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Fall Interest for Sun & Shade in Bay Area Gardens
As the days grow shorter and the air cools, fall brings a new kind of beauty to Bay Area gardens. Whether your space is drenched in sunlight or tucked under the shade of trees, there are plenty of plants that offer rich color, texture, and interest this season. Discover what’s thriving now — and how to make every corner of your garden glow this fall.
Fall Interest for Sunny Spots
Sun-loving plants shine during the crisp days of fall, offering bold blooms and vibrant foliage. These selections thrive in six or more hours of direct sunlight each day and are perfect for borders, raised beds, or containers.
Colorful Blooms
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
Golden-yellow blooms that brighten up fall borders and attract pollinators.
Coreopsis
Long-lasting color with daisy-like flowers that pair beautifully with ornamental grasses.
Gaura
Airy sprays of pink or white blooms that dance in the breeze.
Salvia greggii
A Bay Area favorite that blooms into fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Verbena
Excellent in containers or as groundcover for sunny spots.
The Story of Verbena
Known since ancient times as the “sacred herb,” Verbena has long been celebrated for its healing and protective powers. The Romans used it to purify their altars, and legend says it was one of the herbs used to tend Christ’s wounds — earning it the name “Herb of the Cross.” Today, Verbena symbolizes creativity, courage, and faithfulness. In the garden, it lives up to its legacy — thriving in full sun, blooming for months, and attracting butterflies and good energy alike.
Seasonal Annuals
Pansies & Violas
Cold-tolerant color that lasts through winter.
Calendula
Cheery orange and yellow blooms that love the cooler season.
Marigolds
Add bold pops of color and help repel garden pests.
Iceland Poppies
Paper-like petals in vibrant fall shades.
Foliage & Texture
Nandina
Compact, colorful foliage that shifts from green to fiery red.
Leucadendron
Striking structural beauty and great for cut arrangements.
Coprosma (Mirror Plant)
Glossy leaves that reflect sunlight and bring shine to garden beds.
Ornamental Grasses
Try Pennisetum, Festuca, or Miscanthus for graceful movement and texture.
Fall Interest for Shady Spaces
Shade gardens can be just as dazzling in fall with the right mix of foliage, texture, and color. Whether you’re gardening beneath trees or alongside a north-facing wall, these plants thrive in filtered light to full shade.
Foliage & Color
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Available in deep purples, bronzes, and limes — excellent for adding contrast.
Hellebores
Evergreen perennials that will bloom as winter approaches.
Bergenia
Glossy, rounded leaves that blush red as temperatures drop.
Japanese Anemone
Elegant late-season blooms that sway in the breeze.
Cool-Season Annuals
Cyclamen
A Bay Area favorite for vibrant color in containers and shaded beds.
Primroses
Bright and cheerful flowers that prefer cooler weather.
Coleus
Offers endless leaf colors for a lush, tropical feel in filtered light.
Shrubs for Structure
Camellias
Budding now for beautiful winter blooms.
Azaleas
Lush foliage with bursts of color in late fall and early winter.
Fatsia japonica
Bold, tropical leaves that add drama to shade gardens.
Planting & Care Tips
Before planting, enrich your soil with E.B. Stone Compost or E.B. Stone Organics Sure Start to create a nutrient-rich foundation that promotes strong root growth. Once your soil is prepared, add a generous layer of mulch—this helps lock in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. As the weather cools, it’s important to adjust your watering schedule: opt for deeper, less frequent waterings to encourage roots to grow down where moisture lingers. Finally, support your plants’ continued growth throughout fall with a slow-release fertilizer, providing steady nourishment as they settle in for the season.
Ready to Refresh Your Garden?
Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore our wide selection of fall annuals, perennials, shrubs, and grasses — all chosen to thrive in Bay Area climates. Whether your garden basks in sunshine or rests in shade, our team can help you create lasting fall beauty in every space.
