Best Plants For Awesome Autumn Foliage

2. Coleus

If you’re looking for a forgiving plant that packs numerous vibrant autumn hues in one place, coleus is the answer. From yellows and pinks to deep green and maroon, coleus thrives in well-drained soils with plenty of organic matter such as compost. This plant can be grown in containers, hanging pots, or Gainesville landscaping beds.

3. Caladium

Caladiums prefer partial shade but still pack a punch of fall colors. The leaves — which can reach 12 inches in length — blend pattern and color to provide a unique appearance from in colors of red, pink, white, chartreuse, green and others. There are more than 48 varieties, or cultivars, of caladium so you have plenty of options to choose from!

4. Cassia

Another butterfly-friendly plant, cassia creates its own sunshine with vivid yellow flowers in the fall. Cassia have multiple cultivars as shrubs or trees and are larval host plants for three specific Florida butterflies — cloudless sulphur, sleepy orange, and orange-barred sulphur. This plant does best in sunny areas with well-drained soil and fits well in smaller landscapes.

5. Triostar Stromanthe

Also called tricolor stromanthe, this plant needs a little extra care but provides a stunning reward. Triostar stromanthe are known for their colorful leaves — dappled green and white on top and radiant reddish-pink on the bottom. This plant can be grown indoors or outdoors but an outdoor triostar needs to be placed in a shady location to prevent sunburn.

6. Coral Honeysuckle

Also called trumpet honeysuckle, coral honeysuckle features vibrant red, tube-shaped flowers during the spring and summer. But during fall, these flowers mature and become berries which attract assorted songbirds. A vining plant, the leaves of coral honeysuckle have a glossy green top and silvery green underside which can create a nice contrast among other fall landscaping in Gainesville, FL.

7. Philippine Violet

Lavender or white flowers are the hallmark of this fall perennial. Philippine violet prefers partial sun and can create a dense barrier to contrast other plants against. It usually matures between four feet and six feet in height and has been used as a hedge or property border in some landscapes.

8. Plumbago

Plumbago is a great medium-sized backdrop to smaller landscape Gainesville residents plant. This shrub can grow up to five feet high and equally wide while producing the most flowers in full sun. Most plumbago have blue or periwinkle colored blooms while the Plumbago alba cultivar has white flowers.

9. Mexican Sage

Also called Mexican salvia, this type of subshrub grows quickly, has a high drought tolerance, and stands out with lavender or white spike-like flowers. Mexican sage needs full sun and well-drained soil for proper growth.

Think Spring

October is a great time to start thinking about spring blooms. It sounds counterproductive but spring bulbs need to be planted during the fall to ensure a spring arrival. Use a small amount of bulb fertilizer in the planting hole and protect the bulb from burrowing and digging animals by planting it in a wire cage.

Bring Houseplants Inside

If your houseplants spent the summer months on vacation outside, prep them for their indoor return during the fall. Plants should be fertilized, repotted, and weeded as needed. Spray plants with a soap-and-water solution to prevent insects from coming indoors also.