7 Shrubs That Thrive in the Midwest and Deliver Fabulous Fall Color

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Oakleaf Hydrangea

The oakleaf hydrangea is named for its vivid oak-like leaves. These shrubs produce white summer blooms that turn pinkish-brown in autumn, like other hydrangeas.

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Sumac

Sumac shrubs may not be your first choice for autumn color. Some consider them weeds, mistaking all sumac plants for poison sumac.

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Dwarf Fothergilla

Dwarf fothergilla is a little shrub with fragrant white flowers in April. Summer leaves are dark green but become bright red, yellow, and orange in October.

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Arnold Promise Witch Hazel

Arnold Promise is a Japanese-Chinese hybrid. This species blooms yellow in early spring (unlike Japanese barberry, which has red leaves). It will provide a stunning golden

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Gold Mound Spirea

Gold Mound spirea's spring foliage, summer blooms, and autumn color rival oakleaf hydrangea's year-round appeal. This shrub's autumn foliage are golden and pale crimson.

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Virginia Sweetspire

Virginia sweetspires resemble burning bush, an invasive shrub in many regions. The robust shrub has white spring blooms and beautiful rusty-red autumn blossoms.

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Viburnum

Under ideal circumstances, viburnum shrubs produce vibrant autumn hues. One of the most famous viburnum plants is the Korean spice viburnum, which has a great perfume