The brilliant red foliage of the Claret Ash make it one of the really outstanding trees for autumn foliage. The botanical name is Fraxinus Raywoodii however the common name of Claret Ash is widely used.
This is a fast growing shade or specimen tree to 8m- 10m suitable for hot climates.
A useful bushy shade tree reaching 10m. The name ‘Claret Ash comes from the attractive red autumn foliage.
Claret Ash are a hardy, fast growing tree used widely in street plantings as well as in the garden. Tube Stock and advanced Claret Ash.
How to Grow the Claret Ash – Basic Care
Best grown in a humus rish soil that retains some moisture during summer months this versatile tree will produce its best autumn colour in cooler climates.
This is a frost hardy tree however wet soggy soils should be avoided.
Soil itself sany be sandy loam through to clay as long as it is well drained.
Generally this is a very low care, low maintenance tree, although it can suffer from lack of moisture in extreme conditions.
This is a versatile tree will grow in many areas of Australia, it is not suited to the tropical zones, however from Sydney to Tasmania and from Melbourne and Adelaide to southern Western Australia it thrives.
This tree is a chance seedling found in South Australia in the erly 1900s. It was quickly sent to the UK and later to North America.
Landscaping Uses
Best described as having a deep green foliage and forming a rounded canopy when mature. The foliage begins to change colour in summer and in autumn foliage it will turn a very good red especially in cooler climate zones.
The Claret Ash is used mainly as a shade tree in medium sized gardens, parks and other broad landscapes. An indicative size for an established specimen is 10 – 15 metres in height with a broader crown to 20 metres, depending on soil and climate.
As it is fast growing and prefers a sunny position it can be useful in newly established gardens or as a quick replacement tree.
Problems
Although the claret ash does not tolerate coastal condition well, it will tolerate frosts however in very cold climate zones, late freezes will cause damage. An indicative climate zone would be cool temperate to warm temperate or if you like USDA Zones 5 to 7.
It is best to keep the area around the tree well mulched so that surface roots do not become exposed. Exposed root systems can lead to problems as well as unwanted shoots from the rootstock the tree is usually grafted onto.
The tree does has a relatively shallow yet aggressive root system depending on the soil, and it is best planted away from sewer and drainage lines as well as paved areas as this can cause problems.
Where To Buy Claret Ash Trees.
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au