Autumn Colour Trees

Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly known as the Golden Rain Tree, is a stunning, multi-stem deciduous tree renowned for its vibrant display and adaptability. This tree typically grows to a height of 30-40 feet, making it a perfect choice for both small and large landscapes. In summer, it bursts into a spectacular show of bright yellow flowers that form in large, open panicles, creating a golden canopy that is a sight to behold. Following the bloom, the tree produces distinctive, bladder-like seed pods that resemble Chinese lanterns, adding an unusual and attractive element to the tree's appearance.

The multi-stem form of Koelreuteria paniculata adds an architectural dimension, with multiple trunks branching out close to the ground, creating a bushy, full appearance. Its foliage is equally impressive, with pinnate leaves that emerge a pinkish-bronze color, turning to a bright green and eventually to yellow in the fall, providing a prolonged season of interest.

Hardy and relatively low-maintenance, the Golden Rain Tree thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It is also tolerant of pollution and drought, making it an excellent choice for urban environments. This tree's unique aesthetic and adaptability make it an ideal choice for those seeking a distinctive and resilient tree for their garden or landscape project.

Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan' is a distinctive, narrow, and upright tree, a unique cultivar of the Full Moon Maple. It's renowned for its striking golden-yellow foliage that shimmers in the light, bringing a vibrant splash of color to any garden, particularly in spring and autumn when the colors are most intense.

This tree typically reaches a height of about 10 to 15 feet, making it a compact and manageable addition to landscapes, perfect for smaller gardens or spaces where a broader canopy isn't suitable. Its upright growth habit, combined with its colorful presence, allows it to serve as an exquisite focal point or a complementary accent within diverse landscapes.

The leaves of 'Jordan' are particularly notable for their beauty; they exhibit a delicate and intricate texture, displaying a refined serration on the margins. In addition to its attractive foliage, the tree offers a subtle yet enchanting display of red flowers in spring, adding another layer of visual interest.

Resilient and relatively low-maintenance, Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan' is well-suited to a variety of soil types and conditions, although it prefers a sheltered location to protect its foliage from harsh winds and extreme sun, which can scorch the leaves. It's a radiant embodiment of horticultural elegance, combining form, texture, and color to create visual harmony within the garden.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a distinct cultivar of Japanese Maple notable for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms into brilliant shades of fiery red. This deciduous tree has an elegant, rounded form and typically reaches a height and spread of 15-20 feet, making it a spectacular feature in gardens, especially in autumn.

The leaves of 'Osakazuki' are palmate and lobed, displaying a lush green color through spring and summer, before their autumn transformation. These leaves have a uniquely refined texture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season.

Ideal for small gardens, 'Osakazuki' prefers well-drained, moist soils and sheltered locations to protect its delicate foliage from harsh winds. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade, but for the best autumn color, a location with more sunlight is preferable.

This tree is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering, especially in dryer periods, and mulching to maintain soil moisture. Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for a wide range of landscapes. The vivid, extended display of autumn color, coupled with its graceful growth habit, renders 'Osakazuki' a coveted choice among garden enthusiasts.

The Betula nigra ‘Heritage’, commonly known as the Heritage River Birch or Black Birch, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is celebrated for its distinctive, attractive bark and robust nature, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in the UK.

The Heritage River Birch can grow to a height of 21 metres, with a spread of 9 to 12 metres. It has a rounded to pyramidal shape when young, maturing into an irregular oval or rounded form. The leaves are simple, ovate, and serrated, displaying a vibrant green colour during the growing season, which turns a striking yellow in autumn.

One of the most notable features of the Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ is its exfoliating bark. The bark peels away in layers, revealing a patchwork of colours ranging from creamy white and pinkish-tan to reddish-brown, providing year-round visual interest. This characteristic bark makes the tree particularly attractive in winter landscapes when foliage is absent.

This cultivar is highly tolerant of various soil conditions, including wet soils, which makes it ideal for planting near water bodies or in poorly drained areas.

Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ prefers full sun to partial shade. The tree is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established. Its resilience, ornamental bark, and attractive foliage make it a desirable choice for gardens, parks, and urban landscapes.