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Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink & Rose' is a reliable and highly ornamental deciduous shrub, well suited to a wide range of garden settings. It forms a neat, upright habit, making it ideal for borders, feature planting, or as part of mixed shrub schemes. Its large, conical flower heads emerge creamy white in summer, gradually deepening to soft pink and rose tones as the season progresses, providing long-lasting colour well into autumn.

This hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Unlike some other hydrangeas, it is more tolerant of sun exposure and slightly drier conditions once established, making it a versatile choice for many UK gardens. It is fully hardy and copes well with colder winters, requiring little protection.

Annual pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain a strong framework and encourages larger blooms. As a cultivar of Hydrangea paniculata, it flowers on new wood, ensuring consistent performance each year. Its manageable size and dependable flowering make it an excellent choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub of upright, spreading habit with semi-glossy, oval, green foliage. An abundance of large, lacy, slender, conical, white flowerheads, with fertile and sterile flowers, bloom from July throughout autumn. Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu can grow well in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained, but average, moist, but well-drained soils are the best. Thrives in cool environments with small seasonal and day-night differences. It preforms very well in full sun and full shade, but prefers early morning sun and afternoon shade. Very resilient to urban pollution, therefore, it can prosper in urban conditions. Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu is a great addition to any informal, cottage, or urban garden. Lovely as an accent plant. In masses and groups, perfect for shrub or mixed borders, flowering hedges and screens, as a background for perennials, or for growing in containers.

Hosta ‘Royal Standard’ is a classic and highly reliable perennial, valued for both its handsome foliage and fragrant blooms. It is one of the earliest patented hostas, introduced in the mid-20th century, and remains a favorite in gardens today due to its vigor and versatility. This cultivar forms large, dense clumps of broad, glossy green leaves with a rich sheen that provides texture and depth in shady borders or woodland gardens. Unlike many hostas, ‘Royal Standard’ is remarkably sun-tolerant, performing well in both full shade and partial sun, which makes it a flexible choice for diverse planting schemes.

During late summer, tall flower scapes rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped, pure white blossoms. These flowers are not only striking in appearance but also delightfully fragrant, a rare and desirable trait among hostas, attracting pollinators to the garden. With its hardy nature, low maintenance needs, and ability to thrive in a variety of soils, Hosta ‘Royal Standard’ is well-suited for mass plantings, edging, or as a striking specimen plant. It remains a timeless and elegant choice for gardeners.

Hosta Blue Angel is a large, clump-forming deciduous perennial with cascading mound and very ornamental, wide, heart-shaped, wavy-edged, blue-grey to blue-green leaves. One of the largest blue-leaved hostas. The funnel-shaped, white to pale lavender flowers emerge on long flower scapes above the foliage in mid-summer. Hosta Blue Angel grows best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture. Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage, but it is more slug resistant than other hosta varieties. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hosta is a low maintenance plant with beautiful bluish leaves, perfect for warm climates and shade gardens. Great as a background plant, a groundcover, for mixed beds and borders, under the shrubs and trees, or for growing in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' is a lovely, dwarf, compact, bushy, semi-evergreen, male fern with lanceolate, pale green fronds with slender, curled pinnules and golden-brown scales on long, brown, upright stems. Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' is very easy to grow. It is tolerant of most soil types, but thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in full sun if given enough moisture, but prefers full shade and partial shade. Once established, resistant to drought. Evergreen in milder climates. In cold, exposed areas, usually deciduous. Generally, disease-free and pest-free if grown outdoors. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Scaly male fern 'Crispa Gracillis' is a lovely, elegant and decorative plant, perfect for shady garden areas or under-planting of roses and shrubs. Great for flower beds and borders. It is excellent for adding form and texture to small informal, cottage, and wildlife gardens. Very good looking in rock and gravel gardens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Asplenium scolopendrium is a distinctive evergreen fern that brings year-round texture and architectural elegance to shaded parts of the garden. Its long, glossy, strap-shaped fronds form neat rosettes, creating a bold yet graceful presence that contrasts beautifully with finer-leaved woodland plants and spring bulbs.

It is ideally suited to shaded or partially shaded garden areas, including woodland gardens, north-facing borders, and damp, sheltered courtyards. This fern prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it performs particularly well in lime-rich or neutral conditions. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring only the removal of any damaged or tired fronds to keep it looking fresh.

As a naturally hardy species, it copes well with typical UK winters and will remain evergreen in most conditions, although it appreciates protection from prolonged winter wet and strong drying winds. It is also an excellent choice for naturalistic planting schemes, shaded rock gardens, or alongside streams and ponds where moisture levels are consistent.

Its architectural foliage provides structure throughout the year, making it a valuable foliage plant in gardens where flowers may be limited by shade.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

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.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

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.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as beargrass, is an excellent addition to a wide variety of garden styles thanks to its striking form, toughness, and low-maintenance nature. Its long, narrow, arching leaves create a graceful fountain-like shape that adds movement and texture to planting schemes, making it ideal for modern, Mediterranean, gravel, and xeriscape gardens. This plant excels as a standalone focal point or when grouped with other drought-tolerant species to create bold, sculptural displays.

One of its greatest strengths is its resilience. Nolina hibernica thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing impressive tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions once established. This makes it particularly suitable for gardens where water conservation is important or where conditions are too harsh for more delicate plants. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, helping maintain structure through winter when other plants may fade back.

In addition to its environmental tolerance, beargrass requires minimal upkeep. It rarely needs pruning and remains naturally tidy, making it perfect for gardeners seeking impactful yet easy-care plants. Whether used in borders, rock gardens, coastal settings, or contemporary landscapes, Nolina hibernica brings architectural beauty, longevity, and practical reliability to any outdoor space.

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.

Osmanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae, commonly known as sweet olive or tea olive. It consists of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees, native to Asia and the Americas. The plant is well-known for its fragrant, small flowers that bloom in clusters, usually in the fall or early winter. The flowers come in various colors including white, yellow, orange, and reddish-orange, and are often used in perfumes, teas, and desserts due to their sweet scent.

Osmanthus plants are very popular in landscaping and gardening because of their versatile uses. They can be grown as hedges, screens, or as accent plants in mixed borders. They are also suitable for container gardening, bonsai, and indoor cultivation.

Osmanthus plants prefer well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun exposure. In traditional Chinese medicine, osmanthus has been used to treat various health issues such as coughing, sore throat, and digestive problems. The plant contains various active compounds including essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolics that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Wisteria floribunda ‘Black Dragon’, also known as ‘Kokuryu’, is a striking and dramatic Japanese wisteria cultivar prized for its unusually dark, richly coloured blooms. Its flowers emerge in long, cascading racemes that can reach impressive lengths, often around 30–50 cm, creating a waterfall effect in late spring to early summer. The blossoms themselves are deep violet to purple-black, giving the plant its evocative name. Each flower has a velvety texture and a subtle, sweet fragrance that enhances its luxurious, almost mysterious presence in the garden.

As the plant matures, its twining stems develop a graceful, sculptural quality, weaving around pergolas, arches, and sturdy supports. The foliage is fresh green, pinnate, and lightly textured, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark flower clusters. In summer, the leaves create a soft, ornamental canopy, and in autumn they turn a gentle yellow before falling.

‘Black Dragon’ is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a wisteria variety with depth, drama, and exceptional ornamental appeal. With proper pruning and training, it becomes a breathtaking focal point, offering a spectacular display that feels both elegant and enchantingly exotic in any landscape.

Cotoneaster x watereri, often referred to as Waterer's Cotoneaster, is a popular and versatile shrub that has become a cherished addition to many gardens and landscapes in the United Kingdom. This deciduous hybrid shrub is renowned for its attractive appearance, hardiness, and adaptability.

One of the standout features of Cotoneaster x watereri is its elegant form and foliage. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters, forming a dense and arching habit. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and glossy green, providing a lush backdrop to its other ornamental features.

One of the most captivating aspects of this shrub is its profusion of flowers and berries. In late spring and early summer, Cotoneaster x watereri bursts into a display of delicate white or pale pink blossoms. These small, star-shaped flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.

As summer progresses into autumn, the shrub transitions into another phase of beauty. It produces an abundance of small, round, and brightly colored berries, typically red or orange. These berries not only add visual interest but also serve as a valuable food source for birds during the colder months, enhancing its ecological significance.

Cotoneaster x watereri is known for its adaptability to various growing conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. It is also remarkably hardy and resistant to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for intensive maintenance.

Maintenance for this shrub is generally straightforward. Pruning can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased branches, but it is often not required. Regular watering during dry spells, especially during its establishment phase, helps ensure its healthy growth.

In conclusion, Cotoneaster x watereri, or Waterer's Cotoneaster, is a cherished shrub in the UK that offers year-round appeal. Its graceful form, glossy foliage, profuse blossoms, and colourful berries make it a versatile and visually pleasing addition to gardens and landscapes. Whether used as a specimen plant, a hedge, or ground cover, this adaptable shrub adds beauty and ecological value to outdoor spaces in the United Kingdom.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

Magnolia x soulangeana is a spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree of upright habit when young and pyramidal to rounded as it matures, with smooth, silvery bark, and obovate mid-green leaves, golden-brown in autumn. Masses of fragrant, large, cup-shaped, white, pink or purple flowers, white inside, bloom in late spring before the leaves emerge. Magnolia x soulangeana is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except too wet and too dry. It prefers fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. It is tolerant of frost, but needs to be sheltered form harsh, drying winds. Early frost can damage flower buds. It can withstand urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t need regular pruning. Magnolia x soulangeana is a hybrid cross between M. denudata and M. liliflora. This impressive magnolia makes an excellent specimen plant for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal shape, with attractive, peeling bark, and ovate, sharply toothed, glossy green leaves. Masses of beautiful and delicate, fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, resemble cherry blossom and bloom throughout summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist, well-drained soils but can adopt to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds and roots should be protected in winter with mulch. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. This beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely summer flowers is a great addition to any informal, cottage, urban or coastal garden. If heavily pruned, it can be turned into an attractive evergreen hedge and provide privacy and some wind protection. Perfect for shrub borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens.

Hosta Great Expectations is an excellent choice for shade gardens, offering striking foliage and a bold presence. Its large, variegated leaves—with creamy-white centers edged in blue-green and chartreuse—add dramatic contrast and texture to garden beds, borders, and woodland settings.

This hosta thrives in partial to full shade and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively slow-growing but becomes a stunning focal point once established. The plant is ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet impactful perennials. Its tall flower spikes with pale lavender blooms appear in midsummer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Great Expectations pairs beautifully with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-loving companions. Its bold leaves also help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Overall, this hosta is perfect for adding elegance, texture, and year-round interest to shaded garden areas.