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Agapanthus 'Midnight Moon' is a dramatic perennial prized for its unusual colour contrast and elegant architectural form. It produces strong, upright stems rising above clumps of strap-shaped, mid-green foliage. From mid to late summer, rounded buds emerge in a deep, near-black violet tone, creating a bold visual effect even before flowering begins. As the buds open, they reveal paler, soft violet-blue to silvery blooms, producing a striking two-tone display that adds depth and interest to sunny planting schemes.

The rounded flower heads are held well above the foliage, giving a clean, structured appearance that works beautifully in contemporary gardens, Mediterranean-style borders, and gravel plantings. Its long flowering period provides weeks of colour, while spent flower heads often continue to offer ornamental interest if left standing.

Agapanthus ‘Midnight Moon’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing particularly well in sheltered, warm locations. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and low maintenance, requiring only a simple cutback of spent stems and old foliage in early spring. It also performs well in containers, where its striking flowers can be appreciated up close.

Hosta Francee is an attractive, fast-growing, clump-forming, deciduous perennial of dense, arching, mounding habit and broad, heart-shaped, strongly-veined, dark green leaves with white margins. The funnel-shaped, white to pale lavender flowers emerge on long flower scapes above the foliage in mid-summer. Hosta Francee grows best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture.

Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hosta Francee is a beautiful, ornamental, low maintenance plant, perfect for shade gardens, especially good-looking in groups or massed. Great as a background plant, a groundcover, for mixed beds and borders, under the shrubs and roses, or for growing in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba 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. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

Arbutus unedo multi-stem is an evergreen, ornamental, multi-stem, capriciously growing shrub or small tree with glossy, leathery, mid-green foliage. It is very unusual and stunning all year round. Clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from autumn to mid-winter. Round, yellow fruits appear in winter and slowly become ripe in the next 12 months, gradually turning red. They are still on the tree when new flowers show up in autumn. A grey-brown bark peels, revealing cinnamon-colored inner bark. Arbutus unedo multi-stem grows slowly in a multi-stem form. It can grow in all kinds of soils and climate conditions, but prefers acidic, moist and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant to drought, disease-free and pest-free. Very resilient. This unusual, colorful and very attractive plant is perfect as a specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges, coastal gardens, and for growing in containers.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' is a decorative and hardy variety of rowan, or mountain ash tree, particularly noted for its profuse clusters of bright red berries and lush, pinnate, green leaves. Originating in Europe, this cultivar is recognized for its more compact and upright growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or landscapes. It typically reaches heights of around 15 meters.

The 'Sheerwater Seedling' unfolds its beauty in every season. In spring, it brings forth dense clusters of creamy-white flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators. As summer progresses, these flowers give way to vibrant, red berries, which become a primary food source for birds, especially in winter months. By autumn, the foliage turns into a fiery spectacle of oranges, reds, and yellows, creating a striking contrast with the bold berries.

Besides its aesthetic attributes, the 'Sheerwater Seedling' is valued for its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in a range of soil types, and its robust nature allows it to withstand urban pollution and harsh weather conditions. The resilience and prolific berry production make it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens, providing shelter and sustenance to various bird species and other fauna. Its attractive features and hardiness make it a popular choice for both ornamental and ecological plantings.

Pot grown from seed at Arundel Arboretum.

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

Sorbus 'Sunshine' is an attractive and compact ornamental tree, making it especially well-suited to small and medium-sized gardens. This cultivar is a type of rowan, known for its upright, tidy growth habit and vibrant seasonal colour. It typically reaches a height of around 4–6 metres, which means it fits comfortably into smaller spaces without dominating the landscape.

Its pinnate leaves emerge fresh green in spring and turn striking shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn, adding strong seasonal interest. In late spring, the tree produces flat clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These are followed by bright yellow berries in late summer to early autumn, which give the tree its name and provide an excellent food source for birds.

Sorbus 'Sunshine' is hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay and loam, as long as drainage is adequate. It also performs well in urban environments and exposed locations. With its modest size, colourful foliage, and wildlife benefits, Sorbus 'Sunshine' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a tree that offers beauty, biodiversity, and year-round appeal without taking up too much space.

Picea Omorika, also known as Serbian Spruce, is a coniferous tree native to the mountainous regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 50 meters, with a conical crown and horizontal branches. The Serbian Spruce is prized for its dense, dark green foliage that forms a striking contrast against its gray-brown bark. The needles of the Picea Omorika are short and stiff, measuring between 1-2 cm in length, and are arranged in spirals around the branches. In the spring, the Picea Omorika produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into light brown cones, measuring between 8-15 cm in length. The cones are a valuable source of food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Picea Omorika is a hardy tree that is well-suited to cooler climates and is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive, and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Acer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' is a fast-growing, mound-forming, deciduous shrub or small tree with rounded crown, elegantly arching branches and feathery, lace-like, deeply dissected, bright green leaves, spectacular red and orange in autumn. Small, red and purple flowers bloom in spring and are followed by red winged fruit in summer.

Acer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' prefers fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. Best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Does not suffer from many diseases and pests. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning.

Japanese maple 'Emerald Lace' is a beautiful ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in informal, cottage, rock and gravel, and urban gardens. Great for beds, shrub borders, and mixed borders. Excellent for planting in containers, It can make a wonderful patio tree.

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.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia' is a small, ornamental, deciduous tree with broad, compact, rounded crown, and thorny branches. Glossy, broad-oval, dark green leaves look spectacular in autumn when they turn scarlet, deep yellow and purple. Small, fragrant, white flowers cover the tree in late spring and are followed by attractive clusters of deep red berries that persist on thorny branches for a long time. Attractive to birds and bees.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is very undemanding and adaptable. It grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for most difficult gardens. It tolerates full exposure to coastal winds and air pollution. Very resilient and low maintenance. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is a stunning ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges and screens in cottage and informal gardens. Great for urban and coastal areas.

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.

A Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) trained into an umbrella shape is an elegant and highly suitable feature for a garden, combining structure, shade, and ornamental interest. In this form, the plant is pruned with a clear single or multi-stem trunk and a broad, spreading canopy that creates a graceful, rounded “parasol” effect. The dense evergreen foliage, dark green above and silvery beneath, provides year-round texture and light dappled shade beneath the canopy, making it ideal for seating areas, pathways, or as a focal point in courtyards.

The umbrella shape highlights the plant’s natural branching habit while allowing good air circulation and light penetration, which encourages healthy growth and fruit production. In spring, striking red and white flowers appear across the canopy, followed by fragrant, oval fruits in autumn. Feijoa is tolerant of wind, coastal conditions, drought once established, and moderate frost, making it adaptable to many climates. This trained form suits both formal and contemporary garden designs, offering a refined architectural presence with the added benefit of edible harvests.

Arbutus unedo multi-stem is an evergreen, ornamental, multi-stem, capriciously growing shrub or small tree with glossy, leathery, mid-green foliage. It is very unusual and stunning all year round. Clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from autumn to mid-winter. Round, yellow fruits appear in winter and slowly become ripe in the next 12 months, gradually turning red. They are still on the tree when new flowers show up in autumn. A grey-brown bark peels, revealing cinnamon-colored inner bark. Arbutus unedo multi-stem grows slowly in a multi-stem form. It can grow in all kinds of soils and climate conditions, but prefers acidic, moist and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant to drought, disease-free and pest-free. Very resilient. This unusual, colorful and very attractive plant is perfect as a specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges, coastal gardens, and for growing in containers.

Ilex crenata is a slow-growing, ornamental, evergreen shrub or small tree with dense and compact habit. Its tiny, rounded, glossy, dark green leaves resemble the box-wood leaves. Inconspicuous, white flowers that bloom in summer are followed by small, black berries in autumn. Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is an easily grown plant that tolerates various types of soils, except very wet, but thrives in average, medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it is drought and frost tolerant, but needs to be protected from drying winter winds. Doesn’t require regular pruning. Japanese Holly is a lovely, tough ornamental tree. Great alternative to Box or Buxus sempervirens because it is resistant to Box blight and not prone to leaf scorch when pruned. It is perfect as a specimen plant, for neat, low hedges and screens, path edgings, and foundations. Suitable for trimming and making topiaries and bonsai trees.

Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as the black alder, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, including the British Isles. It is a versatile and resilient species, often found thriving in wetland areas, riverbanks, and marshes, where its roots can help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion.

The black alder typically grows to a height of 20-30 metres, with a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded with age. Its bark is dark brown and fissured, often developing a distinctive, almost black hue as the tree matures. One of its most notable features is its leaves, which are rounded with a slightly serrated edge and a glossy, dark green surface that turns yellow in the autumn.

In early spring, Alnus glutinosa produces catkins – the male catkins are long and yellowish, while the female ones are shorter and reddish. These mature into woody, cone-like fruits that persist on the tree throughout the winter, providing a valuable food source for wildlife. The black alder also forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil and benefiting neighbouring plants.

Due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, Alnus glutinosa is often used in reforestation and habitat restoration projects. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including insects, birds, and aquatic species, making it a vital component of the British natural landscape.

Morus nigra trained as a mature four-branched espalier is an outstanding choice for gardens where space, productivity, and ornamental structure are important. Its carefully trained horizontal framework creates a formal architectural feature that looks superb against sunny walls, fences, or boundary lines. This elegant form allows gardeners to enjoy a traditionally broad-growing mulberry in a far smaller footprint, making it especially suitable for compact gardens, courtyards, and kitchen garden settings.

The tree carries attractive heart-shaped leaves that provide fresh summer greenery, while its rich purple-black fruits ripen in late summer. These sweet, aromatic berries are highly prized for fresh eating, preserves, and culinary use. In autumn, the foliage may develop warm seasonal tones before leaf fall, while the bare branch structure adds winter interest.

Morus nigra thrives best in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. A south or west-facing wall is ideal, helping fruit ripen fully and protecting young growth from colder weather. Once established, it is hardy and long-lived, requiring only periodic pruning to maintain its espalier shape and encourage fruiting wood.

Perfect for decorative edible gardens, formal layouts, and smaller spaces, this mature espalier mulberry offers beauty, character, and generous harvests for many years.

Rose ‘Vermiglio’ grown as a tree rose is a striking ornamental feature, bringing refined colour and structure to a wide range of garden styles. With its elevated crown of warm salmon-pink to coral blooms, it creates a beautiful focal point that draws the eye and adds height above surrounding planting.

This form is especially well suited to formal gardens, patios, and entranceways, where symmetry and impact are important. When planted in pairs, it can frame pathways or doorways with elegance, while a single specimen works well as a standalone feature in borders or containers.

It thrives in a sunny, open position with good air circulation, which encourages strong flowering and helps maintain plant health. Fertile, well-drained soil is essential for consistent growth and repeat blooming throughout the season.

As a standard rose, ‘Vermiglio’ requires regular maintenance, including feeding during the growing season and deadheading to encourage further flowers. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain a balanced, rounded canopy and promotes vigorous new growth.

Overall, it offers long-lasting seasonal colour, refined structure, and excellent versatility, making it a valuable addition to both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.