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Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly popular evergreen shrub, valued for its vibrant red young foliage that matures to glossy dark green, creating striking year-round colour and contrast in the garden. Its reliable performance and bold appearance make it a staple in both contemporary and traditional planting schemes.

Well suited to a variety of garden settings, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. A sheltered position is ideal to protect its young growth from cold winds, particularly in exposed areas. It is also tolerant of urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for town and city gardens.

Typically reaching 3–4 metres in height if left unpruned, it can be easily maintained at a lower height, making it perfect for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen. Regular trimming encourages fresh red growth, enhancing its ornamental appeal.

Low maintenance and versatile, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is ideal for adding structure, privacy, and vibrant colour, while also providing a dense habitat for garden wildlife throughout the year.

Magnolia Susan is a beautiful flowering tree known for its stunning blooms and attractive foliage. This deciduous tree is a member of the magnolia family and is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers for its showy flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. The Magnolia Susan typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet and can spread up to 12 feet wide. It has a dense, upright growth habit and produces large, tulip-shaped flowers in mid to late spring. The flowers are about 5 inches across and have a sweet fragrance that fills the air. The leaves of the Magnolia Susan are glossy and dark green, with a slightly wavy margin. They are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow before dropping for the winter.

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red' is a bold and elegant cultivar of the Norway maple, prized for its deep, rich purple foliage that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. This slow-growing, deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 meters with a spread of 10 to 12 meters, forming a broad, rounded crown. Its glossy, lobed leaves provide dramatic color contrast in gardens, parks, and streetscapes. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear before the leaves, adding subtle seasonal interest. 'Royal Red' is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types and urban conditions, including pollution and drought once established. It is an excellent choice for creating a striking focal point or providing bold, long-lasting color in the landscape.

Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its striking foliage, especially the fresh, coppery-red young leaves that age to glossy deep green. In a parachute shape, this cultivar forms a gracefully rounded, umbrella-like canopy with a central stem or supportive structure from which a dense mass of arching branches radiates. The new growth naturally fans outward and downward, creating a soft, parachute-like silhouette that adds architectural interest and year-round colour to any garden.

This distinctive form makes ‘Red Robin’ especially suitable as a specimen feature or focal point in borders, courtyards, and patio containers. Its evergreen nature ensures structure and visual appeal throughout the seasons, while the red flushes of spring and summer provide dynamic seasonal interest. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best leaf colour and strong, compact growth. Tolerant of a range of soil types, it prefers well-drained, fertile soil and benefits from regular watering in dry spells. Light pruning after flushes enhances the parachute shape and encourages fresh shoots.

Overall, the parachute form of Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ combines ornamental beauty with reliable garden performance, ideal for adding year-round structure and colour.

Betula pendula is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with pendulous branches and graceful, pyramidal habit, more oval as the tree matures. Its attractive smooth, silvery white bark exfoliates in papery strips. Ovate, glossy green leaves turn yellow in autumn. Yellowish male flowers appear in dropping catkins, while greenish female appear in upright catkins and are followed by cone-like fruits. Betula pendula is easily grown in any type of soil, but prefers moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is resilient to a wide range of conditions. Great choice for cities and urban gardens since it can withstand air pollution. It is very hardy, suitable even for cold climates. Thrives in cool northern climates. European White Birch is a lovely, elegant tree with a beautiful white bark. It is perfect as a specimen plant and small landscape tree, or planted in beds and borders. Great for cottage, urban and informal gardens.

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea, or Copper Beech, is a beautiful variant of European Beech. It’s a large, deciduous tree with pyramidal crown when young, rounded and spreading when mature, and smooth, grey bark. It is known for its deep purple foliage, copper red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, yellowish flowers appear in spring and are followed by edible fruit, beech mast, in autumn. Fagus sylvatica Purpurea prefers deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay. Once established, somewhat tolerant to drought. It is generally disease-free and pest-free. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It may not grow well in urban areas and it is difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica Purpurea, with its dramatic purple and coppery foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in large gardens or parks. Great for hedges and screens, especially since it holds dead leaves deep into winter, almost until new leaves emerge.

Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ is an upright, evergreen, ornamental shrub or small tree with lance-shaped, leathery, glossy, variegated leaves – brilliant red with pink margins when young and dark grey-green with creamy-white margins when mature. Panicles of inconspicuous, small, white flowers bloom in spring and are sometimes followed by red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ thrives in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but can adapt 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. With two or three flushes of new shoots throughout the year, Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ is exceptionally attractive all year round. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in small gardens. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens, or for growing in containers.

