By Shape - Standard

Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana,' commonly referred to as Chinese Redbud 'Shirobana,' is an exceptional and eye-catching ornamental tree that can grace British gardens and landscapes with its unique and captivating features. Originally hailing from China, this cultivar has garnered international acclaim for its remarkable characteristics.

One of the most remarkable attributes of 'Shirobana' is its blossoms. During the spring season, prior to the emergence of its leaves, this tree adorns itself with a profusion of delicate, butterfly-like flowers. What sets it apart is its ability to produce different-colored blossoms on the same tree simultaneously, creating a spectacular display of colour variation that is truly enchanting.

The name 'Shirobana' translates to "white flower," underscoring the tree's ability to produce these stunning pale blooms alongside the usual pink and lavender ones. This unique trait makes 'Shirobana' particularly desirable for garden enthusiasts seeking to introduce an element of whimsy and diversity to their outdoor spaces.

The foliage of 'Shirobana' typically takes on a heart-shaped form and exhibits a medium green hue, serving as a splendid backdrop to the lavish spring blossoms. As the leaves mature, they may acquire a glossy sheen, adding to the tree's visual appeal. This deciduous tree usually reaches a height of around 3 to 4 meters and forms an elegant, gracefully-rounded canopy.

Maintaining Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' in the UK is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location that receives ample sunlight or partial shade. Ensuring adequate watering during dry spells and regular mulching to conserve moisture are key to its overall health and vitality. Pruning requirements are typically minimal, primarily focused on shaping the tree or removing any dead or overcrowded branches.

One of the advantages of 'Shirobana' is its notable resistance to common pests and diseases, contributing to its low-maintenance nature. Additionally, it exhibits adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings.

In conclusion, Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' is an extraordinary ornamental tree that can bring a sense of wonder and diversity to British gardens. Its multi-coloured spring blossoms, heart-shaped leaves, and manageable size make it an enchanting addition to landscapes, providing an opportunity for gardeners to experience the ever-changing palette of nature. Whether used as a focal point or to infuse charm into garden borders, 'Shirobana' is certain to captivate the hearts of those who encounter its mesmerizing beauty.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 400 cm tall, is an ideal choice for gardens needing elegant structure and effective screening. This evergreen tree features a dense, rounded crown elevated on a clear stem, creating a formal, lollipop-shaped standard that brings height and architectural interest to the landscape. The variegated foliage—glossy green leaves edged in creamy white—adds year-round brightness and contrast, making it visually appealing in all seasons.

Well-suited to urban and suburban gardens, this Ligustrum tolerates pollution, pruning, and a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. In summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries which add further seasonal interest.

Its dense canopy makes it excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in formal garden designs. Whether used in rows along boundaries or as standalone specimens in courtyards and patios, Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard trees provide reliable structure, year-round color, and an elegant solution for screening and ornamental planting.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea', commonly known as the golden sweetgum, is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its distinctive golden foliage and ornamental qualities. A cultivar of the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), this tree is prized for its vibrant autumn colours and uniquely lobed, star-shaped leaves that add a bright accent to gardens and landscapes.

Reaching a mature height of approximately 10–15 metres, 'Aurea' develops a pyramidal shape when young, eventually maturing into a more rounded crown. Its foliage emerges in spring with a bright golden hue, creating an eye-catching contrast against its dark grey bark. As the seasons progress, the leaves take on deeper yellow tones, transitioning into shades of amber, orange, and occasionally red in autumn, depending on the climate and soil conditions.

The tree is well-suited to a range of soil types but thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is moderately tolerant of urban pollution, making it a suitable choice for parks, gardens, and avenues. While it is relatively low-maintenance, young specimens benefit from protection against strong winds and cold exposure, as the cultivar is slightly less hardy than the species.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, 'Aurea' occasionally produces the characteristic spiky seed pods typical of the sweetgum species, although in smaller quantities. These provide added interest in winter but may require occasional clearance in more manicured settings.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a medium-sized tree with year-round interest, offering an ever-changing display of colour and form. Its golden tones brighten any landscape, making it a standout feature in larger gardens or mixed planting schemes.

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as the hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this species is celebrated for its ornamental value, ecological importance, and medicinal properties.

