top 10 multi-stemmed indian summer trees

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Karlijn Raats en Marko Mouwen, Monday 18 November 2024

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these multi-stemmed explosions of colour will instantly lift your mood during the darker days!

The changing colour of leaves in autumn is a complex process resulting from the decrease in chlorophyll and the activation of other pigments. This phenomenon plays an important role in the life cycle of trees, but in nature—and in this case, in trees—it also creates a visually striking effect. Marko Mouwen of Ebben Nurseries shares a top 10 of versatile trees with fantastic autumn colours.

Sorbus Dodong

Tree leaves are naturally green due to chlorophyll, a pigment essential for photosynthesis during spring and summer when there's plenty of sunlight, which gives the leaves their green colour. In late summer and autumn, as the days get shorter and darker, chlorophyll production gradually stops. This allows the tree to withdraw nutrients from the leaves before they fall, helping conserve energy for winter. This is not only triggered by shorter days but also by falling temperatures.
As chlorophyll fades, other pigments in the leaves become more visible. These pigments are present year-round but are usually overshadowed by chlorophyll. Xanthophyll gives leaves their yellow hue, and carotenoids produce orange tones. Some plants also produce anthocyanins, which are responsible for vibrant red and purple colours. Anthocyanins often form as a response to stress, such as drought or high temperatures, and help protect leaves from harmful UV rays and deter herbivores. The combination of these pigments creates the stunning autumn colours we all appreciate.

1. Prunus sargentii 'Charles Sargent'

'A graceful tree native to Japan, named after Charles Sargent, director of the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. Sargent selected seedlings with almost horizontal branches, which later developed into a characteristic round crown.
'This tree offers high ornamental value thanks to its beautiful early-spring blossoms: deep pink flowers that bloom for three weeks, hanging in small clusters and attracting many bees. The autumn colour of this ornamental cherry is orange-red.
'Prunus sargentii 'Charles Sargent' is one of the few ornamental cherries with good resistance to paving, road salt and drought, making it an excellent choice for urban settings such as squares and parking areas. It grows best in a sheltered, sunny spot and is not demanding in terms of soil, with a pH tolerance from acidic to alkaline. Height 8 to 10 metres, width 6 to 10 metres.'

Prunus sargentii 'Charles Sargent'

Detail orange-red autumn leaf

2. Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'

'The 'Autumn Blaze' maple is a popular hybrid, bred for its brilliant autumn colour and vigorous growth. This cross between the silver maple (Acer saccharinum) and the red maple (Acer rubrum) combines the fast growth and tolerance of the silver maple with the intense red autumn colour of the red maple. The first successful cross was made in 1933 at the U.S. National Arboretum.
'The ornamental value of Acer 'Autumn Blaze' lies mainly in its vivid autumn colours and the yellow-green flowers in spring, which attract bees and butterflies. The tree has large, deep green leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn.
'This maple is versatile as a standard, multi-stemmed or block-shaped tree, ideal for street planting, parks and roof gardens. It thrives in climate-resilient projects and has deep roots that support soil stability and provide shade. With a pH tolerance from acidic to alkaline, 'Autumn Blaze' is flexible in soil requirements and resistant to urban challenges such as air pollution. With a height of 12 to 17 metres and a width of 9 to 12 metres, the tree stands out without overwhelming its surroundings.'

Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'

Leaf detail: vivid orange-red autumn colours

Boomkwekerij Ebben B.V.

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