My 5 favourite trees and shrubs for glorious autumn colour
Here are ten shrubs and trees for a colourful autumn garden:
WITCH HAZEL - Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’
This is one of my favourite winter flowering shrubs as they bring magic into even the smallest garden! In autumn, the bright green leaves turn into spectacular shades of yellow, orange and red. In winter, Witch Hazel produces sweetly scented, rich coppery-red flowers on bare twigs.
The flowering twigs can be cut and brought indoors to perfume the house during winter.
Can you imagine the beauty?
STAGS HORN SUMACH - Rhus typhina
A so-called ‘old school tree’ I neglected all those years and was very popular in the 1950s. I rediscovered this tree this autumn in many Bergen front gardens. They are a real eye-catcher and I think it is the perfect time for a comeback of this amazing vintage tree!
In autumn, the leaves turn fiery orange, gold, scarlet and purple.
The Sumach tree looks great as a focal point in a mixed shrub border, or between tall prairie grasses.
It is an excellent specimen for a small garden, but as it spreads easily, avoid planting it too close to a lawn. Alternatively, you can limit its spread by surrounding the roots with a root-barrier.
SWEET GUM Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’
One of my all-time favourites. Its breathtaking autumn colour surprises me every year! The shiny bright green leaves turn brilliant purple, then shades of orange and yellow in the autumn. Fantastic as a solitary tree for a medium-sized or larger garden.
GOLDEN HONEY LOCUST - Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’
As the name already indicates, this graceful tree brings a golden honey glow into your autumn garden. The young leaves have a bright yellow colour that ripens into lime green in summer. In autumn, the leaves are vibrant yellow gold.
PERSIAN IRONWOOD - Parrotia persica
One of the finest trees for autumn colour! In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant yellow, then orange and finally blaze fiery red. In late winter and early spring, red flowers appear before the leaves. It is best grown as a large shrub at the border or in an open woodland garden. As it can get huge, it is best suited to larger gardens.
More Tips & Advice?
Book a garden design consultation with me: jana@botaniq.nl / +31 6151 89494
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to get tips, recommendations, and outdoor improvement ideas.