At Arundel Arboretum, our trees and shrubs are continuing their transformation into their autumn vibrancy. Our autumn plants are providing some dazzling colours now and it is quite a sight to see!
When planning your planting, and in order to maximise the autumn colours, autumn plants need sunlight to perform really well. If they are planted in deep shade, you will not be rewarded with impressive colours.
We have an excellent selection of autumn plants, which are looking good now. If you are considering planting a shrub primarily for its autumn colours, here are five you may like to consider:
Cotinus coggygria ‘Old Fashioned’
Cotinus coggygria ‘Old Fashioned’ is primarily grown for its unusual leaves. They are a striking purple-red when young, which gradually turn green-blue as they age. During the autumn, the leaves turn vivid shades of red and orange. Once the plant is established, it will produce panicles of smoke-like flowers in mid-late summer. For the best foliage colour, always plant in a sunny position.
Leucothoe ‘Scarletta’
Leucothoe ‘Scarletta’ is a magnificent spreading, evergreen shrub. Its young leaves emerge bright green with red edges. These gradually mature to a dark, glossy green turning a brilliant red in the autumn and winter. Small white flowers appear in spring. It is best planted in full sun or partial shade and has a maximum height of 40cm-60cm and a spread of 1m – 1.2m
Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’
Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’ is a compact shrub grown primarily for its foliage, which emerges fiery red in spring before turning fresh green, and then red again as autumn takes hold. In summer, it produces clusters of pretty white flowers. With its long season of interest and compact habit, Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’ is perfect for a sunny spot in a small garden. It is an ideal plant to consider planting in a container. It will need protecting from frost. It can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Prunus x yedoensis ‘Shidare-yoshino’
Prunus x yedoensis is a wide spreading deciduous tree. The ovate green leaves turn yellow\golden in the autumn. The flowers appear in spring and are almost white with pink stamens and a slight scent of almonds. Prunus x yedoensis can be planted in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+ and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is a medium sized evergreen tree, with a broadly conical shape. Its spiny green leaves are edged with cream and tinged with pink when they are young. In spring, small white flowers emerge, to be followed later by bright red berries. Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ will grow happily in full sun or partial shade in either a sheltered or exposed position. However, as this is a variegated variety, to get the best colour it will perform better in full sunlight.
We shall look forward to welcoming you to our plant centre, where our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be delighted to assist you. Feel free to also contact us for any enquiries.
