All shrubs

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens,' commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is an ornamental perennial plant renowned for its striking dark foliage and distinctive appearance. This cultivar belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Japan, where it thrives in woodlands and shaded areas. In the United Kingdom, it has gained popularity as a garden ornamental for its unique aesthetic qualities.

The most notable feature of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is its almost-black, strappy leaves that grow in dense clumps. The rich ebony colouration intensifies as the plant matures, creating a captivating contrast with other plants in the garden. During the summer months, it produces small, insignificant bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers on delicate stems. However, it is primarily grown for its striking foliage rather than its flowers.

Black Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add drama to their landscapes without excessive effort. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it suitable for shaded borders, rock gardens, or even as ground cover beneath trees. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

When it comes to care, Black Mondo Grass requires minimal attention. Pruning is optional but can help maintain its tidy appearance. It is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hassle-free addition to any garden. In colder regions of the UK, some winter protection, such as a layer of mulch, may be beneficial to ensure its survival.

Azalea Japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a stunning and popular cultivar of the evergreen Azalea genus, known for its vibrant and eye-catching blooms. This particular variety, 'Vuyk's Scarlet,' is cherished by garden enthusiasts for its distinctive scarlet-red flowers that add a burst of colour to gardens in late spring to early summer.

The Azalea Japonica species is native to Asia, particularly Japan and Korea, and 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a testament to the beauty and diversity within this group. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimetres) with a similar spread, making it a compact and manageable addition to gardens, borders, or even as a potted plant. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the striking scarlet blossoms, creating a visually appealing contrast.

The flowers of 'Vuyk's Scarlet' are trumpet-shaped and feature five distinct petals. These deep crimson-red blooms are known for their durability and longevity, often lasting for several weeks. Their intense colouration makes them stand out in any landscape, whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting scheme.

Caring for Azalea Japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Pruning can be done after flowering to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth.

This Azalea cultivar not only adds an explosion of colour to gardens but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a delightful choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes. 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a versatile and visually striking plant that exemplifies the timeless beauty of the Azalea Japonica species, making it a cherished addition to gardens throughout the United Kingdom.

Clematis 'The President' is a quintessential garden gem that has been gracing gardens since its introduction in the late 19th century. This cultivar stands out with its vibrant, large-flowered blooms that are deep purple-blue in color. Each flower showcases six to eight velvety petals, which when unfurled, present a striking contrast to the plant's rich green foliage.

One of the admirable traits of 'The President' is its hardiness. This perennial vine is known to withstand various climatic conditions, making it a favored choice for gardens in diverse regions. In terms of size, the blooms can reach impressive diameters of up to 7 inches, creating a bold visual impact especially when the plant is in full bloom.

Beyond its stunning appearance, Clematis 'The President' offers a prolonged flowering period, typically from late spring to early fall, ensuring that gardeners and admirers get to enjoy its beauty for an extended time. With proper care, including a suitable trellis or support, this vine can reach heights of up to 10 feet. Pruning, although not always necessary, can help in maintaining its shape and stimulating new growth. Its enduring popularity is a testament to both its aesthetic appeal and robust performance in the garden landscape.

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is an attractive evergreen shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage and compact growth habit. It boasts glossy, oval leaves that emerge a striking red in spring, gradually maturing to a deep, rich green. This bi-colour effect creates a striking visual appeal, adding a burst of colour to the garden. In autumn, the older leaves can take on shades of bronze and burgundy, providing additional seasonal interest. The new growth's red hue is particularly vivid in sunny positions, making it a fantastic feature in borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen.

Reaching a height and spread of approximately 1.5 metres, 'Little Fenna' is more compact than other Photinia varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a container plant. Its dense growth habit also makes it an excellent choice for creating a low hedge or privacy screen. Additionally, this shrub is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

In late spring, 'Little Fenna' produces clusters of small white flowers, which are followed by red berries in the summer if pollinated, attracting birds and beneficial insects to the garden. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage the vibrant new growth that defines this variety.

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is also fairly resistant to common pests and diseases, although it is advisable to keep an eye out for leaf spot. Overall, its stunning foliage, manageable size, and ease of care make 'Little Fenna' an excellent addition to any UK garden.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.