Autumn Colour

As night time temperatures drop, many deciduous trees start to go into a winter dormancy.  This means that they withdraw many nutrients from the foliage, and as they do this the lack of green chlorophyll in the leaves mean that they start to look orange, red, yellow and finally brown. 

This ‘fall’ display is one of nature’s most magnificent displays. Cold areas do it the best, but there are lots of plants that still will put on a show, even in warmer climes.  One of the best is Crepe Myrtle. Our display gardens in Macquarie Park have a courtyard planted with them, and in summer they are snowy and white in flower, then a few months later they are golden buttercup and rich vermillion.  It’s a sight to behold, if only fleetingly.Other trees that colour well include the tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ and golden robinias.

 

 

In cooler climates, the choice is much broader, with claret ash, golden ash, oaks and pistachios.  And many of these trees need larger spaces too, so ask our staff for the best selection for your backyard.

If you do have any size restrictions, don’t despair.  Add a touch of autumn with deciduous oak-leafed hydrangea, a shrub form of crepe myrtle, a smoke bush, or weeping Japanese maple. Or colour your walls and pergola with Boston ivy or ornamental grape.