Shrubs

Arbutus unedo multi-stem is an evergreen, ornamental, multi-stem, capriciously growing shrub or small tree with glossy, leathery, mid-green foliage. It is very unusual and stunning all year round. Clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from autumn to mid-winter. Round, yellow fruits appear in winter and slowly become ripe in the next 12 months, gradually turning red. They are still on the tree when new flowers show up in autumn. A grey-brown bark peels, revealing cinnamon-colored inner bark.

Arbutus unedo multi-stem grows slowly in a multi-stem form. It can grow in all kinds of soils and climate conditions, but prefers acidic, moist and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant to drought, disease-free and pest-free. Very resilient. This unusual, colorful and very attractive plant is perfect as a specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges, coastal gardens, and for growing in containers.

Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as Silver Bush, is a stunning evergreen shrub that can make a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. Native to the Mediterranean region, this plant is a popular choice for its attractive silvery-green foliage and delicate white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

Silver Bush typically grows to a height of 60-80cm and a spread of 90-120cm, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a low-maintenance ground cover. It has a compact and dense growth habit, and its small leaves are covered in fine, silvery hairs, which give the plant its distinctive appearance.

In addition to its ornamental value, Convolvulus cneorum is also a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil, and it is drought tolerant once established. Pruning is generally not necessary, but the plant can be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth.

Overall, Convolvulus cneorum is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited for a variety of landscaping applications. Whether used as a focal point in a garden or as a low-maintenance ground cover, this plant is sure to add beauty and interest to any landscape.

Caryopteris - clandonensis (Bluebeard) 'Kew Blue' is a compact, deciduous shrub with rounded habit, small, toothed, oval, grey-green leaves, and attractive clusters of dark blue flowers that bloom in late summer and early autumn when few other shrubs are in bloom.

Caryopteris – clandonensis 'Kew Blue' loves full sun. It can grow in any type of soil as long as it is well-drained, but prefers moderately fertile, light, medium moisture soil. It is very easy to grow and low maintenance. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very attractive to bees and butterflies. Resistant to drought and frost but should be protected from harsh winds. In colder areas, best to be planted near a sheltered wall.

Caryopteris - clandonensis (Bluebeard) 'Kew Blue' is an excellent addition to any sunny garden. Great choice for cottage and urban gardens, suitable for coastal areas. Perfect for flower beds and borders, perennial and shrub borders, and for growing in containers.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen climber, with twining stems, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, bronze purple when they emerge, bronze-red in winter. Clusters of lovely, very fragrant, star-shaped, white to creamy flowers bloom in summer. Star jasmine grows best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade and most soils and conditions. It thrives in a south-facing positions.

Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It needs to be protected from cold, drying winds. It should be provided a strong support and pruned to promote bushy growth. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Very easy to grow and maintain. Ideal for beginners.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides, with is highly fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage, is a beautiful vine suitable for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. It is perfect as a ground cover or low clipped hedge. Excellent for covering walls, fences, pergolas, arbours and trellises. Great for planting in pots.

Mahonia japonica Bealei, commonly known as Beale's Barberry or Leatherleaf Mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub highly valued for its architectural presence and year-round interest in gardens. This plant is a member of the Berberidaceae family and originates from China, though it has been cultivated extensively in gardens across the UK.

Beale's Barberry is characterised by its distinctive, leathery leaves that provide a bold and textural appearance. The pinnate leaves are composed of multiple leaflets, each with a spiny edge, giving the plant a somewhat prickly feel. These glossy, dark green leaves can measure up to 45 cm in length, contributing to the plant's robust and somewhat formidable aesthetic.

In late winter to early spring, Mahonia japonica Bealei produces clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers. These flowers are arranged in racemes that can be up to 20 cm long, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage. The blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, adding ecological value to their ornamental appeal.

Following the flowering period, the plant develops blue-black berries that ripen in late spring to early summer. These berries are borne in clusters and add another layer of interest to the shrub. While they are not typically consumed by humans, they provide a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Mahonia japonica Bealei is a hardy plant, tolerating a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. It thrives best in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders. The plant can grow up to 2 metres in height and spread, forming a dense, upright habit. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.

Overall, Beale's Barberry is a versatile and attractive addition to gardens, providing year-round interest with its evergreen foliage, seasonal flowers, and berries.

Nandina domestica, or Heavenly Bamboo, is small, compact, dense, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with a wonderful, colourful, bamboo-like, lance-shaped, lacy foliage – in shades of red in spring, green in summer, and again red in autumn. The clusters of small, star-shaped, white flowers may bloom in summer and are sometimes followed by bright, red berries.

Nandina domestica is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, hummus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun with some afternoon shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can tolerate frost, but may need some protection from harsh winds. In very cold climates, it may lose some leaves or die to the ground.

Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant. It is considered to be invasive. Heavenly Bamboo is stunning when planted in groups or masses. Perfect for shrub borders, foundations, informal hedges and screens, as a groundcover or edger. Suitable for growing in containers.

