Deciduous

The Acer pseudoplatanus 'Prinz Handjery' is a striking cultivar of the sycamore maple, prized for its unique and ornamental foliage. Originating from the broader Acer pseudoplatanus species, this particular variety stands out due to its distinctive purple and green leaves, making it a favourite among gardeners seeking an eye-catching addition to their landscapes.

This medium-sized deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 metres, with a spread of around 8 to 10 metres, making it a suitable choice for medium to large gardens. The tree's overall shape is broadly conical or rounded, and it features a dense canopy, providing ample shade beneath. The bark of the 'Prinz Handjery' is smooth when young, developing into a more rugged and fissured texture as it matures, with patches of grey and brown that add to its visual appeal, particularly in winter.

The standout feature of this cultivar is its foliage. The leaves emerge with a bronze or purple tint in spring before maturing to a dark green with striking purple undersides. This dual-tone effect creates a beautiful contrast, especially when the wind catches the leaves, revealing flashes of colour. In autumn, the foliage transitions to golden yellow, adding seasonal interest to the garden.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Acer pseudoplatanus 'Prinz Handjery' is a hardy tree, able to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and chalk, and is resistant to pollution, making it well-suited to urban environments. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and proving resilient to pests and diseases.

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.

The Acer rubrum 'October Glory,' commonly known as the Red Maple 'October Glory,' is a remarkable ornamental tree that can thrive in the UK climate, making it an attractive addition to the UK market. This deciduous tree, native to North America, offers stunning fall foliage and adaptable growth, making it well-suited for British gardens.

In the UK, where autumn is celebrated for its vibrant foliage displays, the 'October Glory' Red Maple shines. It typically reaches a height of 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) with a slightly smaller spread, making it a suitable choice for medium to large gardens and parks. Its canopy takes on a broadly oval shape, providing ample shade and an impressive presence in the landscape.

One of the 'October Glory' Red Maple's most outstanding features is its spectacular autumn foliage. As the seasons transition, its lush green leaves transform into a captivating display of brilliant reds and oranges. This eye-catching foliage makes it a favourite for Autumn colour and adds a striking visual element to UK gardens, especially during the autumn months.

Regarding its suitability for the UK climate, the 'October Glory' Red Maple is reasonably adaptable. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. While it prefers well-drained soil, it can tolerate occasional wet conditions, which can be beneficial in the UK's often unpredictable climate. This adaptability to different soil types and moisture levels enhances its suitability for UK gardens.

Additionally, the 'October Glory' Red Maple is relatively cold-hardy, which is essential for withstanding the UK's occasionally harsh winters. While it may lose its leaves during winter, its bare branches can still provide an elegant silhouette in the garden.

In conclusion, the 'October Glory' Red Maple is an excellent choice for the UK market, offering stunning autumn foliage, adaptable growth, and the ability to thrive in the UK's climate. Its vibrant display of red and orange leaves in the fall adds a touch of grandeur to British gardens and parks, making it an attractive option for those seeking a visually striking and hardy tree for their landscape.

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.

Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ is a highly distinctive and sought-after Japanese maple known for its luminous, rounded foliage and exceptional seasonal colour changes. In spring, the broad, palmate leaves emerge in warm shades of apricot, soft orange, and golden yellow, often flushed with coral or red tones. As the season progresses, the foliage deepens to rich golden-green, retaining a gentle glow that stands out in shaded or partially shaded garden areas. In autumn, the tree becomes particularly spectacular, transforming into vibrant shades of fiery orange, red, and amber.

This cultivar has a broadly upright, spreading habit, making it well suited to small and medium-sized gardens where a focal point is desired. It works beautifully as a specimen tree in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed borders, and also performs well in large containers on patios or terraces where its colour and form can be appreciated up close.

‘Autumn Moon’ prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and thrives in a sheltered position out of strong winds. Dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection helps preserve its delicate leaf colouring. Low maintenance once established, it requires only minimal pruning. Its unique foliage and glowing seasonal palette make Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ a truly exceptional garden feature.

Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is a beautiful and highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. It is known for its delicate foliage and stunning fall colors. This tree is an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to any landscape.

The mature height of Acer palmatum 'Jordan' typically ranges from 10 to 15 feet, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. It has an upright, rounded habit with multiple trunks and branches that create a beautiful silhouette.