In appearance, C. monogyna typically grows up to 5-15 meters in height, with a dense, thorny crown and dark green, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange in autumn. During spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers with five petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers give way to small, red berries known as haws, which persist through winter, providing sustenance for birds and other wildlife.

Hawthorn is valued for its ecological contributions. Its dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its flowers and berries serve as a vital food source for a range of wildlife species. Additionally, hawthorn is often planted in hedgerows and wildlife gardens to create natural barriers and enhance biodiversity.

In horticulture, C. monogyna is prized for its resilience, adaptability, and attractive features, making it a popular choice for hedging, landscaping, and urban greening projects. Its tolerance of various soil types and climatic conditions further adds to its appeal as a low-maintenance ornamental plant.

Overall, Crataegus monogyna stands as a symbol of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance, weaving its way through the landscapes and cultural tapestries of Europe and beyond.

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as the hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this species is celebrated for its ornamental value, ecological importance, and medicinal properties.

In appearance, C. monogyna typically grows up to 5-15 meters in height, with a dense, thorny crown and dark green, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange in autumn. During spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers with five petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers give way to small, red berries known as haws, which persist through winter, providing sustenance for birds and other wildlife.

Hawthorn is valued for its ecological contributions. Its dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its flowers and berries serve as a vital food source for a range of wildlife species. Additionally, hawthorn is often planted in hedgerows and wildlife gardens to create natural barriers and enhance biodiversity.

In horticulture, C. monogyna is prized for its resilience, adaptability, and attractive features, making it a popular choice for hedging, landscaping, and urban greening projects. Its tolerance of various soil types and climatic conditions further adds to its appeal as a low-maintenance ornamental plant.

Overall, Crataegus monogyna stands as a symbol of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance, weaving its way through the landscapes and cultural tapestries of Europe and beyond.

Phoenix canariensis, or Canary Island Date Palm, slow-growing, stunning evergreen palm tree with a massive, thick, columnar, grey-brown trunk with diamond-shaped leaf bases and rounded crown with elegant, arching, feathery, pinnately-divided leaves. Dense clusters of creamy-yellow flowers bloom in summer, and are followed by reddish-yellow, date-like, not very tasteful fruits on female trees.

Canary Island Date Palm thrives in fertile, loamy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It can tolerate light shade. It can withstand some winter cold but prefers warm climates. It is resistant of heat, drought and salt, therefore, perfect for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning.

Phoenix canariensis is a majestic and very popular palm tree, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in coastal and Mediterranean gardens. Great as a street tree, planted along streets and in parks. Very adaptable to growing in containers. In colder climates, it has to be brought inside.

hotinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a New Zealand selection of Fraser's Photinia. It’s a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, oval, glossy, brilliant, bright red leaves when they emerge, and dark green after several weeks. Small, 5-petal, white flowers bloom in spring and are rarely followed by red fruits which can persist throughout winter. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' grows best in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except waterlogged and compact. Once established, it is resistant of frost and drought. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a very popular evergreen shrub, great as a specimen or accent plant, but perfect for hedges and screens, useful for noise reduction, or wind protection.

Quercus robur, or English Oak, is a large, long-lived, deciduous tree with a majestic, broad-spreading crown and smooth silvery brown bark, rough and fissured when mature. The lobed, blue-green leaves turn reddish brown in autumn.

The tree is monoecious. Inconspicuous, male, yellow-green flowers grow in long, hanging catkins while small, female, pink flowers are followed by brown acorns that grow in couples on long stalks and fall to the ground in autumn.

English Oak grows best in average, loamy, medium moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun to dappled shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought and frost.

Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. English Oak is a stunning architectural tree, robust and sturdy, often found growing in woodland. It is perfect as a specimen tree in larger areas or grown as a hedge in smaller ones. It supports more wildlife than any other tree in the UK.

Sorbus arnoldiana 'White Wax' is a striking and ornamental tree, well-suited to medium or large gardens, particularly those seeking year-round interest and wildlife value. This cultivar is a hybrid rowan tree known for its graceful form and attractive seasonal features. It typically grows to a moderate height, with a well-balanced, upright crown that fits well into mixed borders, lawn focal points, or woodland-style gardens.

