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January, 2013
Ornamental bark in the garden
With the plethora of plants that provide interest through their flowers, fruit and leaves, you could be forgiven for sometimes overlooking the part that decorative bark plays in the garden. Several trees and shrubs also deliver stunning texture through their ornamental bark and stems. It's at this time of year, when many trees stand bare-branched against a low winter sun, that you can really appreciate this sometimes neglected feature. We've compiled some of our favourites. Take a closer look next time you are out and about - we're sure you'll agree that ornamental bark makes a worthy addition, or focal point, to any garden.
Plants with ornamental bark are often at their most beautiful during the winter months and can add real value in the garden. When planted in groups they can give impact and interest, even on the dreariest of days. Plant as a single specimen and you have instant wow-factor. Some trees, such as the white bark of the west Himalayan birch, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, look great at any time of year but shine out like a beacon on a winter's day.
Shrubs, such as the dogwoods, are favoured for their coloured stems. Pictured here is the red-stemmed Cornus alba 'Sibirica' and the almost-black stems of Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'.Their size means they can be grown even in small gardens to provide that pop of winter colour.
Acers come in various forms but when it comes to ornamental bark one of our all-time faves is Acer griseum, the paper-bark maple. This one does what it says on the tin and features a cinnamon-coloured, paper-like bark that looks as though it's peeling. This small, ornamental tree looks great all year long and will work just as well as a single specimen, or planted at set intervals to create an avenue.
For something larger, consider Eucalyptus. We sometimes see these trees planted in the average-sized suburban garden where they can sometimes outgrow their welcome, with some reaching up to 20 metres at maturity. Plant them in the right setting, however, and they will repay you with a cool, smooth bark as pictured here.
Finally, Prunus serrula, or the Tibetan cherry. Its bark is a rich, polished dark red. This is a real eye-catcher for a sunny spot. Keep the under-planting simple so as not to detract from this star-player.