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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.

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.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Tomahawk’ is an attractive evergreen conifer prized for its dense, bushy habit and distinctive, soft-textured foliage. It forms a naturally neat, upright plant, making it an excellent choice for adding year-round structure, screening and interest to the garden.

The foliage consists of short, slightly twisted needles arranged closely along the branches, creating a full and textured appearance. New growth emerges in fresh green shades, developing into a rich green as it matures. During colder weather, the foliage can take on attractive bronze or reddish tones, adding seasonal interest while remaining evergreen.

‘Tomahawk’ is particularly useful where a strong architectural evergreen is required without the stark appearance of some traditional conifers. It works well as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, woodland-style planting schemes or as part of an evergreen screen. Its dense growth also provides useful shelter for birds and other garden wildlife.

It is generally hardy throughout the UK and performs best in a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and requires little pruning to retain its naturally attractive shape. It appreciates consistent moisture during its establishment period, particularly during prolonged dry spells.

With its compact, upright growth and attractive evergreen foliage, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Tomahawk’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, year-round specimen with a softer appearance than many conventional conifers.

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.

Cordyline australis Peko, also commonly known as Peko, is an iconic evergreen plant that is commonly found in outdoor gardens and landscapes. This striking plant is native to New Zealand and is known for its tall and slender stem, that can grow up to 3-5 meters in height, topped with a large cluster of long, sword-shaped leaves.

The leaves of Cordyline australis Peko are the signature feature of this plant, with their rich purple-burgundy hue and a distinctive, wavy texture that creates a stunning visual display. The leaves are around 60cm long and are perfect for adding interest to any garden, either on their own or as part of a mixed planting scheme.

Cordyline australis Peko is a hardy plant that is tolerant of a range of growing conditions. While it prefers a sunny location, it will also thrive in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for any garden. It is also a low maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering or pruning.

In addition to its ornamental value, Cordyline australis Peko also has a range of medicinal uses. The plant is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments.

One important consideration when planting Cordyline australis Peko is that it is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so it is important to keep pets away from the plant and avoid planting it in areas where pets may come into contact with it.

Overall, Cordyline australis Peko is a stunning addition to any garden, whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting scheme. With its striking appearance and low-maintenance requirements, it is a plant that is sure to impress and delight gardeners and visitors alike.

The Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', commonly known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a stunning ornamental tree highly valued for its striking red foliage and elegant form. This deciduous tree typically reaches a height and spread of 4.5-6 metres, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized gardens. Its deep burgundy leaves emerge in spring, maintaining their vibrant colour throughout the summer before transitioning to a brilliant crimson in autumn. The Bloodgood is known for its hardiness and adaptability, thriving in RHS hardiness zones H5-H6. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care. Ideal for use as a focal point, in mixed borders, or as a specimen tree, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple adds year-round interest and elegance to any garden in the UK.

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.

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 Sango-kaku or Coral Bark Maple, is a large, deciduous shrub with upright, vase-shaped habit. It is famous for its coral red bark and branches that look astonishing in contrast to its yellow foliage. Five-lobed leaves are pinkish yellow in spring, green in summer, and yellow in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, reddish flowers are followed by samaras in late summer and autumn. Coral Bark Maple prefers moist, but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, yet it can grow in any type of soil. The best leaf colour is achieved when grown in partial shade, but it also tolerates full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum Sango-kaku is a very unusual and attractive plant. It can be a stunning focal point, especially in winter. Great for small, urban and cottage gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant or for beds and borders. Suitable 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.

Pinus parviflora 'Ara Kawa' is a distinctive cultivar of the Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora), a species native to Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Valued for its ornamental features, 'Ara Kawa' is popular among gardeners, landscapers, and bonsai enthusiasts.

This cultivar is a slow-growing, compact tree or shrub that typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and a spread of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) after about 10 years. The growth rate of 'Ara Kawa' can be further controlled through pruning, making it suitable for various landscape designs and bonsai artistry.

'Ara Kawa' is easily recognized by its dense, irregular branching pattern and striking, contorted trunk. The bark is rough and dark brown with patches of light gray, creating a visually appealing contrast. The tree's overall form is sculptural and reminiscent of driftwood, which adds to its aesthetic value.

The needles of 'Ara Kawa' are arranged in bundles of five, a characteristic shared with other Pinus parviflora species. The needles are soft, slightly twisted, and measure between 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) in length. They are bluish-green, providing a pleasant color contrast against the darker trunk.

The tree produces small, attractive cones that are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) long. They are initially green, maturing to a light brown color over time. The cones add to the visual interest of the tree, particularly during the winter months.

It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and should be planted in full sun for optimal growth. Once established, the tree is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only minimal pruning to maintain its shape.

Due to its unique features and adaptability, Pinus parviflora 'Ara Kawa' is an excellent choice for gardens, rockeries, and specimen planting. Its slow growth rate, compact size, and intriguing form also make it a popular choice for bonsai art, where it can be trained and shaped to accentuate its natural beauty.

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.

The Strawberry Tree is an evergreen tree trained here as a half standard, giving it a clear stem with a rounded head of foliage. The leaves are dark green, glossy and leathery, providing year-round structure and interest in the garden. This tree offers attractive features across multiple seasons. In autumn, it produces small, white, urn-shaped flowers that hang in clusters, appearing at the same time as the previous year's fruit ripens to a strawberry-like red, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage. The rough, reddish-brown bark also adds textural interest throughout the year. The flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects at a time of year when other nectar sources are becoming scarce, making it a useful addition for supporting late-season pollinators. The fruit, while edible, is also enjoyed by birds and other wildlife, adding a further biodiversity benefit to the garden. This tree is well suited to coastal gardens, being tolerant of salt-laden winds, and performs well in a range of soil types provided drainage is reasonable. It is a versatile specimen tree suitable for smaller gardens due to its manageable size as a half standard.

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.

Enkianthus 'Pagoda' is a bushy, spreading, deciduous, tree-like shrub with simple, oval, toothed, dull green leaves that turn red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Clusters of lovely, small, bell-shaped, creamy to pink flowers with red veins bloom from late spring to summer and are attractive to bees. Enkianthus 'Pagoda' can adapt to most soil types, even poor ones, but prefers fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist, well-drained soils in light shade. It also grows well in full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, but it may require some pruning to retain its size and shape. Pagoda bush is an unusual and attractive plant with beautiful flowers and excellent autumn foliage. It is not demanding and very easy to grow. Great for Japanese-style and woodland gardens. Perfect for mixed and shrub borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' is a deciduous tree. In spring, clusters of pure white, pea-like flowers appear directly on the bark of the branches and older wood, often before the foliage opens, creating a distinctive and abundant floral display. The heart-shaped leaves emerge with a soft bronze-green tint before maturing to a fresh mid-green through summer, then turning shades of yellow in autumn, giving the tree seasonal interest across several months. As a feathered tree, branches are retained down to ground level rather than being trained up to a clear stem, giving the tree a naturally dense, bushy and rounded habit. This growth form makes it well suited for use as a specimen tree, informal screen or focal point within a border, where its low branching and twiggy structure can be appreciated at close range. The spring flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees, providing an early source of nectar when few other trees are in bloom. This makes the tree a useful addition for gardens aiming to support early-season pollinators. It performs best in a sheltered, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil, and benefits from protection from strong winds and late spring frosts, which can damage the emerging flowers.

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.

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.

Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ is a highly distinctive and sought-after Japanese maple known for its luminous, rounded foliage and exceptional seasonal colour changes. In spring, the broad, palmate leaves emerge in warm shades of apricot, soft orange, and golden yellow, often flushed with coral or red tones. As the season progresses, the foliage deepens to rich golden-green, retaining a gentle glow that stands out in shaded or partially shaded garden areas. In autumn, the tree becomes particularly spectacular, transforming into vibrant shades of fiery orange, red, and amber.

This cultivar has a broadly upright, spreading habit, making it well suited to small and medium-sized gardens where a focal point is desired. It works beautifully as a specimen tree in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed borders, and also performs well in large containers on patios or terraces where its colour and form can be appreciated up close.

‘Autumn Moon’ prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and thrives in a sheltered position out of strong winds. Dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection helps preserve its delicate leaf colouring. Low maintenance once established, it requires only minimal pruning. Its unique foliage and glowing seasonal palette make Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ a truly exceptional garden feature.

Zelkova serrata, commonly known as Japanese Zelkova, is a graceful deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan. It is highly valued for its attractive vase-shaped form, making it an excellent choice for urban landscapes, parks, and streetscapes. The tree features finely serrated, ovate leaves that emerge bright green in spring, deepen in color through summer, and turn stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, offering vibrant seasonal interest.

Zelkova serrata is also prized for its smooth gray bark, which exfoliates with age to reveal patches of orange and brown beneath, adding visual texture year-round. It is a hardy and adaptable species, tolerant of pollution, drought, and a variety of soil types, making it ideal for city environments. Often used as a replacement for the American elm, it is resistant to Dutch elm disease and provides reliable shade, beauty, and structure in the landscape.