TRYING to convince someone as to the merits of a particular plant's autumn colour is a hard task in spring, especially when elsewhere every other plant you are surrounded by is draped in the glory of emerald green growth punctuated with the flowers of April and May, writes TOM ATTWOOD. However, that same conversation taking place now is a far easier task. For me the autumn colours of leaves mark the speed and pace of the season. The birches often set the ball rolling closely followed by the horse chestnuts and beeches. I appreciate that most of us don’t have room for a copse of beech trees to herald the start of autumn so here are some suggestions for some exquisite candidates suitable for the smaller estate/back garden.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ AGM aka Witch Hazel. These shrubs produce outstanding autumn colour in shades of red, orange and purple. Diane has the richest dark red, long-lasting flowers that are also lightly scented. Witch hazels are not a cheap plant to buy due to the relatively slow growth but well worth considering for a well-drained lightly shaded area in the garden. Incidentally, when you see AGM it stands for Award of Garden Merit - this is recognition from the RHS that any trialled plant they deem to be superb all-rounders receive this badge of honour.

One of the first plants I learned about while a student at Edinburgh was Euonymus alatus, a heavyweight of the autumn colour arena, with attractive pointed leaves and a bold distinctive mid-rib. There is also an excellent smaller form of this plant called remarkably Compactus.

Stewartia pseudocamellia is commonly known as Japanese Stewartia. The peeling bark on these fabulous trees is stunning, the autumn colour is simply divine. They do need some shelter in the most exposed garden.

My last suggestion would be a wonderful genus of Hydrangea. Hydrangea serrata is becoming far more widely available; keep an eye out for one called Beni Gaku as the autumn colours produced last for weeks in a spectacular kaleidoscope of luxuriant moody colours.

Next week: feeding fruit trees and bushes