Hydrangea 'Hot Chocolate' is a distinctive and elegant addition to any garden, prized for its unique foliage and beautiful blooms. Its deep, chocolate-bronze leaves provide dramatic contrast throughout the growing season, setting it apart from traditional hydrangea varieties. This shrub thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it versatile for a range of garden conditions, though it prefers shelter from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates.

In summer, ‘Hot Chocolate’ produces large, creamy-pink flowers that gradually deepen to rose-pink, adding long-lasting color and interest. These blooms are excellent for cutting, drying, or simply enjoying in the landscape. Its compact, bushy form makes it suitable for borders, mixed shrub beds, foundation plantings, or even as a standout specimen in smaller gardens.

This hydrangea prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture and benefits from a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist. It is moderately low-maintenance and can be pruned after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. With its bold foliage, striking flowers, and adaptable nature, Hydrangea 'Hot Chocolate' is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking something unique and reliable.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Polestar' is an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings due to its compact size and adaptable nature. Growing to around 50–60 cm tall, it is particularly well-suited to small gardens, patios, and balcony containers where space is limited but seasonal interest is desired. Its tidy, rounded form and early-flowering nature make it a great feature in mixed borders or as a low hedge. 'Polestar' produces creamy-white panicles in early summer that gradually deepen to pink as the season progresses, offering long-lasting color and interest.

This cultivar thrives in a sunny to partially shaded position and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is also hardy and low-maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking reliable performance with minimal effort. For best flowering, it benefits from pruning in early spring. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in groups, 'Polestar' brings charm and elegance to any garden space.

Jasminium nudiflorum, often referred to as winter jasmine, is a deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the late winter to early spring, a time when few other plants are in flower. Originating from China, this jasmine species has become popular in gardens worldwide due to its vibrant winter display.

Unlike many other jasmine species, the winter jasmine is not fragrant. Its slender, arching, green stems often give the appearance of being evergreen, but they shed their simple, trifoliate, dark green leaves during the colder months. When left unpruned, the plant can sprawl, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or for cascading down walls and banks. It is especially effective for erosion control on slopes.

Winter jasmine is highly adaptable. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil, although it can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. This hardy shrub can withstand cold temperatures and is often one of the first plants to bloom after the winter chill, heralding the impending arrival of spring.

Regular pruning can keep the plant compact and promote more prolific flowering. Its resilience, paired with its striking winter display, makes Jasminium nudiflorum a cherished plant for gardens desiring year-round interest.

Azalea Hot Shot is an excellent variety of Japanese Azalea. It’s a small, low spreading, evergreen, ornamental shrub. The clusters of trumpet-shaped, lightly-scented, fiery orange and scarlet flowers emerge in mid spring before the leaves. Small, glossy, green and silver leaves have attractive pale creamy margins and turn dark yellow-green in winter.

Azalea Hot Shot requires rich, fertile, acidic, well-drained soils to thrive. Alkaline soils will cause the yellowing of leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but it needs to be sheltered from direct sun and strong winds. It performs well on north and east-facing slopes. It is sensitive to toxic juglones produced by walnut roots and susceptible to some insect and disease problems.

Azalea Hot Shot is stunning as a specimen plant or planted in groups. It is perfect for mixed borders, shrub borders, hedges, and for growing in pots and containers. It’s important to know that all types and all parts of azalea bushes are considered poisonous.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena', an exquisite variety of evergreen Japanese azalea that promises to add a burst of colour and charm to any British garden. Boasting vibrant magenta-pink flowers and glossy, deep-green foliage, this azalea variety is known for its compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as a striking feature in mixed borders. Hardy and versatile, the Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is perfect for British garden enthusiasts who are keen to create an eye-catching display throughout the spring.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' thrives in acidic, well-draining soil, making it well-suited for planting in peat beds or borders enriched with ericaceous compost. Choose a site with partial shade to full sun, ensuring that the plant receives adequate light while avoiding scorching its delicate blooms. When planting, space the azaleas approximately 60-80cm (24-32 inches) apart to accommodate their mature size.

To maintain optimal health, water your azalea regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch annually in the spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune your azalea lightly after flowering to maintain its compact shape and encourage new growth.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, with its vibrant magenta-pink flowers and evergreen foliage providing a stunning display in the spring months. Easy to care for and adaptable to various planting situations.

Rosemary 'Sissinghurst Blue' (Salvia rosmarinus 'Sissinghurst Blue') is a compact, evergreen shrub highly valued for its ornamental beauty and practical uses in the garden. Its upright, bushy habit reaches around 80 cm in height, making it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, raised beds, or as a low hedge. The fine, needle-like leaves are dark green and intensely aromatic, providing year-round structure and sensory interest.

This variety is particularly noted for its vibrant blue flowers, which bloom from mid-spring into summer and contrast beautifully with its foliage. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of any garden space.

'Sissinghurst Blue' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, including sandy or chalky ground, and is well-suited to Mediterranean, herb, and coastal gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established and performs best in sheltered spots with good air circulation. Its resilience to dry conditions, strong fragrance, and edible leaves also make it a great culinary herb.

Low maintenance and hardy to around -15°C (RHS H5), this rosemary variety combines form, function, and fragrance—making it a valuable and attractive choice for diverse garden styles.