow yellow that contrasts well with darker tones.

Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica)

- WR