When autumn arrives, most trees transition to the expected shades of red, orange, and yellow. But some special varieties take on a more unusual hue: pink! Trees with pink leaves in fall provide a stunning and unexpected pop of color to brighten up the landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top options for trees with pink fall foliage and what makes their coloring so unique. Read on to learn about these eye-catching specimens and consider adding one (or more) to your own yard.
What Causes Pink Fall Foliage?
Most trees produce chlorophyll, giving their leaves a green pigment during the growing season. In autumn, chlorophyll breaks down and other pigments emerge, creating vivid reds, oranges, and yellows.
But how do leaves turn pink? This unusual fall color occurs due to the presence of anthocyanins, a type of pigment that also provides the pinks, reds, and purples in flower petals Environmental factors like sunlight exposure, temperature shifts, and soil pH levels impact how vividly anthocyanins express themselves
When conditions are right, the anthocyanins shine through to provide gorgeous pink fall color. The effect is fleeting though, lasting just 1-2 weeks before other pigments take over. So enjoy those rosy leaves while they last!
Top 10 Trees With Pink Fall Leaves
From bright fuchsia to muted dusty pink, various trees offer unique shades of pink foliage in autumn. Here are 10 top picks:
1. Pink Flair Cherry (Prunus sargentii ‘Pink Flair’)
One of the pinkest trees, Pink Flair Cherry leaves turn a striking neon pink in fall. This small ornamental cherry reaches 15-25 feet tall and wide. Plant in full sun.
2. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
A classic understory tree, Dogwood has oval green leaves that morph to rich pinks and purples in fall. It grows 15-30 feet tall and wide. Part shade, moist acidic soil.
3. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
A lovely medium-sized shade tree, Chinese Pistache offers brilliant fall colors of orange, red, and fuchsia pink. Grows 30-50 feet tall and wide. Needs full sun.
4. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Native to the southeastern United States, Sourwood turns vibrant shades of red, deep pink, and purple in fall. Slow growing to 20-30 feet tall. Likes part shade, acidic soil.
5. Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
Grown for its coppery peeling bark, Paperbark Maple also provides fantastic fall hues of crimson and neon pink. Reaches 20-30 feet tall. Part to full sun.
6. Cherry Blossom (Prunus species)
Cherry Blossoms are beloved for their pretty spring blooms. But foliage on varieties like Kwanzan can also turn pink and orange in autumn.
7. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Maple is known for its flaming fall colors. But some years, leaves pass through bright pink shades before turning red. Grows 40-60 feet tall. Likes sun to part shade.
8. Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)
Selected for its vivid red spring and fall color, Bloodgood Maple sometimes produces brief shades of pink too. Slow growing to 15-20 feet tall. Part shade, sheltered location.
9. Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)
A lovely small understory tree, Trident Maple provides a mix of pink, orange, red and yellow fall tones. Grows 20-30 feet tall and wide. Give part shade, moist soil.
10. Prunus x ‘Pink Snow Showers’
This flowering cherry hybrid shows off pink and white variegated leaves when young, and pinkish-red fall color. Only grows 15 feet tall and wide – perfect for small yards. Needs full sun, well-drained soil.
Beyond this list, various crabapples, smaller maple varieties, and ornamental cherries may also include pink as part of their fall palette. Check for suitable selections at local nurseries.
Using Pink-Leaved Trees in the Landscape
When incorporated thoughtfully, trees with pink fall foliage can really enhance the landscape. Here are some tips for utilizing them effectively:
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Use as a focal point – The eye-catching colors make pink-leaved trees perfect for drawing attention, especially when sited in the front or center of a bed.
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Contrast with conventional fall colors – Plant a pink-leaved variety among maples and oaks for striking contrast.
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Group multiple pink-leafed species together for bigger impact.
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Choose small varieties like cherry or maple for small urban yards.
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Remember young trees show the most vivid color. Pink tones often fade as trees mature.
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Site in full sun for boldest leaf colors. Morning sun brings out the brightest hues.
Appreciating the Beauty of Pink
Beyond their conventional fall counterparts, trees with pink autumn leaves provide an unexpected surprise and unique beauty all their own. They seem to glow when backlit by the sun, adding whimsical charm to the landscape.
If you’re looking to shake up your yard’s fall display, go bold with pink trees. Their vibrant colors will certainly catch the eye and brighten up the scenery. Just be sure to savor their blushing beauty while it lasts!
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If you are looking for flowering trees with pink blooms look no further. We have a large selection of pink blooming trees. Browse this pretty in pink collection to identify pink flowering trees for your landscape. From pink dogwood trees to pink cherry blossom trees to pink crape myrtles and beyond we have the perfect pink tree for your landscaping delight!
Pink Flowering Dogwood Trees
We have two pink flowering dogwood trees for sale. The deeper pink is the Red Dogwood the lighter pink is the standard Pink Dogwood Tree. These gorgeous native trees have lovely spring blooms and distinctive bark. They are easy to grow and look nice in just about any landscape.
Top 5 Trees You Need for Fall Color | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What tree leaves turn pink in the fall?
Smoketree – Cotinus sp. The leaves of Smoketrees shift from moody, muted tones in grey-green, burgundy, and chartreuse into vibrant, zingy tones of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple as they change colors each Autumn.
What tree produces pink leaves?
Tricolor Beech – A Tree with Pink Leaves
European tricolor beech is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 35 feet (10.7 m.) tall and 25 feet (7.6 m.) wide. It is cold hardy through zone 4 and tolerates urban conditions.
What does a dogwood tree look like in the fall?
Dogwood. Native American dogwood trees produce deep-red fall foliage in addition to red fall berries and gorgeous white or pink flowers in spring.
What tree turns burgundy in the fall?
Sourwood is a lesser-known tree, but its fall color is nothing short of spectacular. The leaves turn a deep red or burgundy in the autumn.
Are pink-leaved trees a good fall color?
Pink-leaved trees provide striking contrast against conventional fall hues. They add visual interest and a punch of color when mixed into the landscape. Backlit by the sun, their rosy foliage positively glows. If you’re looking to spice up your yard with unconventional shades this fall explore these 10 options for trees with pink leaves 1.
Do trees have pink leaves?
Yes, there are trees with pink autumn leaves. These trees have pink flowers, and their leaves turn a rich orange-red before falling in autumn. Can there be pink leaves? Pink leaves are uncommon in trees. However, numerous trees change foliage colors in the fall. What makes leaves pink?
Do trees turn pink in the fall?
Trees will pink fall color are unusual but spectacular to behold. While a number of trees sprout with pink foliage, which turns green, then gold and brown in fall, it is unusual to find a tree with pink leaves although some bushes, like the burning bush (Euonymous alatus) ends the season with hot pink color.
What trees have pink flowers?
While the leaves of trees with pink flowers are typically dark green, their vibrant pink flowers make them a remarkable addition to any landscape. The Pink Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, and Pink Japanese Maple are all popular choices for those seeking the beauty and vibrancy of pink in their gardens.
Do trees change color in the fall?
Pink leaves are uncommon in trees. However, numerous trees change foliage colors in the fall. What makes leaves pink? Leaves turn pink due to the presence of pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments are responsible for the vibrant pink color in certain plants and trees.
Which trees are best for fall color?
Here are 8 of our favorite trees for fall color. These trees will also provide spring color, shade, privacy, and wildlife habitat. Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice.