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Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with ovate to round, densely branched crown, smooth bark that becomes grooved as it matures, and oval, sometimes heart-shaped, blue-green leaves, bronze when young, yellow, orange and red in autumn. The fallen autumn leaves smell like cinnamon, burnt sugar or ripe apples. Tiny, inconspicuous, fragrant, reddish flowers bloom in spring before the foliage. Cercidiphyllum japonicum grows best in rich, loose, fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in partial shade, but tolerates full sun. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is resistant to frost and wind, but prefers locations sheltered from harsh winds and hot afternoon sun. The leaves may be damaged by late frosts. Tolerant of urban conditions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Japanese Katsura Tree is an elegant, architectural tree, perfect as a specimen plant in large, informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens. Excellent for avenues and broad streets.

Abies koreana ‘Oberon’ is a beautiful compact form of Korean Fir, prized for its neat, architectural shape, slow growth and attractive evergreen foliage. This charming conifer is an excellent choice for smaller gardens, contemporary planting schemes, rockeries, alpine gardens, containers and areas where a full-sized tree would be unsuitable.

‘Oberon’ remains naturally compact, developing a dense, rounded to broadly conical habit over many years. It typically grows slowly, making it ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance evergreen that provides year-round structure without becoming overpowering. Its tidy growth habit means it requires little, if any, pruning to maintain its shape.

The foliage consists of short, glossy green needles that are arranged neatly along the branches, creating a soft yet refined appearance. The undersides of the needles have a silvery-white colouring, giving the plant a subtle shimmering effect when viewed from different angles. It may produce attractive upright cones when mature, adding further seasonal interest.

Abies koreana ‘Oberon’ prefers a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade and thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in slightly acidic to neutral soils but will tolerate a range of garden conditions provided drainage is good. Avoid planting in areas that become waterlogged during winter. A mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and protect the roots, especially during dry summer periods.

This hardy evergreen is well suited to the UK climate and requires minimal care once established. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases and benefits from protection from strong, drying winds, particularly when young. Its compact size and year-round interest make it a versatile choice for small gardens, mixed borders or as an elegant specimen plant in a decorative container.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a captivating and resilient deciduous tree, often recognized by its striking golden-yellow foliage. This robust cultivar stands out for its adaptability and rapid growth, often thriving in diverse environmental conditions, including urban areas with substantial pollution. Originating from the black locust tree, 'Frisia' inherits a hardy and enduring nature, demonstrating significant resistance to harsh weather conditions, rendering it a prevalent choice among garden enthusiasts and landscape architects.

The tree is a magnificent spectacle during the spring season when it is adorned with pendulous clusters of sweetly fragrant, white, pea-like flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators, notably bees, enhancing biodiversity within its vicinity. The blooms are followed by smooth, elongated seed pods, contributing to the tree's visual appeal. The vibrant foliage, which creates a pronounced contrast with the surroundings, transitions to a lighter shade of yellow in the autumn, offering an extended period of visual interest.

Despite its aesthetic appeal and resilience, 'Frisia' necessitates vigilant management due to its propensity for suckering and its invasive nature. Proper pruning is vital to maintain its structural integrity and curtail unrestrained growth. This tree is suitable for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet visually arresting focal point in their landscapes.

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' is a robust, vigorous, medium-sized deciduous tree with dense, conical to oval crown and impressive foliage. Five-lobed shiny leaves are rich, dark red-purple in spring and summer, and golden, orange and maroon in autumn. Clusters of yellow-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves and are followed by purple winged nuts.

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' can grow in any soil, except peaty soils and soils with stagnant groundwater. It can withstand short floods and harsh winds, but it doesn’t like sea winds. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade, heat, drought, and frost. Very resilient and low maintenance, Crimson King Norway Maple is commonly used as a park tree and as a solitary species. It is tolerant to air pollution and partial paving, therefore, suitable for growing in cities and industrial areas. Ideal for larger gardens where it can provide deep shade and background for specimen plants.

Acer palmatum 'Jerre Schwartz' is an upright, compact, deciduous shrub or small tree with palmate, deeply lobed, dark green leaves, flushed pink and then bronze-green in spring, vibrant red in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by red, winged seed pods in summer.

Acer palmatum 'Jerre Schwartz' is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It likes partial shade and best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade, but it tolerates full sun. Excessive exposure and lack of soil moisture can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but it has to be sheltered from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning.

Japanese maple 'Jerre Schwartz' is a great ornamental tree suitable for informal, cottage, rock and gravel, and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant. It is great for growing in containers.

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.

Betula pendula ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ is an elegant and distinctive cultivar of silver birch, valued for its finely divided, feathery foliage and graceful overall form. Unlike the typical Betula pendula, this variety features delicately cut leaves that create a soft, almost fern-like texture, giving the tree a light and airy presence in the garden.

As it matures, ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ develops the classic white bark associated with silver birch, which peels attractively to reveal subtle tones beneath. This ornamental bark provides year-round interest, particularly in winter when the tree’s structure is fully visible. The slender branches often have a gently pendulous habit, enhancing its natural elegance and movement in the breeze.

This cultivar is relatively compact compared to standard silver birch trees, making it well suited to smaller gardens or landscaped spaces where a full-sized birch might be too large. It typically forms a narrow, upright canopy, allowing light to filter through and enabling underplanting with shade-tolerant plants or spring bulbs.

In spring, the tree produces small catkins that add further seasonal interest, followed by fresh green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves turn a soft yellow before falling, contributing subtle seasonal colour.

Betula pendula ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ is hardy and well adapted to the UK climate, thriving in a range of soil types provided they are reasonably well drained. It prefers a sunny position and benefits from adequate moisture, particularly when young.

Overall, this refined birch offers a combination of delicate texture, striking bark, and manageable size, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a graceful, ornamental tree with year-round appeal.

Cytisus battandieri, or the Moroccan Broom, is a medium-sized, rounded, deciduous shrub with, long, upright, whip-like stems and trifoliate silvery green leaves which can hold all year round in mild winters. Very attractive, bright golden yellow flowers, held in dense cones or plumes, bloom in June and July and give off wonderful pineapple scent. Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Cytisus battandieri is very adaptable, can grow in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained, but prefers average, lean, gritty, well-drained soil, in full sun. It is generally pest-free and low maintenance. It requires almost no pruning. It naturally has a good shape. Cytisus battandieri is an attractive shrub perfect as a specimen plant in small informal, cottage, or urban gardens. Suitable for coastal areas, especially with Mediterranean climate. Great for beds and borders, wall-side borders, for growing in pots and containers on balconies and patios.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' is a small deciduous tree that is a member of the dogwood family. It is prized for its stunning ornamental features, including its striking white blooms that appear in late spring or early summer, followed by its unique fruit that ripens in the fall. The 'Milky Way' cultivar is notable for its profuse, large, and showy flowers. The creamy-white blooms are star-shaped and feature four bracts, which surround a small, yellowish-green cluster of true flowers in the center. The tree's leaves are a glossy, deep green color and turn shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, providing a colorful autumnal display. This variety is also known for its exceptional disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that affects many dogwood species. 'Milky Way' can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet at maturity. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

Photinia serratifolia Crunchy - 1/2 std is an ornamental, vigorous, compact, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, serrated, glossy foliage, coppery-brown when young, reddish brown as it matures and dark green when mature. Panicles of small, white flowers bloom in spring and summer. Photinia serratifolia Crunchy - 1/2 std grows best in average, fertile, moist, 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. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a great-looking, vigorous, densely branched shrub, tolerant of hard pruning, perfect for hedges and screens, useful for noise reduction or wind protection. Great as a specimen or accent plant, for flower beds and borders, and wall-side borders in informal, cottage, and urban gardens.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It is also commonly known as Dwarf Hinoki Cypress. This cultivar is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant with a compact growth habit that can fit in smaller gardens or containers. The 'Nana Gracilis' cultivar has a unique, pyramidal shape that reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 1-2 feet at maturity. Its dense foliage is comprised of delicate, flattened sprays of feathery, blue-green needles that emerge in a tiered arrangement, giving it an elegant and refined look. The foliage of this cultivar emits a distinct, pleasant scent when crushed, which adds to its appeal. Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' thrives in a variety of growing conditions, but prefers moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. It is also relatively tolerant of full sun exposure, but will benefit from some protection in hotter climates. This cultivar is known to be relatively disease and pest-resistant, making it a great option for low-maintenance gardens.

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 gray-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 centimeters 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.

Diospyros kaki ‘Rojo Brillante’, grown with a clear stem, forms an elegant small tree that combines ornamental beauty with the added attraction of edible fruit. Its broad, glossy green leaves create a lush summer canopy, turning rich shades of orange and red in autumn before falling to reveal bright, lantern-like fruits that often hang decoratively on the bare branches. This makes it a superb feature tree, providing interest from spring through to winter.

Well suited to sheltered gardens in the UK, it prefers a warm, sunny position where the fruits can fully ripen and colour. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and is tolerant of light chalk if organic matter is added. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant and low maintenance.

The clear stem raises the rounded crown, giving the tree a refined, architectural form that works well in lawns, borders, and larger containers on patios. Its moderate size makes it suitable for small to medium gardens, where it can be enjoyed both as a striking ornamental specimen and as a productive, unusual fruit tree.

Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, deciduous tree with narrow, upright crown when young, conical to rounded when mature, and aromatic, lobed, star-shaped, maple-like, dark green leaves that turn beautiful orange, dark red and purple in autumn. Clusters of small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by hard, rounded, prickly gum balls in autumn that remain on the tree in winter. Liquidambar styraciflua is an adaptable tree, easily grown in various types of soils, except shallow and alkaline. It prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in sunny, sheltered positions. It is tolerant of partial shade, cold, heat, and salty winds. Resistant to urban pollution. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Liquidambar styraciflua is a large ornamental tree, popular for its wonderful autumn foliage, but it needs a lot of space to grow. Suitable for coastal and urban areas. Tasty, thick sap is harvested from under the bark and used for various purposes.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' is a compact, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub or small tree, with star-shaped, five-lobed, glossy, deep green leaves, yellow to deep burgundy in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small, spikey, rounded capsules that persist throughout the winter. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' prefers fertile and semi-fertile, loamy, lime-free, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is very resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Moderately tolerant of sea salt and pollution. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sweet gum 'Gum Ball' is a highly ornamental, small tree with beautiful autumn foliage. It is suitable for cottage, urban, coastal, and woodland gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant, shade tree or street tree. Ideal for patios because of its small size. Fruit can create litter.

Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, deciduous tree with narrow, upright crown when young, conical to rounded when mature, and aromatic, lobed, star-shaped, maple-like, dark green leaves that turn beautiful orange, dark red and purple in autumn. Clusters of small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by hard, rounded, prickly gum balls in autumn that remain on the tree in winter.

Liquidambar styraciflua is an adaptable tree, easily grown in various types of soils, except shallow and alkaline. It prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in sunny, sheltered positions. It is tolerant of partial shade, cold, heat, and salty winds. Resistant to urban pollution. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free.

Liquidambar styraciflua is a large ornamental tree, popular for its wonderful autumn foliage, but it needs a lot of space to grow. Suitable for coastal and urban areas. Tasty, thick sap is harvested from under the bark and used for various purposes.

The Albizia julibrissin  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. 

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin 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.

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.