October’s Best Plants for Autumn Colour

As autumn settles in, gardens transform into a rich tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. October is the perfect time to add trees and shrubs that will bring vibrant colour to your garden and create visual interest through the colder months.

We’ve carefully selected some of our plant specialists’ favourites for adding stunning autumn foliage and year-round appeal to your garden. These trees and shrubs offer vibrant colour through the season and bring long-lasting interest to your outdoor space, even during the colder months.

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
At Wellington Home and Gardens, we take pride in offering the finest Japanese Maples, locally grown by the UK's top specialists. These elegant trees are known for their delicate leaves and breathtaking autumn colours, with foliage turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in October. Perfect for sheltered spots, they can be grown in containers or directly in the garden. Varieties like 'Sango-kaku' and 'Katsura' bring stunning red and golden tones, while Aidan's favourite, 'Osakazuki', dazzles with dramatic scarlet-orange leaves in autumn.

2. Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria)
The Smoke Bush, known for its feathery, cloud-like flowers in summer, takes on dramatic purple and red hues in autumn. The variety 'Royal Purple' is particularly prized for its deep, smoky purple foliage that intensifies with the season. It’s a hardy shrub that adds a pop of colour and texture to borders or large pots.

3. Dogwood (Cornus alba)
For multi-season interest, Dogwood is a fantastic choice and one of Judy's favorites. In October, its leaves turn shades of crimson and orange, but even after the foliage drops, the bright red stems of Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ stand out against the dull winter landscape. Dogwood thrives in moist soil and looks great planted in a block for a striking display.

Japanese Maple

Aidan with Euonymus alatus and a Liquidambar

4. Amelanchier (Juneberry)
Amelanchier, or Juneberry, is a small, ornamental tree that offers beauty in every season. Its leaves turn vibrant red and orange in autumn, providing a brilliant contrast to its silver bark. In spring, it’s adorned with white blossoms, followed by edible berries in summer, making it a great all-rounder for a wildlife-friendly garden.

5. Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
Euonymus alatus, or the Burning Bush, is one of Kim’s favourite plants for autumn colour. True to its name, this shrub lights up the garden with fiery red foliage, adding a bold burst of colour that lasts well into the colder months. It's slow-growing and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for borders or as a striking standalone feature. Whether you're looking to brighten up a dull corner or create a vivid focal point, this hardy plant is an autumn standout that’s sure to impress.

6. Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Sweet Gum trees are renowned for their maple-like leaves that change colour dramatically in autumn, shifting from green to deep purples, reds, and oranges. Liquidambar styraciflua is perfect for larger gardens and makes a statement with its tall, symmetrical shape and rich autumn display.

7. Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)
The Guelder Rose is a native shrub that produces bright red berries in autumn, alongside its orange and red leaves. It’s ideal for wildlife gardens, attracting birds with its fruit and providing year-round interest with its spring flowers and summer berries.

8. Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)
For something truly unique, consider the Paperbark Maple. This tree is known not only for its brilliant red autumn foliage but also for its cinnamon-coloured peeling bark, which adds texture and interest during winter. It's a slow-growing tree, making it suitable for smaller gardens.

9. Pyracantha (Firethorn)
Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub that bursts into life in autumn with bright orange or red berries. These berries can last through winter, providing a vital food source for birds. Its prickly branches also make it an excellent security hedge. Choose a sunny spot for the best berry display.

10. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
For low-growing autumn colour, Heucheras are a must. Their foliage comes in an array of shades, from deep purples and bright oranges to metallic silver tones, staying vibrant throughout the season. Deb really likes how vibrant they are and recommends Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or ‘Marmalade’ for adding a splash of colour to borders or containers.

When planting trees and shrubs in October, it’s important to prepare your garden well. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of your plants will help retain moisture and protect the roots from frost.

October is the perfect month to enhance your garden with trees and shrubs that bring autumnal splendour. Whether you’re looking for fiery reds, golden yellows, or deep purples, there’s an array of plants to choose from that will make your garden glow with colour. Plus, many of these trees and shrubs offer year-round interest, ensuring your garden remains attractive even in the colder months.

By carefully selecting plants that peak in autumn, you can create a stunning display that captures the essence of the season and provides long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space. Happy planting!

Japanese Maple display at Wellington Home and Gardens