Trees with Multi Colored Leaves – A Stunning Addition to Any Landscape

Nothing adds more visual interest to a landscape than trees with colorful multi-hued foliage. Unlike the typical green canopy, these eye-catching specimens display a palette of colors that changes with the seasons. Their striking colors make them ideal choices for adding excitement and beauty to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Trees with variegated or colorful leaves come in many delightful forms Some have leaves that start out one color when they first emerge in spring, then gradually morph into other shades as they mature. Others keep their vibrant hues all season long When autumn arrives, many transform into blazing tones of red, orange, yellow, and purple before the leaves fall.

Deciduous trees offer a progression of changing colors throughout the year. Evergreen varieties provide year-round color as their leaves persist. There are small varieties perfect for containers on a patio, while larger growing types make bold focal points. With proper selection and care, they will enhance their surroundings with their spectacular foliage for many years to come.

Popular Choices for Multi-Colored Foliage

Some of the best options for multi-hued leaves include:

• Japanese Maples: Elegant, cascading branches display leaves in shades of red, purple, orange, pink, and green. Hundreds of cultivars exist.

• Tricolor Beech: Glossy leaves striped in pink, purple, and cream create a stunning effect. Trees keep their colorful leaves into winter.

• Redbud: Delicate heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, then fade to green by summer. Yellow to red fall color follows.

• Smoke Tree: Round leaves in rich reddish-purple hold their color all season on this small ornamental tree. Airy plumes bloom in summer.

• Persian Parrotia: Foliage emerges reddish-purple in spring, matures to green in summer, and turns orange-red in fall on this low-maintenance specimen.

• Katsura Tree: Leaves unfold reddish-purple, become blue-green in summer, then transform into rich yellows and oranges in autumn. Gracefully tiered branching.

• Copper Beech: Lustrous purple-bronze leaves retain their bold color from spring to fall. New growth is an even deeper red.

• Japanese Stewartia: Showy camellia-like flowers in summer, leaves with fall tones of orange and red, and exfoliating bark that reveals patches of orange, green, brown and cream.

• Fringe Tree: Unique lacy white spring blooms, bright yellow fall color, and multi-season appeal on this large shrub or small specimen tree.

Designing With Multi-Colored Trees

When incorporating trees with colorful foliage into a landscape, carefully consider their mature size and growth habits. Smaller varieties in the 15 to 25 foot range like Japanese maples, smoke trees, and fringe trees can be used in groupings or as specimen plants. Larger growing types reaching 40 to 60 feet or more make excellent shade trees or background plantings.

Situate colorful trees where their unique foliage will stand out. Use them as focal points, in mixed borders, or as specimens against plain backgrounds like walls or fences. Contrasting their multi-hued leaves with green conifers and shrubs creates added interest.

For the fullest color impact, provide trees with the proper sun exposure, as too much shade dilutes their hues. Rich soil and consistent watering during dry periods keep them looking their best. Prune as needed to maintain an attractive structure and encourage new colorful growth.

Outstanding Examples for Smaller Spaces

Gardens of any size can incorporate the beauty of multi-colored trees. For smaller yards and patios, consider more compact varieties that thrive in containers like:

• Dwarf Japanese maples
• Tricolor Norway maple
• Purple smokebush
• Eastern redbud ‘Forest Pansy’
• Persian parrotia

Larger yards can highlight colorful focal point specimens like katsura trees, tricolor beeches, and copper beeches. Carefully placed groupings of three or more smaller specimens also create big visual impact.

With hundreds of varieties to choose from, trees with multi-hued leaves offer seemingly endless possibilities. They can transform ho-hum landscapes into vibrant, eye-catching outdoor spaces brimming with color. Be adventurous with your plant choices, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning foliage that keeps your garden looking sensational year after year.