Trees for year-round colour

In smaller gardens, every plant has to earn its keep, and that's particularly true for trees. Luckily plenty of trees look good in every season: here's our pick of the best: 

Snowy mespilus (Amelanchier lamarckii): pearly white blossom in spring with coppery young foliage, followed by little black berries and brilliant autumn colour. Reaches about 10m tall.

Willows (Salix spp): look for varieties with brilliantly coloured red, green or purple bark: also has furry pussywillow buds in winter and deep green foliage. Grows to 10m.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp): cascades of scented spring blossom are followed by brilliant red berries and a firework display of autumn colour. Anything from 5m to 8m tall, depending on species.

Autumn-flowering cherry (Prunus x subhirtella): the pale pink flowers appear in little bursts from November throughout the winter, with leaves turning fiery orange in autumn. Grows to 9m tall.

Rowan (Sorbus spp): clusters of white flowers in spring are followed by heavy crops of berries in red, white or yellow. Leaves turn brilliant shades in autumn. Grows to 7m.

Please ask a member of the Lakeside team for more information and advice about choosing trees for year- round colour.