Seasonal colours

AFTER a very mild and damp few weeks, the stunning colour brought to us by autumn leaves seems to have crept up on us, then disappeared as quickly as it arrived. The blustery weather may have blown the beautiful leaves from the trees, but there is still a great deal of seasonal colour to enjoy thanks to some late flowering shrubs, in particular, Callicarpa bodiniera.

Callicarpa bodinieri – or beautyberry as it is commonly known – is a very attractive small to medium sized shrub. Reaching up to three meters in height and spread, it has extremely small vibrant violet bead-like berries which, at this time of year, are in abundance along the stems of the shrub. The berries normally appear early to mid-autumn and accompany the golden purple tinted leaves as they turn into their autumn colour before falling off and letting the berries steal the show.

Callicarpa bodinieri is a very tolerant shrub which enjoys full to partial sun. It grows well in most types of well-drained soil, although it is thought that too much alkaline in the soil will cause leaf yellowing and even complete leaf drop in some cases. Callicarpa bodinieri is a favourite for vase decorations and combines well with Choicya ternate as a backdrop for the Callicarpa; an example of this can be found in the Lakeside Gardens at Harlow Carr.

Another must-see at this time of the year is just a short walk into the woodland at Harlow Carr. In the glade you can find the shrub Euonymus europaeus ‘Red cascade’ – also known as the Spindle tree. The Euonymus europaeus ‘Red cascade’ is a cultivated species of our native tree and makes an excellent individual or group planting shrub. It is a medium-sized shrub, growing around three metres by two metres with gentle spreading branches. It comes into the limelight from now until late December. Once it has lost its spectacular autumn colour which glows a lustrous red, it is followed by stunning seed capsules which are deep rose-pink in colour and are split into four lobes, opening up to reveal tangerine orange seeds, almost like a Chinese lantern. The shrub will tolerate most types of soil – as long as it is moist but well drained – and likes partial shade to full sun. The woodland at Harlow Carr is an ideal spot for ‘Red cascade’ to thrive in.

At this time of year, the gardeners at Harlow Carr concentrate their efforts on putting certain plants to bed to protect them from the frost. Gunnera manicata, for example, has its flower spikes and leaves cut back and turned upside down over the crown of the plant to create little tepees to protect it from the frost and snow; it still looks very decorative throughout the winter when the leaves are glazed in frost.

Along the Sreamside, you can find a great combination of mixed cornus and silver birch which contrast really well. Betula utilis jacquemontii (Himalayan birch) is one of my favourites with its milky bright bark which stands out well in the sun with the mixed cornus.

Jobs to do

Carry out winter protection on tender perennials

Start dividing herbaceous perennials

Winter pruning

Finish off bulb planting before Christmas

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

DIARY DATES

December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 24: The Magic of Christmas

Decorate a gingerbread man, write and post a letter to the North Pole and explore the garden on a Christmas trail. Don’t forget to add a wish to the festive Wishing Tree. Families can also enjoy the creative handiwork of the Harlow Carr elves – otherwise known as the garden team – who have been spreading Christmas cheer by decorating trees, planters and garden structures with more than 500 stars made from willow. Normal garden admission.

Friday, December 11, 10am to noon: Guided Winter Walk

Discover winter garden inspiration on a guided walk and talk with Garden Manager Katherine Musgrove. Visitors can find out how to brighten up their own garden and learn about the plants, shrubs and berries used to provide seasonal winter colour in the woodland, Winter Walk and ornamental borders at Harlow Carr. The walk ends with a mince pie, a warm drink and a potted holly to take home. RHS members £25, non-members £33. Call 020-3176-5830 to book.

Friday, December 4, 11 and 18: Christmas Stories with Santa

Under-fives are invited to snuggle up for a classic Christmas tale or enjoy a sing-along with the man himself at Harlow Carr’s popular Stories with Santa sessions which take place in the beautiful setting of the historic Bath House. If youngsters have been very good this year, there’s even a small gift to take home. Places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling 0844-581-0783. Additional fees apply.