As the days grow shorter and leaves start turning, there's no better time to bring some extra colour and life into your garden. Small gardens benefit most from trees that add texture and vibrancy without taking up too much room. Here are five trees that not only brighten up autumn but also surprise you with renewed energy come spring.
1. Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' (Coral Bark Maple)
Height & Spread: Grows up to 6m high, with a spread of about 4m, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
Season of Interest: Gorgeous red foliage in autumn and striking coral bark that deepens in winter.
Wildlife Benefit: Provides shelter for small birds in winter.
Uses: Ideal as a focal point in a small garden, and its bark adds winter interest—there’s a bit of folklore about its ‘fire stick’ look warding off the winter chill.
2. Amelanchier canadensis (Juneberry)
Height & Spread: Typically reaches about 4-6m tall with a 3m spread, easy to keep tidy.
Season of Interest: Fiery reds and oranges in autumn, plus delicate white flowers in spring.
Wildlife Benefit: Flowers attract pollinators in spring, and its berries feed birds in late summer.
Uses: You can even harvest its edible berries for jams—a true multi-seasonal gem.
3. Malus 'Evereste' (Crab Apple)
Height & Spread: Grows up to 5m, ideal for smaller gardens.
Season of Interest: Offers white-pink flowers in spring and red-orange fruit that holds through autumn.
Wildlife Benefit: The fruit is a favorite of birds, and flowers are loved by bees.
Uses: Adds charm to the garden, and the tiny crab apples are perfect for making jellies.
4. Sorbus aucuparia 'Autumn Spire' (Mountain Ash)
Height & Spread: Reaches 4-5m tall but stays narrow, making it a brilliant choice for tight spots.
Season of Interest: Rich red berries in autumn that last into early winter, plus yellow-orange leaves.
Wildlife Benefit: The berries are irresistible to birds.
Uses: It’s low-maintenance and versatile, a friendly option for new gardeners. In folklore, it was a tree of protection, keeping bad spirits at bay.
5. Prunus 'Amanogawa' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Height & Spread: 6m tall but very columnar, usually less than 1.5m across.
Season of Interest: Known for its elegant pink blooms in spring, with coppery autumn leaves.
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts bees and butterflies to its spring flowers.
Uses: A tree with serious wow factor in spring, and it’s compact, so it suits even the smallest garden spaces. Some even say its beauty brings calm—a real ‘mood-boosting’ presence.
Whether you’re looking for fiery colour, winter resilience, or wildlife value, these trees are a brilliant way to add some seasonal magic. Plant now, and by this time next year, you’ll have your own autumn show in full swing.
Ready to Plant a Piece of the British Countryside in Your Garden?
At Bowhayes Trees, we’re passionate about helping you bring the beauty and benefits of native trees to your outdoor space. From hawthorn to crab apple, each of these trees brings not only seasonal interest but a true sense of place and purpose.
Visit our Ornamental Trees Collection to find the perfect fit for your garden, and plant a tree that will thrive naturally while supporting local wildlife.
Explore our selection today at Bowhayes Trees – and let’s keep the UK’s stunning garden heritage alive, one garden at a time!
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