Spindle 'Red Cascade'

'Red Cascade' is a superb selection of our native Spindle tree, specifically chosen for its prolific fruit production and intense autumn colour. This deciduous small tree or large shrub reaches about 3-4 metres in height. While its late spring flowers are small and inconspicuous, it comes into its own in the autumn. The leaves turn a phenomenal shade of fiery scarlet, and the fruit is truly unique: bright pink lobed capsules that split open to reveal vivid orange seeds. These fruits hang in great abundance, resembling jewels against the autumn foliage. It is very hardy (H7) and remarkably versatile, growing well in most soils, including alkaline and chalky ones. It is an excellent addition to a wildlife garden or a mixed hedge, but also works well as a standalone specimen in a small garden. It is a tough, low-maintenance plant that provides some of the most striking colour combinations in the British autumn landscape.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil, including chalk.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.