In spring, it produces clusters of creamy-white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees. These are followed by distinctive white, waxy berries in late summer to autumn—hence the name 'White Wax'—which offer an unusual twist compared to the more common red-berried rowans. These fruits are a valuable food source for birds, particularly thrushes and blackbirds.

The foliage is another highlight, with dark green, pinnate leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange, red, or purple in autumn, creating a stunning seasonal display. The tree is hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant of a range of soil types, making it a practical and decorative choice for gardeners looking to enhance biodiversity and visual appeal with minimal effort.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a captivating and resilient deciduous tree, often recognized by its striking golden-yellow foliage. This robust cultivar stands out for its adaptability and rapid growth, often thriving in diverse environmental conditions, including urban areas with substantial pollution. Originating from the black locust tree, 'Frisia' inherits a hardy and enduring nature, demonstrating significant resistance to harsh weather conditions, rendering it a prevalent choice among garden enthusiasts and landscape architects.

The tree is a magnificent spectacle during the spring season when it is adorned with pendulous clusters of sweetly fragrant, white, pea-like flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators, notably bees, enhancing biodiversity within its vicinity. The blooms are followed by smooth, elongated seed pods, contributing to the tree's visual appeal. The vibrant foliage, which creates a pronounced contrast with the surroundings, transitions to a lighter shade of yellow in the autumn, offering an extended period of visual interest.

Despite its aesthetic appeal and resilience, 'Frisia' necessitates vigilant management due to its propensity for suckering and its invasive nature. Proper pruning is vital to maintain its structural integrity and curtail unrestrained growth. This tree is suitable for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet visually arresting focal point in their landscapes.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 400 cm tall, is an ideal choice for gardens needing elegant structure and effective screening. This evergreen tree features a dense, rounded crown elevated on a clear stem, creating a formal, lollipop-shaped standard that brings height and architectural interest to the landscape. The variegated foliage—glossy green leaves edged in creamy white—adds year-round brightness and contrast, making it visually appealing in all seasons.

Well-suited to urban and suburban gardens, this Ligustrum tolerates pollution, pruning, and a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. In summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries which add further seasonal interest.

Its dense canopy makes it excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in formal garden designs. Whether used in rows along boundaries or as standalone specimens in courtyards and patios, Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard trees provide reliable structure, year-round colour, and an elegant solution for screening and ornamental planting.

Alnus incana 'Aurea',  known as the Golden Alder, is a deciduous tree prized for its striking yellow foliage and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cultivar is a variation of the grey alder (Alnus incana), native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

Reaching a height of 6 to 10 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, Alnus incana 'Aurea' is medium-sized, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It is noted for its smooth, greyish bark, which contrasts beautifully with its bright golden-yellow leaves that emerge in early spring. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a lime green, maintaining a light and airy appearance. The leaves are ovate, serrated, and slightly sticky to the touch when young.

In winter, this tree adds visual interest with its small, cone-like fruits and hanging catkins that persist on the branches. The catkins are yellow-brown and appear before the leaves in early spring, contributing to the tree’s year-round appeal.

Alnus incana 'Aurea' is an extremely hardy tree, thriving in a variety of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils. It is often planted in areas prone to flooding or along riverbanks, as it is highly tolerant of waterlogged conditions. The tree also fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with root nodules, which improves soil fertility.

Though low-maintenance, the Golden Alder benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. This fast-growing tree is a great choice for those looking to introduce colour and texture to their garden while supporting local wildlife, as it provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

Sorbus 'Sunshine' is an attractive and compact ornamental tree, making it especially well-suited to small and medium-sized gardens. This cultivar is a type of rowan, known for its upright, tidy growth habit and vibrant seasonal colour. It typically reaches a height of around 4–6 metres, which means it fits comfortably into smaller spaces without dominating the landscape.

Its pinnate leaves emerge fresh green in spring and turn striking shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn, adding strong seasonal interest. In late spring, the tree produces flat clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These are followed by bright yellow berries in late summer to early autumn, which give the tree its name and provide an excellent food source for birds.

Sorbus 'Sunshine' is hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay and loam, as long as drainage is adequate. It also performs well in urban environments and exposed locations. With its modest size, colourful foliage, and wildlife benefits, Sorbus 'Sunshine' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a tree that offers beauty, biodiversity, and year-round appeal without taking up too much space.