Perennials for Colorful Fall Foliage

Fall foliage is not restricted to deciduous trees and shrubs. The leaves of many of our favorite perennials also turn brilliant colors in the fall.

Solomon’s seal and hosta leaves turn a beautiful yellow, echoing the fall flowers of witchhazel and yellow leaves of ginkgo and quaking aspen.

The delicate heart-shaped leaves of barrenwort, botanically known as epimedium, turn yellow, red or bronze in fall. Some of the leaves will persist through winter and drop as new leaves and flowers appear in spring.

Perennial geranium and bergenia leaves turn reddish-purple in fall. Both will persist, adding color to the winter and early spring garden.

Brighten up the fall landscape with the fine texture and amber-gold fall foliage of Angelina sedum and willow amsonia.

The fluffy white seed heads of our native little bluestem complement the coppery-red fall color that persists throughout the winter.

A bit more information: Most of the colorful coral bells (Heuchera) maintain their color throughout the fall and winter. Those in colder climates might be looking at brown leaves during extremely cold winters. Just wait for spring when new growth with vibrant leaf color returns.