Fall
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Fall
There’s always something happening here in the Garden. Whether it’s blooms, bugs, or birds, the action is always a joy to observe. Here are some of our seasonal favorites…
A Season of Change
Fall is the time for many plants to come into full glory. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing to gold and red, and the Monarchs begin their long journey south, stopping here for nourishment before their journey to Mexico.
Monarch Caterpillars
The Monarch caterpillars have, by now, eaten all of our milkweed, formed chrysalises, and emerged as adults. They now need nectar plants for food and energy. And the Garden can definitely provide for them and for all the other pollinators who need a meal.
Beautyberry
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a perfect example of a gorgeous fall shrub. Native to the area, the plant produces large clusters of purple berries which, when ripe, are quickly eaten by the birds in the Garden.
Sweet Coneflower
Another fall favorite is the Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) which can be found in the Fall and Winter Border. This perennial in the daisy family blooms with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
Native Grasses
The Native Grasses Garden is peaking in late September. It will stand through the winter and add interest and cover for wildlife during the winter.
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) blooms in late summer and into fall. It is a hummingbird favorite. The name comes from the scent of the crushed leaves which smell like a pineapple.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidago) blooms throughout the fall, adding both color and texture to our meadow area. This weedy perennial is native to the area and is unmistakable as the golden clusters spiral into the air.
Narrowleaf Sunflower
Narrowleaf sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) is a tall native perennial which is guaranteed to have insects feeding on the blooms. We cut it back in the summer to control the size and have more blooms. It is a great plant for the back of a garden area where its height is an advantage. Look for it in the Pollinator Garden.
Bluebeard
Bluebeard (Caryopteris) is a deciduous shrub that has beautiful blue flowers that are a nice complimentary color to the many yellow flowers of fall. This plant can be found in the Fall and Winter Border.
Garden Mums
Garden mums (Chrysanthemum) cannot be missed in the fall. We are fortunate that mums are perennial in our climate. They are also a source of nectar for bees during this time when summer bloomers have gone to seed. This plant is so covered in blooms that you hardly see its foliage.
Asters
Asters (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) are another important native perennial that supports bees and other pollinators. The blooms can range from white, blue, purple, pink and yellow and heights from 1’ to 5’ tall. They can be found growing in full sun to shady edges of woodlands.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are also a special gift of the fall. When the soil temperatures and moisture levels meet at just the right moment, mushrooms such as this Magpie Inkcap erupt and charm those looking with careful eyes.
Cyclamen
If you’re gazing down at mushrooms, keep an eye out for a tiny flower, the Cyclamen. The unusual upswept petals of the flowers grow from a tuber that is dormant during the summer. The leaves of the plant that grow back in the fall will remain through the cool winter.
Wildlife
Birds abound in autumn. They love the feeders at our Garden and often will sit and feed as you near, so getting a close look is fairly easy. Look closely for the ground feeders, Brown Thrashers (left) and Fox Sparrows (right), in the fall as their brown feathers camouflage easily with the fallen leaves.
Camellia
Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) is a shrub that begins blooming in late fall through late November depending on freezing temperatures which will damage the open blooms. This Camellia will also thrive in sun unlike the winter blooming Camellia japonica that grows in more shade. You will find this in the Fall and Winter Border with many visiting bees on days that warm up enough for them to forage. The flowers are fragrant and the evergreen foliage make it a good option for a flowering hedge.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a beautiful native shrub in the summer, but also has beautiful fall color when the leaves change to red and burgundy. After the leaves have fallen, the stems have interesting exfoliating bark which can be seen through the winter months.
Pink Muhly Grass
Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a native grass that can literally stop traffic when planted in mass. It grows to 4’ and the stems do not require staking. It will retain the airy seed heads through winter which will only be marred by heavy snow which is rare in our area.
Copyright ©2025 Williamsburg Botanical Garden
Address
5537 Centerville Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1577
Williamsburg, VA 23187