As autumn is now well under way in the northern hemisphere, it would be opportune to discuss the question of color in the garden at this season, for in warm Mediterranean climates, this is a time of year generally lacking in color. In colder climates of course, fall leaf color can provide immense interest, and the lower the temperatures, the more spectacular the effects can be. However in mild winter areas, typical of many Mediterranean type climates, fall leaf color is at best of marginal significance.

This is also an in between season as far as annual bedding plants are concerned. The summer annuals are all but finished, while the winter annuals are barely ready for planting let alone flowering. The winter/spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips will not emerge out of the ground for a few months, although some perennials like Verbena and Solidago are still performing to some degree.

This seasonal drabness can be offset to a considerable degree by the fall flowers of a number of landscape shrubs. It could be worthwhile therefore when choosing shrubs and bushes to fulfill certain landscape functions like screening or providing a background, to take into account the flowering months of the various species to be planted, although flower color should not be the sole or even the main factor behind choosing this or that shrub.

So here are some combinations that work well where I garden - central Israel - but they could be applicable to other places like southern California with similar climates. Varieties belonging to the species Tecoma stans, (Stenolobium stans) have lovely tubular flowers, ranging in color between yellow and orange. Different cultivars can be combined to create a little variety on a theme, while another species of Tecoma, T. capensis (Tecomaria capensis) can also be added. The gorgeous tree Jacaranda mimosifolia (J. acutifolia) continues to flower with lavender blossoms, and belonging to the same botanical family, Bignoniaceae, the flower shape, is very similar to the Tecoma shrubs. In previous articles I've emphasized the design advantage of combining different but related plants, which is that two principles of good design, unity and diversity, are taken care of simultaneously.

Finally, shrubs that flower over a long period, including the autumn, can be included in the plant composition. Hibiscus sinensis has so many cultivars to its name, with flower colors ranging from white, peach and red. Other "staples" that provide flower color in the autumn include Plumbago, Alyogyne, and the delicate Abelia Grandiflora. So if you can't rely on autumn leaves to give interest and color in the fall, remember there are quite a number of shrubs, bushes and trees that do just that.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com