Search results

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. The 'Ombrella' variety is a popular choice, prized for its compact, umbrella-shaped canopy, which makes it an ideal focal point in smaller gardens or urban settings.

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin Ombrella offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’ is a vigorous, twining, evergreen climber with leathery, waxy, green leaves, bronze-tinged when they emerge, and profusion of almond-scented, single, pale pink to white flowers opening from deep pink buds and blooming in spring. Flowers persist for 2 to 4 weeks and are attractive to butterflies. Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’ is not picky about the soil type, but prefers fertile, loose, moist, well-drained soils. It grows best in full sun, but likes its roots to be kept cool and shaded. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. A Mediterranean climate plant. Low maintenance, no regular pruning is required. Toxic to pets and humans. Apple Blossom Clematis, with its captivating, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, is one of the most popular evergreen clematis. It’s perfect for covering walls, fences, pergolas, and trellises. Great for wall-side borders and privacy screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam' is a striking, upright ornamental grass known for its refined appearance and architectural form. Reaching a height of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in flower, it forms neat, vertical clumps of narrow green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. This variegated foliage brightens garden spaces from spring through autumn, providing a soft yet structured backdrop to other plants.

In early to midsummer, 'Overdam' produces tall, feathery flower plumes that emerge with a pinkish tinge before maturing to a warm golden-tan. These airy inflorescences rise well above the foliage, adding movement and height, and persist into winter, bringing seasonal interest and subtle texture even in dormant landscapes.

Unlike many grasses, 'Overdam' begins growth early in the season and remains tidy, making it ideal for formal borders, contemporary designs, or as a vertical accent in perennial beds. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of urban conditions, wind, and clay soils. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it only requires a spring cutback to prepare for new growth. ‘Overdam’ is a versatile, elegant choice for adding structure, brightness, and year-round appeal to gardens.

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’, or Cherry 'Amanogawa' is a wonderful, ornamental cherry tree. It’s a small, deciduous tree of narrowly columnar habit with ascending branches, smooth, brown bark, and colourful foliage – bronze green in spring, bright green in summer, and orange and red in autumn. Beautiful, sweetly fragrant, saucer-shaped, pale pink to white flowers, open from pink buds, and bloom abundantly in spring. Cherry 'Amanogawa' prefers fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils. It thrives in full sun. It is resistant to frost, but late frosts may damage the flower buds. Needs to be sheltered from hard winds because they may strip the tree of its flowers. It is tolerant of urban conditions. Low maintenance plant. Cherry 'Amanogawa', with its stunning pink cherry blossoms, is perfect as a specimen plant for small, informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent in narrow streets. Great for beds and borders and large pots and containers.

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.

Pittosporum ‘Gold King’ is a large, erect, evergreen shrub with simple, leathery, elliptic, wavy-edged, glossy, light yellow-green leaves on dark brown stems, and small, fragrant, maroon flowers blooming in late spring and summer. Round, woody fruits open in autumn and reveal seeds in a sticky pulp. Pittosporum ‘Gold King’ can grow in various types of soil, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. The best leaf colour is achieved in sunny areas. It can withstand some cold, but needs to be sheltered from cold, drying, winds. It is tolerant of drought, salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant that tolerates hard pruning. Pittosporum ‘Gold King’ is a wonderful, luminous, golden shrub perfect for cottage, urban, or coastal gardens, especially adding brightness and colour in winter. Great for hedges and screens, shrub borders, wall-side boards, and for growing in containers.

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’, commonly known as the Japanese White Pine, is an elegant evergreen conifer prized for its striking blue-green foliage, graceful form and year-round ornamental appeal. Native to Japan, this beautiful pine develops a naturally picturesque shape, often forming an open, irregular crown with gently twisting branches that create a distinctive Japanese garden character.

The soft, slender needles are arranged in clusters of five and have a silvery-blue appearance, giving the tree a cool, refined colour that provides excellent contrast against darker evergreens or lush green planting schemes. In spring, attractive purple-blue cones may appear, adding further seasonal interest. With age, the bark develops attractive grey tones and a rugged texture, enhancing its mature, sculptural appearance.

Growing at a slow to moderate rate, Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ is an excellent choice where space is limited or where a specimen tree with strong architectural qualities is required. It typically reaches around 4–6 metres in height over many years, although its final size depends on growing conditions and pruning. It responds well to careful training and is often used for Niwaki-style pruning, making it a popular choice for formal Japanese gardens, courtyards and contemporary landscapes.

This Japanese White Pine prefers a sunny, open position in free-draining soil and is particularly suited to lighter, sandy or loamy soils. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and requires little maintenance, although young trees benefit from regular watering during dry periods. It is generally hardy throughout the UK and tolerates exposed positions, provided the soil does not remain waterlogged during winter.

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ makes a superb focal point as a specimen tree, either planted in a lawn, gravel garden or among other architectural plants. Its elegant silhouette, evergreen foliage and slow-growing nature make it a long-lasting and highly desirable addition to both traditional and modern gardens.

Callistemon laevis, commonly known as the Bottlebrush, is a striking evergreen shrub that brings vibrant colour and texture to gardens. It features arching branches adorned with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that offer year-round interest. The plant truly shines in spring and summer when it produces an abundance of vivid red, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. These unique blooms are not only visually stunning but also attract pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the landscape. Callistemon laevis thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established. It is a versatile choice for borders, hedging, or as a specimen plant, and its tolerance to pruning makes it suitable for shaping and maintaining a tidy appearance.

Camellia ‘Mary Williams’ is a compact, vigorous, upright, medium-sized evergreen shrub with leathery, glossy, ovate, dark green leaves and beautiful, large, single to semi-double rose-pink or crimson flowers with golden yellow stamens. Very decorative because of its lovely, evergreen foliage and stunning large flowers that bloom in late winter and bring colours to bare winter garden. Camellia ‘Mary Williams’ prefers humus-rich, acid, moist and well-drained, soils. Emerging buds and flowers should be protected from cold, drying winds, and early morning sun. It is slow to establish and slow to grow but once established it can live very long. It doesn’t like temperature changes, irregular watering, or to be moved. It’s susceptible to a number of fungal diseases. Camellia ‘Mary Williams’ is an attractive shrub great for cottage, woodland, and urban gardens, for beds and borders, backgrounds, and informal hedges. Suitable for growing in containers. Grows very well in conservatories.

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.

Pittosporum ‘Irene Paterson’ is a slow-growing, rounded, mound-forming, evergreen shrub with black twigs and unusual, wavy-margined, leathery, white leaves that turn greener when older, and are flushed pink in winter. Small, discrete, but very fragrant dark-purple, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring and summer. Pittosporum ‘Irene Paterson’ can grow in a wider range of soils, but prefers fertile, light, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It is resistant to sea-salt and coastal conditions, but it prefers to be slightly back from the sea. It can withstand frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh and drying winter winds in colder climates. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Pittosporum ‘Irene Paterson’, with its silvery, variegated leaves and lovely scent is an attractive plant ideal for coastal areas, but also suitable for cottage and urban gardens. Excellent for informal hedges and screens, for shrub borders, and wall-side borders. Great for growing in pots and containers.

Rhaphiolepis umbellate is a small, compact, evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit, with leathery, glossy dark green leaves, grey-green when they emerge, and clusters of fragrant, crabapple-like, white to light pink flowers blooming in spring. Flowers are followed by decorative, blue-black berries. Rhaphiolepis umbellate, or Yeddo Hawthorn, can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates light shade, but best flowering occurs in full sun. Once established, resistant to drought. It can withstand frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh and drying winds. Tolerant of coastal conditions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Yeddo Hawthorn is an easy to grow, very reliable and long-lived plant with beautiful, fragrant flowers. Excellent as a specimen plant or planted in masses. Great for mixed and shrub borders, as well as, informal hedges and screens. Suitable for coastal, Mediterranean, and cottage gardens.

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' is a robust, vigorous, medium-sized deciduous tree with dense, conical to oval crown and impressive foliage. Five-lobed shiny leaves are rich, dark red-purple in spring and summer, and golden, orange and maroon in autumn. Clusters of yellow-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves and are followed by purple winged nuts.

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' can grow in any soil, except peaty soils and soils with stagnant groundwater. It can withstand short floods and harsh winds, but it doesn’t like sea winds. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade, heat, drought, and frost. Very resilient and low maintenance, Crimson King Norway Maple is commonly used as a park tree and as a solitary species. It is tolerant to air pollution and partial paving, therefore, suitable for growing in cities and industrial areas. Ideal for larger gardens where it can provide deep shade and background for specimen plants.

Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ is a robust, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leathery, slightly arching, strap-shaped, coppery-purple and green leaves forming thick, spiky clumps. Dark red, tubular flowers appear sparsely on upright stems blooming in summer. New Zealand flax ‘Purpureum’ grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade.

It doesn’t like too wet or waterlogged soils. It is tolerant of salt and drought, therefore, perfect for coastal areas. It can withstand some cold, but frost can damage the foliage. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Old and discoloured leaves should be removed to keep the plant tidy.

Generally, disease-free. Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’, with its attractive foliage, is a good-looking ornamental plant, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in coastal, Mediterranean, rock and gravel, and urban gardens. Ideal for mass planting. Great for beds and borders and for growing in containers.

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is a large, deciduous shrub or a small, often multi-stemmed, tree with flat-topped, vase-shaped habit and very attractive foliage. The heart-shaped, glossy, vibrant, deep-purple leaves emerge in spring and turn orange, bronze and red-purple in autumn. The blossoms of tiny, bright pink flowers appear on bare branches before the leaves and are followed by bean-like brown seedpods. Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' thrives in moderately fertile, moist and well drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. Generally, it is pest-free but may suffer from some diseases. Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees. It doesn’t transplant well so it shouldn’t be disturbed. Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is loved for its beautiful colourful foliage. It is great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Perfect for beds and borders, woodland margins, or along patios. Very good as a street tree or a lawn tree.

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.

The Olea europaea, or olive tree, on a clear stem is a beautifully compact and structured tree, perfect for adding a Mediterranean charm to gardens, patios, and terraces. Its clear, straight stem supports a round, tidy head of dense, silvery-green foliage, providing year-round evergreen interest. The slightly gnarled bark of the trunk adds texture and character, enhancing its ornamental appeal. This olive tree thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, showing excellent resilience to drought once established. Ideal for container planting or as a focal point in borders, it benefits from light pruning to maintain its neat, spherical form and to encourage healthy, bushy growth.

Taxus baccata, or Common Yew, is a long-lived, medium-sized, bushy evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with leathery, flat-needled, light to dark green foliage. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by very ornamental, red, berry-like fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are attractive to birds. Common Yew grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is tolerant of full shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It doesn’t like temperature extremes, and need protection from harsh winter winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning, but can be trimmed in various shapes. Taxus bacca is a tough and resilient plant suitable for various conditions, one of the best conifers for shady areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great for foundation plantings or topiaries.

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking year-round structure, fragrance, and low maintenance in shaded or partially shaded areas. This compact evergreen shrub, reaching around 60–80 cm in height, is particularly suited to small gardens, courtyards, or shaded borders where many other plants may struggle. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a rich backdrop throughout the year, while its reddish-purple stems add subtle color and texture.

One of the plant’s most attractive features is its sweetly scented white flowers, which bloom in late winter to early spring—often when little else is in flower. These delicate blooms attract early pollinators and are followed by small black berries that add seasonal interest. ‘Purple Gem’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established.

It performs beautifully as ground cover under trees, along paths, or in shaded containers. Hardy and easy to grow, Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ offers enduring beauty and fragrance for any low-light garden space.