Trees with Ornamental Bark and Twigs 30/20/2020 We are used to thinking of planting trees for their flower or foliage, but many have attractively coloured, peeling or patterned ornamental bark. Some trees will also throw out particularly coloured new growth adding extra interest at the beginning of the growing season. Acer Acers are often chosen for their autumnal colours and spectacular leaves but the ornamental bark can also be a dazzling feature. The below varieties are particularly well known for their bark: Acer capillipes Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ Acer griseum Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku (Senkaki)’ Acer rufinerve Betula Betula trees have a wide range of ornamental bark features, from dynamic white to chocolate brown, smooth and shaggy. It takes time for the bark colour to develop, but it is well worth the wait. Below are just a handful of examples: Betula albosinensis ‘Red Panda’ Betula ‘Fascination’ Betula ‘Fetisowii’ Betula utilis ‘Snow Queen’ Betula utilis ‘Wakehurst Place Chocolate’ Castanea sativa Also known as Spanish or Sweet Chestnut is a large, fast growing tree with a distinctive twisting bark on the more mature trees. Very important as a timber tree especially for traditional coppicing for railings. Eucalyptus Well known for its attractive flaking bark which can often be likened to Python skin. The peeling bark may expose colourful and interesting patterns on the trunk. Eucalyptus gunnii Eucalyptus johnstonii Eucalyptus pauciflora niphophila Eucalyptus perriniana Fraxinus excelsior ‘Jaspidea’ Striking and vigorous variety of the common ash with beautiful golden yellow new shoots, set off by black buds. Although fast growing, it can be pruned hard (coppiced or pollarded) to control its size and enhance the golden yellow shoots in the winter. Metasequoia Previously thought to be extinct until it was discovered in China in the late 1940’s. The orangery red bark turns darker shades as it matures becoming elongated, and deeply fissured. Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Goldrush’ Metasequoia glyptostroboides Parrotia Mature Parrotia persica trees provide year round interest. The older trunk and branches exfoliate in fine, scaly plates revealing cream, yellow and green colours. Parrotia persica Parrotia persica ‘Bella’ Parrotia persica ‘Jodrell Bank’ Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ Platanus x hispanica A noble park and city tree with attractive, mottled or patchwork flaking bark and large palmate bright green leaves. Flowers are inconspicuous followed by rounded, bauble-like fruits hanging in clusters of two-four. Tolerates pruning and severe pollarding. Prunus Though best known for their blossom, Prunus can have some stunning ornamental bark. You will often find some varieties top-worked onto serrula stems to provide the interesting bark with a wider range of flowers. Prunus himalaica Prunus rufa Prunus serrula Prunus serrula ‘Branklyn’ Prunus x schmittii Salix A perfect choice for adding some colour to a bare winter garden. Hard pruning in early spring is recommended with those grown for their striking colour. The below varieties will all produce impressive winter stems: Salix alba ‘Golden Ness’ Salix alba ‘Hutchinsons Yellow’ Salix alba vitellina ‘Britzensis’ Salix alba vitellina ‘Yelverton’ Salix erythroflexuosa ‘Golden Curls’ Sophora japonica ‘Gold Standard’ Golden yellow stems contrast against the dark green main stem giving ornamental value in the winter. Foliage emerges with rich butter yellow tones before tuning to yellow-green. Stewartia Related to the Camelia, Stewartias are striking flowering trees with good autumn colour. The below varieties are also well known for their attractive flaking bark when mature, which is red-brown and grey-pink underneath. Stewartia pseudocamelia Stewartia rostrata Taxodium distichum A deciduous coniferous tree to 20m or more, with a conical crown, and fibrous red-brown bark. The feathery foliage is bright green, needle-like and turns bright orange in the autumn. Produces small, round seed cones that are purple when young. A classic for waterside planting. Tilia As with Salix the below varieties are perfect in the winter, when the brightly coloured bare stems come into their own. Prune hard in March or April to encourage fresh bright growth. Tilia cordata ‘Winter Orange’ Tilia x europaea ‘Golden Sunset’® Back To List Related Articles… Hazel, Cobnuts, Walnuts and Chestnuts 21/10/2020 Commercial nut growing is increasing in popularity particularly as a … Full Details Ornamental Trees – Bare Root Specifications 31/03/2019 We grow a variety of bare root ornamental trees in … Full Details Heritage Fruit Trees 01/04/2020 Heritage fruit trees come in a fantastic array of mouth-watering … Full Details Caring For Bare Root Trees And Rootstocks 10/02/2018 Caring for bare root trees and rootstocks can be a … Full Details
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