Low-maintenance shrubs that can be planted in the fall are hardy varieties that take advantage of cooler temperatures and autumn rains to establish their root systems before winter. Fall planting reduces stress on the shrub because the plant is entering dormancy, and energy is directed toward root growth rather than leaf or flower production.
Evergreen shrubs are excellent choices for fall planting because they maintain foliage during winter and are generally resilient to cold conditions. Examples include boxwood, holly, yew, and juniper. These shrubs require minimal pruning and upkeep once established, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Deciduous shrubs can also be planted in fall as long as they are fully dormant. Shrubs such as spirea, viburnum, and certain hydrangeas can establish roots during autumn, allowing them to produce stronger growth in spring. Planting in fall gives these shrubs a head start on the next growing season.
Proper soil preparation and care are essential for fall planting. Loosening soil, adding compost, and mulching around the base help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect roots from early frosts. Watering shrubs well during establishment is crucial until the ground freezes.
Shrubs that Can Be Planted In the Fall
Holly (Ilex spp.)
Hollies are evergreen shrubs that thrive in cooler fall temperatures, allowing roots to establish before winter. They need minimal pruning and tolerate various soil types. Their bright berries and glossy leaves add visual interest to gardens. Once established, hollies are drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas perform well when planted in fall, as the cooler weather helps roots settle before blooming season. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Minimal pruning is needed after flowering. These shrubs provide vibrant spring color without much maintenance.
Dogwood Shrub (Cornus spp.)
Dogwood shrubs have colorful stems that brighten the winter landscape. Planting in fall helps them develop a strong root system. They require little pruning and adapt to a variety of soils. Dogwoods are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and provide seasonal beauty year-round.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
Witch hazels are hardy shrubs that bloom in late fall or winter. They tolerate sun and partial shade and require minimal watering once settled. Pruning is optional, mainly to shape or remove old branches. Their fragrant flowers make them a charming, low-maintenance addition.
Mahonia (Mahonia spp.)
Mahonia is an evergreen shrub with spiny leaves and bright yellow flowers in late fall or early winter. It adapts to a variety of soils and prefers partial shade. Minimal pruning is needed, and it is drought-tolerant once established. Mahonia also attracts pollinators and provides winter interest.
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Spireas are hardy, deciduous shrubs that root well when planted in fall. They tolerate sun and poor soil and require little maintenance. Light pruning after flowering keeps them neat. Spireas offer clusters of small flowers and vibrant foliage with minimal effort.
Barberry (Berberis spp.)
Barberries are colorful shrubs that tolerate cold fall weather. They need minimal watering and are pest-resistant. Pruning is mostly for shaping. Their bright foliage and small berries provide garden interest through winter.
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Viburnums are versatile shrubs that establish roots well in fall. They adapt to most soils and require minimal care. Many varieties produce flowers or berries that attract pollinators and wildlife. Once settled, they tolerate drought and heat.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Planting hydrangeas in fall helps them establish roots before spring blooms. They prefer partial sun and well-drained soil. Pruning is minimal and mostly seasonal. Hydrangeas are low-maintenance and produce vibrant flowers year after year.
Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica)
Kerria is a deciduous shrub that blooms in early spring, but planting in fall ensures strong root development. It tolerates sun and shade and requires little care. Occasional pruning helps maintain shape. Its bright flowers add cheerful color to any garden.
Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Heather is an evergreen shrub that adapts well to cool fall planting. It prefers acidic soil and full sun. Minimal pruning is needed to remove dead tips. Heather provides long-lasting color and texture and is drought-tolerant once established.
Calycanthus (Sweetshrub)
Calycanthus is a fragrant, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in fall planting. It tolerates sun or partial shade and adapts to most soils. Pruning is minimal and mainly for shape. Its aromatic flowers add a lovely scent to gardens with little effort.
Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
Dwarf fothergilla is a small deciduous shrub that develops strong roots when planted in fall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is needed, mostly after flowering. Its fragrant spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage make it a low-maintenance, year-round garden asset.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous holly that thrives when planted in fall, giving roots time to establish before winter. It tolerates wet or average soils and requires little pruning. Its bright red berries provide winter interest and attract birds, making it a colorful, low-maintenance choice.
Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Pieris is an evergreen shrub that adapts well to fall planting. It prefers partial shade and acidic soil. Pruning is minimal and mainly for shaping. Its cascading clusters of flowers and glossy foliage add beauty without heavy upkeep.
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris × clandonensis)
Blue Mist Spirea is a compact shrub that establishes quickly in fall. It tolerates full sun and dry soil once settled. Light pruning in early spring encourages dense growth. Its blue flowers attract pollinators and add color to the garden with little maintenance.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Winter jasmine is a hardy, deciduous shrub that blooms in late winter. Planting in fall helps it establish roots before harsh temperatures. It tolerates sun and poor soil. Minimal pruning is needed, mostly for shaping. Its bright yellow flowers brighten the garden during winter months.
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Red twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub with striking red stems that provide winter interest. Fall planting helps roots settle before the cold season. It tolerates various soil conditions and requires little maintenance. Occasional pruning keeps it tidy and encourages vibrant stem color.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark thrives when planted in fall, as cooler soil temperatures help root development. It tolerates poor soil and drought once established. Minimal pruning is required, mostly to shape or remove old branches. Its peeling bark and summer flowers make it low-maintenance yet attractive.
Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)
Laurustinus is an evergreen viburnum that establishes well in fall. It tolerates sun or partial shade and various soils. Pruning is minimal and only needed to shape the plant. Its small white flowers and dark berries add seasonal interest with little care.
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Autumn olive is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that can be planted in fall for strong root growth. It thrives in poor soil and requires almost no maintenance once established. Its small flowers attract pollinators, and berries provide winter interest for birds.
Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Sweetspire is a deciduous shrub that roots well when planted in fall. It tolerates sun or partial shade and adapts to wet or dry soils. Minimal pruning is required, mostly after flowering. Its fragrant white flowers and brilliant fall foliage make it a low-maintenance ornamental shrub.
Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
Cornelian cherry is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub suitable for fall planting. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and various soil types. Minimal pruning is needed to maintain shape. Early yellow flowers in late winter and edible berries add ornamental and functional value.
Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’)
Although technically a small tree, dwarf Japanese maples function well as shrubs in borders. Fall planting allows roots to settle before winter. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Pruning is minimal and mostly for shaping. Their delicate foliage provides stunning fall color with very little maintenance.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub that thrives when planted in fall, allowing roots to establish before winter. It prefers partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is needed, mostly to remove dead or damaged branches. Its clusters of delicate flowers add color with little maintenance.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that does well when planted in fall. It tolerates poor, sandy soils and requires very little care. Pruning is mostly unnecessary, aside from occasional shaping. Its berries provide winter interest, and it’s highly drought-tolerant once established.
Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica is a tropical-looking evergreen shrub suitable for partial shade. Fall planting helps it develop strong roots before winter. It requires minimal watering and pruning, mostly to remove old leaves. Its large, glossy leaves add texture and interest with very low upkeep.
Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
Skimmia is an evergreen shrub that establishes well in fall. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Minimal pruning is required, mainly for shaping. Skimmia produces fragrant flowers in spring and attractive berries, making it a low-maintenance shrub with year-round appeal.