Enjoy vibrant foliage color when trees

Especially bulbs, because they can lift spirits after a long, gray winter, but newly emerging leaves also provide a much-needed splash of color. The new growth on many trees and shrubs can have a real intensity as they unfold as stunningly as any fall display. Deciduous trees produce new growth that adorns bare branches, while some evergreens have new, shiny leaves that contrast with the old, mature foliage. And while bulbs and other spring flowers have a short-lived moment of attention, these spring foliage plants can provide interest with height and texture all year long, and bring a sense of permanence and maturity to your garden. Here are my favorites to brighten up your borders.

1. Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’

The heart-shaped, wrinkled leaves of purple-leaved hazel turn a luxurious chocolate-purple in spring before the leaves turn green. Long, pinkish-red catkins hanging from bare branches in late winter and a crop of edible nuts covered in purple husks in autumn are added bonuses. Grow it as part of an edible hedge or in a border. It takes well to pruning and the cut stems can be used for plant support. Best in neutral to alkaline soils. H: 4-8m, S: 2.5-4m.

2. Acerpalmatum‘Bloodgood’

One of the best purple-leaved Japanese maples, spectacular in spring and autumn. The new leaves, with their thin, pointed lobes, emerge a brilliant bright crimson before darkening to a deep claret in summer, then turning blood red in autumn, hence the name. Its shrubby nature and relatively small size make it a good choice even for small gardens. Plant out of cold winds and harsh sunlight, as these can scorch the leaves. It prefers acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well-drained. H&S: 2.5-4 m.

3. Sorbearia sorbifolia 'Chem'

The fern-like foliage of this shrub is a real head-turner, with new growth being salmon-pink or bronze, then turning lemon green and fading to mid-green when cone-shaped clusters of small, white flowers appear in summer. Autumn leaf colour follows in shades of red. It is relatively undemanding to soil conditions, as long as it is not too dry or waterlogged. It spreads by suckers - manage this by removing the areas around the edge. H&S 1 m.

4. Physocarpus pulivilifolius

Also known as 'Diabolo' ninebark, Physocarpus are deciduous shrubs grown primarily for their striking leaf colours, including chartreuse green, gold or orange. This cultivar has rich reddish-purple leaves in mid to late spring, gradually deepening to a plum shade. In summer, the upright stems are adorned with domed clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well-drained. H: 2m, W: 2.5m

5. Cercis canadensis ‘ForestPansy’

This handsome large shrub or small tree, often grown as a multi-stemmed specimen, is a real show-stopper. It is later in development than many shrubs, but the glossy, heart-shaped leaves unfold a brilliant ruby red color and are worth the wait. The leaves darken in summer, turning shades of orange and red as the days shorten. Plant where the tree receives light and the leaves shimmer like stained glass. H&S: 4-8m

6. Acer shirasavanam 'Moonrise'

This maple tree has the wow factor, with eye-catching, crimson-red leaves that fade to apple green, creating a stunning two-tone effect as they do so. In autumn, the leaves once again turn fiery shades of orange and red. This cultivar is said to be highly resistant to leaf burn, but it does protect from cold, drying winds and harsh midday sun. With a little practice, it will be happy in a container, as long as it doesn't dry out. H&S: 2m

7. Pieris 'Forest Flame' This attractive evergreen shrub

This shrub with leathery, dark green leaves is replaced each spring by a burst of bright red new growth, accompanied by large clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. The leaves later develop shades of pink and cream, then take on a more subdued bottle-green. It is a useful plant for acidic soils in a woodland border setting, where it can be combined with shade-lovers such as ferns, hostas and astilbe. H: 4m, W: 2m.