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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.

Taxodium distichum, the Swamp Cypress, grown as a standard tree is a magnificent, long-lived specimen that brings grandeur and seasonal interest to larger gardens and parkland settings. With its straight trunk and gracefully conical crown, it develops soft, feathery, bright green foliage in spring and summer, which turns rich copper-orange in autumn before falling to reveal an attractive winter silhouette.

This tree is particularly suited to moist or water-retentive soils, thriving where many other trees struggle, including beside ponds, streams, and in low-lying ground. It will also adapt to ordinary garden soils provided they do not become completely dry. In very wet conditions it may produce characteristic “knees,” adding unique sculptural interest.

Taxodium distichum prefers full sun for best growth and colour, and once established it is hardy, wind-tolerant, and surprisingly resilient. As a standard tree, it makes an outstanding focal point in spacious gardens, creating light, dappled shade rather than a heavy canopy, allowing underplanting beneath.

With its elegant form, autumn colour, and tolerance of challenging damp conditions, Swamp Cypress is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a stately, distinctive tree with strong year-round presence.

Acer palmatum ‘Inosukaza’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a graceful, fine-textured ornamental tree that brings year-round interest to a variety of landscape styles. Its deeply dissected green leaves and naturally cascading, airy branching structure give it a soft, elegant appearance that works beautifully as a feature plant in small to medium gardens. Although visually delicate, it is generally hardy and adaptable, thriving in temperate climates where it receives protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds.

This cultivar prefers partial shade, especially in hotter regions, where filtered light helps prevent leaf scorch and maintains vibrant summer color. It also performs well in lightly dappled woodland settings, Japanese-inspired gardens, and courtyard plantings. With its moderate growth rate and compact habit, ‘Inosukaza’ is suitable for planting near patios, water features, or pathways where its intricate leaf shape can be appreciated up close.

In autumn, the foliage transforms into warm tones of yellow, orange, or soft red, adding seasonal drama without overwhelming surrounding plants. It is best grown in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. With consistent watering and gentle shelter, Acer palmatum ‘Inosukaza’ rewards gardeners with refined beauty and reliable performance.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a compact, rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub with purple to black branches, and small, ovate, wavy-margined, dark green leaves with white centres, light golden-green when young. Small, fragrant, dark maroon flowers bloom in spring, and though inconspicuous, they have a beautiful sweet fragrance. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ grows well in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand some cold, but needs to be sheltered from cold, drying, winds. It is tolerant of heat, salt and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a lovely, vivid, luminous shrub, very good-looking in gravel gardens or on patios, in pots and containers. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens, and perfect for bringing brightness and colour into winter gardens. In colder areas, it needs to be brought inside during the winter.

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 grey-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 centimetres 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.

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 aucuparia Asplenifolia is a medium-sized, vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, half-open crown and feathery, deeply serrated, green leaves, orange and red and autumn. Clusters of small, white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by orange-red berries in late summer and autumn. Attractive to birds and bees. Sorbus aucuparia Asplenifolia is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for dry soil. It is resistant to frost and it can withstand wind and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Tough and easy to grow. Rowan 'Aspleniifolia', with its feathery foliage, profusion of white flowers and attractive red berries, is a wonderful ornamental tree. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant in medium sized gardens. Great for cottage, urban, and wildlife gardens. Excellent as a street tree and 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.

Wisteria floribunda Macrobotrys is a long-lived, vigorous, clockwise twining, deciduous climber with large, pinnate, dark green leaves, bronze when young, brilliant yellow in autumn making it a spectacular choice for gardens where space and structure allow it to truly shine. Renowned for its exceptionally long, cascading racemes of fragrant lilac-purple flowers, it creates a dramatic focal point in late spring and early summer. This vigorous, deciduous climber is best suited to strong supports such as pergolas, arches, or sunny walls, where its trailing blooms can be fully appreciated.

It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny, sheltered position to encourage reliable flowering. Once established, it is hardy and relatively low maintenance, although regular pruning—typically twice a year—is essential to control its size and promote abundant blooms. Due to its vigorous growth, it is more suitable for medium to large gardens rather than small spaces.

Wisteria ‘Macrobotrys’ is ideal for adding height, romance, and seasonal interest, and can transform outdoor areas into elegant, shaded retreats. With proper care and training, it becomes a long-lived and highly rewarding feature plant in any well-planned garden.

Photinia  fraseri ‘Red Robin’ grown as a standard tree is an excellent choice for gardens seeking year-round structure, vibrant colour, and a smart formal appearance. Raised on a clear stem with a rounded head of evergreen foliage, it creates an elegant focal point for entrances, patios, driveways, terraces, and borders. Its most striking feature is the flush of brilliant red young leaves that appear in spring and again after trimming, gradually maturing to glossy dark green.

This attractive contrast of red and green provides long-lasting seasonal interest, while clusters of small creamy-white flowers may appear in late spring on established specimens. The neat tree form makes it especially useful where ground space is limited, allowing underplanting beneath the canopy or placement in pairs for symmetry.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. It is hardy and tolerant of urban conditions, coastal air, and routine pruning, making it highly adaptable for many garden settings. Light trimming after new growth helps maintain a dense crown and encourages further red foliage displays.

Ideal for contemporary, formal, or traditional gardens, this standard tree offers colour, privacy screening at height, and dependable evergreen presence. It is a stylish, low-maintenance option that adds instant maturity and strong visual impact.

Pyracantha, also known as Firethorn, is a genus of vigorous, compact, evergreen shrubs and includes seven species. It has thorny, upright branches, small, ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, and clusters of lovely, white flowers in summer. Flowers are followed by masses of attractive, yellow, orange or red berries that create a spectacular display from late summer to winter. Firethorn is adaptable to various types of soil, but prefers fertile, slightly alkaline, sandy, loamy, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but grows easily in partial shade. However, flowering and fruiting are better in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. Resistant to frost and urban pollution. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance plant. Pyracantha is a very decorative fruiting shrub, valued for its evergreen foliage and attractive fruit. It is great as a specimen or foundation plant, excellent for barrier hedging and espaliers, wall-side borders and trellises. Ideal for informal, cottage, urban, and wildlife gardens.

Sorbus commixta ‘Olympic Flame’ is a small, compact, deciduous tree of columnar habit, with dark green leaves with narrow leaflets, coppery bronze when young, and vibrant red and orange in autumn. The clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by glossy red berries in late summer and autumn, persisting on bare branches long into winter. Attractive to birds and bees. This Scarlet Japanese Rowan likes moderately fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, except waterlogged. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant. Sorbus commixta ‘Olympic Flame’, with its fiery autumn foliage and attractive red berries, is a tough and beautiful ornamental tree, perfect for small, tight cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen plant or border tree, excellent for informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, evergreen, coniferous tree of columnar to conical habit, with dense, flattened sprays of scale-like, golden-yellow foliage, and oval, female cones. The foliage may have a bronze tinge during the winter. Dwarf Golden Oriental Thuja can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It hot summers, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It should not be overcrowded because it likes good air circulation. It is resistant to heat, but doesn’t tolerate winter as much as the species. It doesn’t have major pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning but is tolerant of hard pruning. Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a lovely, ornamental shrub, perfect as an accent plant in small informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for low hedges, foundation plantings, and shrub borders. Excellent in rock and gravel gardens.

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a medium-sized, narrowly upright, conical, ornamental pear tree with glossy, dark green leaves, vivid red in autumn, a profusion of lovely, white flowers blooming in spring, and occasionally, small, brown fruit in autumn. Attractive to bees and birds. Callery Pear 'Chanticleer' is adaptable to a wide range of soil, including heavy clay, but prefers fertile, loamy, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought, frost, and wind. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Generally, pest-free. Easy to grow. Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a beautiful, tough ornamental tree, one of the best ornamental pears for autumn colour. Great as a specimen plant or small shade tree. Excellent for avenues and narrow streets, as well as industrial areas. Suitable for growing in containers. Because of its wind resistance, good for coastal areas and roof gardens.

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.

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.

Morus alba, or White Mulberry, is a fast-growing, rounded, spreading, deciduous tree with simple, heart-shaped, veined, glossy dark green leaves, yellow in autumn. It is usually dioecious, but sometimes monoecious. Small, yellowish, inconspicuous flowers grow in dropping catkins and bloom in spring. Female flowers are followed by sweet, edible, blackberry-like fruits, white to dark-red or purple-black when ripe. White Mulberry can adapt to a wide range of soils but grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat and drought. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. White Mulberry has been used in China for thousands of years as a primary food for silkworms that produce silk. It is suitable for growing in cottage gardens, fields and roadsides. Its fruit and bird droppings are very messy for urban areas.

Acer palmatum Viridis is a graceful, mound-forming Japanese maple prized for its finely dissected, lace-like foliage and soft, cascading habit. Its leaves emerge a fresh, bright green in spring, creating a delicate, almost feathery texture. Through summer, the foliage remains a vibrant, luminous green that brings light and movement to shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. As autumn approaches, Viridis undergoes a dramatic transformation, turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and occasionally red, offering a stunning seasonal display.

This cultivar typically grows into a medium-sized, dome-shaped shrub or small tree, making it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes. Its elegant form is especially striking when positioned near water features, in Japanese-style gardens, or as a specimen in mixed borders. Viridis thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers dappled light or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat. Shelter from strong winds helps preserve its delicate leaves.

Maintenance is minimal, with only light pruning needed to refine its natural cascading shape. With its exceptional texture, soothing green tones, and glowing autumn colours, Acer palmatum Viridis brings year-round beauty and serenity to any garden setting.

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is a charming, compact dwarf selection, ideal for gardens where space is limited but strong seasonal interest is desired. Its naturally rounded, dense habit makes it perfect for small gardens, rockeries, courtyard borders, and container planting. The distinctive fan-shaped leaves emerge fresh green in spring and summer, then turn a spectacular clear golden yellow in autumn, creating a bright focal point late in the season.

Exceptionally hardy and long-lived, ‘Troll’ is tolerant of cold, wind, air pollution, and a wide range of soil types, provided drainage is reasonable. It performs best in full sun, which enhances autumn colour and maintains a tidy, compact shape, but it will also tolerate light shade.

This slow-growing cultivar requires little pruning and is virtually pest and disease free, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. Its small stature and architectural form suit contemporary, Japanese-inspired, and traditional gardens alike, where it can be used as a specimen plant or combined with grasses and perennials for contrast and year-round structure.

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.