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Autumn is a great time to plant trees as the soil is still warm from summer, but moisture levels are rising. This helps young roots settle in before winter arrives. Whether you’re adding colour, structure or wildlife value to your garden, planting in autumn sets the stage for a spectacular display. Here are our top 5 ornamental trees to plant for a stunning, blossom-filled spring!
Ornamental Flowering Cherry
If you want your garden to burst into life in spring, ornamental cherries are hard to beat. With their show-stopping blossoms and graceful forms, they bring instant beauty and timeless charm. Three of our favourites include:
‘Kanzan’. One of the most popular flowering cherries, ‘Kanzan’ puts on a truly spectacular show. In mid to late spring, its branches are smothered in rich, double pink blossom. It also makes a real statement in medium to large gardens, with its strong, upright shape that matures into a spreading crown!
‘Amanogawa’. Ideal for smaller gardens, this Cherry has a narrow, upright habit that fits perfectly in tight spaces. Its semi-double, pale pink flowers appear in vertical sprays up the columnar branches in late spring and its autumn foliage brings warm orange and red tones.
‘Autumnalis Rosea’. This unique cherry that flowers not once, but twice! You’ll see delicate, pale pink blossoms appear sporadically from November through winter, followed by a fuller flush in early spring. Compact and charming, it brings a soft touch of colour when little else is blooming.
Perfect for: Small to large gardens and seasonal interest
2. Crab apple
Crab apples are a fantastic choice for year-round interest as well as their support to pollinators and birds. Known for their beautiful spring blossom and eye-catching fruit, two varieties we love are:
‘Red Sentinel’. In spring this Crab apple bursts into clusters of white blossom that attract bees and pollinators. Its glossy red fruits then steal the show later in the year. Compact and tidy, it’s perfect for gardens of all sizes.
‘Street Parade’. The variety produces masses of pink-flushed white flowers in spring, followed by attractive, dark red fruits. With a neat, upright form, it’s ideal for driveways, pavements, and smaller gardens.
Perfect for: Pollinator-friendly gardens and bursts of seasonal interest
3. Crataegus (Hawthorn)
Hawthorns are a classic choice for structure and seasonal interest. They are known for their spring blossom, autumn colour and ability to support birds and pollinators alike. Both tough and beautiful, two standout varieties include:
‘Paul’s Scarlet’. This ornamental hawthorn is a real showstopper, producing dense clusters of double, deep pink to red flowers in late spring. Its rich green foliage turns golden in autumn, often accompanied by small red haws that birds love.
Prunifolia. This variety is cherished for its glossy, dark green leaves that resemble cherry or plum foliage. It flowers in late spring with creamy-white blooms and produces abundant red fruits in autumn, paired with vivid orange and red leaf colour.
Perfect for: Wildlife-friendly gardens and seasonal displays of blossom and berries.
4. Amelanchier
Amelanchiers are graceful, multi-season trees that bring elegance and charm to any garden. Celebrated for their delicate blossom, vibrant autumn colour and wildlife-friendly berries, they’re ideal for adding subtle beauty without overwhelming a space. Two of our top picks are:
‘Robin Hill’. A refined, upright tree that’s perfect for urban or smaller gardens. In early spring, it bursts into soft pink buds that open to pale blush-white flowers, attracting pollinators. As the year progresses, it develops small, purple-black fruits loved by birds, followed by striking orange-red autumn foliage.
Lamarkii. Known for its year-round interest, this variety is one of the first trees to bloom in spring, with star-shaped white flowers that light up the garden. These are followed by berries and a fiery display of foliage in autumn. Naturally compact and bushy, it works well as a small tree or large shrub.
Perfect for: Small gardens, mixed borders and seasonal interest all year round.
5. Ornamental pear
Ornamental pears are an excellent choice for structure and year-round appeal. ‘Chanticleer’ is an upright tree with a tidy, conical shape that makes it ideal for avenues, driveways, or tight spaces. It produces a profusion of white blossom in early spring that is great for pollinators. Its glossy green leaves stay fresh-looking throughout summer, turning rich shades of red and purple in autumn. It is a versatile favourite for both urban and garden planting!
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