Here at Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex, our deciduous trees and shrubs are transforming into a spectacle of fantastic autumn colours. Shades of buttery yellows, fiery reds and flaming oranges now adorn many of our plants.
If you are looking to purchase a tree or shrub for its autumn interest, now is the time to visit us! A member of the Arundel Arboretum team will be delighted to show you the trees and shrubs we currently have on offer and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, head on over to our website – although, please do be aware, that due to stock shortages, our website is just an overview of what we hope to have in stock. Travelling down to come and see us? Please don’t hesitate to give us a call beforehand to ensure your chosen tree or shrub is in stock! We can always suggest alternatives if your first choice is out of stock.
To help you in your search for a tree or shrub, with stunning autumn foliage, here are our top 5 autumnal plants…
Acer rubrum Redpointe
Acre rubrum Redpointe is a deciduous maple, relatively new to the UK market. Being exceptionally easy to grow, this tree is well worth considering in this season; its compact shape, striking foliage and stunning autumnal tones make it the ideal choice for your garden.
In spring, graceful green leaves appear, lasting right through until they turn to a vibrant red in the autumn, transforming the tree into an autumn spectacle. Small red flowers are speckled throughout the trees in the warmer months, followed by attractive winged nutlets in the autumn.
Acre rubrum Redpointe will happily grow in any high quality, well-drained soil and will cope with being in either full sun or partial shade. It has an eventual height of 10m and a spread of 5m after approximately 20 years.
Acer palmatum
Acer palmatum is a small, slow-growing, deciduous Japanese maple, which can be grown as a shrub or small tree. The delicate foliage of Acer palmatum is small, five-lobed and a deep green in the spring, which turn a stunning red in the autumn.
Acer palmatum requires well-drained soil with an acidic pH, which will enhance the autumn colours. It can be grown in a semi-shaded position, as too much sun will scorch its fragile foliage.
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple, with a round growth habit. Its large, seven-lobed bright green leaves turn a brilliant orange scarlet in the autumn. The tree also produces small red flowers and fruits.
This is a tough plant, therefore can withstand being planted in full sun, or in a sheltered position. It has an approximate height and spread of 2.5-4m.
Amelanchier canadensis
Amelanchier canadensis is a small deciduous tree, which can also be grown as a large shrub. Masses of white flowers bloom in the spring, followed by green-red fruits, that eventually turn black. During the autumnal months, its mid-green leaves turn an orangey-red shade. This is an excellent tree for birds and prefers well-drained soil.
Azalea japonica ‘Blaauw’s Pink’
Azalea japonica ‘Blaauw’s Pink’ is an evergreen shrub, which masses with scented coral flowers in the late spring. Its green foliage stays put throughout the year, before turning into its beautiful autumnal shades. It is a compact shrub and will add a dominance of colour to any border or container. It is best grown in acidic soil, located in partial shade. It has an eventual height and spread of around 1m.
If you’re on the hunt for an autumnal tree or shrub for its autumn colours, pop down to Arundel Arboretum one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex, where our knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you!
