Autumn interest bush.

Bel2 · September 2020

I have a space approx 1.5 m x 1m in a small border which I would like to fill with a bush,preferably to give some all year round interest but particularly good late summer- autumn flower/leaf colour.It will be between a 8' high family apple tree and two smaller trees- a cotinus and a photinia.The bed is backed by a 4' privet hedge and fronted by the main grass pathway.It will get some morning sun but good sun in the afternoon.
I live in the south of England with neutral soil.
Suggestions please.
Bel.

amancalledgeorge · September 2020

I wonder if a Loropetalum chinense Fire Dance (or other red/purple leaved variety) will fit the bill. They're well behaved, evergreen and as they flush new leaves they do stand out alongside the bright magenta flowers. Can imagine it picking on the photinia colour nicely. They tend to flower in early spring but they do flower in the autumn too if happy. Mine has started flowering again last week. Also many lovely varieties of coprosma may also fit the bill and since you're in the South they should be fairly reliably hardy if protected.

Borderline · September 2020

Take a look at Euonymus Alatus, the Winged Spindle. There is also a compact version.

Lizzie27 · September 2020

Two smaller bushes would be Caryopteris 'Heavenly Blue' 1m x 1m (deciduous, grey foliage, blue flowers) or Ceratostigma willmottianum 1m x 1.5m (deciduous, bright blue flowers, autumn red leaves).