As colorful autumn leaves are falling to the ground, the growing season is far from our minds. Early to late October, however, is actually the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. With mild weather and soil that’s still slightly warm, roots have plenty of time to grow and take hold before the spring blooming season. For inspiration, here are some of the trees and shrubs that have the best fall foliage from Better Homes and Gardens.

A mur Maple, Acer ginnala, is a small tree or shrub that can  give any landscape a fiery display.

Chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia, is a shrub that offers festive red berries throughout fall.

Sugar Maples, Acer saccharum, have traditional leaves of bright orange hues and can grow up to 70 feet tall.

Gingkos, Ginkgo biloba, are famous for their bright yellow elegant fan-shaped leaves.

Stewartia,  Stewartia pseudocamellia, is a tree that offers warm colors in fall and deep greens in spring.

Sumac, Rhus typhina, is a tough shrub that’s fast spreading and offers deep reds and purples in autumn.

If you want to bring rich fall foliage to your landscape, but aren’t sure which plants to grow when and how to care for them, contact Columbine Design for on-demand or ongoing garden design, maintenance and landscaping in the Englewood and metro Denver areas.

Photos via Better Homes and Gardens.