Autumn is nature’s planting time – we have selected 10 trees and shrubs we consider most vibrant and useful for autumn/winter interest.
Ilex, Variegated Holly | Nandina Domestica, Heavenly Bamboo | Japanese Privet, Ligustrum Variegated
Some of these trees and shrubs listed are evergreen (keep their leaves), others are deciduous (lose their leaves in winter), but they are all very hardy and all have stunning foliage, stems, or berries for a wonderful appearance even in the coldest months of the year:-
- Ilex Aquifolium Argentea – Variegated Holly
- Ligustrum Japonicum Variegated – Evergreen Japanese Privet
- Nandina Domestica – Heavenly Bamboo Shrub
- Acer Palmatum Dissectum Garnet Tree
- Loropetulum Chinense Fire Dance
- Pyracantha Angustifolia Tree – Firethorn
- Cornus Sanguinea Winter Beauty – Orange Dogwood
Acer Palmatum Dissectum Garnet Tree | Cornus Sanguinea Winter Beauty, Orange Dogwood
- Liquidamber Styraciflua – The American Sweet Gum Tree
- Viburnum Tinus Shrub or Topiary Tree
- Prunus Amanogawa – Japanese Flowering Cherry
Planting in Autumn & Winter – if trees and shrubs are planted ideally between September and December, then they require minimal maintenance.
The roots take well while the soil is still warm and moist and autumn planting allows the plants to settle in before the more extreme weather conditions, which generally start in the South-East UK around mid December through to end of January.
This is not to say that plants cannot be planted at other times of the year – but when planted in autumn they require minimal attention. Watering will not be necessary once the weather cools consistently around October (unless we have a heatwave in the winter!). The plants will then remain dormant from October through to March.
Evergreen Ligustrum Japonica Variegated growing at our nursery in North London
Once the weather warms up significantly in Spring, usually around end of March, then the roots of trees and shrubs planted in autumn have already had an opportunity to settle in during these cold months and the plants will then flourish and establish quicker than if they had just been planted in Spring. Also they will not be stressed by extreme changes of weather which can be common in Spring.
So if you are considering planting new trees and shrubs think about planting in Autumn – it will make life a little easier….
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