While even the most dedicated gardeners struggle through the peak heat of summer, everyone welcomes the cooler, drier days of fall. Autumn is one of the best times of the year to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials—giving root systems time to establish before winter sets in.
Here are some top plant selections and expert tips tailored specifically for Delaware’s climate.
Perennials
For Sunny Spots: Brighten high-sun areas with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, goldenrod, coreopsis, garden phlox, bee balm, blazing star, butterfly weed, Amsonia, and Joe-Pye weed.
For Shady Spots: Add texture and interest to shaded corners with coral bells, foamflower, woodland phlox, Virginia bluebells, Christmas ferns, cinnamon ferns, sensitive ferns, Solomon’s seal, woodland sedges, and native geraniums.
Trees
Deciduous trees thrive in Delaware's soil and weather:
Large Canopy Trees: For sweeping shade and structure, plant white oak, northern red oak, willow oak, scarlet oak, red maple, tulip poplar, American beech, bald cypress, or river birch.
Ornamental & Accent Trees: For smaller footprints, opt for eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, serviceberry, American hornbeam, fringetree, sweetbay magnolia, sassafras, or American persimmon.
Pro Tips for Tree Selection:
Fall Color: According to the University of Delaware Extension, red maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, and sassafras deliver the most magnificent autumn foliage.
Multi-Season Interest: Serviceberry provides spring blooms, summer berries, and vibrant fall leaves, while eastern redbuds offer iconic pink blooms early in the spring.
Damp Areas: Bald cypress thrives in wet soil—just like the famous stands at Trap Pond State Park.
Shrubs
Shrubs create natural property boundaries while adding rich color and texture to your landscape. Top choices for fall planting include oakleaf hydrangea, Virginia sweetspire, summersweet, winterberry holly, American beautyberry, arrowwood viburnum, inkberry holly, spicebush, and native azaleas.
Essential Fall Care & Planting Tips
Planting Window: Perennials, shrubs, and trees can be planted throughout September and October. Trees can continue to be planted well into November, provided the ground hasn't frozen.
Watering: Cooler weather doesn't mean less water! Water newly planted additions generously. Trees require 1 to 2 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, 2 to 3 times per week, unless there is heavy rainfall.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch—about 1 to 2 inches deep—around the base. Be sure to pull the mulch a few inches back from the trunk to prevent bark rot and pests.
Whether you're looking to boost your curb appeal or simply love spending time outdoors, autumn is the perfect season to roll up your sleeves and get growing. If you found these planting tips helpful, please share this guide with your fellow local gardeners, neighbors, and friends! What are you planning to put in the ground this fall? Let us know!