Trees with stunning red foliage in fall

From single centrepieces to parts of complex design, trees are garden bones-the fundamentals of our gardens.

Now is the time when deciduous plants stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment which results in discolouration of leaves. Fortunately, this often leads to stunning displays of colour harmony within nature.

Beautiful red foliage, glowing in autumn sunset is magnificent even without a need for any natural background.

Our top picks include:

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Red oak (Quercus rubra)
Maple Autumn blaze (Acer ‘Autumn Blaze’)
Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
Japanese |Snowball bush (Viburnum plicatum)

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

This is a deciduous tree with star-shaped and spiky-looking fruit in late summer. Green foliage during the season turns beautifully red in the fall.

Although the medium to large size doesn’t allow it to be planted in small gardens, grafted trees on smaller rootstocks are widely available, reaching size of approximately 5 x 5 m in ten years, making them suitable for any sized garden.

Hardiness: fully hardy
Soil: well-drained moist soil
PH: acid to neutral
Position: full sun

Red oak (Quercus rubra)

Deciduous tree with alternate-lobed, oblong shaped leaves native to North America quickly found its way to Europe. This naturally large-sized tree is mostly used in parks and large gardens often creating an alleyway.

However, smaller rootstocks help to grow smaller-sized trees and are being supplied by local retailers worldwide.

Hardiness: hardy
Soil: moist well drained, suitable for sand, loam and clay
PH: acid to neutral
Position: sun to partial shade

Maple Autumn Blaze (Acer ‘Autumn blaze’)

Originating from Asia, maples were a huge contribution to ancient Green public parks. Now they are most common trees found across the globe.

These deciduous trees and shrubs of large size produce winged fruit in the summer. Their lobe-leafed foliage can be found in green, yellow and red colours often turning glowing orange in the fall.

Hardiness: hardy
Soil: moist, well drained
PH: acid to neutral
Position: full sun, partial shade

Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa)

This is a deciduous small to medium-sized tree native to East Asia. Bearing opposite single leaves, it is covered in white flowers in late spring. Green leaves during the season turn red purple in the autumn.

Following flower production, pink to red fruit is formed in the summer. Strawberry-reminding fruit is edible and tasty, sometimes used to make wine.

Hardiness: hardy
Soil: moist, well drained
PH: acid, neutral, alkaline
Position: full sun, partial shade

Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

A medium-sized tree native to all areas of North America. Small green-white flowers produced in the spring are rich in nectar and attract bees. Leaves can be an attractive source of food for reindeer.

The green oval leaves turn purple red slowly becoming intense bright in the autumn.

Hardiness: hardy
Soil: moist
PH: loam, clay
Position: full sun, partial shade

Japanese Snowball bush (Viburnum plicatum)

This attractive flowering deciduous shrub often resembles a small tree. Large hydrangea-like flowers are being produced in the spring. Horizontal-laid branches create an architectural appearance, often used in Japanese Zen gardens.

Dark green broad oval leaves turn into a stunning dark red display in the autumn. Its small size allows this plant to be an attractive addition to any garden.

Hardiness: hardy
Soil: moist, well drained
Ph: acid, neutral, alkaline
Position: full sun, partial shade

If you are using garden spotlights pointing to the tree, change its colour to yellow. You can do this by using light filters or changing the lenses (If in doubt please consult a professional). Combination of the two warm colours will produce a glowing display during cooler autumn nights.

Martin

Markel Gardens

When to plant your trees?

Autumn is the best time as the ground remains warm, ensuring proper root establishment and winter weather conditions prevent soil from drying out.

How to choose the right size?

Most trees available today are being grafted on smaller rootstocks, reaching sizes of approximately 5 x 5 metres. This makes them a great addition suitable for any sized garden.

For additional information, please seek advice from your local supplier.

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