By Feature - Shade

Eriobotrya japonica, also known as the loquat tree or bush, is a small evergreen tree that is native to southeastern China. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive foliage and bushy, fruiting habit.

The loquat tree grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet and has a spread of 10 to 15 feet. The leaves are large, glossy, and dark green, with a distinctive shape that is reminiscent of holly leaves. The tree produces fragrant, white or yellow flowers in late autumn or early winter, which are followed by small, yellow or orange, pear-shaped fruits in the spring.

The loquat fruit is sweet and tangy, with a flavor that is similar to a mix of peach, citrus, and mango. It is high in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, and is commonly used in desserts, jams, and juices. The tree is also highly valued for its ornamental qualities, as its attractive foliage and fruit make it a popular choice for landscaping.

The loquat tree is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is relatively cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree can be pruned to maintain a compact shape, and is also adaptable to growing in containers.

Overall, Eriobotrya japonica is a versatile and attractive plant that is prized for both its ornamental and edible qualities. Its bushy, fruiting habit makes it a great addition to any garden or landscape.

Celtis australis, commonly known as the European nettle tree, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It belongs to the family Cannabaceae, and it is closely related to the hackberry tree.

The Celtis australis tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown with a spreading habit. The bark is smooth and gray-brown when young, becoming rough and fissured with age. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with serrated edges. They are dark green on the upper side and paler on the underside, turning yellow in autumn before falling.

The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by small, round, edible fruit that resembles a cherry in size and shape. The fruit is initially green, turning yellow or brown when ripe, and is sweet and juicy, with a taste similar to a fig.

The Celtis australis tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils and can tolerate drought, air pollution, and salt spray. It is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes due to its attractive foliage and distinctive bark. It also provides food and shelter for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Additionally, the tree has cultural significance and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the laceleaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and color to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.

Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the laceleaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and color to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.

Betula jacquemontii Multi-stem is a medium-sized, vigorous, multi-stem, deciduous tree with upright, pyramidal habit and superb snow-white peeling bark of its elegant multiple trunks. Its leaves are ovate, dark green and turn bright yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in dropping catkins, while female flowers are greenish and appear in upright catkins. Multi-stem Himalayan Birch can grow in any type of soil, even sand or clay, as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is extremely hardy and does best in cool northern climates. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Requires very little pruning. Multi-stem trees have larger foliage and provide more shade. Betula jacquemontii Multi-stem is a very attractive tree because of it highly decorative multiple trunks and stunning white bark. Perfect as a specimen plant or in beds and borders. Great for cottage and urban gardens. Suitable for growing in large containers.

Castanea sativa, commonly known as the sweet chestnut tree, is a majestic and long-lived species native to Europe and parts of Asia Minor. Belonging to the Fagaceae family, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, with its towering stature and deeply furrowed bark.

The leaves of Castanea sativa are distinctively long and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that give them a rough texture. During the spring and summer, the canopy is adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to spiky green husks containing the prized sweet chestnuts in autumn.

Sweet chestnuts, often referred to simply as "chestnuts," have been a staple food source for centuries, cherished for their rich, nutty flavor and versatile culinary applications. Whether roasted over an open fire, boiled and mashed into a creamy puree, or incorporated into hearty stews and stuffing recipes, chestnuts are celebrated in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the UK.

Beyond their culinary significance, sweet chestnut trees play a vital ecological role, providing habitat and sustenance for a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, such as blue tits and nuthatches, feast on the tree's seeds, while small mammals like squirrels rely on them as a seasonal food source.

Despite their resilience, sweet chestnut trees face threats from various pests and diseases, including chestnut blight and ink disease, which have impacted populations in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these iconic trees and their valuable genetic diversity for future generations to enjoy.

Prunus Kanzan is a beautiful, medium-sized, ornamental, deciduous cherry tree of vase-shaped when young, spreading and rounded habit when mature. Its ovate, toothed dark green leaves are coppery-red when young and in shades of orange and bronze in autumn. The profusion of bright pink, double flowers bloom in clusters before the leaves emerge. Flowers are sterile and are not followed by fruit. Prunus Kanzan thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, sandy or clay loams. It prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade. It is necessary to prune it after flowering, but is generally low maintenance plant. Susceptible to many diseases and pests and may be short-lived. Cherry Kanzan is one of the most ornamental of flowering cherries. It’s a stunning, elegant tree, whether as a specimen plant or planted in groups, great for small informal, cottage and urban gardens. Excellent for streets and parks. Suitable for growing in containers or as a bonsai.

Catalpa bungei, also known as the Chinese catalpa or the Manchurian catalpa, is a deciduous tree that is native to China and Korea. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

The tree has a broad, spreading canopy with large, heart-shaped leaves that are up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top, and paler underneath. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow before falling off.

Catalpa bungei produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers in the late spring or early summer. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and up to 2 inches wide. They are arranged in large clusters at the ends of the branches and attract bees and other pollinators.

After the flowers fade, the tree produces long, slender seed pods that are up to 20 inches long. The pods are cylindrical and contain numerous small, flat seeds.

Catalpa bungei is a hardy and adaptable tree that can grow in a wide range of soils and conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture. The tree is commonly used in landscaping and as a shade tree in parks and gardens.

Overall, Catalpa bungei is a beautiful and hardy tree that provides year-round interest with its large leaves, fragrant flowers, and interesting seed pods.

Parrotia persica 'Persian Spire' is a striking, compact tree known for its elegant, columnar form and vibrant seasonal colors. Ideal for small gardens, this deciduous beauty grows up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall but stays slender, reaching only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in width. Its glossy, green leaves emerge with a hint of purple in spring, transitioning to lush green in summer, and then burst into fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In late winter, small clusters of red, petal-less flowers add subtle charm before the foliage appears. 'Persian Spire' is hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. This Parrotia cultivar is drought-tolerant once established, and its upright form makes it perfect for narrow spaces, urban landscapes, and focal points in mixed borders, adding year-round interest and vibrant color.