The Last of the Autumn Colors

Acer 'Osakazuki'

We are still having mild weather, and the fall colors are lingering, although the wind has taken away some of the leaves (ginkgo, catalpa). The Japanese maples are at their peak. 'Osakazuki' (above) is always one of the last to change color. Last year, the leaves lasted only a short period before a frost finished them. This year, we are enjoying the color longer. 

'Ryusen', the weeping Japanese maple just changed color two days ago.

Acer 'Shaina'

Acer 'Skeeter's Broom' - or is it? It doesn't have the narrow, upright habit that I know 'Skeeter's Broom' has. Whatever it is (Michael calls it "Not Skeeter's Broom"), it is glorious.

Not just maples but other colorful trees -

Ginkgo 'Troll' in a pot

Sumac 'Tiger Eyes'

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'

No color, but other interesting features. I've never seen so many flowers on the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus). Now if they will only change to fruit. It hasn't happened in the past.

Clerodendrum (Peanut Butter Tree, Harlequin Glorybower) has pretty flowers and berries. It is sad that they all face to the south, which is away from the house. 

Clerodendrum trichotomum

Some of the colorful shrubs - 

Fothergilla 'Jane Platt' - It seemed to just sit there for years but is finally growing. Stunning color this year!

Berberis 'Admiration'

Fatsia 'Spider's Web'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen'

A poorly focused phtoto of Crimson Glory Vine (Vitis coignentiae). This year the color is gold instead of red. It is a rampant vine and we keep going back and forth as to whether it should be removed. However, this time of year, we always think "no". 

I also had difficulties getting a sharp photo of the Japanese Larch 'Curtis Worchard' (Larix kaempferi). This is in a pot. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy