Best Cherry Trees for Autumn Colour as Well as Spring Blossom
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Cherry trees are celebrated across the UK for their spectacular spring blossom — clouds of white, pink, or blush flowers that signal the end of winter and the beginning of brighter days. But what if you could double the joy and plant a cherry tree that dazzles not only in spring but again in autumn?
Many ornamental cherry trees (Prunus species) bring a second act later in the year, with their foliage transforming into fiery shades of orange, crimson, and gold. In this guide, we explore the best cherry trees that offer both seasonal spring flowers and outstanding autumn leaf colour, ensuring year-round interest for your garden.
🍂 Looking for compact trees too? Best Cherry Trees for Small Gardens & Patios →
Why Autumn Colour Matters
Autumn colour adds dramatic contrast and a final flourish to your garden display. As daylight fades and temperatures drop, the chlorophyll in cherry tree leaves breaks down to reveal stunning shades hidden beneath the green. Choosing varieties with a proven track record of vibrant autumn foliage ensures your tree makes an impact twice a year — once in blossom, and again before leaf fall.
Top Cherry Trees for Autumn and Spring Appeal
1. Prunus ‘Kanzan’
Spring: Bold double pink rosettes
Autumn: Rich copper, bronze, and burnt orange leaves
Best for: Large gardens, avenues
One of the most popular flowering cherries in the UK, Prunus ‘Kanzan’ is not only beloved for its frilly springtime display, but also its deep orange-red autumn colour. It grows to around 8m and makes a statement whether planted as a specimen or in rows.
2. Prunus ‘Shogetsu’
Spring: White double blooms with a soft pink blush
Autumn: Intense deep red and burgundy leaves
Best for: Mid-size gardens, layered colour palettes
Shogetsu delivers a graceful display in both seasons, with its large flowers giving way to dramatic late-autumn foliage. Its rounded crown shape makes it ideal for centre-lawn planting.
3. Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ (The Great White Cherry)
Spring: Huge snow-white single flowers
Autumn: Bright golden yellow foliage
Best for: Parks, open gardens
Known for flowers nearly 5cm across, this showstopper also develops glowing golden autumn tones, offering two very different yet equally spectacular phases of beauty.
4. Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
Spring: Rich pink flowers
Autumn: Deep burgundy leaves that darken further before dropping
Best for: Contrasting planting schemes
This tree is unique for its dramatic foliage colour that persists through summer and deepens into autumn. It offers contrast when planted with silver-leaved or evergreen companions.
5. Prunus ‘Shirotae’ (Mount Fuji)
Spring: Almond-scented white flowers
Autumn: Vivid orange and red tones
Best for: Japanese-style gardens, border backdrops
With elegant cascading branches and fragrant spring blooms, ‘Shirotae’ offers beauty and balance. In autumn, its colour shifts to burnt orange, creating an atmospheric feel in any garden.
Plant Pairings for Autumn Impact
Pair your cherry tree with other late-season plants for maximum effect:
Cornus alba – fiery stems for winter colour
Acer palmatum – brilliant red foliage
Grasses like Miscanthus or Pennisetum – movement and texture
Heptacodium miconioides – fragrant white flowers into September
These combinations extend interest right through the year and help support garden biodiversity.
How to Maximise Autumn Colour
Autumn foliage can vary depending on conditions. Follow these tips to bring out the best tones:
Full sun: Encourages vibrant leaf pigmentation
Good drainage: Prevents root stress that can dull colour
Mulching: Retains soil moisture without waterlogging
Avoid overfeeding: Especially nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth over colour
For a full breakdown of cherry tree care and placement, refer to the BBC Gardeners’ World cherry guide.
FAQs
Do all cherry trees develop autumn colour?
No, some ornamental varieties — especially those bred for flower density — have less intense autumn foliage. Choosing known dual-season performers like ‘Kanzan’ or ‘Shogetsu’ is a safer bet.
Why is my cherry tree not turning colour in autumn?
It could be due to a lack of sunlight, overwatering, or high nitrogen fertiliser use. Drier summers often enhance autumn hues.
Can I plant cherry trees in autumn?
Yes. Autumn is an excellent time to plant pot-grown trees as the soil is still warm, giving roots time to establish before winter.
What causes red or orange leaf colour in autumn?
Pigments like anthocyanins (red/purple) and carotenoids (orange/yellow) replace chlorophyll as trees shut down for winter. These vary by variety and growing conditions.
Will a cherry tree’s autumn colour affect its spring blossom?
No — autumn display and spring blossom occur in different seasonal cycles. In fact, good care that encourages strong autumn foliage usually supports healthy flowering the next year.
Final Thoughts
Flowering cherry trees with good autumn colour provide year-round value in UK gardens. Whether you want a front garden showpiece or a lawn centrepiece, these varieties offer extended visual appeal without demanding care routines.
For help choosing the best cherry tree for your garden’s size and style, browse our full range or get in touch for tailored advice.
Product Title
16 px collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It’s a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
$320
Product Title
16 px collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It’s a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
$900
Product Title
16 px collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It’s a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
$560
Comments