Search results

Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' is a dwarf, slow-growing cultivar of the Japanese red pine. This evergreen conifer typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with a spread of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) over a period of 10 years. The plant has a compact, dense, and spreading habit with a flat-topped crown.

The needles of 'Low Glow' are dark green, stiff, and twisted, and grow in bundles of two. They are typically 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and have a somewhat coarse texture. In the fall, the needles take on a rich golden-yellow color before dropping off.

The tree produces cones that are small and round, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The cones are typically a reddish-brown color and persist on the tree for several years.

'Low Glow' is an excellent choice for small gardens, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant in a container. It is also suitable for bonsai and other small-scale horticultural applications. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers a well-drained site with full sun exposure.

This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance and requires little pruning, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want a fuss-free plant. It is also relatively drought-tolerant, although it will benefit from regular watering during periods of extended dryness.

In summary, Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen conifer with a spreading habit and dark green, twisted needles. It produces small, round cones and is suitable for small-scale horticultural applications, including container gardening, rock gardens, and bonsai. This cultivar is low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.

A large, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree to around 4m tall with dark purple-brown young shoots clothed with small, scale-like, blue-green leaves. Star-shaped, whitish-pink flowers are borne in cylindrical clusters on the current season's shoots

Taxus x Media 'Hillii' is a cultivar of the Taxus x Media hybrid, which is a cross between Taxus baccata (English yew) and Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew). It is a popular evergreen shrub in the horticultural industry, prized for its dense, upright growth habit and attractive appearance.

One of the defining characteristics of 'Hillii' is its dense, dark green foliage. The needle-like leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches, creating a lush and vibrant display. The foliage retains its color throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for providing year-round interest in the garden.

This cultivar is known for its compact and upright growth habit. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and a spread of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters), forming a narrow columnar shape. The dense branching pattern contributes to its neat and formal appearance, making it an ideal choice for hedges, screens, or borders.

In addition to its ornamental value, Taxus x Media 'Hillii' also produces small, round berries. These berries start out green and eventually mature to a striking red color, adding a pop of color to the shrub. However, it's important to note that the berries are toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised if there are children or pets in the vicinity.

One of the advantages of 'Hillii' is its versatility in various growing conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, although it prefers some protection from intense afternoon sun in hot climates. Once established, 'Hillii' is relatively low-maintenance and can withstand pruning to maintain its desired size and shape.

Overall, Taxus x Media 'Hillii' is a popular choice for those seeking an attractive, compact, and easy-to-grow evergreen shrub. Its dense, dark green foliage, upright growth habit, and small red berries make it a versatile and visually appealing addition to gardens, providing year-round interest and beauty.

Cyrtomium fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's holly fern, is a robust evergreen fern native to East Asia. This perennial plant is prized for its attractive, holly-like fronds that bring a touch of lush greenery to gardens and indoor spaces alike.

The fronds of Cyrtomium fortunei are its most distinctive feature, growing up to 60 cm in length. They are dark green, glossy, and pinnate with 10-20 pairs of leaflets that are sharply serrated, resembling holly leaves. The leaflets are arranged alternately along the central stem, creating a dense and bushy appearance. This fern thrives in shady or semi-shady conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an understory plant beneath larger shrubs and trees.

Cyrtomium fortunei prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and feeding. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In colder climates, it can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C, though it benefits from a layer of mulch to protect the roots during harsh winters.

Propagation of Cyrtomium fortunei is typically achieved through division in spring or by sowing spores. Division involves separating the root ball into smaller sections, each with a portion of the rhizome and fronds, and replanting them in a suitable location. Spores can be collected from the undersides of mature fronds and sown in a controlled environment to produce new plants.

In addition to its ornamental value, Cyrtomium fortunei is also known for its resilience against pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions and its evergreen nature ensure that it provides year-round interest, contributing to the texture and depth of planting schemes.

Cornus mas is a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with exfoliating bark and ovate, dark green leaves which turn purple in autumn. The clusters of tiny bright yellow flowers on short stalks bloom in late winter on bare branches, before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by edible, red, cherry-like fruits that can be used for making syrups and jams. Cornus mas is easily grown in average, medium moist, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in almost any type of soil, but prefers organically rich soils. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance and resistant to frost. To prevent spread, root suckers need to be removed immediately. Cornus mas is a very adaptable, highly decorative early-bloomer that brings brightness and colour to bare winter gardens. It is perfect as an unusual specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges and screens, informal and cottage gardens.

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as false holly, is a captivating evergreen shrub renowned for its beauty and resilience. This shrub typically grows to a height and width of 8-10 feet, forming a dense, rounded shape. Its most striking feature is the glossy, spiny leaves, resembling those of a holly, which transform from a deep green to a bronzed-purple hue in the fall. In late summer to early fall, Osmanthus heterophyllus produces small, white, fragrant flowers, adding a delightful aroma to gardens. It's a versatile plant, ideal for hedges, screens, or specimen plantings.

Magnolia Yulan is a stunning flowering bush that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to China, particularly the Yunnan Province, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The bush is known for its large, fragrant, and showy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

One of the most striking features of the Magnolia Yulan bush is its flowers. The flowers are cup-shaped and can measure up to 8 inches in diameter. They are pure white, with a slight pinkish tint at the base, and emit a sweet, lemony fragrance. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, and their beauty attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The Magnolia Yulan bush prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It is a relatively low-maintenance bush and requires only occasional pruning to maintain its shape. It is also tolerant of drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for gardens in warmer regions.

In summary, the Magnolia Yulan bush is a beautiful and elegant tree that is prized for its large, fragrant, and showy white flowers. It is low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

Cornus mas is a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with exfoliating bark and ovate, dark green leaves which turn purple in autumn. The clusters of tiny bright yellow flowers on short stalks bloom in late winter on bare branches, before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by edible, red, cherry-like fruits that can be used for making syrups and jams. Cornus mas is easily grown in average, medium moist, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in almost any type of soil, but prefers organically rich soils. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance and resistant to frost. To prevent spread, root suckers need to be removed immediately. Cornus mas is a very adaptable, highly decorative early-bloomer that brings brightness and colour to bare winter gardens. It is perfect as an unusual specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges and screens, informal and cottage gardens.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a dense, shrubby, rounded, slow-growing, flowering, evergreen shrub with small, ovate, finely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, highly fragrant, jasmine-like, white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring. Flowers are rarely followed by oval, black-purple fruits. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is very easy to grow. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It brings more flowers in full sun, but can easily grow in partial shade. Once established, tolerant of drought. It is resistant to frost and heat. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Burkwood Osmanthus is a hybrid between O. delavayi and O. decorusa. It’s a beautiful and tough plant suitable for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for flower beds, mixed and shrub borders. Great for banks and slopes for erosion control. Very effective for hedges and screens.

Trachycarpus fortune, or Chinese Windmill Palm, is a dioecious, evergreen palm tree with a stout trunk covered with hairy, black fibres from old leaf sheaths, and deeply divided, fan-shaped, dark green leaves. Large, dropping panicles of small, light yellow flowers bloom in summer and are followed by dark blue fruits on female plants. Chinese Windmill Palm grows best in rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade to full sun and locations sheltered from cold, drying winds and winter frosts. Plant crown may need protection. Of all the trunked palms, this one has the best winter hardiness. Drought tolerant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very easy to grow. Trachycarpus fortune is an excellent palm tree, perfect for bringing tropical vibes into the landscape. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in large containers and brought inside in very cold climates.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa' is a distinctive cultivar of Japanese maple that is well-known for its compact and layered growth habit. It stands out due to its small, palmate leaves that are densely packed and overlap, giving it a striking, sculptural, and somewhat tiered appearance. The leaves typically exhibit a rich green color throughout the growing season and undergo a stunning transformation to shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, offering spectacular autumn interest.

This maple cultivar reaches a moderate height, usually growing to about 4-6 feet, making it a perfect choice for small gardens, containers, or limited spaces. It prefers a location with partial to full sun and well-drained soil but appreciates some shade in hotter climates to avoid leaf scorch. Regular watering is essential, especially in dry conditions, but it's crucial to avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

'Mikawa yatsubusa' is not just revered for its aesthetic appeal but also for its resilient nature. While it’s slower-growing compared to other maples, it's hardy and adaptable, tolerating a variety of environmental conditions, and it requires minimal maintenance, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced gardeners. The unique structure and vibrant color display of 'Mikawa yatsubusa' make it a focal point in any landscape, adding texture, color, and architectural interest.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise is a captivating deciduous shrub, renowned for its striking winter blooms and vibrant fall foliage. Standing at an impressive height of 150cm, this cultivar of witch hazel makes a stunning statement in any garden.

The most notable feature of 'Arnold Promise' is its unique flowers. During the late winter, when most of the garden lies dormant, this shrub bursts into life with an abundance of ribbon-like petals. These flowers are a bright yellow colour exuding a spicy fragrance that adds a sensory delight to the garden. They contrast beautifully against the bare, woody branches, creating a striking visual display.

As the seasons change, so does the foliage of 'Arnold Promise'. In autumn, the leaves turn a fiery array of colours, from bright yellows to rich oranges and reds, before falling to the ground. This seasonal transformation adds year-round interest to the landscape.

This witch hazel variety thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade. It's relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning, mainly to shape or remove any dead or crossed branches. 'Arnold Promise' is also known for its hardiness, making it a resilient choice for many gardens.

Osmanthus × burkwoodii is a highly desirable evergreen shrub, valued for its dense, compact habit and exceptionally fragrant spring flowers. In April and May, it produces clusters of small, tubular white blooms that release a rich, sweet scent, often compared to jasmine, making it a standout feature in the garden.

This shrub is well suited to a wide range of garden settings, thriving in full sun or partial shade and preferring well-drained soil. It is particularly effective as a structural planting, forming a neat, rounded shape that works beautifully in borders, as low hedging, or as an informal screen. Its dark green, leathery leaves provide year-round interest and contrast well with softer planting.

Reaching approximately 2–3 metres in height and spread, Osmanthus × burkwoodii remains manageable and responds well to pruning, allowing it to be maintained at a desired size or shape. It is also tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions, making it a versatile choice for many environments.

Hardy and low maintenance, it is an excellent addition for adding evergreen structure, seasonal fragrance, and reliable performance to both contemporary and traditional garden designs.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 300cm 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.

Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit', commonly known as the Golden Spirit smokebush, is a deciduous shrub admired for its striking foliage and unique flowering. This cultivar stands out due to its vibrant golden-yellow leaves, which provide a dazzling display from spring through autumn.

In the spring, new leaves emerge in a bright lime-green hue, maturing to a rich golden-yellow as the season progresses. These leaves are oval-shaped with a slight waviness at the edges, adding texture and interest to the plant. During autumn, the foliage transforms again, taking on hues of orange, red, and purple, offering a spectacular end-of-season show.

The Golden Spirit smokebush grows to a height and spread of approximately 2.5 to 3 metres, making it an excellent choice for both small and large gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, adding to its versatility in various garden settings.

One of the most captivating features of Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' is its airy, plume-like flower clusters that appear in early summer. These flowers, though individually insignificant, collectively form large, fluffy panicles resembling puffs of smoke, hence the common name "smokebush." The flowers are initially greenish-pink, fading to a soft beige as they age, and they add a whimsical, cloud-like quality to the shrub.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Golden Spirit is a low-maintenance plant. It requires minimal pruning—usually just the removal of any dead or damaged wood and an occasional thinning to maintain its shape and vigour. This shrub is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is a stunning climbing shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Also known as the Japanese wisteria, this plant is highly prized for its gorgeous, cascading clusters of fragrant, white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer.

The 'Longissima Alba' variety is particularly noted for its long, pendulous flower clusters, which can reach up to 3 feet in length. The flowers are delicately scented and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

The foliage of this plant is also attractive, with long, narrow leaves that emerge in a bronze hue before maturing to a bright green color. In fall, the leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow before dropping for the winter.

As a climbing shrub, Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is ideal for training onto trellises, walls, or pergolas, where its cascading flowers can be fully appreciated. It is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 30 feet if left unpruned.

Overall, this beautiful and fragrant climbing shrub is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape, providing a stunning display of flowers and foliage throughout the growing season.

Pinus strobus 'Macopin' is a compact, slow-growing selection of the Eastern White Pine, prized for its naturally rounded form and exceptionally soft, blue-green needles. This attractive evergreen develops into a dense, globe-shaped shrub without the need for regular pruning, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its fine-textured foliage provides year-round colour and structure, contrasting beautifully with broader-leaved shrubs and flowering perennials.

Growing at a modest rate of around 5–15cm per year, Pinus strobus 'Macopin' typically reaches approximately 1–1.5 metres in height and spread over many years, making it ideal for smaller gardens, rockeries, gravel gardens and mixed conifer borders. It also performs exceptionally well in large containers, where its neat habit and elegant foliage can be appreciated up close.

This hardy conifer thrives in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It adapts well to sandy, loamy and slightly acidic soils but will also grow in neutral ground, provided drainage is good. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant, although prolonged dry periods may require occasional watering, particularly when grown in pots.

'Macopin' requires very little maintenance beyond removing any damaged or dead branches. Mulching in spring helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while an annual application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser will encourage healthy growth. Unlike many larger pines, it remains compact throughout its life, eliminating the need for regular shaping.

Fully hardy throughout the UK, Pinus strobus 'Macopin' tolerates frost, wind and typical British winters with ease. It is an excellent architectural plant for contemporary and traditional gardens alike, providing reliable evergreen interest throughout every season. Whether planted as a specimen, incorporated into a Japanese-inspired planting scheme, or used alongside other dwarf conifers, this elegant cultivar offers enduring beauty, texture and form with minimal effort, making it a superb long-term addition to almost any well-drained garden.

Mahonia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub appreciated for its ornamental value and adaptability. This robust plant, native to East Asia, is well-suited to the UK climate and can often be found gracing gardens and landscapes with its distinctive features.

Characterised by its bold, architectural form, Mahonia japonica typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 metres, with an upright, spreading habit. The shrub's foliage is a notable feature: its pinnate leaves are composed of up to 19 leaflets, each with a spiny, holly-like edge, lending the plant a somewhat dramatic appearance. These glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

In late autumn to early winter, Mahonia japonica produces striking racemes of bright yellow flowers. These blooms, which can appear even in the coldest months, emit a sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. The flower clusters are not only visually appealing but also provide a vital source of nectar during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Following the flowering period, the shrub produces small, blue-black berries that resemble grapes. These berries are edible but are generally more popular with birds than with humans. They add a further layer of seasonal interest and can contribute to the biodiversity of a garden by attracting wildlife.

Mahonia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning—typically just to remove any dead or damaged growth. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to deep shade, makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.

Overall, Mahonia japonica is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers year-round interest and is particularly valuable for its winter blooms and hardy nature. Its combination of striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries make it a standout plant in any landscape.

Thujopsis dolabrata is a distinctive evergreen conifer that makes an excellent structural plant for many garden settings. Native to Japan, it forms a dense, pyramidal tree with thick, glossy dark-green foliage and attractive silvery markings on the undersides of the leaves, adding visual interest throughout the year.

This slow-growing conifer is well suited to medium or large gardens where a long-lived, architectural specimen is desired. It performs best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun or partial shade. Sheltered locations are ideal, particularly in colder or exposed gardens, as this helps protect the foliage from harsh winter winds.

In a garden design, it works beautifully as a focal point in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed shrub borders. Its neat habit and rich foliage colour provide a strong evergreen backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials. Because it grows slowly and maintains a naturally tidy shape, it requires very little pruning or maintenance.

The tree can eventually reach around 10–15 metres in height over many years, but its gradual growth makes it manageable for long-term planting schemes. Hardy and relatively trouble-free, Thujopsis dolabrata is valued for its unusual foliage, strong form, and year-round presence in the garden.