8 Red maple. E
ven though the majority of nursery plants are purchased in spring, more and more
homeowners are asking their nursery professionals about selecting plants that provide interesting fall colour; and why not? Autumn weather on the prairies has been glorious the past two decades, providing lots of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and prolonging the fall colour season. There are many shrubs for fall colour, as well as vines, perennials and yes, even evergreens! There are some key tree varieties that
you’ll want to consider when you’re at the garden centres this fall. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are plants that I think really should be on your “have a look” list when you’re at your garden centre selecting trees
16 • Home and Gardener Living
trees for stunning fall colour
By Jan Pedersen Dakota Pinnacle birch in its fall robes.
for fall colour. Some you’ll be famil- iar with; others will outright surprise you.
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) These shade trees attain heights of
30 to 60 feet. Some have showy red flowers before leaves open in spring. Fall leaf colour: vibrant shades of red and orange. Summer leaf colour: green. Suggested varieties: Scarlet Jewel, Northwood and Red Rocket.
2. Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum) Smaller ornamental trees matur-
ing at about 20 feet, Tatarian maples feature beautifully colourful sama- ras (seed heads) in mid-summer. Fall leaf colour: shades of orange, red and yellow. Summer leaf colour: green.
Suggested varieties: Hot Wings and Rugged Charm.
3. Birch (Betula) Planted for ornamentation or shade,
birch is valued for its exfoliating (peel- ing) white bark. The popular variet- ies mature at heights of 26 to 45 feet. Fall leaf colour: bright yellow. Summer leaf colour: green. Suggested variet- ies: Paper (clump or single trunk) and Dakota Pinnacle.
4. Honeylocust (Gleditsia) The newer varieties of honeylocust
are thornless and seedless. These nice medium-sized ornamental trees provide dappled shade. Fall leaf colour: shiny yellow. Summer leaf colour: green. Suggested varieties: Northern Acclaim.
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