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Pittosporum tenuifolium is an evergreen shrub or small tree native cultivated for its attractive foliage and versatile growth habit. Belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, it is valued by gardeners and landscape designers for its year-round structure, tolerance of pruning, and suitability for hedging and screening.

Typically, Pittosporum tenuifolium grows to a height of around 4–10 metres, though in garden settings it is often kept smaller through regular pruning. It has a naturally dense and bushy form, with slender, dark brown to almost black stems that create an elegant contrast with its foliage. The leaves are small, oval, and slightly wavy at the edges, usually around 2–5 cm long. They are glossy and mid- to dark-green, although many cultivated varieties display variegated or coloured foliage in shades of silver, cream, lime green, or purple.

In late spring to early summer, the plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically deep purple to nearly black. Although the blooms are modest in size and often hidden among the foliage, they release a pleasantly sweet fragrance, especially noticeable in the evening. These flowers may later develop into small capsules containing sticky seeds.

Pittosporum tenuifolium is particularly appreciated for its adaptability. It grows well in a wide range of soils provided they are reasonably well drained, and it thrives in full sun or partial shade. In the UK climate it performs best in sheltered positions, as cold winds and severe frosts can occasionally damage young growth. Once established, however, it is relatively hardy and drought tolerant.

Gardeners frequently use Pittosporum tenuifolium for hedges, windbreaks, or ornamental specimen planting. Its tolerance of clipping allows it to be shaped neatly, making it suitable for formal garden designs as well as more naturalistic landscapes. With numerous cultivars available, it remains a popular choice for adding structure, colour, and evergreen interest to gardens throughout Britain.

Nyssa sylvatica is a medium-sized, slow-growing, deciduous tree with elegant, horizontal branches forming rounded to pyramidal crown. Its glossy, dark green leaves turn beautiful orange, scarlet and purple in autumn. Flowers are inconspicuous, small, greenish, and grow in clusters on female plants, and in dense flower-heads on male plants. Oval, long fruits appear in autumn and are dark blue when they mature. Nyssa sylvatica is an adaptable tree. It grows well in various conditions, but prefers moist, acidic soil, in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates poorly-drained soils and standing water, but it can also withstand some drought and dry soils. It needs to be sheltered form harsh, drying winds. It doesn’t suffer from any serious insect or disease problems. Low maintenance plant. Nyssa sylvatica, with its spectacular autumn foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in informal, cottage, urban, and woodland gardens. Great near ponds and streams and for foundation planting. Suitable for streets and parks.

The Ligustrum Japonicum clear stem standard tree is a versatile evergreen prized for its year-round foliage and neat, structured form. Trained with a straight, clean trunk and a rounded crown, this ornamental tree adds elegance and order to gardens, courtyards, and patios. Its glossy, deep green leaves remain vibrant throughout the seasons, providing a strong architectural presence even in winter. In summer, clusters of small white flowers appear, attracting bees and butterflies, followed by dark berries that bring additional seasonal interest. Hardy and low-maintenance, Ligustrum japonicum thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, making it an excellent choice for urban settings or formal landscapes. Ideal for container planting, avenue displays, or as a focal point in borders, the Ligustrum japonicum Clear Stem Standard combines beauty with practicality, delivering structure, privacy, and year-round greenery with minimal care.

Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas tree or love tree, is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the bean family (Fabaceae) and is known for its vibrant, pink-purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. The Judas tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading, umbrella-shaped crown. Its bark is smooth and gray-brown, and its branches are often twisted and gnarled, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The tree typically blooms in early spring, before its leaves appear, producing an abundance of small, pink-purple flowers that grow in clusters on the branches and trunk. These flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the tree produces flattened, brown seed pods that hang from the branches throughout the summer. These pods can be several centimeters long and contain numerous small seeds. The Judas tree is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, where it is valued for its attractive appearance and early spring flowering. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, and is generally hardy and easy to grow.

Rose ‘Bianco Sfumato Rosso’ grown as a standard (tree) rose is a highly ornamental feature, offering elegant white blooms delicately brushed and edged with soft red-pink tones, held above a clear stem. This refined colouring creates a striking visual contrast, making it an excellent focal point in a wide range of garden styles.

It is particularly well suited to formal borders, courtyard gardens, and patio planting, where its elevated blooms can be appreciated up close. When planted in pairs, it provides a beautiful framing effect for entrances, pathways, or seating areas, while a single specimen works well as a standalone feature in a decorative container or mixed planting scheme.

Best grown in a sunny, open position, it requires good light to encourage strong flowering and to enhance the subtle colour detailing in its petals. Fertile, well-drained soil is essential for healthy growth and consistent repeat blooming throughout the season.

As with all standard roses, regular maintenance is important, including feeding during the growing season, deadheading spent blooms, and annual pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain a balanced, rounded crown and promote vigorous new growth.

Rowan, 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.

Pot-grown trees establish quickly with minimal transplant shock, offer greater flexibility for planting throughout the year, and typically show more consistent early growth due to their well-developed, protected root systems.

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.

Sorbus hupehensis, or Hupeh Rowan, is a small, compact, ornamental, deciduous tree, with pinnate, mid-green leaves, vivid red and orange in autumn. Fluffy corymbs of tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by clusters of pink to white berries in autumn which hang on bare branches throughout winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Hupeh Rowan prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best 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 routine pruning. Sorbus hupehensis is a beautiful ornamental tree with great autumn colour and attractive colourful berries. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in small cottage, urban or coastal gardens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Thujopsis dolabrata is a distinctive evergreen conifer that makes an excellent structural plant for many garden settings. Native to Japan, it forms a dense, pyramidal tree with thick, glossy dark-green foliage and attractive silvery markings on the undersides of the leaves, adding visual interest throughout the year.

This slow-growing conifer is well suited to medium or large gardens where a long-lived, architectural specimen is desired. It performs best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun or partial shade. Sheltered locations are ideal, particularly in colder or exposed gardens, as this helps protect the foliage from harsh winter winds.

In a garden design, it works beautifully as a focal point in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed shrub borders. Its neat habit and rich foliage colour provide a strong evergreen backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials. Because it grows slowly and maintains a naturally tidy shape, it requires very little pruning or maintenance.

The tree can eventually reach around 10–15 metres in height over many years, but its gradual growth makes it manageable for long-term planting schemes. Hardy and relatively trouble-free, Thujopsis dolabrata is valued for its unusual foliage, strong form, and year-round presence in the garden.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', or red leaf Japanese maple, is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub with delicate, upright branches and beautiful finely-divided, deep red leaves that change colour throughout the year. It is grown for its stunning foliage and interesting growth habit. Deep burgundy red of spring leaves fades to light green in early summer, then turn to golden, orange, and red in autumn. Unnoticeable red-purple flowers are followed by winged purple fruits.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' thrives in moist, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position. To achieve the best leaf colour, it must be in partial shade, though it tolerates full sun if the soil is moist. It also needs to be sheltered from drying winds. An outstanding ornamental tree, perfect for small yards, urban gardens, or as a front yard accent. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.

Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an ornamental tree prized for its feathery foliage and striking flowers. A cultivar of the Albizia julibrissin species, Evey's Pride stands out with its unique growth habit and aesthetic appeal.

This deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 5–6 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens and landscapes. It has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy that creates a soft, dappled shade beneath. The delicate, fern-like leaves are a deep bronze to purple in colour, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

The tree blooms from late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fluffy, pink and white, fragrant flowers that resemble powder puffs. These flowers not only add beauty but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

One of the key features of Evey's Pride is its adaptability. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Additionally, it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for warmer climates or areas prone to dry spells.

In terms of maintenance, the tree requires minimal care. Occasional pruning can help shape the canopy and remove any deadwood, though it generally maintains a pleasing form naturally.

Overall, Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride is an elegant choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive tree with year-round interest. Its combination of vibrant foliage, eye-catching flowers, and ease of care make it a popular choice for both urban and rural settings. Its compact size makes it especially suitable for smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.

Prunus 'Kiku-shidare-zakura' is a small, deciduous, ornamental cherry tree of weeping habit with shiny, coppery, peeling bark, and glossy green, serrate leaves, bronze when young, with hints of orange and bronze in autumn. The profusion of large, fully double, rich pink flowers bloom in spring, before the leaves emerge, along the bare arching branches. One of the smallest weeping cherry blossom trees.

This Weeping Cherry Tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except damp and chalky. It prefers fertile, moist, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. It is resistant to frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Very tolerant of urban pollution. Susceptible to many diseases and pests. Prunus 'Kiku-shidare-zakura', with its elegant branches, stunning flowers and colourful foliage, is a wonderful specimen plant for informal, cottage or Japanese-style gardens. Excellent for planting in urban conditions. Suitable for growing in containers.

Juniperus x media 'Old Gold' is a small, compact, low-growing, coniferous, decorative, evergreen shrub with elegant, ascending branches and soft, thin, lacy, scale-like, golden-yellow and deep bronze leaves, with bright yellow tips when young. Male cones are large and brown, while female are blue, flashy, and berry-like. Juniperus x media 'Old Gold' is easily grown in a wide range of soils, except waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It thrives in hot, sunny areas, but is tolerant of partial shade. Once established, resistant to drought. It can withstand frost and exposed positions. Tolerant of sea salt and coastal conditions. Adaptable to air pollution and urban conditions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Juniper 'Old Gold' is one of the best golden evergreen spreaders, very decorative and adaptable. It is perfect as a ground cover and suitable for cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Looking great in rock and gravel gardens. Excellent for foundation plantings and low hedges.

Rose ‘Albicocca Sfumato Rame’ grown as a standard (tree) rose is a truly elegant and eye-catching feature, offering beautifully blended apricot blooms with warm copper and soft peach tones held above a clear stem. This elevated form adds height, structure, and a refined focal point to any garden design.

It is particularly well suited to formal borders, courtyard gardens, and patio planting, where its graceful colour transitions can be appreciated at eye level. When planted in pairs, it creates a harmonious framing effect for pathways or entrances, while a single specimen works beautifully as a standalone feature in a decorative container or mixed border.

Best grown in a sunny, open position, it thrives with plenty of light, which encourages strong flowering and enhances its warm colour palette. Fertile, well-drained soil is essential to support healthy growth and repeat blooming throughout the season.

Regular care is important, including feeding during the growing season, deadheading spent flowers, and annual pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain a balanced, rounded crown. With consistent maintenance, it rewards with continuous floral display and excellent garden presence.

Ideal for formal gardens, patios, or as a pair flanking an entrance, it provides long-lasting colour and elegance. Its elevated blooms also make them easier to appreciate up close, adding both charm and structure.

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.

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. 

Pterocarya fraxinifolia, commonly known as the Caucasian wingnut, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its bold structure and lush, tropical-looking foliage. Native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, it typically grows 20 to 30 meters tall with a wide, spreading canopy reaching 15 to 20 meters. Its elegant, pinnate leaves create a soft, feathery effect, providing dense summer shade. In late spring and summer, the tree produces striking, long, hanging catkins that develop into chains of winged seeds, adding ornamental interest. Pterocarya fraxinifolia thrives in moist, fertile soils and is ideal for parklands, large gardens, and riverside plantings. Its impressive size and distinctive appearance make it a standout feature in any expansive landscape.

Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ vigorous, medium-sized, ornamental deciduous cherry tree of narrowly upright habit, more spreading as it matures, and peeling coppery bark. The rich purple leaves are copper when young and turn bright scarlet and orange in autumn. The clusters of double, magenta flowers bloom on bare branches in spring, before the leaves emerge. Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ grows best in deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soils, sandy or clay loams, but can adapt to other types of soil, except too wet or waterlogged. It prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It can withstand cold, but late frosts may damage the flower buds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Cherry 'Royal Burgundy' is a red-leaf version of the popular Prunus Kanzan. It looks beautiful as a specimen tree or planted in small groups in informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great in beds and borders or as informal hedges and screens.