The Best Trees For Autumn Colour

Autumn leaf colour can provide a dazzling display of rich reds, oranges and buttery yellows.

We have selected some of the best trees for leaf colour to plant in your garden this autumn. Click on the images for more information.

Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’

Acer rubrums have some of the very best autumn colour. Commonly known as the Red Maples, they originate in North America and Brandywine is one of the very best varieties. Upright in shape with a tidy oval crown, it’s ideal for any size garden. The leaves emerge pale yellow, darkening green in the summer and then turn into a brilliant, long-lasting red-purple.

Euonymus europaeus ‘Red Cascade’

A large, vigorous shrub, with oval leaves turning ruby red in autumn, accompanied by dusky pink fruit. Small yellow-green flowers appear in summer. A beautiful small tree that adds a superb display of colour in October.

Prunus ‘Beni-yutaka’

One of the best Japanese flowering cherries to produce good autumn colour. The large, oval leaves gradually turn a deep crimson making a stunning sight. The early spring pink flowers are also a delight! Semi-double, disc shaped in a unique sugar pink colour with a distinctive dark central eye in mid-late April.

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’

This tree is one of the most reliable for intense autumn colours. The glossy, dark green leaves are large and lobed and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and deep red as autumn progresses. A real showstopper!

Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’

Glossy leaves turn purple and claret in the autumn. A neat pyramidal habit makes an attractive sight. The leaves can stay on the tree late into the year.

Carpinus betulus ‘Rockhampton Red’®

Deeply ribbed green foliage transform into a spectacular display of bright reds and intense fiery oranges. A lovely medium-sized tree that can be pruned to shape. Like all Hornbeams, the leaves remain on the tree late into autumn.

Sorbus ulleungensis ‘Olympic Flame’™

Feathery leaves become a fiery mix of bronze, orange and scarlet. An upright tree with excellent autumn colour. Creamy white flowers in late spring develop into clusters of shiny orange-red berries.

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