This East European birch is at its most dramatic in autumn, when its corrugated leaves turn a show stopping yellow. Betula medwedewii's leaves have a glossy texture when they appear, and are carried on stiff branches that spread as they age - its most conspicuous assets. It also has decorative, yellowish brown male catkins that make their appearance in spring, and it carries glossy, pointed buds on the tips of its branches in winter. Like other birches, it will survive well in very exposed sites and grow well in any moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or light shade. A perfect tree for a small plot, it seldom grows taller than about fifteen feet, with a similar spread.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in summer or graft in winter. |
Sorbus are ideal for small gardens as they don't get too big and are decorative for much of the year, with pretty leaves and flowers in late spring followed by masses of berries. Sorbus hupehensis var. obtusa is an excellent form that differs from the true species of Hubei rowan as its berries are dark pink rather than white. It has an attractive shape, and its bluish green leaves are transformed into a bright red in autumn. It grows up to about 25 feet with a 25 foot spread and fares best in a neutral or acid soil that is moderately fertile, humus rich and well drained. A position in full sun or light dappled shade will suit it perfectly.
Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer. Bud in summer. Graft in winter. |
Japanese maples add greatly to a garden in autumn, when many acquire brilliant tints of yellow, red, orange and purple. Acer palmatum 'Linearilobum' is a choice tree, with pretty green, elegant leaves that are deeply incised to create long, slender lobes. In autumn, before they fall, their character changes and they turn a mellow yellow. It will grow to about fifteen feet with a twelve foot spread if sheltered from cold winds and given fertile, moist but well drained soil. A neutral or slightly acid soil is preferable. For purple foliage, Acer palmatum 'Linearilobum Atropurpureum' is available from specialist nurseries.
Propagation: Sow seed in situ or in containers outdoors as soon as ripe. Graft in late winter. Bud in late summer. |
