Search results

Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas tree or love tree, is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the bean family (Fabaceae) and is known for its vibrant, pink-purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. The Judas tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading, umbrella-shaped crown. Its bark is smooth and grey-brown, and its branches are often twisted and gnarled, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The tree typically blooms in early spring, before its leaves appear, producing an abundance of small, pink-purple flowers that grow in clusters on the branches and trunk. These flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the tree produces flattened, brown seed pods that hang from the branches throughout the summer. These pods can be several centimetres long and contain numerous small seeds. The Judas tree is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, where it is valued for its attractive appearance and early spring flowering. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, and is generally hardy and easy to grow.

Sorbus latifolia 'Henk Vink' is a highly ornamental and resilient tree, making it a great addition to medium or large gardens. This cultivar, a broad-leaved whitebeam, is known for its elegant, upright form and dense, rounded crown, which offers strong architectural structure throughout the year. It typically grows to around 8–12 metres in height, making it suitable as a focal point or boundary tree in a landscape setting.

One of its standout features is its broad, leathery, dark green leaves with a silvery underside, giving the tree a shimmering appearance when caught by the wind. In spring, it produces clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These are followed in autumn by orange-red berries that persist into winter and are a valuable food source for birds.

The foliage turns soft shades of yellow and bronze in autumn, adding seasonal colour to the garden. 'Henk Vink' is tolerant of urban conditions, pollution, and various soil types, including dry or clay soils. With minimal maintenance needs, strong disease resistance, and excellent wildlife value, this cultivar is perfect for gardeners seeking both beauty and resilience in their planting scheme.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ trained as a frame or espalier (150 × 100 cm) is a brilliant choice for adding structured, evergreen interest to a garden. Its striking young foliage emerges bright red before maturing to glossy dark green, providing continuous seasonal contrast and visual appeal.

This trained form is particularly well suited to formal gardens, courtyards, and contemporary outdoor spaces where clean lines and defined shapes are desired. It works beautifully against walls or fences, making it ideal for screening, dividing spaces, or creating a decorative feature without taking up excessive ground space.

Thriving in full sun or partial shade, Photinia prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position, protected from harsh winds which can damage young growth. Once established, it is relatively hardy and tolerant of urban pollution, making it suitable for town gardens.

Reaching its trained dimensions with regular maintenance, it responds well to pruning, which also encourages vibrant red regrowth. Low maintenance and versatile, this espalier form is perfect for adding height, structure, and year-round colour to both modern and traditional garden designs.

Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma is a vigorous, fast-growing, wide-spreading, deciduous tree of weeping habit, with elegant, arching branches, golden-yellow when young, and narrow, lance-shaped, bright green leaves. Yellow male and green female catkins emerge in spring along the leaves. Weeping branches grow to the ground forming an attractive golden-green curtain. Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers deep, moderately fertile soil, in full sun. Ideal for wet and damp sites. Resistant to frost and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Easy to grow and maintain. Golden Weeping Willow is a stunning, elegant, decorative, architectural tree, perfect as a specimen plant or focal point in large gardens. Looks beautiful when planted near streams and ponds. Great for large urban areas and suitable for wildlife gardens as well.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

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.

Taxus baccata, or Common Yew, is a long-lived, medium-sized, bushy evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with leathery, flat-needled, light to dark green foliage. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by very ornamental, red, berry-like fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are attractive to birds. Common Yew grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is tolerant of full shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It doesn’t like temperature extremes, and need protection from harsh winter winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning, but can be trimmed in various shapes. Taxus bacca is a tough and resilient plant suitable for various conditions, one of the best conifers for shady areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great for foundation plantings or topiaries.

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.

Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda’ is a compact, medium-sized, deciduous tree of columnar habit, with pinnate, blue-green leaves, vivid red in autumn. Profusion of tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by bright pink berries in autumn, persisting on bare branches throughout winter. Chinese Mountain Ash ‘Pink Pagoda’ thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil types. Once established, tolerant of drought. It is resistant to frost and wind, and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning. Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda’ is a lovely and tough ornamental tree perfect as a specimen plant in small informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. Great for beds and borders, as well as informal hedges and screens. Excellent as a street tree. Suitable for growing in containers on patios or roof gardens.

Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is a small, fast-growing, upright, coniferous, evergreen tree of narrowly columnar habit with aromatic, bright blue-green, scale-like leaves and silvery berries from late spring to late winter. Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is an improved selection of Rocky Mountain Juniper. It can grow in a wide variety of soils, but prefers average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it can withstand drought. It is tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions. Adaptable to cold and frost. Very easy to care for. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning to maintain its shape. Blue Arrow Juniper is one of the most popular evergreen trees that can be used in many different ways, especially in small, contemporary, Mediterranean, urban, and coastal gardens. Great as a focal point, for hedges and screens, as a background for beds and borders, or for growing in containers.

Sorbus vilmorinii, or Vilmorin's Rowan, is a small, spreading, deciduous tree with flat, fern-like, pinnate green leaves, turning red and purple in autumn. Corymbs of small, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by rose pink berries fading to white in autumn, and persisting on bare branches throughout the winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Vilmorin's Rowan is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Sorbus vilmorinii is a lovely, small, ornamental tree, perfect for small cottage, coastal and urban gardens. It is great as a specimen plant, for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers.

Cedrus deodara is a large, evergreen, fast-growing coniferous tree of pyramidal habit and pendulous horizontal branching. Long, elegant branches with weeping tips bear glaucous, whorled light blue or greyish green needle-like leaves. Male cones are upright, scattered on lower branches, releasing pollen in autumn and then falling to the ground. Female cones are upright, solitary or in pairs, and need 2 years to mature. Deodar Cedar prefers deep, rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. It needs to be protected from hard winds and can be damaged by frost. Once established, it is tolerant to drought and hot, humid summers. Moderately tolerant to salt. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Cedrus deodara is one of the most graceful conifers, perfect as a specimen plant in large gardens. Great in groups or as a screen. It can be attractive in cities as a street tree if lower branches are removed.

Acer saccharinum, better known as Silver Maple, is a large, deciduous tree with upright, loose, slightly hanging branches that create half-open, fan-shaped crown. Its palmate, deeply dissected, green leaves with silvery undersides, on red leaf stalks are very interesting, but its yellow autumn colour is unremarkable. The clusters of inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers emerge in February or March and are followed by winged nuts, samaras in late spring. Acer saccharinum can grow in any type of soil, even heavy clay. It prefers moist soils, and can be found close to rivers and marshes, but it also does well in dry soils. It doesn’t mind growing in shade. Very adaptive and resilient. It can withstand long floods, and tolerates frost, winds and polluted air. Suitable for planting in cities and industrial areas. It has somewhat week branches that break easily when heavily affected by winds. It is not recommended for coastal areas.

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin,' commonly known as Meyer lilac or Korean lilac, is a delightful ornamental shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. This deciduous shrub is renowned for its compact size, making it an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, or even container planting.

The 'Palibin' cultivar typically reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 meters, with a similar spread. Its growth habit is rounded and densely branched, creating a charming and compact appearance. The shrub is adorned with an abundance of fragrant, small, single, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These delicate blossoms attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, enhancing the garden's biodiversity.

One of the key features of Syringa meyeri 'Palibin' is its dark green, ovate leaves, which provide an attractive backdrop to the profusion of blooms. As autumn approaches, the foliage takes on a beautiful burgundy hue, adding further visual interest to the landscape.

This lilac variety is relatively low-maintenance, requiring full sun to thrive and well-drained soil. Regular pruning, preferably immediately after flowering, helps maintain its compact shape and promotes healthy growth. 'Palibin' lilacs are generally hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, making them versatile and adaptable plants.

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin' is a cherished addition to gardens across the United Kingdom, known for its alluring fragrance, compact size, and stunning visual appeal. Its lovely blossoms and graceful form make it a favourite among gardeners looking to introduce a touch of elegance and fragrance to their outdoor spaces, ensuring it remains a beloved choice in British gardens.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Teddy Bear’ is a delightful dwarf cultivar of the hinoki cypress, prized for its compact, evergreen habit and soft, tactile foliage. Unlike its tall tree-forming relatives, this variety grows slowly into a neat, rounded shrub that brings year-round structure and interest to gardens, patios and containers.

The foliage is composed of tiny, scale-like leaves in a rich, deep green that remain vibrant throughout all seasons, giving the plant a lush, almost fern-like texture. This dense, soft growth habit is the reason behind its common name, ‘Teddy Bear’, as the plant’s surface appears invitingly plush and sculptural.

In terms of size, ‘Teddy Bear’ remains a manageable shrub, typically reaching around 1.5–2.5 metres in height and spreading to about 1–1.5 metres over many years. It’s exceptionally slow growing, so it won’t overwhelm a small garden, border or large pot, making it ideal for smaller spaces where taller conifers might be unsuitable.

This variety prefers a position in full sun to partial shade, with moist but well-drained soil. While it thrives in slightly acidic conditions, it will tolerate a range of soil types as long as water does not stand around the roots. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring little more than occasional watering during prolonged dry spells and minimal pruning to maintain its shape if needed.

Because it retains its foliage and shape throughout the year, Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Teddy Bear’ provides decorative evergreen interest in winter as well as through spring, summer and autumn. Its soft, rounded form complements both informal cottage gardens and contemporary landscapes, adding texture, structure and a touch of charm wherever it’s planted.

Araucaria ‘Cunninghami’ is an elegant evergreen plant with a neat, clear stem and a beautifully structured crown of layered, soft green foliage. Its distinctive architectural form makes it an excellent choice for bringing height, texture and year-round greenery into the home.

With its small clear stem, this Araucaria has a particularly attractive tree-like appearance, making it ideal for displaying in decorative pots where its form can be appreciated. It works well in bright, contemporary interiors, conservatories, hallways and larger living spaces, adding a natural focal point without appearing overly bushy.

For best results, position it in a bright room with plenty of indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, although strong afternoon sun through glass should be avoided. Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings and avoid leaving the plant standing in water. Good drainage is important.

Slow-growing and relatively easy to care for, Araucaria ‘Cunninghami’ is a long-lasting house plant that can gradually develop into an impressive indoor specimen. Its evergreen foliage provides attractive colour throughout the year, while the clear stem gives it a sophisticated, tree-like character.

Prunus 'Kursar' is a distinguished variety of ornamental cherry tree, appreciated for its abundant, deep pink blossoms that grace its branches in spring, creating a breathtaking display. This small, deciduous tree exhibits a compact growth habit, typically reaching around 8 meters in height when fully mature, making it a suitable choice for smaller gardens or landscapes.

The leaves of Prunus 'Kursar' emerge with a bronze hue, transitioning to green as they mature, and finally adopting vibrant shades of orange and red in the autumn, adding a secondary layer of aesthetic appeal to the plant. The blossoms are not only a visual delight but also attract various pollinators, benefiting local ecosystems. While it does not bear commercially valuable fruit, its ornamental charm compensates abundantly.

Originating from a hybridization program, Prunus 'Kursar' is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in well-drained soils and sunny locations. It is often utilized as a specimen tree in residential and public gardens for its impressive floral display and the scenic ambiance it provides. Regular pruning and care ensure its optimal growth and longevity, allowing it to be a timeless addition to any garden setting, invoking the ethereal beauty of spring year after year.

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' is a large, vigorous, fast-growing, coniferous, evergreen tree with upright, columnar habit with dense branching from the ground. As the plant matures, the habit becomes more broad. Flattened sprays of scale-like leaves are green with golden-yellow tips and bronze tone in winter. The colours do not fade, but stay bright and nice all year round.

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' thrives on a variety of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. It is resilient to frost, urban pollution and spray salt, therefore, suitable for growing in cities and in coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' is popular for its golden foliage and fast growth. It looks very attractive as a specimen plant, but is mostly used for informal and formal hedges and privacy screens. Leylandii hedges are not only attractive but also ideal for noise reduction and wind protection.

Prunus x yedoensis Shidare-Yoshino is a fast-growing, deciduous, ornamental, flowering cherry tree of weeping habit, usually grafted on stem, with slender arching branches and oval, narrow, dark green leaves, golden and bronze in autumn. Beautiful, single, pale pink to white, almond-scented flowers bloom abundantly from pink buds in early spring, before the leaves emerge. Prunus x yedoensis Shidare-Yoshino prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but can adapt to a wide range of soils, except too wet and heavy soils. It’s a tough plant, resistant to frost and urban pollution. Since it’s an early bloomer, flower buds may be damaged by late frosts. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Prunus x yedoensis Shidare-Yoshino is perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups in informal, cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens with limited space. It is great for beds and borders or for informal hedges and screens. Excellent for urban conditions. Suitable for growing in containers.

The Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’, commonly known as the dwarf white spruce, is a compact, slow-growing conifer prized for its neat, conical shape and silvery-green needles. A cultivar of the white spruce (Picea glauca), this tree is ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature in rockeries, borders, or containers due to its modest size. Typically growing to a height of 1.5 to 2 metres over many years, it maintains a tidy, dense form that requires little maintenance.

The needles of the Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ are soft to the touch, bluish-green in colour, and create a shimmering effect in sunlight, adding a striking element to the garden landscape. Its branches are short and evenly spaced, enhancing the tree's symmetrical, pyramid-like appearance.

This tree is hardy and well-suited to the UK climate, tolerating cold winters and thriving in a range of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning, and it is also resistant to pests and diseases. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially when young.

One of its most appealing features is its year-round interest. As an evergreen, it provides structure and colour in the garden throughout all seasons, making it a popular choice for those seeking a focal point that doesn’t lose its charm in winter. Whether used as a standalone specimen or as part of a mixed border, the Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ is an excellent choice for adding texture, form, and seasonal interest to small or medium-sized gardens in the UK.