{"id":43615,"date":"2023-09-13T22:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T02:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardenersoasis.com\/?p=44831"},"modified":"2024-11-23T01:15:08","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T06:15:08","slug":"trees-that-turn-red-in-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fromhousetohome.com\/garden\/trees-that-turn-red-in-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Trees That Turn Red In Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Whether you’re planning a garden makeover or just want to add a splash of color to your fall garden, this guide will introduce you to a variety of trees that turn red in fall. From dogwoods to crape myrtles to the best maples, you’re sure to find the perfect tree to bring that fiery charm to your personal outdoor sanctuary.. <\/p>\n\n\n
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As the seasons shift and the air becomes crisp, I always look forward to the vibrant display of red fall leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While several trees boast beautiful fall color, there are specific ones that stand out with their fiery red fall color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So whether you’re looking for majestic, towering specimens or small trees that turn red in fall, this guide will provide a comprehensive list of trees known for their stunning red leaves in autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 | Maple trees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maples are probably the most iconic of all the fall color trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are fairly easy to grow and are celebrated for their majestic stature and distinctive, often lobed leaves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, these deciduous trees are especially revered for their brilliant autumnal displays, where their foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few of the most popular red-leaved varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name:<\/strong> Acer saccharum<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 3 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun to partial shade Height<\/strong>: 60′ to 75′ Width<\/strong>: 40′ to 50′ Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Recognized for its vibrant red-orange fall colors and the sap that’s the primary source for maple syrup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name:<\/strong> Acer saccharinum<\/em><\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 3 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 50′ to 80′ Width<\/strong>: 35′ to 50′ Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Adaptable to various soil types<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A fast-growing tree with leaves that turn a reddish-yellow in the fall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name:<\/strong> Acer x freemanii<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 3 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun to partial shade Height<\/strong>: 40′ to 55′ tall Width<\/strong>: 30′ to 40′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Thrives in a range of soil types.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A hybrid of the Silver and Red Maples, it’s a fast grower that boasts vibrant red leaves in autumn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Has won numerous “best tree” awards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Acer<\/em> rubrum<\/em> ‘Brandywine’ Zone<\/strong>: 4 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 25′ to 30′ Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 25′ Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A compact variety, it offers a spectacular display of deep red leaves in the fall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Japanese maples are a captivating species within the Acer<\/em> genus, renowned for their delicate, often lace-like foliage and compact stature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, these deciduous trees are celebrated for their wide array of leaf colors and shapes, ranging from deep purples to vibrant reds and even soft greens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their graceful, often multi-branched form combined with stunning autumnal color transformations makes them a favorite in gardens, especially as ornamental focal points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Acer palmatum<\/em> ‘Bloodgood’ Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Partial shade Height<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A popular variety, it boasts deep red-purple leaves throughout the year, intensifying in the fall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Likes well-drained soil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Emperor One Japanese maple<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Scientific name: <\/strong>Acer palmatum<\/em> ‘Emperor One’ or ‘Atropurpureum’ Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates Height<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ tall Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It boasts deep purple-red leaves in spring and summer, which turn a vibrant crimson-red in the fall. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Its color can be more intense when planted in a sunnier location. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
The beautiful contrast of its delicate leaves against the vibrant color makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Acer palmatum<\/em> ‘Tamukeyama’ Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Partial shade, but can tolerate more sun in cooler climates Height<\/strong>: 6 to 8 feet tall Width<\/strong>: 8 to 12 feet wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Prefers well-drained soil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
This is a laceleaf variety known for its deep crimson-red leaves that turn even brighter in the fall. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Its cascading form makes it a favorite for landscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3 | Oak trees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oak trees, belonging to the genus Quercus<\/em>, are strong and long-lived trees that have been growing in forests and landscapes worldwide for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognized for their robust, often lobed leaves and distinctive acorns, oaks are emblematic of endurance and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get the best red fall leaves, look for the following varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Quercus coccinea<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 4 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 50′ to 70′ tall Width<\/strong>: 40′ to 50′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Adaptable to various soil types<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Distinguished by its deeply lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet fall color.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Northern red oak<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n\u00a9V. J. Matthew – stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Quercus rubra<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 3 to 8 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 60′ to 75′ tall Width<\/strong>: 45′ to 50′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A majestic tree with a broad crown, producing acorns favored by wildlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Quercus shumardii<\/em><\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 40′ to 60′ tall Width<\/strong>: 40′ to 60′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage only Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Prefers well-drained soil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A majestic tree with a broad canopy, its glossy green leaves turn a deep scarlet in the fall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Cornus<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Partial shade Height<\/strong>: 15′ to 30′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 30′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring Flower color<\/strong>: White, pink<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogwoods are a diverse group of small trees and shrubs known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Native to both North America and Asia, dogwoods are celebrated for their springtime displays of white, pink, or red bracts, and their bright red or purple fall foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many species also produce clusters of vibrant berries in late summer and fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 2 to 7 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun to partial shade Height<\/strong>: 20′ to 30′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring Flower color<\/strong>: white<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Canada Red Chokecherry is a striking ornamental tree known for its dynamic foliage transformation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emerging green in spring, its leaves mature to a deep purple-red hue as the season progresses, offering a vibrant contrast to many landscapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This deciduous tree also boasts clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, which give way to small, dark red berries by late summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the berries are often too tart for direct consumption, they’re popular for making jellies and jams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 | Red Chinese Pistache Tree<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\u00a9Tonic Ray Sonic – stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Pistacia chinensis<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 6 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 25′ to 35′ tall Width<\/strong>: 25′ to 35′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: foliage Flower color<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Red Chinese Pistache is a medium-sized, deciduous tree celebrated for its spectacular autumn display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the seasons transition, its normally deep green leaves shift to vibrant shades of orange, red, and crimson, making it a standout in any autumn landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond its fall beauty, this tree is valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil types. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its rounded canopy and spreading growth habit make it an excellent shade tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often used as a street or ornamental tree, the Red Chinese Pistache is a resilient and visually striking choice for urban and suburban settings alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Lagerstroemia<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 7 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full sun Height<\/strong>: 20′ to 30′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: Summer to fall Flower color<\/strong>: pink, white, red<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crape Myrtle is a beloved deciduous tree or shrub known for its profusion of vibrant and long-lasting summer blooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flowers, which can range in color from white and pink to deep red and purple, appear in large, showy clusters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond its blossoms, Crape Myrtle is also admired for its brilliant orange and red fall foliage. As well as its smooth, peeling bark, which reveals a mottled surface of varying shades, adding winter interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often used in landscaping for its multi-season appeal, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests, Crape Myrtle stands as a testament to both beauty and resilience in the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 | Redbud tree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Redbud tree is a deciduous, small to medium-sized tree celebrated for its stunning early spring display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the emergence of its heart-shaped leaves, the tree is adorned with a profusion of pink or lavender blossoms that bloom directly on its branches and trunk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As seasons progress, its foliage can range from rich green to varieties with deep purple or variegated leaves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the fall, some species showcase a delightful transition to red, orange or golden-yellow hues<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best varieties for red fall leaves are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Cercis<\/em> canadensis<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full to partial sun Height<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ tall Width<\/strong>: 15′ to 20′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring Flower color<\/strong>: Pink<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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This variety boasts leaves that transition from burgundy to lime, then to gold, and finally to a fiery orange-red in the fall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Scientific name: <\/strong>Cercis<\/em> canadensis<\/em> Zone<\/strong>: 5 to 9 Exposure<\/strong>: Full to partial sun Height<\/strong>: 20′ to 30′ tall Width<\/strong>: 25′ to 35′ wide Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring
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