Autumn's here in Australia, and it's time to inject some colour into your garden! These amazing trees are known for their spectacular autumn foliage, turning your yard into a dazzling display of reds, yellows, and oranges. Whether you have a small space or a large property, there's a tree on this list that's perfect for you. We'll cover everything you need to know, including mature size, growth rate, and preferred soil conditions.

Pyrus Ussuriensis (Manchurian Pear)

The Pyrus Ussuriensis, commonly known as the Manchurian Pear, is a hardy tree that thrives in cold climates, offering a robust autumn display. Its leaves transition to brilliant shades of red and orange, providing a vibrant contrast to the often grey autumn sky. This tree not only brings a burst of color but also adds charm to any setting with its ornamental fruits.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 10 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 7 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for small gardens or as a street tree
• Leaf Appearance: Leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Moderate
• Tolerates: Cold climates, a variety of soil conditions

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', also known as Eastern Redbud, is celebrated for its striking heart-shaped foliage that undergoes a stunning transformation in autumn. Starting as purple, the leaves shift to captivating reds and oranges, making it a focal point in any garden landscape. Its early spring blossoms and unique leaf color transitions provide multi-season interest.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 8 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 5 meters
• Best Uses: Suitable as a specimen tree or in mixed borders
• Leaf Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves start as purple and turn shades of red and orange in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Moderate
• Tolerates: Well-drained soil, partial shade

Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)

Acer Rubrum, also known as Red Maple, is prized for its brilliant red foliage in autumn, adding a fiery touch to any garden or landscape.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 25 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 12 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal as a shade tree or specimen planting
• Leaf Appearance: Green leaves turn vibrant red in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Fast
• Tolerates: Variety of soil conditions, drought-resistant

Camellia Pure Silk

Camellia Pure Silk, known for its lush, evergreen foliage and exquisite blooms, is an exceptional choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden, particularly in autumn and winter. The plant produces luxurious, silky flowers that range in color from soft whites to deep pinks, which stand out beautifully against its glossy, dark green leaves. This variety of Camellia is particularly notable for its prolonged blooming period, often beginning in late autumn and continuing through winter, providing color and vibrancy when most other plants have receded.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 2-3 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 2 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for borders, as a specimen plant, or in decorative containers
• Flower Appearance: Large, silky petals in shades ranging from white to deep pink
• Bloom Period: Late autumn to winter
• Tolerates: Partial shade, requires well-drained acidic soil

Quercus Palustris (Pin Oak)

Quercus Palustris, commonly known as Pin Oak, showcases stunning scarlet-red foliage in autumn, making it a standout feature in any landscape.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 20-25 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 10-15 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for avenue planting or as a specimen tree
• Leaf Appearance: Deep green leaves turn vibrant red in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Moderate to fast
• Tolerates: Moist, well-drained soil

Quercus Rubra (Northern Red Oak)

Quercus Rubra, or Northern Red Oak, is celebrated for its majestic stature and vibrant fall colors, making it a standout addition to any large landscape design. This robust oak tree is fast-growing and features a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade in the summer while turning a spectacular range of red and bronze hues in the autumn. It's an excellent choice for those looking to make a long-term investment in their garden's canopy.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 20-30 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 18-22 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for large landscapes, parks, and as a street tree
• Leaf Appearance: Large, lobed leaves that turn from a rich green to shades of red and bronze in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Fast
• Tolerates: Adaptable to a variety of soil types; prefers slightly acidic, moist soils

Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)

Acer Palmatum, or Japanese Maple, is renowned for its delicate foliage that transforms into shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn, adding beauty to any garden.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 6 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 4 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for small gardens, containers, or as a focal point
• Leaf Appearance: Delicate leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate
• Tolerates: Partial shade, well-drained soil

 

Acer Palmatum 'Senkaki' (Coral Bark Japanese Maple)

Acer Palmatum 'Senkaki,' also known as Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a captivating variety prized for its exceptional ornamental value throughout the seasons. While its delicate, green leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn, it's the stunning coral-red bark that steals the show throughout the year. The bark exfoliates in winter, revealing even brighter shades of coral red, adding a unique textural element and a burst of color to the winter landscape.
Key Facts to Know:
Mature Height: Up to 4 meters
Mature Width: Up to 3 meters
Best Uses: Ideal for focal points, specimen plantings, or container gardening
Leaf Appearance: Delicate green leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn
Rate of Growth: Slow
Tolerates: Partial shade, well-drained soil

Liquidambar Styraciflua (Sweet Gum)

Liquidambar Styraciflua, or Sweet Gum, dazzles with its kaleidoscope of autumn colors, ranging from deep reds to purples and yellows, making it a standout feature in any landscape.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 25-30 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 12-15 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for avenue planting, as a shade tree, or as a specimen planting
• Leaf Appearance: Star-shaped leaves turn vibrant shades of red, purple, and yellow in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Moderate
• Tolerates: Variety of soil conditions, drought-resistant

 

Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly known as the Golden Rain Tree, is an attractive addition to any landscape due to its unique ornamental features and adaptability. This deciduous tree is celebrated for its spectacular display of yellow flowers in the summer, followed by distinctive, lantern-like seed pods that add visual interest in the fall. Its foliage also puts on a show in autumn, turning from green to bright shades of yellow, often with touches of orange and red. The Golden Rain Tree is relatively small in stature, making it suitable for urban gardens or as a street tree where space might be limited.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 6-10 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 6-8 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal for urban gardens, as a street tree, or in mixed borders
• Leaf Appearance: Pinnate or bipinnate leaves that turn bright yellow, with hints of orange and red in autumn
• Bloom Period: Bright yellow flowers in summer
• Rate of Growth: Moderate
• Tolerates: Drought and pollution; adaptable to a range of soil types

Nyssa Sylvatica 'Forum' (Black Gum)

Nyssa Sylvatica 'Forum,' or Black Gum, boasts striking shades of orange, red, and purple foliage in autumn, creating a breathtaking display.

Key Facts to Know:

• Mature Height: Up to 15 meters
• Mature Width: Up to 8-12 meters
• Best Uses: Ideal as a feature tree or specimen planting
• Leaf Appearance: Glossy green leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn
• Rate of Growth: Moderate
• Tolerates: Moist, well-drained soil

So there you have it! With this diverse range of trees boasting fiery reds, luminous yellows, and captivating oranges,you're sure to find the perfect option to transform your garden into a breathtaking autumn spectacle. Remember to consider your garden's size, soil conditions, and desired aesthetic when making your choice. Happy planting, and enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn!