If there is even a small outdoor space, there are still plenty of options to choose from in terms of sizes and shapes for the trees with red leaves. There is a range of different trees that offer all these options. Perhaps it’s the stunning and gorgeous varied tints of red that make most gardens light up in the fall, with beautiful oranges, yellows, and reds.
Wow, if you’re looking to inject a little something extra into your plot, there are plenty of red trees to choose from. Whether you want to simply pick our best evergreen trees or work alongside us to create a more vibrant look, we can definitely help make everything better. Plus, the red foliage will add a splash of color to lift those grey days.
If you want to add a tree with red leaves for a burst of color in the winter and autumn garden, choose the best 10 trees from our stunning foliage selection.
What kind of tree has red leaves in spring?
Wonderful! This tree is ideal for your spring garden concepts if you desire red foliage to be a central element. Unlike numerous other varieties of trees with red leaves, it’s fascinating that the forest pansy (Cercis canadensis) begins as red in spring instead of transitioning to red in autumn. The forest pansy is renowned for its striking foliage.
What kind of tree has red leaves all year long?
Acers are reliably at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to the best trees with red leaves all year round.
Additional varieties of trees that consistently display red foliage include Cercis canadensis ‘Forest pansy’ and Cotinus ‘Grace’.
The flowering cherry tree, Prunus serrulata ‘Royal Burgundy’, has foliage that is reddish and purplish, with some types of plum and crab apple trees also having purple-red leaves.
What tree has dark red leaves?
If you like the idea, the dark red leaves of acers are a great choice. They come in a range of shades, from deep crimson to almost purple, in a plummy range of colors.
Here are a few of our top choices for acer trees with deep crimson foliage:
2. Cotinus ‘Grace’ (smokebush)
In June, the plant known as Smokebush rises, giving off a surrounding smoke-like appearance. It is said that the plant covers itself with frothy clusters of pink-purple flowers, along with red-burgundy leaves, creating a colorful shrub called ‘Grace’ Cotinus.
The color of this tree’s foliage shifts throughout the seasons, turning brighter shades of orange and red when fall arrives. The oval-shaped, deciduous leaves darken gradually until summer, and during spring, the foliage takes on a stunning display of red light.
If you are looking for the best shade for trees, it should be cultivated in a part of the shade where it will work or in full sun with well-drained but moist, fertile soil.
Cotinus is a reasonably drought-tolerant plant that can cope with some wind exposure and is expected to eventually grow to a height of 16ft (5m).
1. Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is a variety of Japanese maple tree. (Japanese maple)
This small deciduous tree has a naturally rounded shape and a branching structure. The leaves of this tree are unusual because they change color to scarlet in autumn, rather than turning purple in spring like most leaves. Additionally, the foliage starts to become green in summer.
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is one of the easiest trees to grow for fall color, and it thrives in containers of all sizes in gardens.
The variety of each acer differs in color and size, while all of them share a fiery palette of colors. One particular acer reaches a height of around 13ft (4m), while the tallest one can reach a maximum of 26ft (8m). Japanese maples, in general, are easy to maintain.
This elegant ornamental tree is a lover of the sun that is best planted in a well-drained soil with a sheltered position, as it can easily adapt and thrive in most conditions. They are also easy to propagate because they have shallow roots. Additionally, you can’t beat the red leaves of the acers in terms of beauty.
8. Chinese tupelo (Nyssa sinensis)
During autumn, the elongated elliptical foliage of Nyssa sinensis, a petite tree that sheds its leaves, originating from China and Vietnam, transforms into a breathtaking combination of vivid red, orange, and yellow hues. This magnificent display of leaves is exhibited by the elegant tree with gracefully curving branches.
It grows best in a sheltered and undisturbed site, in partially shaded and sunny locations with well-drained and moist soil. It can flourish in almost any garden location, reaching an ultimate height of 32ft (10m) if it has enough room.
Additionally, it is regarded as one of the best low upkeep trees, as it naturally acquires an attractive shape and generally does not need pruning.
6. Malus purpurea ‘Crimson Cascade’ (purple weeping crab apple tree)
‘Crimson Cascade’ is one of the best trees for small gardens, creating a stunning focal point with its compact weeping branches that cascade down almost to the ground. It is known for its striking colors and whippy long branches.
If you’re considering this variety of flowering trees, it’s worth noting that its foliage emerges as a pretty purple color and its blossoms in the spring are a dusky pink. In the fall and summer, the apples on these crab trees turn a deep red-purple, adding value to their already ornamental appeal.
