Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A distinctive tree with fresh green foliage that develops brilliant shades of crimson, orange and gold in autumn. Mature stems produce attractive patterned bark, making it an excellent choice for gardens where long-lasting, multi-season interest is required.

 Key characteristics:

• Year-round garden interest
• Outstanding autumn colour
• Attractive patterned bark 

• Ideal for: Smaller gardens, specimen planting and multi-season interest
• Seasonal interest: Late-winter flowers; autumn foliage; patterned bark year-round
• Flower colour: Crimson; February–March
• Fruit colour and season: Small brown capsules; autumn
• Foliage autumn colour: Glossy green leaves turning yellow, red and purple in autumn

PLANTING ADVICE

Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.

• Support / Staking : Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.

CARE

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.
• Pruning: Prune only when necessary in late winter, removing dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches. Retain short fruiting spurs wherever possible to protect future displays.
• Ongoing care: Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
• Safety: Not intended for consumption. Fallen leaves, blossom and fruit may create a temporary slip hazard on hard surfaces; clear them as required. Supervise children and pets around newly planted and staked trees. Do not allow any part of the plant to be eaten.