The arrival of spring brings a sense of renewal and vibrancy after the bareness of winter. As temperatures warm and days lengthen, trees begin to bud and bloom in a spectacle of color. While many trees develop green leaves during spring, some varieties produce stunning red foliage that can add striking visual interest in your yard or garden. Let’s take a look at some of the trees that produce fiery red leaves in spring and why this occurs.
What Causes Red Leaves in Spring?
So what makes certain trees develop red leaves in the springtime? The pigments that produce the red color are called anthocyanins which are water-soluble plant compounds found in cell walls. Some key factors lead to increased anthocyanin production
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Cold Weather – Anthocyanins intensify in response to chilly temperatures in early spring. The colder the weather, the more vivid the red color.
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Sunlight – Brigher sunlight spurs more anthocyanin development, resulting in brighter red leaves. Trees in shadier areas will have darker red foliage.
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Maturity – Young leaves and new growth contain higher anthocyanin levels compared to mature foliage. The red color tends to be most prominent on smaller younger leaves.
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Plant Genetics – Some species and cultivars are genetically predisposed to producing more anthocyanins than others, making red spring foliage an inherent trait.
Trees with Stunning Red Spring Leaves
Many deciduous trees develop some amount of red pigmentation in spring. Here are some of the most vibrant varieties to consider for your own landscape:
‘Sango-kaku’ Coral Bark Maple
This Japanese maple cultivar is prized for its shocking pink to coral red bark, which provides year-round interest. Its leaves emerge red in spring eventually turning green in summer and taking on a golden fall color. The small vase-shaped form makes it ideal for use as a focal point specimen.
Mature Size: 20-25 ft tall, 15 ft wide
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Redbud
Redbud trees burst with purple-red new growth in early spring before the heart-shaped green leaves emerge. Cultivars like ‘Forest Pansy’ have attractive reddish-purple foliage all season long. Clusters of pink flowers cover the branches in spring as well. They work well in naturalized areas or woodland gardens.
Mature Size: 20-30 ft tall and wide
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Bloodgood London Planetree
This maple relative develops reddish-purple leaves in spring. It keeps the colorful foliage all summer before turning golden in fall. Bloodgood London planetree has an oval form and sheds its bark in sheets, giving it a mottled appearance. It makes a stately street or shade tree.
Mature Size: 50-70 ft tall, 35-50 ft wide
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Oakleaf Hydrangea
While technically a shrub, oakleaf hydrangea can grow into a small multi-stemmed tree form. Its leaves emerge deep red before turning green and thenchanging to vibrant crimson in fall. Lacecap-style white blooms in early summer add to the appeal. It thrives in dappled sunlight.
Mature Size: 8-10 ft tall and wide
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Ruby Lace Japanese Maple
Delicate and finely-dissected ruby red foliage graces this compact Japanese maple through spring and into summer. It maintains excellent color even in areas with hot summers. The mound-like form is excellent for containers, borders, and Asian-style gardens.
Mature Size: 8-10 ft tall and wide
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Red Horsechestnut
This ornamental shade tree emerges wine-red in spring, transitioning to dark green in summer before turning yellow in fall. Avoid planting near vegetable gardens, as the leaves and nuts are toxic. The bold foliage and red flower panicles make it an eye-catching focal point.
Mature Size: 50-70 ft tall, 40-50 ft wide
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Copper Beech
European beech trees are stately landscape specimens, with copper beech being an especially striking cultivar. Its large, spear-shaped leaves unfurl maroon to purple-red each spring, eventually maturing to purplish-green. Copper beech takes on orange and bronze tones in fall before shedding its colorful leaves.
Mature Size: 40-60 ft tall, 30-40 ft wide
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Caring for Trees with Red Spring Foliage
Caring for red-leaved trees in spring is generally no different than caring for any young tree. Proper planting, watering, and pruning will keep them healthy. Here are some tips:
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Choose an appropriate planting site with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Avoid low, wet areas.
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Water deeply and regularly after planting and during the first year to establish an extensive root system.
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Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base, pulling it back several inches from the trunk.
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Prune only dead or damaged branches and avoid heavy pruning the first few seasons.
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Stake the tree for the first 1-2 years until roots become firmly established.
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Apply a fertilizer for trees in early spring according to label instructions to encourage strong growth.
With their colorful red spring foliage, these trees can provide eye-catching contrast in landscapes dominated by green. Add one as a focal point specimen or plant en masse for even bigger visual impact. With minimal care, they will develop into beautiful additions that provide multi-season interest.
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Our collection of red trees is sure to wow you! From fiery blooms to stunning fall foliage, these trees will brighten up your landscape and will never cease to amaze you with their beautiful displays of color.
The Autumn Blaze Maple Tree will have green foliage in spring and summer but will develop bright red leaves in the fall. You’ll want to make this tree with red leaves a focal point in your yard so it can be appreciated when it changes color. For color in the spring and summer, the Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle Tree won’t disappoint with its bright display of red flowers against its black foliage. This one is sure to stand out in your garden!
5 Trees I Highly Recommend! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What kind of tree has red leaves in spring?
The forest pansy is a small tree renowned for its dramatic foliage. It’s interesting in that its leaves start off red in spring rather than turning red in autumn.
Why are my tree leaves turning red in spring?
Scientists studying the physiology of fall foliage have suggested that the anthocyanins responsible for red color in leaves – in fall or spring – may help them withstand cold and screen them from damaging ultraviolet rays, air pollution, and various other assaults.
What oak tree has red leaves in spring?
Quercus nuttallii ‘Betterred’ PP 24,813
Purple-red to red new growth sets this fast growing tree apart from other oaks. The red spring leaves mature to a dark green summer color.
What is the name of the red leaf tree?
Vibrant color and rich reds are synonymous with the American Red Maple Tree. The Red Maple truly earns its name, with its red flowers in early spring, red twigs of new growth, and spectacular red leaves in fall.