Fall isn’t just about colorful foliage—it’s also the season for berries! There’s nothing like the sight of bright, jewel-toned berries nestled among autumn leaves to bring a pop of color to your garden. If you’re like me, you want a garden that keeps offering something new and exciting with each season. Plants with both stunning fall foliage and beautiful berries provide that double dose of autumn charm, creating a feast for the eyes and a haven for wildlife. I know it can be frustrating when you plant something that looks lovely for just a few weeks and then goes quiet, but with these plants, you’ll get a longer-lasting display that will carry your garden right through the fall.
These berry-bearing beauties do more than just add visual appeal; they also support local ecosystems by providing food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Whether you’re looking to create a colorful hedge, add interest to a mixed border, or fill in a shady corner, there’s a plant on this list that’s perfect for your garden. Let’s explore these eight fantastic options that will keep your garden looking lively and vibrant all autumn long!
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Beautyberry is an absolute showstopper come fall! This native North American shrub produces clusters of vivid purple berries that look almost surreal against its arching branches and bright green foliage. As autumn progresses, the leaves turn shades of yellow or bronze, creating a striking contrast with the berries. I love planting Beautyberry along the edge of a woodland garden or as part of a mixed border where it can really steal the show!
Beautyberry is not just beautiful; it’s also a favorite with wildlife. Birds, particularly cardinals, robins, and mockingbirds, flock to the berries, while the shrub’s dense foliage provides excellent cover for smaller birds. The plant is hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to occasional flooding. The best part? Beautyberry is not considered invasive, so you can enjoy its vibrant display without worry.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous holly that’s just bursting with personality! Native to North America, this shrub loses its leaves in the fall to reveal bright red berries that light up the garden all winter long. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to those dreary winter months when most plants have gone to sleep. I find that Winterberry looks particularly stunning when planted in groups or used as a hedge, where its clusters of berries can make a real impact.
Winterberry isn’t just about good looks; it’s also a great plant for supporting wildlife. Its berries are a valuable food source for birds, especially during the colder months when food is scarce. Winterberry prefers acidic, well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It’s not considered invasive, but keep in mind that you’ll need both a male and a female plant to produce those beautiful berries. Trust me, the effort is well worth it when you see the color it brings to your garden!
Nandina (Nandina domestic)
Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo, is a versatile shrub that delivers incredible fall color. Native to East Asia, this plant boasts leaves that turn fiery shades of red, orange, and bronze in autumn, while clusters of bright red berries add a festive touch. I love how Nandina brings a lush, tropical feel to the garden, even in colder months. It’s perfect for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant in a mixed border.
However, a note of caution: Nandina can be considered invasive in some parts of the southeastern United States, so check local guidelines before planting. If you’re in an area where it’s safe to grow, it can be a fantastic choice for attracting wildlife. Birds are particularly fond of its berries, while its dense foliage offers shelter. Nandina thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance option for many garden settings.
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Viburnums are a group of shrubs that offer a fantastic combination of fall foliage and berries. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, these versatile plants come in a range of sizes and shapes, from low-growing ground covers to tall, stately shrubs. Many varieties, like Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) or American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), produce clusters of red or blue berries in the fall that stand out beautifully against their vibrant autumn leaves.
Viburnums are a top choice for wildlife gardens, providing nectar for pollinators in spring and a bounty of berries for birds and small mammals in the fall. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soils, although they can tolerate a range of conditions. Best of all, Viburnums are not considered invasive, so they’re a safe bet for any garden. Their versatility makes them ideal for hedges, borders, or as stand-alone specimens that bring multi-season interest.
Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Sumac may not be the first plant that comes to mind for fall color, but it certainly deserves a spot on this list! Native to North America, particularly the eastern United States and Canada, Staghorn Sumac boasts striking fern-like leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. And as if that weren’t enough, this shrub produces upright clusters of fuzzy red berries that add even more texture and interest to the garden.
Sumac is a fantastic plant for supporting wildlife. The berries provide a food source for birds and small mammals throughout the fall and winter, and the dense growth habit offers shelter for nesting birds. However, it can spread via suckers and form colonies, so it’s best suited for larger landscapes or naturalistic plantings. While it’s not typically considered invasive, it can be a bit aggressive, so plant it with care. I find it’s worth the effort for the bold, vibrant display it provides each autumn!
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
Cotoneaster is a low-growing shrub that brings a lot to the table in terms of fall interest. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, this versatile plant features small, glossy leaves that turn shades of red, orange, or purple in the fall. At the same time, it produces an abundance of bright red or orange berries that stand out against the colorful foliage. I love using Cotoneaster as a ground cover, along slopes, or to spill over retaining walls where its colorful display can be fully appreciated.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Cotoneaster is a great plant for attracting birds, which feast on the berries throughout the winter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions, including drought. While some Cotoneaster species can be considered invasive in certain areas, many cultivars are well-behaved. Always check local guidelines to ensure you choose the right one for your region.
Chokeberry (Aronia spp.)
Chokeberry is a hardy native North American shrub that brings a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to fall color. This plant produces clusters of small, red or black berries in late summer and early fall, which contrast beautifully with its glossy green leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, or purple as the season progresses. I love planting Chokeberry in mixed borders or as a stand-alone specimen where its bright berries and bold foliage can shine.
Chokeberry is not only stunning but also a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The berries are a favorite of birds, while its dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can handle a range of soil types, from dry sandy soils to wet, boggy conditions. It’s not considered invasive, making it a versatile and safe choice for most gardens. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance—perfect for gardeners who want big impact with minimal fuss!
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Snowberry is a delightful deciduous shrub that brings unique charm to the fall garden. Native to North America, this plant is known for its clusters of white or pale pink berries that appear in late summer and persist through the fall and even into winter. The berries contrast beautifully with its light green leaves, which can turn shades of yellow in the fall. I find Snowberry particularly lovely when planted in groups, creating a sea of color and texture.
This shrub is excellent for supporting wildlife, as its berries provide food for birds, and its dense branches offer cover for small animals. Snowberry thrives in a range of soil conditions, from moist to dry, and can grow in full sun to partial shade. While it’s not considered invasive, it does spread via suckers, so be prepared to manage its growth if you don’t want it to spread too far. Its resilience and beauty make it a wonderful choice for adding a bit of magic to the fall landscape.
