A handsome shade tree with fine dark-green foliage that turns a deep wine-claret purple in autumn. Fast and adaptable, it is one of the most popular deciduous avenue trees.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 15 m H × 10 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Claret Ash
Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' is a fast-growing tree in the Oleaceae family. It reaches around 15 m tall and 10 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, rich in autumn colour and purple-toned foliage.
Where to grow Claret Ash
Claret Ash suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Claret Ash does best in loamy, clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Claret Ash performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Claret Ash in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Claret Ash in the garden
Claret Ash earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate as Claret Ash. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Claret Ash
Plant Sale lists Claret Ash as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
