Colorful flowers and foliage make these tough plants stand out from the crowd
Just when the heat and dryness of a Southwestern summertime are starting to get to you , evenfall bring some time out . The positive side of subsist in such a warm region is that we have a multitude of plant that look sound at every time of the year . The following are some of my favorite bush withfall interestfor our realm ; these industrial plant bid beautiful flowers , interesting ejaculate heads , or fieryfall foliation . in effect of all , these three shrubs arenativeand dead adapted to our clime .
Rubber rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosasubsp.nauseosavar.glabrata , Zones 4–9
Rubber rabbitbrush , also called chamisa , is an excellent autumn - blossom plant . This shrub is extremelydrought tolerant , with very low water requirement . It ’s also hardy up to 8,500 base above sea level . The blooms are bright yellow and feathery , appear on the very end of the woody branches start up inlate summer . The cobalt blue to green ramification create beautiful demarcation with the blossom . Rubber rabbitbrush will reach 2 to 6 infantry tall and wide , bet on conditions , although there are even smaller change available .
This shrub prefers full sun and passion . It would revalue being situated near aheat island , such as a wall , a building , or a driveway . Do n’t embed it near a walkway , though , as it will go around and become inept . You will need to prune it back too far , which will make the plant unattractive . The leaf have a nipping aroma that keep deer andrabbitsfrom browsing . However , birds and other critters use the impenetrable branches to seek shelter from predators . Consider planting gumshoe rabbitbrush in groups of three or five , which will maximize the fall exhibit . pare them back in January or February after most snow has finished for the season . avert trimming the seed heads back until late winter ; the coke will blanket them and look magical , and wildlife will exhaust them . If you have a woody , overgrown rabbitbrush , select deadwood to rationalise out and spread it up a bit ; this will also encourage new growth .
Apache plume
Fallugia paradoxa , Zones 4–9
Apache plume is an awesome bush in many ways . First , it blossom systematically from spring through drop with individual roselike flowers . These bloom then ferment into feathery seed heads . The Caucasian of the flowers and pink of the seminal fluid headland make a constant gloss video display . Second , this bush looks swell yr - round with its shaggy , whiteish stems that are sparsely cut across in small , finely dissected light gullible leave . These branches have an airy substance abuse . And third , this is an easy - care , crushed - maintenance shrub . It also has some of the lowest water essential you ’ll find . At 8,500 animal foot above ocean layer , its elevation validity is similar to that of rubber rabbitbrush , which makes these two shrubs gross to pair together if you live at a eminent elevation .
This shrub normally raise 3 to 6 feet improbable and full , but I ’ve seen the rare Apache plume strive 10 feet in diam , so make certain you bring home the bacon enough room for it to spread its wings . Many people plant this shrub in limiting spaces or trim it into hot - air - balloon bod . There is no need for this if it is institute in appropriate locations with enough room . This industrial plant can withstand the hottest , most arid environments . I ’ve see Apache plumes growing in stone walls , arroyo , and freeways , where they get the most punishing exposure . This bush is a trooper , for sure . The only affair that will make it truly put up is shade , so be sure to offer a lower limit of six hour of full sunlight . I do n’t commend any one-year pruning for this shrub ; it looks best as is .
Three-leaf sumac
Rhustrilobata , Zones 4–8
This last bush is one of my go - to plant life because of its amazing adaptability and hardiness . I do n’t have a go at it about you , but I need plants that will not sputter or be finicky after implant . Three - leaf sumach always starts thriving immediately after I establish it . During the grow time of year , it has glossy , glowering green leave that are separated into three leaflets , and humble clusters of yellow flowers . But during autumn , the leafage transitions from dark-green to yellow to orange and then to a gorgeous fiery red . This drouth - broad bush has very low water requirements . It will thrive not only in blaze sunshine but also in fond tone . Deer and rabbitsavoid this plant , but birds and other wildlife love it . Three - leaf sumach will pull through up to 9,000 feet of elevation .
This shrub will bet fine with shaping orpruning , which make people want to plant it in oasis zones or extremely seeable orbit of their prop . The size of it of this bush can variegate a lot ; it typically rise 3 to 8 feet marvelous and 3 to 6 feet wide , but ripe specimen may reach up to 12 feet tall and wide . you’re able to prune it or leave it alone . If you ’re looking for a bush to work where others have n’t , this is the bush for you .
These bush need a regular watering agenda until establishment , but then they can become completely nondependent on additional watering . In light of continuing drouth , planting shrubs that can survive on their own after establishment is authoritative . southwesterly gardeners all desire works that thrive no matter what is thrown at them . These tough , aboriginal shrubs are just what we require .
For more works that reckon bang-up during fall in the Southwest , check out :
And for more southwestern regional reports , tick here .
— Mark Brotton , APLD , owns and operates Living Water , Irrigation , and Landscape based in Santa Fe , New Mexico .
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Three-leaf sumac has such bright fall foliage colors, it will make you think you’re in Vermont.Photo: Tom Koerner for USFWS via Flickr;CC BY-SA 2.0
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Golden-yellow rabbitbrush flowers look enchanting next to the purple ones of Russian sage (Salviayangiisyn.Perovskiaatriplicifolia, Zones 5–9).Photo: Charles Mann
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Apache plume’s white flowers are followed by wispy, pink seed heads.Photos: Stan Shebs via Wikimedia Commons;CC BY-SA 3.0(left); Matt Lavin via Flickr;CC BY-SA 2.0(right).
Three-leaf sumac’s glossy green leaves turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall.Photos: Mark Brotton (left); Matt Lavin via Flickr;CC BY-SA 2.0(right).
