For fall planting along the Jersey Shore, you will need plants that can withstand sandy soil, salt spray, and the area’s climate (USDA Hardiness Zone 7). A mix of native, ornamental, and traditional varieties offers color, texture, and resilience throughout the autumn season.
1. Beach plum (Prunus maritima)
A native shrub of the coastal mid-Atlantic, the beach plum thrives in sandy soil and is tolerant of salt spray.Â
- Fall interest:Â It offers a double benefit for a fall garden. While it blooms in the spring, it produces edible, tart, purple plums that ripen from late summer through October, which can be harvested for jam and jellies.
- Appearance:Â This rounded, dense shrub features vibrant fall foliage, with leaf colors ranging from blue, purple, orange, and yellow
2. Hardy garden mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Mums are a classic fall flower, and hardy varieties are perfect for a burst of seasonal color in your garden beds or containers.Â
- Fall interest:Â They bloom in an array of autumn colors, including orange, yellow, and red, from July until the first killing frost.
- Coastal tip: Select varieties bred for hardiness, such as the Mammoth mums, which can withstand cold temperatures and are suitable for the Jersey Shore’s climate. Amend the sandy soil with compost for the best results.
3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
This native, drought- and salt-tolerant ornamental grass offers multi-seasonal interest and movement in the garden.Â
- Fall interest:Â Cultivars like ‘Shenandoah’ turn a rich burgundy or wine-red color in the autumn. ‘Northwind’ turns a golden yellow, and both varieties produce delicate, airy seed heads that provide food for birds throughout the winter.
- Coastal tip:Â The upright, clumping habit of switchgrass makes it an excellent choice for erosion control in sandy areas.
4. Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium)
This succulent perennial is a low-maintenance, long-blooming addition to a fall coastal garden.
- Fall interest:Â From midsummer into fall, it produces large heads of bright pink flowers that deepen to a beautiful copper or reddish-bronze color as the weather cools.
- Appearance:Â Its fleshy leaves and colorful late-season blooms provide great texture in dry spots or rock gardens, and it pairs well with ornamental grasses.
5. Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
This clumping native ornamental grass thrives in partial shade and provides both movement and texture for a seaside landscape.Â
- Fall interest:Â It features unique, flattened, oat-like seed heads that dangle from its wiry stems throughout the autumn. The seed heads start out green and turn a beautiful bronze, making them excellent for dried arrangements.
- Coastal tip:Â While it tolerates a variety of soils, this grass prefers moist, well-drained conditions.