Trees for seasonal colour

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Trees add interest, structure and atmosphere to a garden and are invaluable to wildlife and the environment. There will be a tree suitable to transform even the smallest garden.

Deciduous trees are good for providing more than one season of interest such as striking foliage, blossom, fruit, autumn colour or attractive bark.

Prunus serrulata ‘Pink Perfection’

Spring:  Many trees are admired for their show stopping display of Spring blossom such as Magnolia ‘Galaxy’, Magnolia stellata, Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ (below), Prunus  ‘Pink Perfection’, or Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’. For a lovely contrast, plant alongside the white flowering Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’, Amelanchier laevis ‘Snowflakes’, Amelanchier lamarckii, Cornus kousa or Malus ‘Evereste’.

Amelanchier laevis
Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’

Summer: There are many trees which offer summer interest. For flowering trees try Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’, Liriodendron tulipifera or Koelreuteria paniculata. The unusual foliage of these larger specimen trees is in full effect in summer, setting off the flowers and subsequent ‘fruit’ beautifully. The bright variegated foliage of Acer Platanoides ‘Drummondii’ contrasts wonderfully against darker green trees.

Catalpa bignonides ‘Aurea’

Autumn: Many trees turn stunning autumn shades and bear fruits that can last well into winter. In addition to the ever popular Acers (Japanese maple) and flowering cherry trees, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ is a popular ‘garden designer choice’ for its vibrant red foliage.

Amelanchier lamarckii
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’

Winter: Several trees are noted for their bark interest in winter including Acer griseum and Prunus serrula.  Some of the most effective in winter are the birches, especially Betula utilis jacquemontii (Himalayan birch). Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ provides striking colour and structure to any border.

Betula utilis jacquemontii (Himalayan birch)

Here are some of our top choices:

More trees we recommend

In addition to our huge range of deciduous trees here at the nursery, we specialise in evergreen plants for screening all year round <find out more>

For advice and ideas visit or contact us at The Big Plant Nursery and ask about our ‘At Home’ Consultancy Service if you’re not sure where to start.

Tel: 0118 934 1757

E-mail: info@thebigplantnursery.com