Planting trees before autumn gives them time to establish, allowing you to enjoy a stunning display of seasonal color as the leaves turn autumnal shades of gold, amber and red. Whether you are adding a focal point or enhancing an existing landscape, choosing the right tree is a great way to add interest to your garden throughout the season. 

What are the benefits of autumn colour?

Choosing trees with striking autumn colour is an excellent way to extend seasonal interest and bring warmth, texture and vibrancy to your garden. While many plants begin to fade, trees with colorful foliage create a stunning display, adding depth and character to the landscape before winter arrives. These trees can also provide valuable habitats for wildlife and serve as eye-catching focal points for gardens of any size.

Our favourite varieties include…

1. Liquidambar

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ (Sweet Gum) features attractive maple-like leaves that emerge fresh green in spring before transforming into a spectacular display of yellow, orange, red and deep purple in autumn. Its exceptional seasonal colour makes it a striking focal point as the seasons change.

2. Fagus sylvatica & Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’

Both green and purple beech are exceptional choices for adding year-round beauty, structure and wildlife value to the landscape. 

Green beech. Glossy green summer foliage transforms into a spectacular display of vibrant gold, orange, and rich coppery-russet tones in autumn.

Purple beech. Deep purple spring and summer foliage gradually changes to warm shades of reddish copper, bronze, and golden brown in autumn, creating a striking seasonal contrast.

Both green and purple beech develop a dense branching structure, and many of their crisp, papery leaves remain on the branches throughout winter. These retained leaves provide valuable winter shelter, offering nesting sites and excellent protection for birds and other wildlife from harsh weather and predators. They also continue to provide screening and structure in the landscape long after many other deciduous trees have shed their leaves.

3. Japanese maple

Japanese maples are widely considered some of the best trees for autumn colour. Their leaves transition into vivid shades of fiery red, brilliant orange, glowing yellow and deep purple.

‘Atropurpureum’ is a deep purple-red/burgundy tone throughout the spring and summer, turning spectacular, shades of fiery crimson-red before dropping for the winter.

‘Orange Dream’ is typically lime green with orange margins over summar. Transforming into a vivid mix of bright yellow-gold and rich crimson before the leaves drop. 

4. Persian ironwood

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is one of the best trees you can choose for autumn. Its leaves shift through brilliant, vibrant shades of yellow, orange, crimson, and purple creating a spectacular, fiery display of seasonal colour.

5. Rowan/Mountain ash

Rowan/Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a spectacular choice for autumn. It puts on a multi-sensory seasonal show with its leaves turning fiery shades of red, purple, and yellow, and heavy clusters of bright berries ripening in late summer and autumn.