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Cornus alba 'Gouchaultii' is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub with narrow, upright stems, bright red in winter, and variegated green leaves with yellow margins flushed with pink, turning red-purple in autumn. Tiny yellowish-white flowers in flat-topped clusters bloom in late spring, sometimes again during the summer. Flowers are followed by ornamental, blue-tinged, white berries in autumn. Cornus alba 'Gouchaultii' can tolerate a wide range of soils, even wet, dry, and poor, but prefers fertile, organically rich, consistently moist, well drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, resistant to drought. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance, doesn’t require, but benefits from pruning. Tatarian Dogwood 'Gouchaultii' is perfect when planted in masses and its vivid red stems look stunning in winter landscape. Also appreciated for its attractive foliage and ornamental berries. Great for shrub borders, informal hedges and screens, or foundation plantings. Excellent for banks and slopes and erosion control.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Feuerzauber’ is a superb ornamental shrub valued for its outstanding winter display and is highly suitable for a wide range of gardens. This deciduous witch hazel forms an upright, spreading habit with a graceful, open structure that works well as a specimen plant in lawns, borders, or woodland-style plantings. Its main feature is the spectacular late winter to early spring flowers, which appear on bare branches as masses of spidery, ribbon-like petals in glowing shades of fiery red and orange. These lightly fragrant blooms provide colour at a time when few other plants are in flower.

In autumn, the foliage turns rich tones of yellow, orange, and scarlet, adding another season of interest. ‘Feuerzauber’ prefers a sunny to lightly shaded position and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is hardy, low maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases. With its multi-season appeal, attractive form, and dramatic colouring, this witch hazel is an excellent choice for feature planting and mixed shrub borders.

Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Antoine Buchner' is a distinguished cultivar of the common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, cherished for its rich, violet-purple blooms and intensely fragrant flowers. Its combination of vivid colour, classic scent, and reliable spring performance makes it a standout choice for traditional and cottage-style gardens across the UK.

Flowering typically occurs in mid to late spring, around May, when the shrub produces large, upright panicles of flowers. Each panicle comprises numerous small, tubular blossoms with gently flared petals, collectively forming dense, conical clusters up to 20 centimetres long. The rich violet-purple colouring of the flowers is striking against the fresh green, heart-shaped leaves, creating a visually dramatic display. The flowers’ vibrant hue gradually deepens as the blooms mature, maintaining their intensity throughout the flowering period.

The cultivar is especially prized for its powerful, classic lilac fragrance, which fills the surrounding garden on warm spring days. This strong, sweet scent attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value alongside its ornamental appeal. The blooms are also excellent for cutting, offering fragrant indoor arrangements that bring the essence of spring indoors.

‘Madame Antoine Buchner’ forms a vigorous, upright deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit. When fully mature, it typically reaches three to four metres in height and a similar spread, making it suitable as a specimen plant, within mixed shrub borders, or as part of an informal flowering hedge. The dense, mid-green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the vibrant flowers.

This lilac thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent common lilac pests and diseases. Pruning is recommended immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and maintain a compact, attractive shape while encouraging strong flowering the following year.

With its intense colour, classic fragrance, and dependable growth, Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Antoine Buchner' is a timeless choice for gardeners seeking a striking, scented spring-flowering shrub.

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 '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.

Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Multi Stem is a striking evergreen choice for gardens needing colour, structure and year-round presence.

Grown as a multi-stem specimen, it creates an architectural, airy framework with several upright trunks supporting a rounded canopy. This form feels softer and more natural than a single standard, making it ideal for contemporary gardens, mixed borders or as a focal point in lawns and gravel schemes.

Its greatest feature is the brilliant flush of glossy crimson-red young foliage in spring, which gradually matures to deep green, often repeating after light pruning in summer. Clusters of small white flowers may appear in late spring, adding seasonal interest and supporting pollinators.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is well suited to UK conditions, thriving in most well-drained soils including chalk, and tolerating coastal exposure once established. It performs best in full sun or partial shade, where colour development is strongest.

Low maintenance and responsive to pruning, it can be lightly shaped to encourage fresh red growth. As a multi-stem specimen, it delivers vibrant colour, height and evergreen structure throughout the year.

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.

Sambucus Golden Tower is a narrow variety of European elder. It’s a compact, slender, deciduous shrub of columnar habit, with vivid yellow to golden yellow leaves, and flattened panicles of scented, white flowers in spring, followed by edible berries in late summer. Elder Golden Tower is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and will grow well in almost any location, but it prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is very resistant to frost and suitable for growing in outdoor pots even in very cold areas. Tolerant of urban and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant. It keeps its neat shape without pruning. Sambucus Golden Tower is lovely, resilient architectural shrub, perfect for adding colour and height to small, cottage, urban and coastal gardens. Great for shrub borders, wall-side borders, informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

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.

Castanea sativa, commonly known as the sweet chestnut tree, is a majestic and long-lived species native to Europe and parts of Asia Minor. Belonging to the Fagaceae family, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, with its towering stature and deeply furrowed bark.

The leaves of Castanea sativa are distinctively long and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that give them a rough texture. During the spring and summer, the canopy is adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to spiky green husks containing the prized sweet chestnuts in autumn.

Sweet chestnuts, often referred to simply as "chestnuts," have been a staple food source for centuries, cherished for their rich, nutty flavor and versatile culinary applications. Whether roasted over an open fire, boiled and mashed into a creamy puree, or incorporated into hearty stews and stuffing recipes, chestnuts are celebrated in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the UK.

Beyond their culinary significance, sweet chestnut trees play a vital ecological role, providing habitat and sustenance for a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, such as blue tits and nuthatches, feast on the tree's seeds, while small mammals like squirrels rely on them as a seasonal food source.

Despite their resilience, sweet chestnut trees face threats from various pests and diseases, including chestnut blight and ink disease, which have impacted populations in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these iconic trees and their valuable genetic diversity for future generations to enjoy.

Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic is a strong, robust, deciduous shrub or small tree with medium branching and pale green leaves, grey-felted beneath, yellow in autumn. Lovely, five-petal, white to pale pink flowers bloom in April and May. The fruit is large, fragrant, aromatic, pear-shaped, light to golden yellow, with hard, thick and hairy skin. This variety produces very large quinces – 250-230 grams on average, and up to 1kg. The harvest season starts in early October, the yield is very high, and fruits are good for storing. Quince 'Vranja' can grow in almost any kind of soil, as long as it is moist, and well-drained, but it prefers fertile, deep, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established, it tolerates dry soils. Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic, with its large, white flowers and lovely foliage colour, is an attractive garden tree. Its fruit has excellent flavour and fragrance. It is mostly used for pies, jellies, and jams.

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.

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.

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.

Alnus incana 'Aurea',  known as the Golden Alder, is a deciduous tree prized for its striking yellow foliage and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cultivar is a variation of the grey alder (Alnus incana), native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

Reaching a height of 6 to 10 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, Alnus incana 'Aurea' is medium-sized, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It is noted for its smooth, greyish bark, which contrasts beautifully with its bright golden-yellow leaves that emerge in early spring. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a lime green, maintaining a light and airy appearance. The leaves are ovate, serrated, and slightly sticky to the touch when young.

In winter, this tree adds visual interest with its small, cone-like fruits and hanging catkins that persist on the branches. The catkins are yellow-brown and appear before the leaves in early spring, contributing to the tree’s year-round appeal.

Alnus incana 'Aurea' is an extremely hardy tree, thriving in a variety of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils. It is often planted in areas prone to flooding or along riverbanks, as it is highly tolerant of waterlogged conditions. The tree also fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with root nodules, which improves soil fertility.

Though low-maintenance, the Golden Alder benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. This fast-growing tree is a great choice for those looking to introduce colour and texture to their garden while supporting local wildlife, as it provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' is a narrow, upright, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen tree of columnar habit, resembling “exclamation mark”, with long, thin, rich green needles and large, white buds in winter and early spring. Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' is not a fussy plant and can grow in any type of soil, loamy, sandy, clay or chalky, as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in fertile, loose, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, heat, and salt, ideal for coastal areas. Extremely resistant to frost and wind, therefore, suitable for exposed positions. It can withstand urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Austrian pine 'Green Tower' is a very attractive, pillar-like tree that can fit to almost any small and tight garden. It looks perfect as a specimen or accent plant, as well as planted in groups. Great for hedges and screens, or as a windbreak. Suitable for growing in containers.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is a medium-sized, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with lovely, variegated foliage. Broad, oval, glossy leaves are light green when young and dark green when mature, with broad golden-yellow margins. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish and bloom in summer. Sometimes, they are followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, but is adaptable to various types of soils, except extremely wet. It is very tough and resilient, tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant and easy to grow. Great for shady garden corners. This small, adaptable plant is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Hydrangea paniculata on a clear stem, often referred to as a standard or tree-form hydrangea, is a versatile and elegant choice for a wide range of garden styles. Its distinctive shape features a single, clear trunk topped with a full, rounded canopy of vibrant green leaves and large, conical flower heads. Throughout summer, these blooms emerge in shades of creamy white, gradually maturing to soft pinks or blush tones as the season progresses, providing long-lasting seasonal interest.

This plant is highly suitable for gardens of all sizes because of its compact footprint and vertical emphasis, which make it ideal for smaller spaces or as a focal point in larger borders. It thrives in both modern and traditional settings, fitting seamlessly into formal designs or more relaxed cottage gardens. Its height and form also make it perfect for planting in pots or as a statement feature by entrances, patios, or pathways. Hardy and low-maintenance, it tolerates a variety of soils, enjoys full sun to partial shade, and rewards gardeners with stunning flowers and structure year after year.

Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus,' commonly known as Golden Euonymus, is a striking evergreen shrub that adds vibrant color and texture to any garden or landscape. Native to Japan, this cultivar belongs to the Celastraceae family and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

The 'Aureus' variety is cherished for its golden-yellow foliage, which remains consistent throughout the year, providing a delightful contrast to other greenery. The leaves are glossy, oval-shaped, and slightly serrated, creating a visually appealing display. The vibrant hue intensifies during the spring and summer months, especially when exposed to sunlight, adding a warm and radiant touch to the surroundings.

This shrub typically grows to a height and spread of about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) with a dense, compact habit. Its compact nature makes it an excellent choice for borders, hedges, or container planting. The shrub is relatively low maintenance and can withstand pruning, allowing for shaping and size control.

Golden Euonymus thrives in a variety of soil types, preferring well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral soils. It also tolerates a wide range of light conditions, including full sun to partial shade. However, for the most vibrant foliage coloration, it is advisable to provide it with ample sunlight.

Beyond its captivating appearance, Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus' is also known for its resilience. It can withstand moderate drought conditions once established and has good resistance to common pests and diseases. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is essential for its optimal growth and overall health.

Whether used as a focal point, a backdrop, or a border plant, Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus' brings a touch of sunshine and elegance to any garden or landscape. Its golden-yellow foliage and versatility make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscape designers seeking to add a vibrant and visually appealing element to their outdoor spaces.