Three trees for a colorful fall

Many deciduous species offer beautiful fall colors, but some are very spectacular...

Charming undergrowth" atmosphere with the Parrotia

From the Hamamelidaceae family, Parrotia persica is native to the woods of Iran and the Caucasus. It is also called Iron Tree because its wood is very hard. It can form a small tree by being driven on a single trunk but also a large bush with spread port if one lets its trunk to branch naturally. This tree or shrub still too little known deserves a nice place in the garden or on the terrace.

Its dark green deciduous leaves are oval and remind us of the beech tree. They take on magnificent colors in the fall, turning yellow, orange and then flaming red.

Its assets

1. Its early flowering appears at the beginning of spring (March), before the birth of the leaves: curious small bunches of bright red flowers without petals evoking colored spiders!
2. Its decorative bark stands out on the adult subjects, a bit like that of the plane tree. To highlight this asset: remove the low branches without mercy! 
3. Very easy to grow, the parrotia is naturally resistant to parasites and diseases, can withstand cold weather without any problem and does not require pruning (it reaches its adult size in 25 years!).

Our advice

1. Give it a large planting hole, fresh but well-drained soil in winter, with a soft depth. It prefers acidic soil but tolerates a little limestone.
2. Choose a location in the sun, not burning, or in mid-shade
3. It also likes to be planted in a large container on the balcony
4. Fertilize in spring
5. Provide a mulch of dead leaves during the summer season.

Three favorite varieties

1. Parrotia persica 'Compacta' : small size, very slow growth. For small gardens and containers.
2. Parrotia persica 'Pendula' : does not exceed 2 m high. Wider than tall because very weeping.
3. Parrotia persica 'Vanessa' : more erect than the type, fastigiated silhouette. Young leaves tinged with red. Has a tendency to become bare at the base as it ages, and is therefore more reminiscent of a tree.

Another idea: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Judas tree) with beautiful dark purple foliage.

Liquidambar: perhaps the most beautiful tree of the fall?

Another member of the Hamamelidaceae family! Native to western North America, Liquidambar styraciflua, also known as American Copalm, is a beautiful, slow-growing ornamental tree, especially in its early years. Its elegant conical silhouette fits well in a large grove of trees or as a lone star in the middle of the lawn.

The deciduous leaves are finely cut. They are reminiscent of maple leaves but differ from them by their alternate arrangement. They blaze in autumn with superb shades of gold and red: copper, scarlet or purplish purple.

Its assets

1. Its corky wood with wings is very decorative.
2. Very hardy (it can withstand -15°, -20°)
3. No pruning required 
4. Fears neither parasites nor diseases

Our advice

1. A fresh, deep soil, even limestone
2. A sunny exposure: to intensify the autumn colors. But it tolerates a light shade. 
3. A mulch of mature compost to facilitate recovery.

Three "Coup de Coeur" varieties

1. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' (or 'Nanum'): a very compact and rounded subject, ideal for small gardens and large containers, forming a large cushion offering flamboyant tones in autumn. Maximum height : 3m.
2. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea': its large leaves with rounded lobes are irregularly variegated green with yellow that turns pink in autumn! 
3. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon': very serrated foliage that takes on admirable orange-yellow fall colors.

Alternative idea: Nyssa sylvatica, a large North American tree that first turns golden yellow before turning orange-red in the fall.

Can't live without them: Japanese maples!

The graceful and elegant natural habit of the Acer palmatum (and Japonicum) and their slow growth make them ideal for small gardens and city terraces. They are true little gems that have their moment of glory in autumn when they take on flamboyant hues. 

Its assets

1. Beautiful spring foliage with kaleidoscopic colors 
2. Modest dimensions that allow it to fit in even in small spaces
3. They fit in with all styles of decor

Our advice

Give it an acidic, fertile and well-drained soil, cool in summer

Choose a location in the sun that does not burn or in semi-shade

Water regularly throughout the summer so that it does not suffer from drought

Five favorite varieties

1. Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' : bright red fall foliage.
2. Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Garnet' : dark garnet chiselled foliage in spring that turns scarlet in autumn. Cascading habit.
3. Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream': orange-yellow spring foliage, turning orange-red in fall.
4. Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' : fiery red foliage in autumn.
5. Acer palmatum 'Senkaki': orange-yellow spring foliage, coral-red branches, golden-yellow fall leaves.

Alternative idea: Fothergilla major, a small heathland shrub with fragrant white spring flowers and dark green foliage that turns yellow, orange and red in autumn.