Last updated on August 3rd, 2025 at 05:15 pm
Fall Colors in Las Cruces. Trees that have good autumn color are Red Oaks, Sweet Gum ( yes, they do grow here too, we have one in our parking lot at Color Your World!), Chinese Pistache, Modesto, Bonita, Berrinda ash, Gingko Biloba, Bradford pear, and Bald Cypress, to name a few.
Some other plants that have fall color are Nandina (there is an array of sizes, shapes, and leaf textures to choose from), sumac, euonymus alata (burning bush), Boston Ivy, and Virginia Creeper.
Flowering plants that look especially beautiful during this time of year, though not necessarily “fall colors” are Mexican sage, lantana, garden mums, marigolds, cannas, salvia greggii (cherry sage), Mexican primrose, mealy cup sage, roses, which seem to have more fragrance during this time of year, or maybe it is just my imagination. You decide for yourself.
Fall Colors in Las Cruces
Texas Red Oaks (Quercus rubra) have wonderful fall color. Â The leaves turn a brilliant orange-red color in mid-fall.
Grasses for fall color
Don’t forget there is a long list of grasses that now begin to show off their plumes in fall. There is a pampas grass that does not get too large called ‘Ivory Feathers’ that is already showing off its brilliant spiky Ivory colored plumes.
Yakushima, maiden, miscanthus, fountain grass, purple fountain grass, and all various forms of these grasses are now making their debut. Muhlenbergia ‘Regal Mist’, the one with the “see-thru” purplish flower head, is just about to erupt its color all over town. These look striking when the sunlight shines through it.
Last but certainly not least are pansies, snapdragons, dianthus, and stock. These will give you color even when it snows. Pansies, in particular, can take brief periods of below 10 degrees F. and still give off color when temperatures climb back up.
If you plant pansies now, you should still have colored up until next May! Amazing huh! I have noticed over the years that pansies planted in the ground typically do better than those in pots. If you have them in pots, it is best to give them some protection against the extreme cold to avoid winter damage. Also, when planting pansies, it is best to use a good potting mix that is porous and lightweight. We carry soil from Fertilome called Ultimate Mix, which works perfectly. Ask for it at your local nursery.
Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina Domestica is an excellent choice for color during fall and winter. They are slow-growing and will produce berries during the fall season. Many varieties look great in the American Southwest. Blush pink, Sienna Sunrise, Tuscan flame, and many more. You can see pictures of these varieties over at Monrovia.com. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
Dianthus Plants
Dianthus Plants for fall color.
USD Zones 6-1
You can plant everything listed above any time from early fall all the way to late fall. The cool weather feels great, and there’s less heat to worry about. Bugs and weeds slow down, so it’s a lot easier to get things done. Take a break from screens, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy being outside. Fall really is the best season to spend time in your yard.
Gary Guzman Owner of Color Your World and Guzman’s Greenhouse in Las Cruces.
