Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' 12ltr pot

Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' – Claret Ash – 12 Litre Pot

Few trees put on an autumn show quite like the Claret Ash. Through spring and summer its fine, glossy, dark green leaves create a light, airy canopy, before turning rich shades of wine-red and plum-purple as the season changes. Upright and oval in its youth, it gradually matures into a fuller, rounded crown, making it an elegant specimen for larger gardens, parkland, or a boundary where autumn colour is wanted.

'Raywood' is a vigorous, fast-establishing tree that holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It is fully hardy (RHS H5) and thrives in full sun on moist but well-drained or free-draining soils, performing best where the ground is neutral to alkaline. It copes well with chalk, clay, loam and sand, and its tolerance of exposed and coastal positions makes it a reliable choice for gardens here in the South West. The flowers are inconspicuous and the tree sets no seed, so there are no self-sown ash seedlings to deal with.

Plant in autumn or early spring, staking firmly for the first couple of years, and water well through dry spells until established. Little pruning is needed beyond removing any damaged or crossing branches in late winter. Allow plenty of room: at maturity it reaches over 12m in height with a spread of more than 8m, so position it well away from buildings and drains.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.