By Feature - Shade

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is a charming, compact dwarf selection, ideal for gardens where space is limited but strong seasonal interest is desired. Its naturally rounded, dense habit makes it perfect for small gardens, rockeries, courtyard borders, and container planting. The distinctive fan-shaped leaves emerge fresh green in spring and summer, then turn a spectacular clear golden yellow in autumn, creating a bright focal point late in the season.

Exceptionally hardy and long-lived, ‘Troll’ is tolerant of cold, wind, air pollution, and a wide range of soil types, provided drainage is reasonable. It performs best in full sun, which enhances autumn colour and maintains a tidy, compact shape, but it will also tolerate light shade.

This slow-growing cultivar requires little pruning and is virtually pest and disease free, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. Its small stature and architectural form suit contemporary, Japanese-inspired, and traditional gardens alike, where it can be used as a specimen plant or combined with grasses and perennials for contrast and year-round structure.

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki', commonly known as Dappled Willow or Flamingo Willow, is a distinctive deciduous shrub prized for its striking variegated foliage. The leaves emerge pink in spring, maturing to a mosaic of cream, pink, and green, providing a spectacular display, particularly effective in contrasting planting schemes. It typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it a versatile option for many garden spaces.

Originating from Japan, 'Hakuro-nishiki' thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a full sun to partial shade environment. While it is highly adaptable to different soil types, it performs best in acidic to neutral soils. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry conditions, to maintain its lush appearance.

This Salix variety exhibits fast growth and requires regular pruning to encourage bushiness and to manage its size, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens. The branches are flexible and are often used in basket weaving. Additionally, catkins appear before the leaves in early spring, adding to its ornamental value. It’s especially attractive to those desiring a unique, colorful, and easily manageable addition to their landscapes.

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 Viridis is a graceful, mound-forming Japanese maple prized for its finely dissected, lace-like foliage and soft, cascading habit. Its leaves emerge a fresh, bright green in spring, creating a delicate, almost feathery texture. Through summer, the foliage remains a vibrant, luminous green that brings light and movement to shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. As autumn approaches, Viridis undergoes a dramatic transformation, turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and occasionally red, offering a stunning seasonal display.

This cultivar typically grows into a medium-sized, dome-shaped shrub or small tree, making it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes. Its elegant form is especially striking when positioned near water features, in Japanese-style gardens, or as a specimen in mixed borders. Viridis thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers dappled light or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat. Shelter from strong winds helps preserve its delicate leaves.

Maintenance is minimal, with only light pruning needed to refine its natural cascading shape. With its exceptional texture, soothing green tones, and glowing autumn colours, Acer palmatum Viridis brings year-round beauty and serenity to any garden setting.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free and pest-free.

Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

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.

Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong Gold’ is a striking, upright selection of the red maple, valued for its refined form, vibrant seasonal color, and adaptability to urban conditions. This cultivar develops a strong, columnar habit with a narrow canopy, typically reaching 40 to 50 feet tall and 12 to 16 feet wide at maturity. Its tidy silhouette makes it an excellent choice for streetscapes, parking lots, or smaller residential landscapes where space is limited but vertical impact is desired.

In spring, the tree produces clusters of inconspicuous red flowers before leaf emergence, adding subtle early-season interest. The leaves unfold bright green and remain fresh through summer, then transform into brilliant shades of golden-orange to red in autumn, creating a dazzling display of color. The bark is smooth and gray, adding winter appeal and contrast.

‘Armstrong Gold’ thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of urban conditions, including compacted or slightly alkaline soils. It is also relatively low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and adaptable, making it a dependable choice for both aesthetic and functional landscape use.

Acer rubrum 'Redpointe' ('Frank Junior') is medium-sized, fast-growing, upright, oval to pyramidal, vigorous, deciduous tree. It has palmate, lobed, glossy dark green leaves that become beautifully vivid bright red in autumn. Red flowers in small umbrellas show up in March and are followed by winged nuts, samaras, in autumn. Perfect as a large specimen or shade tree, nice-looking when planted in groups.

Redpointe Red Maple is an American variety of red maple cultivated for planting in cities as street or park trees. It prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In calcareous soil, it will stagnate and its autumn colour will be less intense. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Resistant to frost, moderately to winds, it doesn’t like salt and sea winds, therefore, it is not suitable for coasts. It was developed and introduced to market by Keith S. Warren from J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. nursery in Oregon, USA.

The Acer rubrum 'Summer Red,' also known as the Red Maple 'Summer Red,' is a splendid ornamental tree ideally suited for the UK market. This deciduous tree, native to North America, boasts remarkable features that make it a valuable addition to British gardens.

The 'Summer Red' Red Maple typically attains a height of 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) with a slightly narrower spread, making it suitable for medium to large gardens and public spaces. Its canopy forms a broadly oval shape, offering ample shade and a striking presence in the landscape.

One of the most captivating attributes of the 'Summer Red' Red Maple is its vibrant summer foliage. Throughout the warmer months, its leaves adorn a lush green hue, creating a pleasant and cooling effect in the garden. This enduring greenery enhances the tree's appeal, providing a soothing contrast to the typical British green landscape.

In the UK's climate, the 'Summer Red' Red Maple proves adaptable. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for diverse garden environments. While it prefers well-drained soil, it can tolerate occasional damp conditions, which align with the UK's variable weather patterns. This adaptability to different soil types and moisture levels contributes to its suitability for UK gardens.

Furthermore, the 'Summer Red' Red Maple is reasonably cold-resistant, a crucial characteristic for withstanding the UK's potentially harsh winters. During the colder months, the tree may shed its leaves, but its graceful branches still offer an elegant structure to the garden.

In conclusion, the 'Summer Red' Red Maple is an excellent choice for the UK market, providing year-round appeal with its beautiful summer foliage, adaptability to the UK's climate, and capacity to thrive in various garden settings. Its enduring green leaves make it an attractive option for those seeking a tree that can add lushness and elegance to British gardens and public spaces, making it an appealing choice for both homeowners and landscapers.

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki', commonly known as Dappled Willow or Flamingo Willow, is a distinctive deciduous shrub prized for its striking variegated foliage. The leaves emerge pink in spring, maturing to a mosaic of cream, pink, and green, providing a spectacular display, particularly effective in contrasting planting schemes. It typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it a versatile option for many garden spaces.

Originating from Japan, 'Hakuro-nishiki' thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a full sun to partial shade environment. While it is highly adaptable to different soil types, it performs best in acidic to neutral soils. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry conditions, to maintain its lush appearance.

This Salix variety exhibits fast growth and requires regular pruning to encourage bushiness and to manage its size, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens. The branches are flexible and are often used in basket weaving. Additionally, catkins appear before the leaves in early spring, adding to its ornamental value. It’s especially attractive to those desiring a unique, colorful, and easily manageable addition to their landscapes.

Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala, commonly known as the Amur maple, is a small, ornamental tree or large shrub admired for its hardiness, compact size, and brilliant seasonal color. Typically growing 4 to 6 meters in height and spread, it features glossy, lobed green leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. In spring, clusters of small, fragrant white flowers appear, followed by distinctive paired winged seeds. Adaptable and resilient, the Amur maple thrives in a range of soils and conditions, including urban environments. Its manageable size and vibrant display make it perfect for gardens, parks, and streetscapes. It can also be grown as a multi-stemmed specimen, offering year-round interest and supporting local wildlife.

Quercus falcata 'Pagodifolia', commonly known as the Pagoda Leaf Southern Red Oak, is a distinctive native tree admired for its unusual, deeply lobed leaves shaped like the tiers of a pagoda. This variety of Southern Red Oak grows into a stately, broad-canopied tree that provides excellent shade and long-lasting beauty in landscapes. Its foliage emerges a fresh green in spring, matures to a rich summer canopy, and transforms into shades of red, orange, and bronze in fall, adding striking seasonal interest. The tree is highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soils, including sandy or clay conditions, and is tolerant of heat and drought once established. Strong and resilient, it supports native wildlife by offering acorns as a valuable food source for birds and mammals. Perfect for large landscapes, parks, or restoration projects, Quercus falcata 'Pagodifolia' combines ornamental appeal with ecological benefit.

Quercus bicolor 'Regal Prince', also known as the Regal Prince oak, is an exceptional hybrid between the swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) and the columnar English oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’). It is admired for its strikingly upright, oval form, making it a perfect choice for narrower landscapes, avenues, or urban plantings where space is limited but impact is desired. Growing to around 15–18 meters tall with a relatively slim spread, it maintains a refined, formal silhouette. The glossy, dark green leaves provide lush seasonal interest, turning golden-yellow to rich brown in autumn for a dramatic display. Hardy and adaptable, Regal Prince thrives in a wide range of soils, including wetter conditions inherited from its swamp white oak parent. Its resilience against pollution, disease, and harsh climates makes it an outstanding urban tree. Combining elegance, strength, and durability, Quercus bicolor 'Regal Prince' brings timeless character and enduring beauty to modern landscapes.

Quercus palustris 'Green Pillar' is a distinctive cultivar of the pin oak, celebrated for its elegant, narrow, columnar form. Unlike the broader habit of traditional pin oaks, this variety grows upright with dense, vertical branches, making it an excellent choice for limited spaces, urban gardens, or as a striking architectural feature in larger landscapes. Its glossy, deep green leaves bring a lush texture throughout spring and summer, transforming into vivid shades of crimson and scarlet in autumn, creating a dramatic seasonal display. Hardy and adaptable, 'Green Pillar' thrives in a variety of soils, including wetter conditions, and is resistant to many common pests and diseases. At maturity, it reaches around 10–15 meters in height while maintaining its slim profile, ideal for lining avenues or adding vertical interest to gardens. Combining strength, beauty, and year-round appeal, Quercus palustris 'Green Pillar' embodies both elegance and resilience in modern landscapes.

Prunus serrulata ‘Taihaku’, commonly known as the Great White Cherry, is a superb ornamental tree well-suited to spacious gardens where its striking beauty can be fully appreciated. Renowned for its large, snow-white blossoms in early to mid-spring, it creates a dramatic and uplifting focal point in the landscape. Its broad, spreading canopy—paired with bronzed young leaves that mature to green—offers both seasonal interest and dappled shade throughout the growing season.

Reaching a mature height of around 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters), with a similar spread, ‘Taihaku’ is ideal for open lawns, feature planting, or lining avenues. It thrives best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. While it is hardy and tolerant of urban pollution, it also performs well in coastal gardens, provided it is given some shelter from strong, salt-laden winds. With proper positioning, it will reward gardeners with a magnificent spring display and graceful presence all year round.