The foliage of 'Jordan' is a deep red color in the spring and summer, and turns a vibrant crimson in the fall. The leaves are palmate and deeply lobed, giving the tree a unique and elegant appearance. This cultivar is also known for its excellent resistance to leaf scorch and other common diseases.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is an exceptional tree that adds a lot of visual interest and beauty to any landscape. Its relatively small size and stunning foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller yards or as a focal point in a larger landscape.

The Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as the horse chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. This majestic tree, widely cultivated throughout the UK, is celebrated for its striking appearance and historical significance.

Horse chestnuts can grow up to 30 meters tall, boasting a broad, rounded canopy that provides ample shade. The bark is greyish-brown, developing scaly plates with age. Its leaves are large and palmately compound, typically composed of five to seven leaflets radiating from a central point, resembling an open hand.

In spring, the horse chestnut produces magnificent conical flower clusters, known as inflorescences or 'candles'. These are composed of numerous small, white flowers with red or yellow blotches at the base of the petals. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs, and are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees.

The tree's fruit, commonly referred to as conkers, develop within a spiky green husk. When mature, the husks split open to reveal the shiny brown seeds inside. Conkers are a familiar sight in autumn and are traditionally used in children's games.

The Aesculus hippocastanum is a remarkable tree, known for its impressive stature, distinctive leaves, and iconic conkers, making it a beloved feature in parks, gardens, and streetscapes across the UK.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. The 'Ombrella' variety is a popular choice, prized for its compact, umbrella-shaped canopy, which makes it an ideal focal point in smaller gardens or urban settings.

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin Ombrella offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an ornamental tree prized for its feathery foliage and striking flowers. A cultivar of the Albizia julibrissin species, Evey's Pride stands out with its unique growth habit and aesthetic appeal.

This deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 5–6 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens and landscapes. It has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy that creates a soft, dappled shade beneath. The delicate, fern-like leaves are a deep bronze to purple in colour, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

The tree blooms from late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fluffy, pink and white, fragrant flowers that resemble powder puffs. These flowers not only add beauty but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

One of the key features of Evey's Pride is its adaptability. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Additionally, it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for warmer climates or areas prone to dry spells.

In terms of maintenance, the tree requires minimal care. Occasional pruning can help shape the canopy and remove any deadwood, though it generally maintains a pleasing form naturally.

Overall, Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride is an elegant choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive tree with year-round interest. Its combination of vibrant foliage, eye-catching flowers, and ease of care make it a popular choice for both urban and rural settings. Its compact size makes it especially suitable for smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.

The Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate', commonly known as the Persian Silk Tree or Mimosa, is a striking ornamental tree with unique, dark foliage. Native to Asia, this deciduous tree has gained popularity in gardens due to its dramatic appearance and relatively low-maintenance nature.

'Summer Chocolate' stands out for its distinctive leaves, which are deep burgundy to chocolate-brown, creating a bold contrast against the more typical green foliage seen in many gardens. The fern-like, feathery leaves give the tree an elegant, airy appearance, especially when they sway gently in the wind. These leaves can grow up to 45 cm in length and close up at night, a characteristic known as nyctinasty.

During the summer months, from June to September, the tree produces a profusion of fluffy, pompom-like flowers that are pale pink in colour, reminiscent of silk threads. These flowers sit in clusters atop the branches, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark foliage. They are lightly scented and attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making the tree a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

In terms of growth, 'Summer Chocolate' can reach a height of 4 to 6 metres, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a specimen tree. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Hardy in UK climates, it may benefit from some protection from harsh winter winds.

Overall, Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' is a visually stunning tree that combines beauty with the benefit of attracting pollinators, adding a sense of tropical elegance to gardens. Its unusual foliage colour and delicate flowers make it a focal point in any landscape.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.

Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as the black alder, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, including the British Isles. It is a versatile and resilient species, often found thriving in wetland areas, riverbanks, and marshes, where its roots can help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion.

The black alder typically grows to a height of 20-30 metres, with a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded with age. Its bark is dark brown and fissured, often developing a distinctive, almost black hue as the tree matures. One of its most notable features is its leaves, which are rounded with a slightly serrated edge and a glossy, dark green surface that turns yellow in the autumn.

In early spring, Alnus glutinosa produces catkins – the male catkins are long and yellowish, while the female ones are shorter and reddish. These mature into woody, cone-like fruits that persist on the tree throughout the winter, providing a valuable food source for wildlife. The black alder also forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil and benefiting neighbouring plants.

Due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, Alnus glutinosa is often used in reforestation and habitat restoration projects. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including insects, birds, and aquatic species, making it a vital component of the British natural landscape.