Our Head Gardener points out what to look out for this autumn…

Betula– there is a variety of cultivars to choose from with autumn leaf colour often a very bright yellow, and stems with pure white bark. Betula utilis ‘Silver Shadow and ‘Grayswood Ghost’ have clear white stems, alternatively, Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch) has yellow leaf colour and ruffled brown bark.

Carpinus – known as hornbeams – autumn colour is commonly a rich yellow for most species and cultivar of Hornbeam, but there are a select few trees that have vivid bright red autumn colour, which are magical!

Cercidiphyllum japonicum – autumn leaf colour can range from vibrant flame orange and red to shades of yellow and pink. What also makes this tree special are the heart-shaped leaves which emit a rare fragrance that can be smelt from quite a distance from the tree. The scent is often described as a blend of caramelised sugar and crushed strawberries, but you may come to your own conclusion! The scent is due to high concentrations of maltose in the ageing leaves. Maltose is used commercially to enhance the aroma of baked confections.

Sorbus – with autumn leaf colour ranging from flame orange, red and purple with large clusters of berries in shades of pink, white, orange, and red.

Euonymus – commonly known as the spindle – the leaves turn yellow, red and crimson, along with fruits which split open to reveal pink or orange seeds.

Nyssa – look out for vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow and orange leaf colour. The cultivar ‘Wisley Bonfire’ really does turn a flame orange. There are other species of Nyssa which turn bright red and orange which are also impressive.

Japanese cherries planted throughout the arboretum – look out for the shades of yellow, red, crimson and orange.

Liquidambar styraciflua – sweet gum – with shades of crimson, orange, yellow and purple. Often the last to lose their leaves in early November.

Ornamental vines (Vitis) – with a mass of crimson, yellow and red leaves seen trailing through yew trees.

Darmera peltata- often known as the umbrella plant – is a herbaceous plant and can be found all-around ‘Rockery Bridge’. In autumn, their large leaves turn various shades of red.

 

Acers – there are lots of maples which look glorious this time of year. Acer cappadocicum with rich butter-yellow leaves, along with Acer saccharum and its orange, gold and crimson leaves. And of course, do not forget to look out for the cultivars of Acer palmatum (Japanese Maples) planted throughout the arboretum – the true stars of the show – looking magical in any weather, providing magnificent display of reds, yellows, oranges and gold throughout October!