12 Seasonal Bush And Shrub Species With Red Leaves

Depending on your landscape needs or lawn layout, one of these versatile plants may be just the right option. Discover 12 varieties of shrubs with red leaves to make your yard come alive in autumn. Oakleaf hydrangea is a great choice for creating four-season interest in your landscape, as its branches also sport an attractive peeling bark come winter. It will tolerate a bit of shade, but for optimal coloration, grow it in full sun.

Hardiness zones: 5–9 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Red, orange, burgundySun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Moist but well-drained

Hardiness zones: 3–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Yellow, orange, redSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Well-drained

Hardiness zones: 5–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Yellow, orange, redSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Moist but well-drained

James53145 / Getty Images

Hardiness zones: 5–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Yellow, orange, redSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Moist but well-drained

Hardiness zones: 4–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Yellow, reddish-purpleSun exposure: Full sunSoil type: Moist but well-drained

Hardiness zones: 5–9 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Red, orange, goldSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Moist but well-drained

Another variety, arrowwood viburnum, bears white flowers in spring, which give way to foliage and blue berries in the fall. Fun fact: Arrowwood viburnum gets its descriptive name from the hard and straight stems that emerge from the plant’s base, which were traditionally used to make arrow shafts.

Hardiness zones: 3–9 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Red, purple, bronzeSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Well-drained

Hardiness zones: 3–9 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Bright red, purpleSun exposure: Full sunSoil type: Moist but well-drained

Hardiness zones: 4–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Red, purpleSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Dry

Hardiness zones: 5–7 (USDA)Fall color varieties: PurpleSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Moist

Viking black chokeberry is yet another popular varietal, also bearing white flowers in spring along with dark green leaves. However, the foliage on this shrub also changes in the fall. Viking black chokeberry has red leaves that morph to purple going into winter. Its blackish-purple berries remain on the shrub well into the winter and serve as an emergency food source for birds.

Hardiness zones: 4–9 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Red, purple, blackSun exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil type: Well-drained

Hardiness zones: 3–8 (USDA)Fall color varieties: Yellow, redSun exposure: Full sunSoil type: Well-drained