PLANT PALETTE
1 Cercis canadensis is a small and graceful tree with heart-shaped leaves of burgundy purple that change to orange in autumn. They like full sun to part shade in chalk, sandy, clay or loam soil that is well drained, and are a great choice for a small garden or in a border among late-season perennials.
2 Acers are invaluable for their vibrant autumn colour of flaming golds and reds. There is a huge range of varieties for sun or part shade, the more acid the soil and sunnier the aspect the better the colour, but there are ones that are tolerant of most soil types as long as it is fertile. Smaller varieties are lovely in containers. Protect their delicate foliage from strong winds.
3 Cotinus, known as the smoke bush for its feathery panicles, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with wine-red foliage that turns to sunset colours. Cotinus need full sun and space to grow, in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and look lovely paired with blues, pinks and purples of late clematis or salvias. 4 Hydrangeas, most notably the deciduous oak-leaved H. quercifolia, can have dramatic autumn foliage with their elegant fading flowers. Grow in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or part shade, in borders and beds among other shrubs or perennials, or massed as informal hedging.
5 Hamamelis shrubs or small trees are known for their autumn hues followed by wonderful spidery, scented flowers in winter. They do best in full sun and are tolerant of acid or alkaline soils. Sufficient moisture is important for flowering; water in dry spells and mulch in late winter. Underplant with hellebores, heather, snowdrops and low-growing tufty grasses.
6 Cornus shrubs are ideal for their late season of interest with autumn foliage and vibrant winter stems. They need moist, acid soils in sun, and pruning every year or two in March to ensure good stem colour. Plant en masse for the best effect, and they work particularly well with the bleached parchment of feathery miscanthus plumes. 7 Euonymus varieties offer both foliage in brilliant shades of red, and hanging lobed fruits to the autumn garden, and do well in a range of conditions in most soils in sun to part shade. Grow as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, in a semi-woodland setting, or massed as an informal hedge.
8 Berberis is a tough hardy shrub and comes in a range of sizes and shapes, many with berries that last well into winter. It can be used for screens, hedges and barriers due to its spiny stems. Berberis are happy in a range of soils and sites, and is easy to grow and maintain.
9 Crab apples have probably the best of all the winter fruits, and along with their pretty spring blossom have great versatility due to the range of sizes available. For a larger space you can enjoy the spring flowers and autumn fruit of rows of crab apples, maybe lining a drive or dotted across a lawn. There are, however, also small varieties that are ideal for smaller spaces, courtyards or even containers, such as Malus ‘Red Jade’ or
M. toringo subs. sargentii. Birds generally prefer the smaller crab apples.
10 Sorbus trees have eye-catching pendulous clusters of berries in shades of pink, white, orange, yellow and red, as well as autumn foliage. They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Use as focal trees or in flowerbeds and wildlife gardens. Remember to water in prolonged dry periods in summer.
11 Viburnums are graceful shrubs for both autumn foliage colour in pretty tones of pinks and reds, along with their extremely glossy berries. Most prefer full sun in fertile well-draining soil with a cool root run. Ideal in a mixed hedge to attract wildlife.
12 Pyracantha has abundantly produced long-lasting and showy orange to red berries. They can be trained as an espalier on a wall. Trim to encourage branching between late winter and spring, and new growth in summer. Suitable for any moderately fertile soil, not prone to waterlogging, in sun or part-shade.