By Sheilabub
Hertfordshire,
United Kingdom 
Autumn colour on chalk? I have a new friend with a newish garden, and she would love to find a shrub that has autumn colour that she can grow on her very chalky soil. She says she can't grow Acers, but I thought she might be able to try Liquidamber. Any ideas gratefully received.
29 Mar, 2011
Answers
Malus coronaria 'Charlottae' and Crataegus lavallei 'Carriera' are two smallish trees that will produce good autumn colour on chalk.
29 Mar, 2011
Many thanks Moon grower and Bamboo - I will pass that info on.
29 Mar, 2011
I have the following Guelder rose Viburnum [opulus?] Then there is alamenchia [spelling dodgy though] Then Rowan/Mountain ash /Sorbus
all three do well on chalk.
29 Mar, 2011
thinking about it, Sheilabub, Acer griseum grows perfectly well on chalk, and has great autumn colour, but it isn't a very small tree.
29 Mar, 2011
...or Euonymus europaeus. This has bright red foliage in autumn and red/pink and orange fruits through winter.
29 Mar, 2011
That's brilliant Seaburn, Bamboo and Volunteer. In fact, my friend (Sue) already has Euonymus europaeus on her "wish list", as well as Viburnum opulus. She wasn't sure that Amelanchier would be OK but I showed her mine on alkaline/neutral soil, and it's fine. I'll certainly tell her about the Sorbus and Acer griseum - thank you very much!
29 Mar, 2011
Liquidambar only does well on acidic soil...
29 Mar, 2011