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Pittosporum tobira is a dense, slow-growing, mound-forming, rounded, evergreen shrub with leathery, obovate, glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a whorl around the stem. Clusters of small, yellow flowers, white when they emerge, bloom in late spring and summer. Flowers are long-lasting and heavily scented. Pittosporum tobira grows best in average, moderately fertile, medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained soils, but can adapt to almost any soil type, except waterlogged. It thrives in full sun with some afternoon shade. Once established, tolerant of drought. It can withstand sea salt and is ideal for coastal areas. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, drying winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance, but needs some trimming to maintain its shape. Japanese pittosporum is a great-looking and resilient plant providing interest all year round. It is excellent for beds and borders, foundation plantings, or informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers and as a houseplant.

Ginkgo biloba Mariken is a dwarf, coniferous, slow-growing, spreading, slightly weeping, deciduous tree with dense, spreading branches and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, bluish green leaves, golden yellow in autumn. Flowers are green and insignificant and are not followed by fruits since the plant is male. Ginkgo biloba Mariken grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution, therefore, it will thrive in city environments. Needs to be sheltered from hard winds. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. It transplants and establishes easily. Low maintenance. Ginkgo biloba Mariken, with its globe-shaped form and interesting foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in small gardens, great for beds and borders, as a foundation plant, planted along pathways, or for growing in containers. Suitable for bonsai. Great for small, informal, cottage, rock, or urban gardens.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Draht' is a small, slow-growing, upright, broadly conical, coniferous, evergreen shrub with sprays of short, scale-like, emerald green leaves, flushed bronze in winter, along twisted, wire-like branches. Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Draht' grows best in fertile, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil types. It thrives in full sun but is tolerant of light shade. Yellow foliage might turn green in shade. It likes cooler climates. It is very resistant to frost and can withstand exposed positions. Resistant to urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. It naturally maintains its compact shape. Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Draht' is a cute, dense, ornamental shrub, perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for flower beds, shrub and mixed borders, wall-side borders in informal, cottage, urban, and rock and gravel gardens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens. Great for bonsai making.

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.

Sorbus 'Joseph Rock', or Mountain Ash 'Joseph Rock', is a medium-sized, compact, deciduous tree of bushy, upright habit, with elegant, pinnate blue-green leaves, orange, red, and purple in autumn. Corymbs of tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by clusters of butter-yellow berries in autumn. Attractive to birds and bees.

Mountain Ash 'Joseph Rock' grows best 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 and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning.

Sorbus 'Joseph Rock' is a tough, highly ornamental tree perfect as a specimen plant in small informal, cottage, 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.

Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' is a small, compact, slow-growing, mound-forming, coniferous, evergreen shrub with thin, pendulous, whipcord-like branches with tiny, aromatic, scale-like, glossy dark green leaves, pressed tightly against the branches. It usually acquires bronze tones in winter. It has pineapple scent when crushed.

Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. It prefers cool summer climates and doesn’t like too dry conditions. Even though it likes sunny areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be protected from harsh, drying winds. It doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Western Red Cedar 'Whipcord' is an interesting, unique, evergreen shrub with elegant arching branches, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Great-looking in rock and gravel gardens, planted near ponds or swimming pools. Excellent for growing in containers.

Prunus ukon, commonly known as Ukon cherry or Japanese flowering cherry, is a captivating ornamental tree renowned for its stunning springtime blossoms. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this deciduous tree originates from Japan and is prized for its aesthetic appeal in gardens, parks, and landscapes worldwide.

The Ukon cherry typically reaches heights of 15 to 25 feet and spreads about 15 to 20 feet wide at maturity, forming a graceful, rounded canopy. Its bark is smooth and dark brown, providing an elegant contrast to the vibrant blooms it bears. The foliage consists of serrated, elliptical leaves that emerge bronze-red in spring, gradually maturing to glossy green in summer, and turning golden-yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

What truly sets the Prunus ukon apart is its breathtaking display of flowers in early spring. Before the leaves unfurl, the tree becomes enveloped in an abundance of semi-double to double blossoms, each measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches across. These flowers feature pale pink to white petals tinged with hints of yellow, creating a soft, ethereal effect against the emerging foliage. The fragrance of the blooms adds to the sensory delight, attracting bees and pollinators.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is a small, dense, slow-growing, evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit, with grey to black stems, and small, leathery, wavy-margined, glossy, variegated, dark purple leaves, light green when young. Sometimes, small, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It can adapt to various types of soil, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in mild climates, in sunny, sheltered positions, and is perfect for coastal areas. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free. Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is an interesting plant, ideal to be planted against a warm, south-facing wall or in shrub or mixed borders. Excellent as an accent plant in rock and gravel gardens. Great for growing in containers.

Photinia fraseri 'Pink Marble', when espaliered on a metal frame, presents a captivating display of botanical artistry. This living structure, standing at 150 cm in height and 100 cm in width, forms a compact yet eye-catching feature in any garden. The metal frame, typically of a simple grid design, provides sturdy support and guides the plant's growth in a flat, two-dimensional form. This espalier technique not only showcases the plant's architectural qualities but also maximizes space, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a decorative wall feature.

The 'Pink Marble' variety of Photinia is particularly striking. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, with new leaves emerging in vibrant shades of pink and red, before maturing to a variegated pattern of green and cream. This color transition adds a dynamic visual element throughout the seasons. The plant's compact, bushy habit responds well to pruning, essential in maintaining the espalier's shape and promoting dense, lush growth. The result is a living tapestry, rich in color and form, that brings structure and beauty to any outdoor space.

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.

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' – A Hardy and Elegant Evergreen

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its glossy, narrow, dark green leaves that add year-round interest to gardens. A relatively new variety, it is prized for its graceful, upright growth habit and slightly weeping foliage, which sets it apart from other Pittosporum varieties.

Native to New Zealand, 'Irish Luck' thrives in the UK’s temperate climate, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings. It typically reaches a height of 2.5 to 3 metres and spreads about 1.5 metres, forming a dense, bushy shape. This makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as an architectural focal point in mixed borders. It also works well in containers for patios and courtyards.

One of the key attractions of 'Irish Luck' is its ability to tolerate coastal conditions, strong winds, and light frosts, making it particularly valuable in exposed locations. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

In spring and early summer, Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' produces small, deep purple, honey-scented flowers, which contrast beautifully against the rich green foliage. While not highly conspicuous, these blossoms attract pollinators, adding ecological value to the plant.

Due to its refined, elegant appearance and resilience, 'Irish Luck' is a popular choice for contemporary and traditional gardens alike. Whether used as a hedge, feature plant, or in mixed planting schemes, it brings structure, texture, and year-round greenery to outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a medium-sized, dense, spreading, rounded, thorny, deciduous tree with deeply lobed, glossy, dark green leaves, yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of small, lightly scented, crimson flowers with white centres, grouped in corymbs, bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by tiny red berries in autumn, attractive to birds. Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a tough tree that can tolerate any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun, but it can grow in partial shade. It is resilient and adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning. Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a hybrid between 'Charles X' and 'Paul's Scarlet'. This lovely little tree is a great addition to any small garden. Perfect as a specimen tree in cottage or urban gardens. It can be also used for informal hedges and screens.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Chinese Lace' is a distinctive ornamental tree valued for its unique aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It features finely cut, intricate, lace-like leaves, which grant the tree an elegant and delicate appearance. The tree produces clusters of vibrant orange-red berries, which are a prominent feature in the late summer and fall, providing a striking contrast to the foliage and attracting various birds and wildlife.

This variety of Sorbus aucuparia is celebrated for its adaptability to different environmental conditions, tolerating a range of soil types and prospering in both full sun and partial shade. It’s relatively resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscapes.

The ‘Chinese Lace’ showcases a splendid display of color during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a mixture of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a visual spectacle. This decorative feature makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to add autumnal color to their gardens.

Its compact growth habit and moderate height make it suitable for smaller gardens or for planting in restricted spaces. It provides structure, texture, and color to landscapes, blending well with other plants or standing alone as a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the surroundings.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' on a small 40cm clear stem with a total height of 80cm is a striking ornamental plant, perfect for website descriptions. This plant features a clear, straight stem that is 40cm in height, supporting a dense, rounded crown of glossy leaves. The young foliage emerges in a bright, vibrant red, creating a striking contrast against the older, dark green leaves. As the plant matures, the leaves gradually turn to a deep, rich green, maintaining their glossy sheen.

With a total height of 80cm, this Photinia is compact and ideal for small gardens, patios, or as a potted plant. It's a versatile shrub, popular for its year-round interest and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade, where its colors are most vibrant.

Its ability to withstand pruning makes it a popular choice for creating structured looks or hedges. The plant also produces small white flowers in the spring, although these are often overshadowed by the stunning foliage. This Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and elegance to their garden or outdoor space.

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.

Our spruce has been grown in a pot from seed right here at the Arundel Arboretum. 

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a prominent coniferous tree native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Recognisable by its tall, symmetrical shape and dense, evergreen foliage, it often reaches heights of 35–55 metres, with some specimens growing even taller under optimal conditions. The Norway spruce is widely planted in Europe and North America, not only for ornamental and landscaping purposes but also for timber production, given its straight grain and versatility. Its wood, known as "whitewood," is prized in the construction industry and is also used in the manufacture of paper and musical instruments.

The tree's bark is brown to reddish and scaly, becoming rougher as it ages. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, with pendulous branchlets giving the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Needles are dark green, pointed, and around 1–2 cm in length. Cones are one of its defining features, typically measuring 10–18 cm, with a cylindrical shape and rounded, overlapping scales that turn brown as they mature.

Picea abies is hardy, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils and benefits from full sun. In colder climates, it is often cultivated as a Christmas tree due to its classic conical form and appealing fragrance. However, it requires ample space for its expansive root system, making it unsuitable for small gardens.

Ecologically, the Norway spruce plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. 

Abies koreana 'Brilliant' is a cultivar of the Korean fir, a slow-growing evergreen tree native to Korea. 'Brilliant' is a popular cultivar known for its striking foliage and compact size, making it an excellent choice for small gardens and landscapes. The needles of 'Brilliant' are a vibrant shade of green, with a silvery-white underside that gives the tree a unique and eye-catching appearance. The needles are short and arranged in dense, spiral clusters along the branches, giving the tree a full and bushy look. In the spring, 'Brilliant' produces small purple cones that add to its ornamental appeal. One of the standout features of 'Brilliant' is its compact size, growing to only 5-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide over many years. This makes it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, rock gardens, and even container gardens. 'Brilliant' is also well-suited for use as a specimen tree or as part of a mixed evergreen planting. In terms of care, 'Brilliant' prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is generally low-maintenance once established, but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also important to water the tree regularly during periods of drought to ensure healthy growth.

Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a compact, deciduous conifer tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is commonly known as the European larch. The 'Little Bogle' cultivar is a dwarf version of the species, reaching a mature height of only 2-3 meters with a spread of 1-1.5 meters. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, small tree.

The 'Little Bogle' has a distinctive conical shape with a narrow, upright growth habit. The branches are densely covered with short, bluish-green needles that turn golden-yellow in the fall before dropping. The tree produces small, brown cones that are approximately 2-3cm long and have a papery texture. The cones persist on the tree into the winter months, adding an element of interest to the landscape.

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soil. The 'Little Bogle' is hardy, which makes it suitable for a wide range of climates.

This cultivar is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal pruning or shaping. It is also resistant to many common diseases and pests, making it a reliable addition to any garden. The tree can be used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or urban landscapes, where space is at a premium.

In conclusion, Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a beautiful and versatile tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. Its distinctive conical shape, bluish-green needles, and golden-yellow fall color make it a standout in any garden. It is easy to care for, hardy, and resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

The Prunus 'Umineko', a stunning addition to any garden landscape, renowned for its captivating beauty and delicate elegance. Originating from Japan, this ornamental cherry tree, also known as 'Sea Breeze', is cherished for its abundant clusters of pure white blossoms that herald the arrival of spring in a spectacular fashion.

The Prunus 'Umineko' belongs to the esteemed family of flowering cherries, prized for their graceful form and enchanting floral displays. It typically grows to a modest height of around 4-6 meters, making it suitable for gardens of varying sizes. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for both urban gardens and larger landscapes, where it can serve as a focal point or be planted in clusters for a breathtaking visual impact.

In early spring, before the tree's leaves unfurl, delicate buds burst into a profusion of fragrant, snow-white flowers. These blossoms, borne in clusters along the branches, create a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts pollinators and admirers alike. The Prunus 'Umineko' is a beacon of hope and renewal, symbolizing the rejuvenation of nature after the long winter months.

Following the floral extravaganza, the tree's glossy green foliage emerges, providing a lush backdrop for the remainder of the growing season. In autumn, the leaves transition to vibrant hues of yellow and orange, casting a warm glow across the landscape before gracefully descending.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Prunus 'Umineko' offers a low-maintenance addition to the garden, requiring little more than regular watering and occasional pruning to maintain its shape. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded position, although it can tolerate some shade.

Whether planted as a solitary specimen, in a mixed border, or as part of a Japanese-inspired garden, the Prunus 'Umineko' never fails to captivate with its timeless beauty and serene presence. Bring the enchantment of spring to your garden with this exquisite flowering cherry tree, and enjoy its ethereal charm for years to come.