Autumn Trees

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

I just got back from Alabama and the weather was beautiful there (something I don't say about Alabama often!) with mild temperatures in the low 70s and nice warm sunshine. I sat outside in the sun a lot and got some of my tan back! The fall color there had not started to kick in yet. 

There is more color here in Washington but it still isn't spectacular. We have some cold temperatures predicted later this week and it may even get down into the twenties. It is early for that and I hope it doesn't cut the season short. The 'Bonfire' begonia baskets are too pretty!

The weather is colder here in Washington - today's high was around 60 but it was a pleasant day to be out in the garden. I took an inventory of what needs to be brought in or protected. I also took some photos.

Here are some of the plants I came home to:

The Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) and the ginkgo (which I did not photograph) are just beginning to turn. Right now the leaves are a bright greenish yellow. I must check tomorrow and see if there is a fragrance in the katsura leaves. So far, in previous years, I have not detected it. 

 

 

Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), in its 4th year

 

 

A tree that had turned dramatically since I left is the 'Pacific Fire' Vine Maple (Acer circinatum).

Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' (Vine Maple)

The Stewartia is also showing color -

Stewartia pseudocamellia

The Sumac 'Tiger Eyes' (Rhus typhina) is always a stunner

No photo enhancement!

No color on the leaves but the seedheads on the Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) are interesting - 

Clerodendrum trichotomum (aka "Harlequin Glorybower" or "Peanut Butter Tree")

Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Now, heading around to the front garden -

Acer palmatum 'Bihou'

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'

 

 

I include the 'Golden Ghost' pine tree because it happens to look really nice at the moment. This is a tree that either looks stunning or pathetic. It went through a long pathetic period this summer and Michael did not help matters when he pruned it. He is usually good at pruning but I questioned the job he did on this tree. It seems to be coming back nicely. This one should probably have been placed along the back border where it wouldn't be too noticeable during its homely phases.

 

Pinus densiflora 'Golden Ghost'

 

 

If asked me to choose my favorite tree at the moment, it would be a toss up between this Strawberry Tree (Arbutus) -

Arbutus (Strawberry Tree)

Or the Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) - I've bad-mouthed this tree in the past because of its slow growth, but it is forgiven when you see it like this! Really, it looks great any time of the year.

I still await color from the birch (Betula platyphylla 'Dakota Pinnacle'), the Sassafras and the Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). In the meantime, there is nice color on some of the shrubs and perennials which I will share later in the week. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy