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Picea abies 'Pusch' is a dwarf cultivar of the Norway spruce, known for its compact size, unique cone production, and suitability for small gardens and rockeries. Originating from the traditional Picea abies species, this slow-growing variety is cherished for its ornamental value and attractive, miniature form.

This conifer typically grows to a height of 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) over the course of 10 years, forming a compact, rounded shape. Its dense branches are covered in short, dark green needles that provide a striking year-round display. What makes Picea abies 'Pusch' truly special, however, is its prolific production of bright red, small cones in spring. These cones first appear as vibrant, ruby-red structures, creating a colourful contrast against the green foliage, before maturing into a more subdued brown hue later in the season.

Due to its modest size and slow growth rate, Picea abies 'Pusch' is ideal for smaller spaces, container gardening, and rock gardens. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil. While it is hardy in cold climates, it benefits from being sheltered from strong winds and extremes in weather, especially during its early growth stages.

This cultivar requires minimal maintenance and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-care option for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest. Pruning is rarely necessary, though it can be done lightly to maintain its shape. Overall, Picea abies 'Pusch' is a striking and versatile choice for anyone looking to add a splash of colour and texture to their garden or landscape design.

Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a small, highly ornamental, deciduous tree with rounded habit, thorny branches, and shallow, three-to-five-lobed, glossy green leaves that turn yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of lovely, double pink flowers grouped in corymbs bloom in May and June creating a spectacular display. Blossoms are followed by bright red berries in autumn. Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is not only beautiful, but tough and resilient. It is easily grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It is adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. Crataegus laevig 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a wonderful ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant in small, informal, or urban gardens. Suitable for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens.

The Larix decidua, commonly known as the European Larch, is a distinctive deciduous conifer that brings year-round interest and strong architectural character to a garden. Unlike most conifers, it sheds its soft needles in autumn, creating a beautiful seasonal display as the foliage turns warm golden yellow before falling.

European Larch is best suited to medium to large gardens where it has space to develop into an elegant tree. It forms a tall, upright shape with gently spreading branches that allow light to filter through, making it less heavy in appearance than many evergreen conifers. In spring, clusters of fresh bright green needles emerge along the branches, often accompanied by small decorative cones that add further visual interest.

This species thrives in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in cooler climates and is very hardy, making it reliable in most UK gardens. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and tolerant of exposed positions.

Because of its graceful structure and seasonal colour changes, European Larch works beautifully as a specimen tree in lawns, parkland-style gardens, or large landscapes where its natural form can be fully appreciated.

Photinia 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.

Picea pungens 'Edith' is one of the finest blue conifers available, prized for its exceptionally bright silvery-blue needles and naturally elegant, pyramidal form. Originating as a selected cultivar of the Colorado Blue Spruce, it offers all the beauty of the species but with a more refined, consistent habit and a richer blue colour that is retained throughout the year.

Slow to moderate growing, 'Edith' typically reaches around 4–8 metres in height over many years, with a spread of 2–4 metres, making it an excellent choice for medium to large gardens where year-round structure is desired. Its dense branching creates a symmetrical silhouette without requiring regular pruning, making it a low-maintenance specimen tree.

The striking needles are stiff, sharply pointed and coated in a silvery wax, giving the tree its remarkable icy-blue appearance. This distinctive colouring contrasts beautifully with green foliage, flowering shrubs and autumn tones, making 'Edith' a superb focal point in both contemporary and traditional landscapes.

Hardy throughout the UK, Picea pungens 'Edith' performs best in full sun, where the blue foliage develops its most intense colour. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including chalk, loam and sandy soils, provided they are not waterlogged. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant and copes well with exposed positions, making it suitable for many parts of the country.

This handsome evergreen requires very little attention beyond occasional watering during prolonged dry periods while young. Its naturally neat shape means pruning is rarely necessary, and it is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

Whether planted as a striking standalone specimen, incorporated into a mixed conifer collection or used to provide year-round interest within a larger border, Picea pungens 'Edith' delivers outstanding colour, architectural form and dependable performance for generations

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.

Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ is an excellent choice for garden landscapes due to its unique form, ornamental features, and manageable size. This dwarf cultivar of Norway spruce typically grows 10–15 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a focal point in larger spaces. Its irregular, somewhat sprawling shape adds a touch of character and visual interest throughout the year. One of its most striking features is the production of abundant, showy, reddish-purple cones at the ends of branches in spring, which mature to brown and persist through the seasons, offering long-lasting decorative appeal.

‘Acrocona’ thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is hardy and tolerates cold winters and a range of soil types once established. Minimal pruning is required, making it low-maintenance. Due to its moderate growth rate and unique cone display, it is well-suited for rock gardens, specimen plantings, or woodland-themed gardens. Its dense foliage also provides shelter for birds, enhancing biodiversity in the landscape. Overall, Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ combines beauty, hardiness, and versatility, making it a superb addition to many garden styles.

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island pine, is a striking evergreen conifer that makes an excellent indoor ornamental due to its symmetrical, tiered branching and soft, needle-like foliage. Its classic pyramidal form adds architectural interest and a sense of elegance to interiors, making it a popular choice for homes, offices, and conservatories.

Indoors, Araucaria heterophylla thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to strong sun may cause browning of the foliage. It prefers a consistent, moderate indoor temperature and does not fare well in cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. Higher humidity levels encourage optimal growth, making occasional misting or placement near a humidifier beneficial in drier environments.

A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent root rot, and the plant should be watered regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilising during the growing season supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

With its elegant form, slow but steady growth, and low-maintenance care requirements, Araucaria heterophylla provides a long-lasting, visually appealing evergreen presence indoors, enhancing both contemporary and traditional interior spaces.

Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' is a slow-growing, dwarf, compact, dense, rounded, evergreen shrub, eventually growing into a small, pyramidal tree, with short, stubby, radial branches and strongly curled, glossy, dark green needles, with silvery undersides, creating beautiful shimmering, silvery-blue effect. Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' prefers growing in humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. It doesn’t like too dry or waterlogged soils. It can withstand frost and wind, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require any pruning. More resistant to heat and humidity than most firs but still grows best in cooler climates. Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' is an easy to grow and easy to care for wonderful-looking shrub. It’s great for patios and perfect for small rock and gravel, informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent for beds and borders and suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Juniperus 'Grey Owl' is a medium-sized, slow-growing, dense, compact, vigorous, coniferous, evergreen shrub of irregular, wide-spreading, broadly conical habit, horizontal branching and peeling, reddish-brown bark. Its silvery, blue-green, scale-like foliage turns brown-green in winter. Male and female trees grow separately, and female ones produce round, purple-blue, berry-like cones, covered with white wax, attractive to birds. Juniperus 'Grey Owl' can grow in wide range of soils and growing conditions, even swampy and rocky, but thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in sunny areas. It appreciates some shelter from the afternoon sun in warm climates. It is very resilient, tolerant of drought, heat, and cold. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Juniperus 'Grey Owl' is a great-looking, slow-growing and long-lived conifer, perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen plant, ground cover, or shrub border. Ideal for low hedges and screens. Wonderful when planted in masses.

Cornus kousa 'Beni-fuji' is a captivating cultivar of the Japanese dogwood, admired for its stunning seasonal display and manageable size, making it a versatile addition to gardens large and small. This deciduous small tree or large shrub is native to East Asia, where it thrives in woodlands and temperate climates. 'Beni-fuji' is celebrated for its graceful form, vibrant foliage, and striking flowers.

In late spring to early summer, the tree showcases an impressive display of star-shaped bracts that surround its small, inconspicuous green flowers. These bracts, a hallmark of Cornus kousa, emerge in shades of pink to rosy red, deepening as they mature. The blooms sit atop horizontal branches, creating a layered, tiered effect that adds structural elegance to its appearance.

As the seasons progress, 'Beni-fuji' transforms further. By late summer, the tree produces small, strawberry-like fruits, which are edible and can attract birds to the garden. In autumn, its foliage takes centre stage, turning rich shades of crimson, orange, and scarlet, providing a final burst of colour before winter dormancy.

This cultivar prefers well-drained, fertile soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it relatively easy to accommodate in a range of garden settings. It has a compact growth habit, typically reaching a height of 3-4 metres, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a specimen plant in borders.

Cornus kousa 'Beni-fuji' is not only ornamental but also resilient, tolerating a range of soil types and proving relatively disease-resistant. Its year-round appeal—flowering in summer, fruiting in autumn, and showcasing vibrant foliage—ensures its popularity among gardeners seeking a dynamic and visually rewarding plant for their landscape.

Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Glauca' is a large, dense, coniferous, evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with peeling, brown bark, deeply fragrant, blue-green to silvery-green, scale-like leaves, and small, rounded cones in spring. Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Glauca' is adaptable to a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. It prefers fertile, slightly acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. It grows best in full sun. Once established, resistant to drought. Tolerant of urban pollution and paved areas, also heat and coastal conditions. It needs to be sheltered form strong winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Arizona cypress 'Glauca' is a wonderful, architectural, evergreen tree, perfect for creating tall, dense hedges and screens. Suitable for larger coastal, urban, and cottage gardens. Great as a specimen plant. Excellent as a street tree or planted in parks and larger urban areas.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’, or ‘Pyramidalis’, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a fluted smooth grey bark, narrowly upright, columnar growth habit, and a pyramidal shape. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. This pyramidal variety has neater and denser form and more glossy leaves. Small flowers appear in catkins in spring before the leaves. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’ is a low maintenance and easy to grow plant. It is satisfied with any type of soil, but prefers fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free and pest free. It can tolerate drought. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’ is an excellent tree and a nice addition to any garden. It is great as a specimen plant or in a group. Because of its tolerance to pruning, it is perfect for hedges and privacy screens.

Pot grown from seed at Arundel Arboretum.

Sorbus aucuparia, or European Mountain Ash, is a vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, upright habit when young, rounded when mature and pinnate, serrated, dark green leaves, yellow, red, and purple in autumn. Flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by a profusion of bright orange-red berries. Attractive to birds and bees. European Mountain Ash prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even poor and dry. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand wind and short floods. Doesn’t like hot and humid summers. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sorbus aucuparia is an attractive ornamental tree, perfect for cool northern climates. Great for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a street tree. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

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.

Quercus cerris, commonly known as the Turkey oak, is a robust and fast-growing deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. It is widely cultivated across Europe for its adaptability and ornamental value. The tree features deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that often persist into winter, and rough, deeply fissured bark that adds texture and character. One of its most distinctive features is its acorns, which are enclosed in a spiky, moss-like cup, giving the tree a unique appearance in autumn. Turkey oak can reach heights of 65 to 100 feet, making it suitable for large landscapes, parks, and avenues. It grows well in a variety of soils, including poor or dry conditions, and tolerates urban environments and pollution. While not native to the UK, it has been widely planted there since the 18th century. Quercus cerris also provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife, supporting biodiversity.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Amber Glow' is a striking deciduous conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is a dwarf cultivar of the dawn redwood tree, which is native to China. The Amber Glow variety is highly prized for its stunning coloration, which adds an extra layer of visual interest to any landscape. The tree's foliage is a unique combination of green and gold hues, which take on a beautiful amber glow in the fall. The soft needles are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches, creating a delicate, lacy effect. As the tree matures, its bark develops an attractive, fluted texture that adds another layer of visual interest. This variety of Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of around 6-8 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet over 10 years. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is also tolerant of wet soils and can be grown near bodies of water.

Prunus cerasifera “Pissardii Nigra’ is a medium-sized, ball-shaped, deciduous tree with ovate to elliptic, deep purple twigs and leaves, bronze in spring, almost black in summer, orange and red in autumn. Masses of pure pink flowers with red calyxes bloom along bare branches in spring and are occasionally followed by red or yellow plums. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ can grow successfully in a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade. It is very resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Very adaptable and low maintenance plant. It can withstand air pollution very well. Black Cherry Plum is a stunning, ornamental, abundantly flowering tree, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in large informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great in beds and borders and for informal hedges and screens. Since resistant to air-pollution, excellent in urban and industrial areas.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura is a new French selection of Eucalyptus tree. It’s an evergreen shrub or small tree with naturally compact and bushy habit and flaking bark. The juvenile foliage is rounded and silvery blue, while the adult leaves are long, lanceolate, azure blue-green with silvery hues and intense fragrance. Small, fluffy, white flowers bloom in summer and autumn, and are followed by rounded, olive-green fruit.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura is extremely hardy and very suitable for British gardens. It thrives in any type of garden soil, as long as it is well-drained, but prefers average to moderately fertile, slightly acidic, dry to moist soils. It requires full sun and needs to be sheltered form harsh winds.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura, with its mesmerizing, aromatic, silvery, azure blue-green leaves, is a perfect plant for small cottage and urban gardens. Great for shrub and wall-side borders, mixed beds and borders, or hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.