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Here are our Top 10 plants for Autumn Colour.
Following our short-lived Indian Summer, Autumn seems to be upon us with a vengeance. Whilst most "garden centres" see this as a green-light
to stock-up on Christmas decorations, here at Smeaton we embrace the change in season by highlighting the amazing colour changes of our
hardy plant stock. Here are some of our favorite Autumn performers...
As always our staff are on hand if you need any help or advice
1. Rhus typhina (Sumach):
This large spreading shrub has large fern-like leaves, up to 2' long, turning a magnificent orange or red in
Autumn. The form 'Laciniata' has finer feathery foliage.
2. Fothergilla major:
This slow-growing, rounded shrub carries short, fragrant flower-spikes in Spring and spectacular sunset-shades of
Autumn foliage. We also offer the more compact-growing form 'gardenii'.
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3. Euonymus alatus “Compactus” (Winged-Spindle Bush):
Another slow-growing, medium-sized shrub with interesting, corky-winged branches. Fresh green oval leaves
turn a brilliant shade of rosy-scarlet.
4. Acer griseum (Paper-Bark Maple):
Although the Japanese Maples are renowned for their spectacular Autumn colour, this Maple is much more
tolerant of wind and sun exposure. Slowly producing a small, rounded tree, it's glorious red and scarlet foliage in
Autumn, combined with attractive peeling orange and brown bark, make this an ideal choice for a small garden.
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5. Viburnum plicatum:
We carry several forms of this spectacular Spring flowering shrub with an abundance of white or pink-shaded
blooms along tiered horizontal branches. Foliage turns brilliant shades of red.
6. Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood):
This slow, spreading shrub ultimately grows into a low, dome-shaped tree. It's large deep-green leaves turn red,
orange and gold in Autumn.
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7. Liquidamber Worplesdon (Sweet Gum):
This beautiful, conical-shaped tree has lobed "Maple"-shaped, fresh-green foliage brightly coloured red,
crimson and gold in Autumn.
8. Parthenocissus (Boston Ivy / Virginia Creeper):
Partially self-clinging climbers ideal for scrambling up walls, trees or over sheds. Vine-shaped leaves
turn dazzling red and crimson in Autumn.
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9. Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree):
Upright shrub, ultimately a large tree.Small, heart-shaped leaves emerge bright pink, then sea-green, in
Autumn turning smoky-pink, red or yellow (and smell of 'candy-floss' when damp from rain or dew!)
10. Amelanchier (Snowy Mespilus):
Very hardy small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs with masses of starry white flowers in Spring and rounded
foliage, richly colouring in Autumn to orange and red.
Good Autumn colour is expected, but not always guaranteed. Colour change happens as sugars within the leaf break down as the days shorten.
Sunny days and crisp, clear nights bring about gradual and impressive colour-change, whereas heavy rain and blustery conditions only impede
the process. The leaves as they prepare to drop for Winter, give a final great display of gold, yellow, bronze, red, orange and crimson. Combined
with gentle Autumn sunlight, these plants can create a truly dramatic look to your garden.
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