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Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' is a compact, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub or small tree, with star-shaped, five-lobed, glossy, deep green leaves, yellow to deep burgundy in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small, spikey, rounded capsules that persist throughout the winter. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' prefers fertile and semi-fertile, loamy, lime-free, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is very resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Moderately tolerant of sea salt and pollution. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sweet gum 'Gum Ball' is a highly ornamental, small tree with beautiful autumn foliage. It is suitable for cottage, urban, coastal, and woodland gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant, shade tree or street tree. Ideal for patios because of its small size. Fruit can create litter.

Cryptomeria japonica, commonly known as Japanese cedar or Sugi in Japanese, is a large evergreen tree native to Japan. It belongs to the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is the only species in the genus Cryptomeria. The tree can grow up to 70 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest trees in Japan. It has a conical shape when young and becomes more pyramidal as it ages.

The bark of the Cryptomeria japonica is reddish-brown and deeply furrowed, with long, narrow leaves that are bright green in color and arranged in a spiral around the branches. The tree produces small, round cones that are about 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter and have a woody texture. The cones turn brown when mature and release small, winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Japanese cedar is an important tree in Japan for its wood, which is highly valued for its strength, durability, and beauty. The wood is used in construction, furniture, and decorative objects, and is also used in the production of traditional Japanese musical instruments such as shamisen and koto.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) is a medium-sized, exotic-looking, evergreen shrub with huge, palmate, deeply-lobed, glossy, bright green leaves. Clusters of bright to cremy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by small, round, shiny, black ornamental berries. Fatsia japonica can grow in any type of soil, but prefers compost-rich, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. It’s a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures, but too strong sun, as well as strong winds, can damage the leaves. It needs annual pruning. Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) brings an exciting tropical look to the landscape, especially when combined with bamboos and grasses. Perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, or urban gardens. Great as a focal point in shaded areas, as a foundation plant, near pools and water gardens, or in outdoor containers. Suitable for growing as a houseplant.

Pinus monticola 'Ammerland' is a cultivar of the western white pine, a large evergreen tree native to the western United States. 'Ammerland' is a slow-growing, narrow, upright cultivar that is highly valued for its ornamental qualities. The tree typically reaches a height of 10-12 feet and a spread of 4-5 feet at maturity.

One of the most striking features of this cultivar is its foliage. The needles are long, slender, and bluish-green in color, giving the tree a soft, wispy appearance. The needles are arranged in bundles of five, and the overall effect is a dense, feathery texture. The bark of the 'Ammerland' cultivar is also attractive, with a grayish-brown color that is smooth and relatively free of knots or other blemishes.

'Ammerland' is a hardy cultivar that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can also tolerate partial shade and some moisture. The tree is also resistant to many common pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance option for landscapers and homeowners.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, 'Ammerland' is also prized for its lumber. The western white pine is known for its straight, fine-grained wood, which is used for a variety of applications, including furniture, flooring, and paneling. While 'Ammerland' may not be as productive as other cultivars in terms of lumber yield, its slow growth and narrow form make it an attractive option for timber harvesting.

Overall, Pinus monticola 'Ammerland' is a beautiful and versatile cultivar that is well-suited to a variety of landscapes and growing conditions. Whether used as a specimen tree or for its valuable lumber, this cultivar is sure to make a striking and valuable addition to any outdoor space.

Skimmia japonica is a compact, dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with aromatic, leathery, elliptic, rich green leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers appearing at the end of branches in spring. Female flowers are followed by attractive bright red berries in summer which ripen in autumn and persist throughout the winter.

Skimmia japonica grows best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. It is tolerant of drought and urban pollution. Doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Japanese skimmia, with its lush evergreen foliage and attractive red berries, is beautiful all year round. It is especially decorative in winter or in shady areas of the garden. Excellent for shrub borders, banks and slopes, and foundation plantings. Great for informal hedges and screens and for growing in containers.

Skimmia japonica is a compact, dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with aromatic, leathery, elliptic, rich green leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers appearing at the end of branches in spring. Female flowers are followed by attractive bright red berries in summer which ripen in autumn and persist throughout the winter.

Skimmia japonica grows best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. It is tolerant of drought and urban pollution. Doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Japanese skimmia, with its lush evergreen foliage and attractive red berries, is beautiful all year round. It is especially decorative in winter or in shady areas of the garden. Excellent for shrub borders, banks and slopes, and foundation plantings. Great for informal hedges and screens and for growing in containers.

Pinus parviflora ‘Linda’ is a highly ornamental, slow-growing dwarf Japanese white pine, ideal for adding year-round structure, texture, and subtle color to garden landscapes. Its compact, rounded form reaches about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide over many years, making it particularly well-suited to small gardens, rock gardens, container plantings, and bonsai displays. The shrub’s soft, blue-green needles grow in short tufts, creating a dense, finely-textured appearance that contrasts beautifully with broadleaf plants and flowering perennials.

‘Linda’ thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is hardy and has good tolerance to cold, wind, and light drought once established. Minimal maintenance is needed, with only occasional shaping to preserve its form. Its slow growth makes it a long-lasting structural plant that won’t outgrow its space quickly, reducing the need for frequent pruning.

This cultivar is particularly attractive in Japanese-style or minimalist gardens, where its refined appearance and compact stature are highly valued. Pinus parviflora ‘Linda’ adds elegance, visual interest, and dependable evergreen presence, making it a valuable choice for discerning gardeners.

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a superb ornamental tree that brings elegance, texture, and long-lasting colour to a wide range of garden styles. Its graceful, cascading habit and finely dissected foliage make it an excellent focal point for small gardens, courtyard spaces, woodland borders, and Japanese-inspired landscapes. The deep crimson leaves emerge in spring and retain their rich colour throughout the growing season, before transforming into brilliant shades of scarlet and red during autumn.

This compact Japanese maple thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position away from strong winds. It performs best in partial shade, although it can tolerate more sun if the soil remains consistently moist. Its relatively slow growth and manageable size make it particularly suitable for gardens where space is limited.

'Crimson Queen' is equally effective when planted as a specimen tree, beside water features, among contrasting green foliage, or in a large decorative container on a patio or terrace. Requiring minimal maintenance beyond occasional removal of dead or damaged branches, it is an easy tree to care for once established. With its distinctive form, exceptional foliage, and outstanding seasonal colour, Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' provides year-round beauty and a refined architectural presence in the garden.

Cytisus battandieri, or the Moroccan Broom, is a medium-sized, rounded, deciduous shrub with, long, upright, whip-like stems and trifoliate silvery green leaves which can hold all year round in mild winters. Very attractive, bright golden yellow flowers, held in dense cones or plumes, bloom in June and July and give off wonderful pineapple scent. Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Cytisus battandieri is very adaptable, can grow in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained, but prefers average, lean, gritty, well-drained soil, in full sun. It is generally pest-free and low maintenance. It requires almost no pruning. It naturally has a good shape. Cytisus battandieri is an attractive shrub perfect as a specimen plant in small informal, cottage, or urban gardens. Suitable for coastal areas, especially with Mediterranean climate. Great for beds and borders, wall-side borders, for growing in pots and containers on balconies and patios.

Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen shrub of upright, spreading habit, with short stems, stiff, slightly twisted, silvery-blue, needle-like leaves, clustered in groups of five. It produces attractive, small, ovoid, brown cones in autumn.

Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' will tolerate almost all soil types, chalky, clay, sandy, loamy, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in neutral to acidic soil in full sun. It doesn’t cope well with humidity and heat, but can adapt to coastal conditions. It prefers cool summer climates. Very resistant to frost and low temperatures, as well as wind and exposed positions. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Japanese white pine 'Negishi' is an attractive pine with interesting, architectural, irregular habit. It looks great in rock and gravel gardens, but is also suitable for cottage and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant, for beds and borders, and low hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum 'Fire Cracker' is a graceful and eye-catching Japanese maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and elegant cascading form. This deciduous ornamental tree produces delicate lace-like leaves that emerge rich crimson-red in spring, maintaining their vibrant colouring throughout the summer months. As autumn arrives, the foliage intensifies into brilliant scarlet and fiery red tones, creating a dramatic seasonal display.

Its naturally arching habit gives the plant a soft, flowing appearance, making it an excellent focal point in small gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes, courtyard settings, or large decorative containers. The finely textured leaves contrast beautifully with evergreen shrubs, gravel gardens, and woodland planting schemes.

‘Fire Cracker’ thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade, where the foliage is protected from scorching sun and drying winds. Slow growing and relatively compact, it is easy to maintain and suitable for gardens where space is limited. The attractive branching structure also provides winter interest, ensuring year-round ornamental value and refined architectural beauty.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Teddy Bear’ is a delightful dwarf cultivar of the hinoki cypress, prized for its compact, evergreen habit and soft, tactile foliage. Unlike its tall tree-forming relatives, this variety grows slowly into a neat, rounded shrub that brings year-round structure and interest to gardens, patios and containers.

The foliage is composed of tiny, scale-like leaves in a rich, deep green that remain vibrant throughout all seasons, giving the plant a lush, almost fern-like texture. This dense, soft growth habit is the reason behind its common name, ‘Teddy Bear’, as the plant’s surface appears invitingly plush and sculptural.

In terms of size, ‘Teddy Bear’ remains a manageable shrub, typically reaching around 1.5–2.5 metres in height and spreading to about 1–1.5 metres over many years. It’s exceptionally slow growing, so it won’t overwhelm a small garden, border or large pot, making it ideal for smaller spaces where taller conifers might be unsuitable.

This variety prefers a position in full sun to partial shade, with moist but well-drained soil. While it thrives in slightly acidic conditions, it will tolerate a range of soil types as long as water does not stand around the roots. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring little more than occasional watering during prolonged dry spells and minimal pruning to maintain its shape if needed.

Because it retains its foliage and shape throughout the year, Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Teddy Bear’ provides decorative evergreen interest in winter as well as through spring, summer and autumn. Its soft, rounded form complements both informal cottage gardens and contemporary landscapes, adding texture, structure and a touch of charm wherever it’s planted.

Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as Indian hawthorn, is a charming evergreen shrub that graces gardens with its elegant presence. Native to Southern Asia, particularly India and China, this resilient plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and thrives in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice among gardeners worldwide.

The beauty of Rhaphiolepis indica lies in its dense, compact growth habit, reaching heights of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and spreading almost as wide. Its glossy, leathery leaves are lance-shaped and typically dark green, providing a lush backdrop for the clusters of delicate flowers it produces. These blooms, which appear in spring, vary in color from white to shades of pink and possess a subtle fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

One of the most appealing features of Indian hawthorn is its adaptability to different growing conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Once established, it exhibits moderate drought tolerance, although regular watering during dry spells is beneficial for optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning is seldom necessary, except to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape if desired. Additionally, the plant is relatively pest and disease resistant, further adding to its appeal as a hassle-free addition to garden landscapes.

Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’, commonly known as weeping Canadian hemlock, is a highly ornamental, evergreen conifer prized for its graceful, cascading form and soft, dark green needles. Its distinctive weeping branches create a flowing, layered appearance that adds elegance and movement to the garden. Ideal as a specimen plant, it brings structure and year-round interest to shady borders, woodland gardens, or sloped landscapes where its draping habit can be showcased.

This cultivar is slow-growing and can be trained or staked to achieve various shapes, including upright with drooping branches or a spreading, ground-hugging form. It typically grows 5 to 15 feet tall and wide, depending on training and space. 'Pendula' thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. It is hardy and benefits from shelter against harsh wind or strong sun, which can scorch its foliage.

Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it requires little pruning beyond shaping and responds well to thoughtful training. Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ is an elegant, versatile choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic yet refined evergreen focal point in shaded or naturalistic garden settings.

Acer palmatum 'Jerre Schwartz' is an upright, compact, deciduous shrub or small tree with palmate, deeply lobed, dark green leaves, flushed pink and then bronze-green in spring, vibrant red in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by red, winged seed pods in summer.

Acer palmatum 'Jerre Schwartz' is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It likes partial shade and best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade, but it tolerates full sun. Excessive exposure and lack of soil moisture can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but it has to be sheltered from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning.

Japanese maple 'Jerre Schwartz' is a great ornamental tree suitable for informal, cottage, rock and gravel, and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant. It is great for growing in containers.

Ilex crenata 'Kinme', or Japanese holly 'Kinme', is a dense, slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub or small tree with ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, pale green when they emerge. Inconspicuous, small, white flowers bloom in spring, male and female on separate plants, and female flowers are followed by glossy, black berries in autumn. Japanese holly 'Kinme' can tolerate most soil types, but prefers fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It likes sunny positions, but can grow in partial shade as well. It is tolerant of drought, poor soils, and air pollution. Doesn’t like climates with high heat and humidity. Low maintenance plant but it can withstand hard pruning. Very easy to grow. Ilex crenata 'Kinme' is a great specimen plant in informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent for rock and gravel or Japanese-style gardens. Perfect for formal or informal hedges and screens. Suitable for cloud topiary or bonsai and for growing in containers.

Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen shrub of upright, spreading habit, with short stems, stiff, slightly twisted, silvery-blue, needle-like leaves, clustered in groups of five. It produces attractive, small, ovoid, brown cones in autumn. Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' will tolerate almost all soil types, chalky, clay, sandy, loamy, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in neutral to acidic soil in full sun. It doesn’t cope well with humidity and heat, but can adapt to coastal conditions. It prefers cool summer climates. Very resistant to frost and low temperatures, as well as wind and exposed positions. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Japanese white pine 'Negishi' is an attractive pine with interesting, architectural, irregular habit. It looks great in rock and gravel gardens, but is also suitable for cottage and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant, for beds and borders, and low hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Princess’ is a compact, finely cut Japanese maple valued for its elegant weeping habit and strong seasonal colour. Its deeply dissected foliage emerges in rich crimson-red tones in spring, holding its colour well through summer when grown in a suitably sheltered position. As autumn approaches, the leaves intensify into vivid scarlet and fiery red shades, providing a dramatic late-season display.

This cultivar is particularly well suited to smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, and ornamental borders where its delicate, cascading form can be appreciated up close. It also performs very well in large containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, terraces, or entrance areas where architectural impact is desired without taking up much space.

‘Crimson Princess’ thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soil and prefers a sheltered site protected from strong winds. Light dappled shade is ideal, helping preserve leaf colour and preventing scorch in hotter periods. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to remove dead wood or refine its shape.

With its refined structure, reliable colouring, and graceful presence, Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Princess’ brings year-round interest and a touch of elegance to both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is a compact, deciduous shrub or small tree, mostly known for its beautiful foliage. Small 5-lobed leaves, resembling an open hand with outstretched fingers, are golden-orange with pink edges in spring, bright green in summer, and pastel yellow-orange in autumn. Katsura Japanese maple grows in vase-shaped form, but as it matures, it becomes more rounded. Small reddish flowers bloom in April. It grows well in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. It’s very hardy but needs to be sheltered from harshest winds. Easy to care for, it requires minimal pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is grown mostly for its attractive foliage and interesting shape. Great as a specimen plant, but also in groups, especially, for beds and borders. Perfect for small gardens. Very suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', commonly known as the Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, is a stunning deciduous tree cherished for its striking foliage and remarkable autumn display. Native to Japan, this variety is celebrated for its deeply lobed, fern-like leaves which provide a delicate, lacy texture that adds a unique aesthetic to any garden.

In spring and summer, the leaves emerge with a soft green hue, creating a serene and refreshing presence. As the seasons transition to autumn, 'Aconitifolium' truly shines. Its foliage transforms into a spectacular array of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it one of the most brilliant autumnal displays among maples. This transformation adds a dynamic and fiery focal point to gardens, capturing the essence of the changing seasons.

'Aconitifolium' typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 4 meters, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for urban gardens, patios, and container planting.

This maple is not only admired for its foliage but also for its elegant, spreading habit and attractive branching structure, which provide year-round interest. Whether as a specimen tree or part of a mixed border, Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' brings a touch of elegance and seasonal drama to any garden setting in the UK.