The glorious autumn colour of a cherry tree, I think its Prunus Shirotae.
I hope you’re enjoying the autumn colour, that last fiery farewell in the garden before winter gets a grip.
I’ve made a determined effort after the high winds & dashing rain of this last week, to notice the fabulous colours before they disappear completely.
This is a Cotinus coggygria Grace, it has dark purple leaves from Spring, then they turn this wonderful colour before they drop.
I read somewhere once, that buying a seasonal plant every month results in a garden that always has something interesting to see throughout the year. Though I think that it’s more likely to result in a random collection of plants, unless there’s a plan of the garden to make sure it all works together.
But it’s certainly worth thinking about having plants in your garden that look good in each season.
A Kolruteria at R.H.S. Wisley Gardens in Surrey.
I’ve had a fresh look at my garden, & I’m thinking about how to introduce more autumn colour.
So far, there’s a stunning Acer palmatum planted in a pot, that I can see through the window when I sit in my favourite chair. Next door’s Virginia Creeper sends a few rambling stems over the garden wall, right next to the kitchen door. This is perfect as far as I’m concerned, a whole plant would overwhelm this part of our garden. The leaves of Beech tree will soon turn fiery orange & light up the corner at the end of the garden, but thats about it for autumn colour.
Here’s 3 favourite plants for autumn colour:
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides / Hardy Plumbago, 40/40cm:
A hardy little, deciduous plant, it has bright blue flowers in late summer & dark green leaves that turn red in autumn.
I’m buying 5 of these to plant at the edge of a border that I can see from the sitting room.
Berberis atropurpurea ‘Helmond Pillar’ 1.2m tall x 70cm:
Tall & slim, so great for small spaces & has a flash of brilliant red in late autumn.
Acer palmatum / Japenese maple:
Ideal for growing in plant pots, as the pot restricts their growth. Just remember they need planting in ericaceous compost, mixed with John Innes No 3 for some substance.
Small plants with autumn colour are always useful, they’re easy to fit into gardens & balconies. Its worth noting that bigger quantities of small plants are needed to make more of an impact.
Check the eventual size of the plant & if it suits the conditions in your garden before you buy. That way it’ll thrive & won’t need replacing, & keep us on the track to a sustainable garden.
Enjoy the autumn colour while it lasts.
Jill
All photos: Jill Anderson.
Lovely photos and an interesting idea to buy a plant for colour for each month. About the plumbago though, I found it had horrid furry leaves a bit like fibre glass and a like that yellow Californian climber (forgot name) which were like tiny splinters. Have you found that??
Thanks Julie, autumn colour is always produces great photos. I don’t find the Plumbago leaves a problem, but I know what you mean about the Californian climber – if you’re thinking of Fremontedendron? – it has very itch making leaves!
It seems to be a really good year for autumn colour. Also it’s slow.. things are taking their time. I still have an acer that is all green (Emerald Lace.. perhaps that’s the clue!) It might all change if we have a frost this weekend.
Emerald Lace is a lovely Acer. I agree, I think it will all change with this cold snap. It really feels like winter, especially with the clocks changing this weekend! : )