If you’re looking to add some classy colour to your garden, Claret Ash trees should be your foliage of choice. Few things are more stunning than a Claret Ash’s autumn colour, when the deep green leaves change into a vibrant claret red. That’s when this tree is most striking.
The Claret Ash is a tall, hardy deciduous tree with an upright growth habit. It reaches a height of 15.0m, making it ideal for large or moderate-sized gardens. Both frost and drought tolerant, this tree can thrive in most climates. Grow anywhere from full sun to partial shade, and water well while establishing.
If you want a fast-growing shade tree for your garden, Claret Ash trees are perfect. Here’s how to grow a Claret Ash in your garden.
Facts About Claret Ash (Fraxinus raywood)
The Claret Ash is a tall, hardy deciduous tree that grows in an open, rounded shape. Its foliage starts deep green, which turns a lighter, yellow-green in summer. Then comes autumn, where Claret Ash Fraxinus turns a gorgeous dark red – giving it its name.
(TIP: For those with large gardens, try planting this tree alongside golden ash. The colour contrast will be breathtaking!)
These autumn trees are very frost-hardy, and advanced trees can be drought tolerant once established. Claret Ash can endure hot conditions easily, but you may want to consult an expert gardening service to ensure your garden’s growing conditions are suitable.
The Claret Ash has an Australian cultivar called “Raywood” – check your local nurseries to see if it’s available for you!
Claret Ash trees are not fruit trees, and their flowers are relatively inconspicuous.
Claret Ash problems are rare since their root system is shallow, but it’s still inadvisable to plant one near any structure.
Claret Ash Growing Conditions
Claret Ash trees can grow even in partial shade and thrive in most soil types so long as they’re well-draining. Still, they prefer moist, well-drained soils and full sun. These trees can tolerate cool, temperate, and semi-arid conditions, but are not well-suited to overly wet climates.
The tree prefers cooler weather to bring out the best autumn colour.
Claret Ash can reach 15.0m in height and 10.0m in width. Cultivated trees will generally grow to 8.0m-13.0m.
How to Grow a Claret Ash Tree
You’re best off growing a Claret Ash from a seedling, as this tree may be difficult to cultivate from seed.
Dig a hole twice as deep and just as wide as the root ball.
Carefully remove the plant from its container. Gently tease and untangle the roots if necessary.
Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the bud union is above soil level.
Water well to settle the soil. Keep the ground moist until the tree is established.
Claret Ash Care
Fertilise after planting and after new growth appears – generally ahead of summer.
Prune regularly while the plant is maturing to encourage new growth. You can also prune to encourage a more open, rounded shape.
Be careful when gardening around your tree. Young ash trees have very thin bark and can be easily wounded, which could affect growth.
These shade trees are favoured in parks and avenues due to their spread and colour, but they’re gorgeous for large gardens too! Just imagine that claret red in the autumn, alongside all the other coloured foliage. Try growing a Claret Ash tree in your garden, then enjoy the view from the best spot – underneath, enjoying the cool shade and the beautiful red leaves.
