The seasonal change is here and we’ve finally moved into our “Autumn”.
In southern areas of Australia, Autumn is characterised by an explosion of riotous colour as deciduous trees (mostly exotics) change from being green to being clothed in reds, yellows, oranges, browns and every shade in between.
Sub-tropical autumn is rather different and our floral changes are more muted. Our climate isn’t suited to growing most of those cooler climate European exotics.
But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a colourful Autumn.
A relatively new released smallish tree variety which fits the bill is called Ginkgo ‘Lemonlime Spire’.
Ginkgo trees are well known and generally have Maiden-Hair Fern like green leaves. This variety of the species has dense lime-green foliage in Summer, turning vivid yellow in Autumn. They are easy-care and compact – about 5m tall and 1m across.
If you know your Ginkgo, you’ll know that the female trees (yes they have separate male and female plants) produce fruit which can be a little on the pongy side when they fall and start to decompose – described as like rancid butter.
But the ‘Lemonlime Spire’ variety are grown from cuttings of only male plants – so there’s no problem with smelly fruit.
Interestingly, they can also be heavily pruned and kept low as a hedge or feature shrub and still retain the Autumn yellowing characteristic.
It was a big hit at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show held in March, where people raved over the size, shape and colour – perfect for the smaller gardens.
Here’s a selection of other trees and shrubs that will grow in our climatic zone, survive our wet warm summers and then reward you with a turn of colour in Autumn.
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are generally grown for their colourful flowers and smooth architectural bark. But their leaves do turn a red-yellow colour in Autumn. They do better if cut down fairly low after the leaves fall in Winter, and allowed to shoot and grow back in Spring.
Chinese Pistachio
It is a larger tree (about 8m high and 6m across), but if you have the space, it really is a stand-out when Autumn comes. They develop the most amazing intense range of colours of crimson, red, yellow and orange. And they make great summer shade trees too.
Japanese Maples
Although they are really better suited to southern climes, they will handle our weather and will put on a nice Autumn colour show. An advantage is that you can select the colour you want – and they have those beautiful delicate maple shaped leaves. They do prefer a spot more sheltered from winds and harsh sun.
Liquidambar
This is the classic Autumn colour tree which is grown across Australia. Hardy, suited to a wide range of climates, soils and aspects, and spectacular in Autumn. But … a couple of issues include that it can grow very (very) large, it’s roots can be invasive, it has spiky ball fruits that aren’t pleasant to step on, and the leaf drop means you have a lot of raking. On the positive side, all those leaves make the most magic mulch and compost.
Chinese Tallow
A largish tree (up to 8m) but it has the most gorgeous heart shaped leaves which turn crimson in Autumn. So you have a tree covered in pretty red hearts … who wouldn’t like one of those in their garden.