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls', also known as the Ruby Falls Redbud, is an eye-catching, weeping variety of the Eastern Redbud tree. This cultivar stands out with its unique, cascading growth habit and striking foliage. The heart-shaped leaves emerge in a vibrant shade of ruby-red in spring, gradually maturing to deep purple as the season progresses. In early spring, before the foliage unfurls, the bare branches are adorned with a profusion of small, rosy-pink flowers, creating a breathtaking display. 'Ruby Falls' features a clear stem or trunk, which elevates the weeping canopy, making it an excellent focal point in landscape designs. It's a compact, deciduous tree, perfect for small gardens and spaces where a dramatic vertical element is desired. Its resilience and relatively low maintenance make it a favored choice among gardeners seeking a tree with year-round visual interest.

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls', also known as the Ruby Falls Redbud, is an eye-catching, weeping variety of the Eastern Redbud tree. This cultivar stands out with its unique, cascading growth habit and striking foliage. The heart-shaped leaves emerge in a vibrant shade of ruby-red in spring, gradually maturing to deep purple as the season progresses. In early spring, before the foliage unfurls, the bare branches are adorned with a profusion of small, rosy-pink flowers, creating a breath taking display. 'Ruby Falls' features a clear stem or trunk, which elevates the weeping canopy, making it an excellent focal point in landscape designs. It's a compact, deciduous tree, perfect for small gardens and spaces where a dramatic vertical element is desired. Its resilience and relatively low maintenance make it a favoured choice among gardeners seeking a tree with year-round visual interest.

Alnus rubra, commonly known as red alder, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is easily recognized by its smooth, gray bark and broad, ovate leaves with serrated edges that turn yellow in the fall. Red alder typically grows 40 to 80 feet tall and thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often along rivers, streams, and in disturbed areas. One of its most notable ecological traits is its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules. This natural enrichment improves soil fertility and supports forest regeneration, making it an important pioneer species in reforestation and ecological restoration projects. Red alder also provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. In addition to its ecological value, its light-colored wood is used in furniture, cabinetry, and paper production due to its workability and smooth finish.

Pot grown from seed here at the Arundel Arboretum, very well rooted and hardened. 

Populus tremula, commonly known as the trembling aspen or quaking aspen, is a deciduous tree native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including the United Kingdom. It belongs to the genus Populus and is renowned for its distinctive quivering leaves, which flutter in even the slightest breeze, giving rise to its evocative common names.

The trembling aspen typically reaches heights of 20 to 25 meters, although some specimens can grow taller under optimal conditions. Its slender trunk is often pale grey or white with black knots, and it tends to have a narrow crown with branches that ascend in a graceful, upward fashion.

One of the most striking features of the trembling aspen is its leaves. They are roughly triangular in shape with finely serrated edges, and they have a flat petiole that causes them to flutter and tremble in the wind. This unique characteristic helps to distinguish the tree from other species in its range.

In the spring, the trembling aspen produces catkins, which are long, drooping clusters of small flowers. These flowers are an important source of pollen for bees and other pollinators. Later in the season, the tree develops small, round fruits containing tiny seeds surrounded by cottony fluff, aiding in wind dispersal.

Trembling aspens typically thrive in moist, well-drained soils in locations such as riverbanks, wetlands, and mixed woodlands. They are relatively fast-growing and can colonize disturbed areas quickly, making them an important pioneer species in forest ecosystems.

In addition to their ecological significance, trembling aspens also hold cultural and historical importance. They feature prominently in folklore and mythology in various cultures, often symbolizing resilience, regeneration, and transformation.

Rhamnus frangula ‘Fine Line’ is a distinctive, narrow-columnar shrub that brings strong vertical emphasis to the garden while remaining compact and easy to manage. Its fine, willow-like green leaves are densely packed along upright stems, creating a soft yet architectural outline that is ideal for small gardens, modern landscapes, or where space is limited. Reaching around 2–3 metres tall but only about 50–60 cm wide, it works well as a living accent, a slim screen, or a pair of sentinels flanking paths and entrances.

This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most well-drained soils, including clay and loam. Once established, it is tolerant of short dry spells and requires little maintenance, making it suitable for low-input gardens. In late spring, small, nectar-rich flowers appear, followed by dark berries that are valuable to birds and other wildlife. Autumn brings soft yellow foliage colour before leaf fall. Rhamnus frangula ‘Fine Line’ is therefore an excellent choice for adding height, structure, and ecological value without overwhelming the planting scheme.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings.

Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade and generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds.

It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Photinia 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is a strikingly beautiful, dense shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage. This particular variety is expertly shaped into a perfect ball, showcasing its dense, lush growth. The leaves are initially a brilliant red when young, gradually maturing to a deep, glossy green, providing a stunning contrast that catches the eye throughout the seasons.

This robust shrub thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It's highly adaptable to different environments, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular pruning helps maintain its distinct spherical shape and promotes new growth, ensuring a vibrant display of red foliage in spring.

Growing to a manageable size, this Photinia variety is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens, and its compact, ball-like form makes it an excellent choice for borders, focal points, or as a structured element in garden design. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardy and low-maintenance, 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is not just a visually appealing plant; it also serves as a natural privacy screen or hedge. Its dense foliage provides an excellent backdrop for other plants, enhancing the overall beauty of any garden setting.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is an exotic-looking evergreen shrub or small tree of narrowly columnar habit, dense and compact, with leathery, oblong, glossy, dark green leaves, coppery-brown underneath. Its lightly scented, creamy-white to pure white flowers with yellow stamens, bloom in summer and early autumn, and are followed by red, cone-like fruits. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is easily grown in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. It doesn’t like too wet or too dry soils. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. It can withstand cold, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds. Not very tolerant of urban pollution, but somewhat tolerant to salt. Low maintenance plant. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a lovely, small, slow-growing ornamental tree, perfect as a lawn specimen or planted in groups. Great for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for informal hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', trained as a standard ball, is an elegant and versatile ornamental tree that brings structure and year-round interest to gardens of all sizes. Grown into a clear stem and clipped into a neat, rounded crown, it creates a formal appearance that works beautifully in contemporary, traditional, and cottage-style landscapes.

This hardy hornbeam thrives in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and chalk, provided the ground is reasonably well drained. It is well suited to the UK climate and tolerates exposed positions, urban pollution, and seasonal weather fluctuations. The dense foliage emerges fresh green in spring, deepens through summer, and turns rich shades of golden yellow before falling in autumn. In some sheltered locations, dried leaves may remain on the branches through winter, adding seasonal texture.

The compact canopy makes it ideal for lining driveways, framing entrances, creating symmetry in formal gardens, or adding height without occupying excessive ground space. Minimal pruning is required to maintain its rounded shape, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice.

Combining durability, architectural form, and attractive seasonal colour, a standard ball hornbeam is an excellent feature tree that provides lasting beauty and structure throughout the year.

Acer griseum is a small, oval to rounded, spreading, deciduous tree with upright branching. It is known for its stunning exfoliating copper-orange and reddish-brown bark and beautiful foliage colours. The bark is constantly peeling into thin papery curls revealing new, cinnamon-brown bark which makes it extremely ornamental and attractive. Leaves are dark green above and silvery green with fine hairs beneath. They turn into beautiful shades of orange and red in autumn. Small yellowish flowers are replaced by winged samaras. Acer griseum prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can grow in almost any type of soil, even clay soil. It prefers full sun or part shade and doesn’t tolerate drought. Propagation is difficult because most of its seed is sterile, but at the same time, it will not produce unwanted seedlings. Very attractive tree for small yards, urban gardens, and woodland gardens. Perfect for a front yard accent. An outstanding ornamental tree for all four seasons.

Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a large, deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk and very appealing, dense, oval to rounded crown. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. Flowers appear in separate male and female catkins before the leaves, in spring, and are followed by winged nuts. European Hornbeam 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 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.

A large multi-stem Magolia ‘Susan’ creates a striking architectural presence in the garden, combining elegance with manageable proportions. Magnolia 'Susan' is one of the celebrated “Little Girl” hybrids, prized for its rich, goblet-shaped flowers in deep reddish-purple with paler interiors. Flowering in mid to late spring, it opens slightly later than many magnolias, helping the blooms avoid frost damage — a valuable trait in UK gardens.

As a mature multi-stem specimen, it develops a broad, vase-shaped framework with smooth grey bark and a naturally graceful silhouette. The multiple stems give it added character and year-round structure, making it ideal as a focal point in lawns, gravel gardens, or large borders. In flower, the bare branches are smothered in upright blooms before fresh green foliage emerges, creating a dramatic seasonal display.

Reaching approximately 3–4 metres in height and spread over time, it suits medium to large gardens and thrives in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Sheltered from strong winds, a large multi-stem Magnolia ‘Susan’ offers dependable spring impact and timeless beauty.