This autumn, the arboretum is brimming with spectacular displays of colour. Here are a few highlights to look out for in October…

Acer palmatum (Japanese maples) – The true stars of the season, Japanese maples are currently transforming into brilliant shades of red, yellow, and crimson. The Acer saccharum (Sugar maple) by the Foo Dog statue is glowing with its superb yellow-orange foliage.

Liquidambar styraciflua – sweet gum – Few trees rival these for variety of colour. Their leaves are a mixture of dark red, crimson, purple, yellow, and orange, creating a dazzling patchwork. There is an excellent display of Liquidambar in the Seven Leys area.

Ornamental vines (Vitis) – Trails of ornamental vines weave through the yew trees, their leaves ablaze with crimson, yellow, and red.

Euonymus – commonly known as the spindle – this plant brings a double delight: foliage that turns yellow, red, and crimson, alongside fruits that split open to reveal striking pink or orange seeds.

Betula (Birch) – Birches offer both colourful leaves and striking bark. Many cultivars turn a bright yellow in autumn. Betula utilis ‘Silver Shadow’ and ‘Grayswood Ghost’ stand out with their pure white stems, while Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch) combines golden foliage with ruffled brown bark. For the brightest yellow leaves, look for Betula lenta.

Ginkgo biloba – Often one of the last to change, this year the ginkgo is colouring earlier, lighting up with a brilliant golden yellow that shines even on grey days.

Sorbus – These trees offer a fiery autumn palette of orange, red, and purple, accompanied by large clusters of berries in shades of pink, white, orange, and red.

Nyssa – Known for its vivid display, Nyssa brings shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The cultivar ‘Wisley Bonfire’ lives up to its name with glowing flame-orange foliage, while Nyssa sylvatica shifts more subtly through yellow, orange, red, and scarlet.

Japanese cherries – Planted throughout the arboretum, these trees add splashes of yellow, crimson, and orange to the autumn scene.

 

One thing is certain; the arboretum’s autumn colours promise to be unforgettable. Be sure to take the time to enjoy them!