Fall Colors in Las Cruces

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, shape 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) has wonderful fall color.  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 looks striking when the sunlight shows through it.

Last but certainly not least are pansies, snapdragon, 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 seasons.  There are many varieties that 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

Everything mentioned above can be planted from early to late fall. So get out and enjoy what is probably the best time to be outdoors. Fall!