Top p 5... Maples for v vibrant spring foliage

These small acers will put the zing into spring!

1 A. shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ Slow-growing, statuesque variety with tiered branches clothed with fans of vivid yellow leaves. Small sprays of red flowers in spring. Bright-red autumn colour. H/S: 6m (20ft) after 20 years.

Tip: Lovely grown as a focus in an Oriental garden

From: www.gardeningexpress.co.uk, tel: 08448 044253

2 A. palmatum ‘Katsura’ Strongly-fingered leaves open a bright orange colour, quickly turning orangeflushed yellow, with a pink margin, then green over summer. Orange autumn tones. H/S: 4m (13ft) after 10 years. Tip: Works well in a pot on a patio. From: www.ornamental-trees.co.uk, tel: 01943 660870

3 A. pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ Popular form of sycamore maple with h salmon-pink young foliage. Pale yellow low pallor to leaves in summer can be unattractive.attractive. Slow-growing lollipop form. H/S: S: 3m (10ft) in 20 years. Tip: p: Site away from cold, drying spring winds From: rom: : www.ornamental-trees. co.uk, tel: 01943 660870

4 A. conspicuumpi ‘Red Flamingo’ Large shrub or small tree with vivid red, white-striped shoots. Young foliage has vivid pink variegation, becoming darker as leaves green up by early summer. H/S: 6m (20ft) in 10 years. Tip: Plant as a focal point so striped bark can be admired in winter From: www.burncoose.co.uk, tel: 01209 860316

5 A. palmatum ‘Orange Dream’

A new variety with orange-flushed, pointed leaves which turn to a soft yellow green. Orange tones in autumn. Elegant, open shape provides a strong silhouette. H/S: 3m (10ft) in 10 years.

Tip: Lightly prune to create a strong architectural shape

From: www.crocus.co.uk, tel: 01344 578111