Red in spring? We think roses.
Red in fall? How about burning bush and ‘Sango-kaku’?
Sango who? Welcome to the wonderful world of maples! Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a vigorous upright tree with yellow fall foliage. But in this author’s opinion, the red bark is the best reason to have this tree in your landscape. This tree is often called ‘Coral Bark Maple,’ because the twigs and branches are a striking coral red in the winter. The bark is smooth and fiery red, making a great photo opportunity-especially when there is a gentle snowfall on the branches. A perfect tree for a patio planter that is sure to be the topic of conversation.
Burning bush-it’s on fire? No, but the name and appearance might lead you to that conclusion. Euonymus alata ‘Compacta’ is a deciduous shrub that gives an impressive fall color. The dark green leaves turn flaming red in the fall. A dense, flat-topped shrub with horizontal branching, burning bush (sometimes called winged euonymus) can grow to 6 feet tall. This plant is low maintenance, often used on commercial sites where water isn’t as available. Plant it as a hedge for a burning effect or against dark evergreens for greatest color impact.
Both the Sango kaku and the burning bush are rewarding plants in the fall, and their value in the spring and summer is to provide texture and leaf color contrasts to the everyday garden.