This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: Slow to average
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: Fully hardy


An upright, spreading, deciduous tree for small gardens or backs of borders that provides eye-catching winter interest with green and white-striated bark. ‘Viper’ bears ovate, shallowly lobed, dark green leaves, flushed bronze in spring, that transition into vivid shades of yellow and orange in autumn. In late spring, small yellow flowers appear which, if pollinated, mature into winged seeds.


• Garden care: Add a top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of the plant in late spring. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant.