Autumn Colour Trees

Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale', also known as the Pyramid Silver Maple, is a striking, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong, upright form and elegant foliage. Reaching a mature height of 20 to 25 meters with a spread of 10 to 15 meters, it forms a tall, narrowly oval canopy, making it ideal for spaces needing vertical emphasis. Its deeply lobed green leaves shimmer with silvery undersides, creating a beautiful, dynamic effect in the wind. In early spring, small red flowers appear before the leaves, offering subtle seasonal interest. 'Pyramidale' thrives in a wide range of soils, including wetter areas, and is highly adaptable to urban conditions. It provides quick shade, adds architectural interest, and brings year-round texture and movement to landscapes and parks.

Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame' is a striking, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its brilliant early fall color and dense, rounded crown. Reaching a mature height of 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet, this cultivar is ideal for providing shade and visual interest in residential landscapes or larger open spaces. Its standout feature is the vivid scarlet-red foliage that develops earlier in the season than most other red maples, adding a burst of fiery color to the autumn landscape.

'Autumn Flame' is a male (sterile) selection, which means it produces no messy seeds, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, although it is adaptable to a range of growing conditions. Tolerant of urban environments and compacted soils, this tree offers year-round beauty, with attractive gray bark and lush green summer foliage.

​Acer campestre 'Royal Ruby' is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant seasonal foliage. In spring, it showcases striking purple-red young leaves, which mature to a deep green in summer. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into a rich golden-yellow, providing a dynamic visual display throughout the year. The tree also produces red samaras (winged seeds) in late spring, adding to its ornamental appeal .​
Ashridge Trees

This cultivar typically grows to a height of 8–10 meters with a rounded, spreading habit, making it suitable for various landscape applications, including hedging and ornamental planting .​

'Royal Ruby' thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, provided they are moist but well-drained. It is hardy across the UK and northern Europe (RHS H6 rating) and is tolerant of urban conditions, making it a resilient choice for city gardens .​

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red' is a bold and elegant cultivar of the Norway maple, prized for its deep, rich purple foliage that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. This slow-growing, deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 meters with a spread of 10 to 12 meters, forming a broad, rounded crown. Its glossy, lobed leaves provide dramatic color contrast in gardens, parks, and streetscapes. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear before the leaves, adding subtle seasonal interest. 'Royal Red' is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types and urban conditions, including pollution and drought once established. It is an excellent choice for creating a striking focal point or providing bold, long-lasting color in the landscape.

Betula papyrifera, commonly known as the paper birch or white birch, is a striking deciduous tree native to North America. It is best known for its distinctive white bark that peels in thin, paper-like layers, giving it a unique ornamental appeal throughout the year. This species typically grows quickly and can reach heights of 50 to 70 feet, with an open, airy canopy. Its dark green, serrated leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, creating a beautiful seasonal display. Paper birch thrives in cool climates and is commonly found in northern forests, along streams, and in open woodlands. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can adapt to various conditions. In addition to its aesthetic value, Betula papyrifera provides important ecological benefits, offering food and habitat for wildlife. It is also historically significant, as Indigenous peoples used its bark for canoes, containers, and writing surfaces.

Slow-growing deciduous tree of open habit, eventually reaching about 10m in height. Bark purple-tinged white, becoming black and rugged at base. Leaves in spring are dark purple to dark-red, turning greenish purple in summer and finally purple-bronze in autumn

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.

Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana,' commonly referred to as Chinese Redbud 'Shirobana,' is an exceptional and eye-catching ornamental tree that can grace British gardens and landscapes with its unique and captivating features. Originally hailing from China, this cultivar has garnered international acclaim for its remarkable characteristics.

One of the most remarkable attributes of 'Shirobana' is its blossoms. During the spring season, prior to the emergence of its leaves, this tree adorns itself with a profusion of delicate, butterfly-like flowers. What sets it apart is its ability to produce different-colored blossoms on the same tree simultaneously, creating a spectacular display of colour variation that is truly enchanting.

The name 'Shirobana' translates to "white flower," underscoring the tree's ability to produce these stunning pale blooms alongside the usual pink and lavender ones. This unique trait makes 'Shirobana' particularly desirable for garden enthusiasts seeking to introduce an element of whimsy and diversity to their outdoor spaces.

The foliage of 'Shirobana' typically takes on a heart-shaped form and exhibits a medium green hue, serving as a splendid backdrop to the lavish spring blossoms. As the leaves mature, they may acquire a glossy sheen, adding to the tree's visual appeal. This deciduous tree usually reaches a height of around 3 to 4 meters and forms an elegant, gracefully-rounded canopy.

Maintaining Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' in the UK is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location that receives ample sunlight or partial shade. Ensuring adequate watering during dry spells and regular mulching to conserve moisture are key to its overall health and vitality. Pruning requirements are typically minimal, primarily focused on shaping the tree or removing any dead or overcrowded branches.

