Flowers can be fleeting, but foliage is a key feature of trees for much of the year. The most obvious attributes of leaves are their colour and shape, which can vary wildly. Scent is also a feature in some species. The density of the foliage can be used to impact a garden, with an airy canopy creating dappled shade and dense foliage used to create privacy or reduce noise.Here are five of our favourite trees for foliage right now:
Cercidiphyllum japonicum - the heart shaped leaves can take on wonderful colours and release a distinctive caramel scent. Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' - The attractive small leaves are vibrant green-yellow in summer and yellow in autumn. Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' - The deeply ribbed purple foliage hangs on intriguing twisted branches. Acer palmatum 'Westonbirt Seedling' - Cultivated at the famous Westonbirt Arboretum, this variety has elegant long lobes, plus a stunning show of autumn colour. Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' - For year round foliage, 'Argentea Marginata' is hard to beat with it's glossy, spiky foliage that has a pretty cream margin.For more varieties with colourful leaves, visit our trees with coloured foliage department.