The ‘Crimson Cascade’ plant is expected to grow to a height of 20 years in 14.5 feet (4.5m) under most conditions, except for wet soil, where it will grow well, and it can be placed in partial or full sun.
4. Katsura
The Cercidiphyllum Katsura tree, also known as the candyfloss or caramel tree, is one of the most spectacular trees in autumn. Its foliage-toned copper transforms into a yellow blaze, with leaves that have a deliciously sweet caramel fragrance, complemented by fiery tones of scarlet and pink.
In Asia, it is among the biggest trees that lose their leaves, reaching an impressive height of 147ft (45m) and is indigenous to China and Japan. Nonetheless, in other regions, it typically grows to approximately 20ft (6m) over a period of 20 years.
The Katsura tree, with its elegant structure, prefers a slightly shaded position in light or sun, protected from late frosts. It will grow on most soils, but it thrives in acidic soil, displaying the most vibrant colors. In spring, the tree is adorned with pretty flowers, complemented by the emergence of new heart-shaped leaves.
3. Photinia ‘Red Robin’
The beautiful tree is highly sought after for its striking evergreen foliage, making it one of the best for privacy. In spring, it produces vibrant red new foliage that beautifully contrasts with the existing glossy green leaves. In addition, ‘Red Robin’ has attractive ivory white flowers in April-May, making it a great tree for adding interest to any garden.
To enhance the growth of the garden, it is recommended to layer well-rotted manure or compost around the base of the plants. This will provide a boost in early spring and result in more intense red leaves. The photinia shrubs, which are evergreen, are the best choice to add year-round interest to the garden. They will thrive in well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Plus, they are easy to maintain.
If you wish to keep it looking shapely and control its growth, the popular tree topiary requires little pruning and reaches a height of 13ft (4m) eventually.
5. Japanese rowan
If you are looking for one of the best trees with red leaves, it would be wise to consider the Japanese rowan (Sorbus commixta). It is widely regarded as one of the finest rowans for autumn colors, with large clusters of vivid orange and red berries that fade to green pinnate leaves.
During the winter season, it is also among the leading trees with berries, which makes it well-liked by garden birds. Additionally, the white flowers that emerge in May are also favored by bees and other pollinating insects.
It will only grow to about 20 feet in a 20-year period, making it perfect for small gardens and limited spaces. It has a compact and slow-growing form.
It’s also a tough type of rowan that will be fine in a position exposed to the sun, whether it’s part or full sun. Although it is happiest in slightly acidic conditions, it will grow in most soils.
9. Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
This small tree, known for its dramatic foliage, is a popular pansy forest. It’s interesting that autumn leaves turn red rather than spring leaves starting off in red. Don’t be confused – this tree has red leaves, not the popular flower.
The palette of colors in this tree is constantly shifting. The shades of purple, yellow, red, and orange turn strikingly as they fall. The leaves are heart-shaped and unfurl into a rich, dark purple-plum shade in the summer, which becomes vibrant and glossy like ruby red.
Expect a final size of approximately 16.5ft (5m) over a span of 20 years. Cultivate in a sunny location for optimal foliage hue. Most adequately drained soils will be appropriate. For optimal outcomes, cultivate in full sun or partial shade if facing south or west.
7. Acer palmatum ‘Cascade’ is a type of Japanese maple tree.
The ‘Cascade’ palmatum Acer tree is a versatile and excellent option that provides interest from fall to spring. This Japanese maple variety has gracefully arching branches, giving it an elegant and delicate appearance.
During the spring season, fresh greenery emerges on red-orange branches and emits a captivating coppery red glow. Throughout summer, as the foliage reaches its full growth, the leaves gradually transition to a green hue before eventually transforming into vivid shades of red and orange on vibrant red stems when autumn arrives.
If you only have a small courtyard or patio, growing trees in pots can be a good option, and Acers are also one of the best trees to grow. To get the best results from planting your new tree, it is best to choose a site that is well-drained yet moist, and offers partial shade to full sun and shelter. ‘Cascade’ is also perfect for small gardens, with an eventual height of (3m) 9.5ft.
If you like the idea of adding a Zen touch to your garden, Japanese garden ideas regularly feature acers, among other options.
10. Cornus kousa
This tree has a deep red autumn color, in addition to its pink and creamy white fruits and flowers, making it ornamental and beautiful throughout the season. It will thrive in most soils, except for chalky and shallow ones.
A more uncommon choice, the small Japanese dogwood is especially valued for its stunning purple-red leafy branches in the fall.
As it matures, this small multi-stemmed tree forms an elegant focal point in the garden, particularly suited for small gardens, with a height of 5 meters (16.5 feet).