Relishing the Wane of Autumn, as Discussed by Nigel Slater
Top Small Trees and Shrubs for Vibrant Autumn Colour
For garden enthusiasts seeking to add a splash of colour to their outdoor spaces, small trees and shrubs with stunning autumn foliage are a perfect choice. Here are some standout options that will bring vibrant, multi-hued autumn hues to gardens of all sizes.
One of the standout small trees is the Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus), a rounded tree growing 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. Its foliage transforms into a sensational mixed palette of coral orange, lemon yellow, lime, and raspberry, making it a true spectacle in the autumn garden. Hardy in Zones 4 to 8, it also boasts wispy summer flowers, adding to its ornamental value.
Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) is another noteworthy option, offering vibrant shades of neon orange-yellow in the fall. This tree can be a small single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub and is notable for its multi-season colour.
Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) is known for its uniquely colourful fall foliage, which can include purple, red, gold, and orange all on the same tree. It also has attractive white flowers and provides interest year-round.
For those seeking smaller trees, the Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium-sized tree with fall leaves ranging from pink to deep blood-red, offering brilliant scarlet-umber colour. It is native to Eastern North America.
In addition to these small trees, there are several shrubs that offer notable autumn colour. Spirea japonica ‘Little Princess’, growing 2-3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, offers burnished coppery orange fall foliage and pink flowers in late spring through summer. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is another option, although often considered a shrub, it can grow 8 to 10 feet tall and wide and has blazing red fall colour.
For smaller gardens, shrubs like Spirea or Burning Bush may be more appropriate, but for small trees with striking autumn colour, Smoketree, Persian Ironwood, and Japanese Stewartia are standouts.
When selecting trees and shrubs for autumn colour, consider zone hardiness and site conditions to ensure the best possible results. Happy gardening!
- The Smoketree, with its vibrant mixed palette of coral orange, lemon yellow, lime, and raspberry leaves in autumn, is an excellent small tree choice for gardens of all sizes to enhance the autumn garden's vibrancy.
- In addition to the Smoketree, the Persian Ironwood offers neon orange-yellow fall foliage and can be a small single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub, showcasing multi-season colour.
- For those looking for a unique autumn spectacle, the Japanese Stewartia presents the opportunity to witness purple, red, gold, and orange leaves on the same tree, making it a valuable addition to any lifestyle-focused garden.
