November 08, 2025

Just Past Peak

Acer saccharum

We've been blessed with a stunningly colorful autumn here in this little part of the world. While we're past peak for leaf color, bright tones still populate the landscapejust before our first snow of the season! (Flakes are falling as I post this.) The above Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) reigns down the road at the neighborhood park.

Callicarpa dichotoma 'Pearl Glam'

Back in my garden, the variegated colors of 'Pearl Glam' Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) are framed by Weigela (W. florida) and more Maple (Acer spp.) foliage.

Actaea racemosa

I don't remember this stage of the Bugbane (Actea racemosa) remains catching my attention as much as it has this autumn. The yellow-peachy colors are unique.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Tiny Wine Gold'

'Tiny Wine' Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) has been in the garden for several years. It's really taken off this year, probably because of increased sunlight in its location. The green-to-gold foliage is bright and cheery, with a crown of apricot-hued Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) behind and above it.

Chasmanthium latifolium

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a fun plant in all seasons, with its oat-shaped seedheads and draping foliage. The collapsing orange Hostas behind it compliment its golden tones.

Hydrangea serrata

This Mountain Hydrangea (H. serrata) has rarely flowered here, but its changeable autumn foliage is reason enough to include it in a shady garden.

Viburnum trilobum

Finally, the dramatic play of bright red berries and golden leaves on the Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum) really pops. (Sometimes the fall color is more russet-toned; this year the change happened fast, which may have affected the color.)

I'm sneaking in, late in the day, for "Six on Saturday." While I've included seven photos, only six of the vignettes were from my garden. 😉 Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations for hosting!

22 comments:

  1. Oh yes! Super colours there, so pleased that you are enjoying them as much as I am! The leaves are going out with a final flourish and look so beautiful at this time of year.

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    1. Hi Pauline: Yes, the fall color has been amazing! Now with snow overnight, though, everything is suddenly different. Oh well...

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  2. Awesome colors! I saw the viburnum and my stomach growled. I used to hike in MN with my father in law and in winter, we went to a sheltered area with a spring. There were V trilobum there and I always snagged a berry or two - they really taste like commercial cranberries, and the color is so enticing!

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    1. Yes, haven't the colors been amazing this autumn?! Re: the V. trilobum berries, I am not a huge fan, but I'm not a huge fan of cranberries, either, unless they're sweetened a bit. Maybe I should try some of the Viburnum berries with a little sugar on top. ;-)

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  3. I looks pretty peak to me! Beautiful autumn color, Beth. The only plant I have in common with yours is the sea oats and mine are still green. I love the stripey colors they develop though! Tina

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    1. Hi Tina: Thanks! Sadly, we had our first killing frost, hard freeze, and snow overnight. So, everything is different today. :(

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  4. Gorgeous, Beth! We're only just seeing some autumn color here.

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  5. Gorgeous fall colors, I love all the shades of yellow.

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    1. It was really pretty yesterday. Totally different today...winter is here. Oh well, time to prepare for the holidays. LOL.

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  6. Maybe past it's peak, but still gorgeous.

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  7. Such beautiful colours, thanks for sharing. I particularly liked the last photo
    Ann - thequiltinggardener

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    1. Hi Ann: Thanks! It has been a stunning autumn for color. Now we have snow and cold, and most of the flowers and foliage collapsed overnight. :(

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  8. The cold winds blew all the last of the leaves off today. It was a beautiful autumn here in Northwest Wisconsin.
    Carla

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    1. Yes, what a beautiful autumn. And now everything's going dormant after our first killing frost, hard freeze, and snow overnight. :(

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  9. The viburnum has such bright, cheery colors - love them!

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    1. Yes, I love them, too, and the cedar waxwings do, as well. ♥

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  10. Interesting, your Mountain Hydrangea. I've not heard of it before. Glad you've had such lovely fall color.

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    1. I've only had that little Hydrangea for a few years, but I really love the compact size and shape of it. And it fits snuggly next to one of our Dwarf Korean Lilacs. Maybe one of these years it will bloom. :)

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