Sneak Peek: Trees and Shrubs Available at This Week’s Fall Plant Sale

By Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz

It’s the perfect time to get new trees in the ground and there’s no better place to find them than at this week’s Fall Plant Sale, hosted by Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Shop for hundreds of plants and directly support the Friends’ mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the standout trees and shrubs available this week:

Hazel Alder

(Alnus serrulata)

A native, moisture-loving shrub or small tree, Alnus serrulata thrives along streambanks and wetlands. It’s a fast grower, excellent for erosion control and improving soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing roots. This is a great pick for rain gardens or low-lying areas.

Gardener’s Tip: Best planted in full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture.

Sourwood

(Oxydendrum arboreum )

This native understory tree is a fall showstopper! It offers fiery red foliage and creamy white flowers in late summer that attract pollinators. Sourwood is slow-growing but worth the wait for its year-round interest.

Gardener’s Tip: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil and performs beautifully in part sun to light shade.

‘Jane’ Magnolia

Part of the Little Girl Series of hybrid magnolias, ‘Jane’ is a compact, multi-stemmed beauty with large, fragrant purple-pink flowers in early spring. It’s perfect for smaller yards or urban gardens.

Gardener’s Tip: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Plant in areas protected from strong winds.

Sparkleberry

(Vaccinium arboreum)

This native blueberry relative produces glossy black fruit in late summer and stunning fall foliage. Birds love the berries, and its twisting branches offer winter interest. A true four-season performer.

Gardener’s Tip: Drought-tolerant once established; best in acidic soils with good drainage.

Why Plant in the Fall?

Fall is the ideal time for planting trees in the South. Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock, while still-warm soil encourages strong root development before winter dormancy. By spring, your new tree will be well established and ready to face the summer heat.