Elevate Your Landscape: 12 Seasonal Bush and Shrub Species With Red Leaves

When it comes to adding a pop of vibrant color to your outdoor space, planting trees with changing foliage like red maples is just the beginning. There are a variety of shrubs and vines that can infuse your yard with hues of orange, red, and yellow, bringing a touch of fall to your landscape. Not only do these plants hold their own in cooler temperatures, but some even serve as excellent options forgrowing shrub hedgesand maintaining colorful leaves throughout winter.

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What’s the Difference Between a Shrub and a Bush?

There is not a significant difference between shrubs and bushes, as most bushes are types of shrubs.
While shrubs encompass specific plant species, a “bush” typically refers to a shrub that grows in a bushy shape rather than as a small tree.
Depending on your landscape needs or lawn layout, either of these versatile plants may be the perfect choice for your yard.

Now, let’s explore 12 varieties of shrubs with red leaves that can bring your yard to life in autumn.

1. Oakleaf Hydrangea

The oakleaf hydrangea, named for its oak-like leaves, is a stunning option for adding color to your landscape. With white summer flowers that transition into red, orange, or burgundy foliage in the fall, this plant is a standout choice for year-round interest. Plant it in full sun for optimal coloration and enjoy its attractive peeling bark in winter.
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2. Sumac

Often overlooked, sumac bushes can surprise you with their vibrant fall colors. Ranging from red and burgundy to golden yellow, varieties like staghorn sumac and smooth sumac can reach impressive heights and make a bold statement in your landscape.
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3. Dwarf Fothergilla

Compact and fragrant, the dwarf fothergilla offers white spring flowers and a show-stopping display of red, yellow, and orange leaves in the fall. Planted in a sunny location, this shrub will reward you with bright autumn hues.
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4. Arnold Promise Witch Hazel

A cross between Japanese and Chinese witch hazel, the Arnold Promise variety blooms with yellow flowers in spring and transforms into a breathtaking display of yellow, orange, and red foliage in the fall with sufficient sunlight.
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5. Gold Mound Spirea

For three seasons of beauty, consider the Gold Mound spirea. With spring foliage, summer flowers, and a golden and red fall hue, this shrub offers a year-round appeal. Its cousin, the Tor spirea, boasts a vibrant purple-red shade in autumn.
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6. Virginia Sweetspire

Resembling burning bush but without the invasive tendencies, the Virginia sweetspire sports white spring flowers and a rusty-red fall display that adds a touch of warmth to your yard.
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7. Viburnum

Known for their bright fall colors, viburnum plants like Korean spice viburnum and arrowwood viburnum offer vibrant orange-red leaves and white spring flowers that transition into autumn foliage and berries.
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8. Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is a ground-hugging vine that shines in autumn with its fiery colors, though its aggressive growth may require careful monitoring to prevent it from overtaking nearby trees. Plant it in full sunlight for the most vivid coloration.
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9. Boston Ivy

A cousin to Virginia creeper, Boston ivy offers a striking autumn display with its red foliage. Though beautiful, this clinging vine can be a bit of a challenge to manage, as its tendrils may damage structures if left unchecked.
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10. Beautyberry

Known for its unique purple berries in autumn, beautyberry is a visually striking shrub that adds interest to your landscape during the fall months. While it may not provide year-round beauty, its berries are enough to captivate any gardener.
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11. Chokeberry

The chokeberry group, including red chokeberry and Viking black chokeberry, offers white spring flowers and glossy red or purple berries in summer. As fall arrives, these shrubs showcase deep fall hues that enrich your outdoor space.
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12. American Bittersweet

Native to North America, American bittersweet is a vine that transforms into a stunning display in the fall. Its berries start off green before turning a bright yellow and then revealing orange berries as the season progresses. The vine’s leaves also turn a vivid yellow, further enhancing the visual appeal of this plant.
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Incorporating these 12 seasonal bush and shrub species with red leaves into your landscape can elevate the beauty of your yard, providing a stunning display of fall color. Whether you choose a compact shrub like the dwarf fothergilla or a climbing vine like Virginia creeper, each plant offers unique characteristics that can enhance your outdoor space.

So, why settle for the standard red maples when you can explore a diverse range of shrubs and vines that will bring new life to your yard this autumn? Experiment with different varieties, mix and match colors, and create a landscape that truly stands out with vibrant red leaves throughout the fall season.