1. BURNING BUSH
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is known for its brilliant red foliage in the fall, making it a stunning focal point, says Ward. 'It also forms a dense hedge that provides good privacy.'
Lindsey Chastain, a homesteader and the Founder of The Waddle and Cluck blog, agrees with this recommendation. Burning bush grows quickly and does well in full sun to part shade, she says.
2. FRAGRANT SUMAC
Ward also recommends fragrant sumac, otherwise known as Rhus aromatica. It features attractive red, orange, or purple fall foliage and forms a low, spreading privacy hedge, he says. What's more, it's very easy to maintain and requires little pruning.
It's adaptable to many soil types, produces spring flowers, and is good for attracting pollinators and other wildlife. And, as well as providing fabulous color, the leaves offer a pleasing aroma.
3. OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA
'Another superb option is the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), my personal favorite,' says Lindsey. 'This native shrub has large, bold leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and purple in fall.' And, once the leaves drop, the peeling cinnamon-colored bark also adds winter interest, she highlights.
4. VIBURNUM
Although well-loved as a spring-flowering shrub, viburnum earn their keep through other seasons, too. 'Many varieties of viburnum offer colorful fall foliage, and some produce attractive berries,' says Ward. 'Examples include arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and American cranberry bush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum).' You can shop the American cranberry bush from Fast Growing Trees.
5. RED TWIG DOGWOOD
Dogwood, or Cornus sericea, is known for its colorful stems, which provide winter interest, says Ward. 'It also offers attractive fall foliage and can be used as part of privacy planting.'
6. NINEBARK
Physocarpus opulifolius, or ninebark, comes in various cultivars, some of which offer colorful fall foliage in shades of red and purple, Ward says. 'It can be used to create a multi-seasonal privacy screen.'
7. NORTHERN BAYBERRY
Myrica pensylvanica features gray-green aromatic leaves and waxy berries that persist into winter, says Ward. 'It forms a dense hedge that offers privacy.'
It's a tough shrub, putting up with coastal and urban environments. In warmer climes, its fragrant leaves are semi-evergreen. It's also good for wildlife.
8. JAPANESE BARBERRY
Some cultivars of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) display vibrant red, orange, or purple foliage in the fall, says Ward. It can be used to create an effective privacy hedge – not least because of the large barbs on its branches.
9. SPIREA
Autumn Hilliard-Knapp of Perfect Plants Nursery particularly recommends the bridal wreath spirea – 'a charming shrub with cascading branches filled with clusters of beautiful white flowers. In the fall, its foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red and orange, providing a stunning display.
10. JAPANESE HOLLY
An easy-care alternative to box, this evergreen shrub with dark berries in the fall can be used for topiary or for a year-round, compact privacy screen.
If you are looking for a narrow, upright shrub, go for the 'Sky Pencil' variety, as Autumn recommends. 'For successful growth, ensure well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape, and adding mulch around the base can help conserve moisture.'