Autumn rolls out the red carpet
GARDENS ARE NOW AFLAME WITH VIVID COLOUR
FLAMING leaves in stunning hues of orange, copper, scarlet, crimson and purple provide wonderful compensation as the light begins to fade and evenings start to draw in.
The warm colours of autumn foliage heat up the garden just before it goes to sleep. Visit a woodland if you can to enjoy the tapestry of colours that this season brings.
Some trees excel in this department and their shining beacons will brighten up your garden during this period. In my own plot, an upright Parrotia called ‘Vanessa’ is the stand-out specimen at the moment. Unlike the classic Parrotia which spreads its branches very widely and is greedy for space, this cultivar is much more manageable for smaller plots.
The leaf colour begins to intensify in late summer deepening to rich reds and plums, with rosy pink and yellow tones as well.
Another tree that always catches my eye at this time of year is Prunus sargentii. It has all the multiseasonality of flowering cherries with beautiful pink blossoms in spring, followed by young bronzetinted foliage that turns green in summer. In autumn the brightness of its orange and yellow tints make for a cheerful display.
Sorbus trees also have multiseasonal interest with good blossoms in spring, followed in late summer by heavy clusters of red, orange or pink fruit.
One of the best varieties for autumnal displays is ‘Olympic Flame’ – the slender elegant leaves turn rich yellow and orange. It’s a small columnar variety so a super choice where space is limited such as courtyard gardens.
The spindle tree, Euonymus alatus, is a sight to behold when the leaves turn a rich crimson and scarlet – not for nothing is it also known as the burning bush. But it has other surprises as well. Its exquisite purple-pink fruit split open to reveal a bright orange seed inside, and it has interesting bark too. This would look great in a mixed border or as an eye-catching front garden shrub.
Any lover of autumn colours will surely include a Japanese maple (or two or three) in their garden.
They are the top choice for smaller plots as they are slow growing and will do very well in large pots or containers.
There are so many varieties with different foliage colours and dissected leaf shapes, so now would be a good time to choose the one you like.
I have a few varieties and they are all completely different in terms of colouration, ranging from apricot through pumpkin orange, crimson red and very dark purple.
Different varieties grouped together provide pleasing contrasts and a memorable autumn picture.