Q.what type of tree has colorful leaves
I’m living in Virginia (40 min west of DC) and am looking for a small/med. size tree (20-30 ft tall and spread) to be planted in full sun. I’d like it to have leaves that have green, yellow and red at the same time at some point in the fall transition period. I’d love it to have flowers and smell good in the spring, but this is not as important as the fall leaf brilliance. Any suggestions?
Unfortunately there really isn't a tree that meets all your criteria.
I might recommend a call to your local county extension office. You can inquire as to the trees that are growing best in your area.
I also suggest a trip to a local nursery. Walking through the available trees is the best kind of research.
I have listed a few links to help you get started in the tree research.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/care-of-red-maple-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/trees-that-please-the-landscape.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/