One of the advantages of 'Shirobana' is its notable resistance to common pests and diseases, contributing to its low-maintenance nature. Additionally, it exhibits adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings.

In conclusion, Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' is an extraordinary ornamental tree that can bring a sense of wonder and diversity to British gardens. Its multi-coloured spring blossoms, heart-shaped leaves, and manageable size make it an enchanting addition to landscapes, providing an opportunity for gardeners to experience the ever-changing palette of nature. Whether used as a focal point or to infuse charm into garden borders, 'Shirobana' is certain to captivate the hearts of those who encounter its mesmerizing beauty.

Betula papyrifera, commonly known as the paper birch or white birch, is a striking deciduous tree native to North America. It is best known for its distinctive white bark that peels in thin, paper-like layers, giving it a unique ornamental appeal throughout the year. This species typically grows quickly and can reach heights of 50 to 70 feet, with an open, airy canopy. Its dark green, serrated leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, creating a beautiful seasonal display. Paper birch thrives in cool climates and is commonly found in northern forests, along streams, and in open woodlands. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can adapt to various conditions. In addition to its aesthetic value, Betula papyrifera provides important ecological benefits, offering food and habitat for wildlife. It is also historically significant, as Indigenous peoples used its bark for canoes, containers, and writing surfaces.

Acer palmatum 'Phoenix' is a stunning deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. This particular cultivar of the Japanese maple is a popular ornamental plant and is prized for its vibrant, fiery foliage. 'Phoenix' has a unique combination of shades of red, orange, and yellow that make it stand out in any landscape. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a delicate, lacy appearance that adds an elegant touch to any garden.

At maturity, Acer palmatum 'Phoenix' typically reaches a height of around 3 meters (10 feet) and a spread of approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet). Its growth rate is relatively slow, so it is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens. This compact size makes it an ideal choice for container planting, and it can also be grown as a stunning focal point in a mixed border. When placed in a prominent location in a garden, the brilliant fall colors of 'Phoenix' are sure to attract attention and provide a visual feast for the eyes.

Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' is a captivating variety of Japanese Maple renowned for its eye-catching colour transitions through the seasons. It typically exhibits vibrant orange-yellow foliage in spring, subtly transforming to a soft, light green as summer approaches. This stunning foliage coloration is accentuated with a contrasting network of delicate, dark red veins running through the leaves, contributing to its ornamental value.

In autumn, ‘Orange Dream’ puts on a spectacular display as the leaves transmute to a brilliant gold, sometimes with shades of red, providing a lasting impression before they fall. It's a compact, bushy, deciduous tree, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or for growing in containers. Additionally, it’s relatively slow-growing, reaching a height of approximately 3-4 meters over a 10-year period, ensuring manageability.

This variety prefers a sheltered location, avoiding the harshest midday sun, and appreciates well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. Providing adequate protection from strong winds and extreme temperatures will help in maintaining its vibrant leaf colour and overall health. Regular watering, particularly in drier periods, is crucial, although it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions.

The aesthetic appeal and manageable size of 'Orange Dream' make it a popular choice among gardeners seeking to add a touch of drama and sophistication to their landscapes.

The Acer palmatum 'Garnet is a captivating and popular deciduous tree renowned for its stunning foliage. This small, graceful tree features deeply dissected leaves with a delicate, lacy appearance, emerging as vibrant wine-red in the spring. Throughout the summer, the foliage maintains its rich garnet hue, providing a striking contrast against the greenery of other plants. In autumn, the leaves transition to a firey orange-red, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape.

Royal Garnet has a vigorous, spreading habit, resulting in the formation of a mound-shaped shrub that will look breath-taking in any type of landscape.This acer starts with an upright, dense growth habit, slowly growing into a somewhat wider shape at five years of age. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered location with partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture.

This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases. The Acer palmatum 'Royal Garnet' is highly valued for its year-round interest and ability to provide a touch of elegance and serenity to any garden setting. Its unique foliage and compact form make it a perfect addition to Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, and mixed borders.

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 'Garnet' is a medium-sized, vigorous deciduous shrub with a bushy, dense, capriciously growing, cascading habit and smooth, grey-brown bark. It has beautiful, feathery, deeply cut, red leaves that resemble the colour of garnet stone in spring and summer, and turn scarlet in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, purplish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by pink, winged fruits. It can grow in any soil type except clay, but thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a wonderful shrub that really stands out in the landscape and is probably the most used among similar cultivars. It is stunning as specimen plant, perfect for cottage and urban gardens, rock gardens, and roof gardens. Suitable for growing in containers as well.

Stem Height: 130cm
Ground to top: 180cm
Head width: 200cm

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.