Two plants that are deer resistant and so hot that they may set your garden on fire this autumn are a golden leafed Barberry (Berberis) and a reddish-purple leafed Smokebush (Cotinus). Both compact shrubs are excellent for a small garden; plus, they deliver interest through their colorful foliage eight to nine months of the year – including autumn.
Fall Coloring in Zone 8 is brilliant. Take a look…
Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea Nana’ – Japanese Barberry Cultivar; Zone: 4 – 8
The above photo isn’t the best representation of this Barberry, but you can see it’s leaves turning from the bright yellow (which makes this plant an amazing accent plant in spring and summer) to a bright orange. The way it turns, and the lower lighting this time of year really picks up the fiery colors: sort of a mixed colorful salad turning yellow, red, orange, plus, several bright red berries. More: Berberis ‘Aurea Nana’ is an easy-care plant that grows 2-3′ tall. It likes full sun to part shade, and tolerates deer, drought, erosion, clay & dry soils. Avoid waterlogged soils and, beware, it does have thorns. Note – This variety may be hard to find, so look for other Berberis thunbergii varieties; they all offer exceptional fall color in zones 4 -8. For yellow leafed varieties – look for ‘Aurea’ (which means golden or yellow in Latin).
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ – Royal Purple Smokebush; Zone: 4 – 8
This deciduous small tree or large specimen shrub colors-up to an amazing scarlet in fall. Summertime leaves are reddish-purple and then comes the bold show of (long lasting) pinkish purple, smoke-like airy seed clusters. Moderate grower to 15′ tall x 10 – 12′ wide. Foliage holds color all summer.
And about setting your garden on fire – It’s all in the leaves. Said best by Albert Camus:
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower
I love seeing these plants in the garden… they keep me in touch with the seasons, and natures magic, with plants waxing & waning. Anything fiery catching your eye?
Happy Fall!
