As summer favourites fade from our gardens and the nights begin to draw in is your garden looking dull and dejected? There are a number of trees and shrubs that can add fabulous firework displays of colour to lift the spirits as we slip towards winter. Read on to discover my favourite trees and shrubs to bring colour to even the smallest garden at this time of year.
Trees for autumn colour
For those with larger gardens or the space for the addition of a tree there are some stunning options to add autumn splendour. If you are pushed for space however some of these favourites are available in dwarf forms which can be squeezed into smaller spaces.
Liquidamber styraciflua (Sweet gum)
If you have plenty of space Liquidamber styraciflua provides a stunning autumn display as its lobed leaves turn shades of red, yellow and purple. Although it has attractive leaves and bark it is a big tree to accommodate just for autumn colour so one for larger gardens. It prefers moist soil and a sunny position, but be careful not to site too close to buildings due to its spreading roots.
Ginkgo biloba
With its unique leaf shape and attractive conical shape Ginkgo biloba trees make an interesting addition to any garden. Preferring a sunny site they tolerate limited soil and pollution and as a result are becoming a common sight in cities. In autumn the leaves turn a clear vibrant yellow.
For smaller gardens there are several dwarf varieties available. Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ which will reach a height of only 1m and ‘Mariken’ which reaches 1.5m height and can be grown in a container. So the joyful yellow autumn foliage can be enjoyed even in the smallest garden or terrace.
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
A large majestic tree in open ground, beech trees provide a stunning sight in Britain’s woods every autumn. But beech can be easily accommodated in smaller gardens either clipped as topiary (think domes and columns) or as a hedge. When clipped it holds onto most of its leaves over the winter months offering structure to the winter garden and as well as privacy when used as hedging.
Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
Acer palmatum or Japanese maples offer classic autumn colour. With decorative leaves and attractive branching forms they are rightly popular and a vast array of species are available. While generally slow growing some species will eventually form a medium sized tree. There are also many dwarf varieties available which would suit the smallest garden or even a container. They prefer a sheltered site as wind can burn their delicate leaves. If planting in a container use ericaceous compost as they are happier on acidic soils.
Nyssa sylvatica
Nyssa sylvatica is a medium sized tree with stunning autumn colour. It forms a neat conical shape and will tolerate moist and even swampy soils, although it grows taller in well drained positions.
Shrubs
Don’t have the space to add a tree to your garden? There are a number of shrubs which also have fabulous autumn foliage.
Cornus kousa
Known for their decorative white flower like bracts in early summer Cornus kousa also put on a stunning autumn show.
Cornus sanguinea
A shrub often grown for their vibrant stem colour which can really brighten winter gardens. They also offer a stunning autumn show as their leaves turn vibrant yellows and reds. These shrubs should be cut down to the base of stems at the end of winter each year to maintain the vibrant stem colour. This also keeps the plants relatively compact.
Hamamelis (witch hazel)
Hamamelis offer great winter interest with their scented flowers appearing on bare stems in December and January. However they also offer great autumn colour. Happiest in acid to neutral soils in sun or part shade they can really brighten the garden through the darker months.
Cotinus (Smokebush)
Cotinus are attractive shrubs with rounded leaves. Most have dark purple foliage and frothy plumes of flowers that give them their common name of smokebush. However, it is autumn when this shrub stars as the leaves turn a flaming translucent red before they fall.
Cotinus ‘Grace’ has particularly fine autumn colour. If you would prefer green leaves look for Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’. This variety has bright lime green leaves through summer before turning shades of orange and red in autumn.
For garden design services and bespoke advice on how to bring late summer colour to your garden please get in touch or read more about how I can help through my garden advice service a new planting design to refresh your garden or full garden design service.
