UNDER the glum grey skies of October, we need colour to lift our spirits. The leaves of acer, cherry, rowan and other select deciduous trees burn bright with flaming leaves, igniting the magic of autumn. In the average small garden, we can enjoy this seasonal display by planting shrubs that have fiery tints, and now is a good time to get them in the ground.
Even where space is limited, there are plenty of small shrubs that transform into burning bushes during autumn. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) reaches just 20in (50cm), so it can be dotted through a border for patches of red when its foliage changes colour. The Chinese plumbago (Ceratostigma willmottianum) also has red autumn leaves that show off its blue flowers.
Japanese maples
The purple leaves of Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’ turn pink-red alongside red berries, and while it will reach just over 3ft (1m) it can be hard-pruned to a smaller size and is a good choice for a low hedge.
Denne historien er fra June 26, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra June 26, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters