Search results

Osmanthus aquifolium (often known as Osmanthus heterophyllus) trained as a multi-stem shrub is an excellent choice for adding year-round structure and evergreen interest to a garden. With its holly-like, glossy, dark green leaves, it provides a strong architectural presence while also offering a refined, ornamental quality.

This shrub is particularly well suited to sheltered positions in full sun or partial shade, thriving in well-drained soil. It is highly adaptable and tolerant of urban pollution, making it ideal for town and city gardens as well as more traditional settings. As a multi-stem specimen, it creates a more open, sculptural form compared to standard shrubs, making it perfect as a focal point or for adding height and layering within planting schemes.

In autumn, Osmanthus produces small but highly fragrant white flowers, which release a sweet, jasmine-like scent, adding a sensory element to the garden when little else is in bloom. Reaching around 3–4 metres over time, it remains manageable and responds well to pruning if shaping is required.

Hardy, low maintenance, and evergreen, it is an excellent choice for structure, screening, and year-round interest.

Calycanthus ‘Venus’ is a striking deciduous shrub, often known as a sweetshrub or Carolina allspice, that brings abundant ornamental interest to a garden from late spring into summer. It’s a hybrid selection created from crosses involving several species of Calycanthus, resulting in larger, more dramatic flowers than many traditional varieties.

This shrub develops a rounded, multi-stemmed habit, typically growing to around 2–4 metres in height and spread under favourable conditions, though many garden forms remain more compact at around 1.5–2 metres. Its glossy, dark green leaves are broad and attractively shaped, turning yellow-brown in autumn before the plant drops them for winter.

The most remarkable feature of Calycanthus ‘Venus’ is its large, creamy-white flowers, which often have yellow and purple markings at their centres and a subtle but delightful fragrance. The blooms are sometimes described as magnolia-like in shape, appearing from late spring through much of the summer and sometimes intermittently into early autumn.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types — from clay to loam — provided it isn’t prone to prolonged waterlogging. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, benefiting from light pruning after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage new growth.

Calycanthus ‘Venus’ works beautifully as a specimen plant, at the back of mixed borders, or as part of a cottage-style or informal garden scheme. Its combination of ornate flowers, scent and autumn leaf colour makes it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking both structure and seasonal interest.

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.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a medium-sized, bushy, dense, winter-flowering, evergreen shrub with leathery, broadly oval, dark green leaves, and cluster of small, starry, white flowers opening form deep pink buds and blooming from December to March. Flowers are followed by ornamental, glossy, dark blue berries. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Very adaptable, it can grow in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand wind, exposed positions, and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a tough, beautiful, winter-flowering plant, great for cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Excellent for brightening shady garden corners or bare winter gardens. Perfect for shrub borders, informal hedges and screens, and foundation plantings. Good as a specimen or accent plant.

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.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, commonly known as the Corkscrew Willow, is a distinctive, fast-growing tree valued for its dramatically twisted, contorted branches and lively, informal habit. In a bushy tree form, it develops a broad, airy crown that provides strong architectural interest throughout the year, particularly in winter when the bare, spiralling stems are fully revealed.

This willow is well suited to larger gardens where its vigorous growth and spreading shape can be appreciated. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for planting near ponds, streams, or in naturally damp ground, though it will also tolerate ordinary garden soils if not allowed to dry out completely. In spring and summer, the narrow, bright green leaves create a soft, shimmering canopy, bringing movement and lightness to the landscape.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ is relatively low maintenance, responding well to pruning if size control is needed, and can even be coppiced to encourage fresh, colourful, twisted stems. Its sculptural form, rapid establishment, and year-round interest make it an excellent choice as a specimen tree or dramatic focal point in spacious, informal or wildlife-friendly gardens.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as bear grass, 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, bear grass 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.

Cordyline australis, or Cabbage Palm, is an impressive, vigorous, palm-like, sub-tropical tree with long, arching, narrow, dark burgundy leaves. The panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers bloom only on mature plants, in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by white or blue-tined berries. Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soils. It is tolerant to salt, wind, and drought which makes it a perfect coastal plant. It can withstand some cold weather, but frost might damage it. Disease-free and low maintenance. Toxic to animals. Cordyline australis is an incredible specimen tree because of its tropical looks and bold colour. It’s a great addition to any garden, traditional or modern. Perfect for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, patios and containers.

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Palm) multi stem is a striking evergreen architectural plant that brings bold structure and an exotic feel to gardens throughout the year. Forming several sturdy trunks topped with fountains of long, narrow, sword-like green leaves, it creates impressive height, movement, and texture while maintaining a clean, sculptural appearance. The multi stem form offers extra character and maturity, giving a fuller, more dramatic silhouette than single-trunk specimens.

Ideal as a focal point in contemporary, coastal, Mediterranean, or urban gardens, it thrives in borders, gravel gardens, courtyards, and large containers. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, while mature plants may produce large sprays of fragrant creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by decorative berries. Cordyline australis performs best in full sun or light shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it is tolerant of wind, salt air, and periods of drought, making it particularly useful for exposed or seaside locations.

Low maintenance and easy to grow, it requires little pruning beyond removing old leaves. In colder areas, some winter protection may be beneficial. Cordyline australis multi stem is perfect for adding lasting height, drama, and tropical elegance to any outdoor space.

 

Cordyline australis, or Cabbage Palm, is an impressive, vigorous, palm-like, sub-tropical tree with long, arching, narrow, dark burgundy leaves. The panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers bloom only on mature plants, in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by white or blue-tined berries. Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soils. It is tolerant to salt, wind, and drought which makes it a perfect coastal plant. It can withstand some cold weather, but frost might damage it. Disease-free and low maintenance. Toxic to animals. Cordyline australis is an incredible specimen tree because of its tropical looks and bold colour. It’s a great addition to any garden, traditional or modern. Perfect for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, patios and containers.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a medium-sized, bushy, dense, winter-flowering, evergreen shrub with leathery, broadly oval, dark green leaves, and cluster of small, starry, white flowers opening form deep pink buds and blooming from December to March. Flowers are followed by ornamental, glossy, dark blue berries. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Very adaptable, it can grow in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand wind, exposed positions, and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a tough, beautiful, winter-flowering plant, great for cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Excellent for brightening shady garden corners or bare winter gardens. Perfect for shrub borders, informal hedges and screens, and foundation plantings. Good as a specimen or accent plant.

Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' is a medium-sized, evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with lovely, variegated, spiny, thorny, shiny, dark green leaves with creamy white margins, purplish-pink when young. Small, inconspicuous, white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by masses of attractive, glossy, bright red berries in autumn and winter. Beneficial for bees, butterflies, and birds, but toxic to pets. Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' can grow in almost any kind of soil, even nutrient-poor, except very wet. It prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant of frost, wind, and salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Tough, low maintenance plant. 'Argentea Marginata' Holly is a lovely, variegated variety of Common Holly, perfect as a specimen plant or for attractive, dense hedges and screens. Great to brighten dark areas in the garden and winter landscapes. Its wonderful foliage is used for Christmas arrangements.

Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian' is a compact, bushy, winter-flowering, evergreen shrub with leathery, ovate, dark green leaves. Small, star-shaped, white, pink tinged, flowers open from red-pink buds and bloom from late winter to spring. Flowers are followed by glossy, dark blue berries. Attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies. Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian' can grow well in a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Very tough and adaptable, it can grow in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand wind, exposed positions, and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian' is an outstanding shrubby perennial, great for informal, cottage, and coastal gardens. It is perfect for brightening shady garden corners or bare winter gardens. Excellent for shrub borders, informal hedges and screens, and foundation plantings. Good as a specimen or accent plant.

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.

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden styles, offering both visual impact and practical versatility. Its striking, upright form and deep red, sword-like foliage create an architectural focal point that works beautifully in contemporary, coastal, tropical, and even low-maintenance landscapes. This plant is well suited to borders, gravel gardens, courtyard designs, or as a dramatic container specimen on patios and terraces.

‘Red Star’ thrives in full sun to light shade, with brighter light enhancing its rich burgundy colour. It prefers well-drained soil and is particularly resilient once established, tolerating drought, wind, and seaside conditions. Although it is hardy in mild climates, providing some protection from harsh winter frost helps maintain its appearance and long-term health. Its slow-growing habit makes it easy to manage without frequent pruning, and its naturally tidy shape adds effortless structure year-round.

Beyond aesthetics, its ability to withstand challenging conditions and its relatively low water requirements make it an environmentally friendly choice. Overall, Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ brings bold colour, form, and resilience to gardens, enhancing both small and large outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

Kolkwitzia amabillis Pink Cloud is a beautiful, medium-sized, vigorous, suckering, deciduous shrub with a vase-shaped habit, exfoliating bark when mature, arching stems, and ovate, dark green foliage, yellow in autumn. Clusters of lovely, bell-shaped, pale pink to clear pink flowers with yellow markings on the inner throat, blooming in spring and summer. Flowers are followed by capsule-like fruits.

'Pink Cloud' prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various types of soils as long as they are well-drained. Its foliage is best in partial shade but it tolerates full sun. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. It may need occasional hard pruning if it becomes too dense or overgrown.

Kolkwitzia amabillis Pink Cloud, with its outstanding pink flowers, is great as a specimen plant, perfect for foundations and shrub borders. Ideal for informal, cottage gardens. It can be used as a screen or hedge in large gardens.

A Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), commonly known as Pineapple Guava, trimmed into a neat ball shape makes an excellent and attractive feature for a garden. This evergreen shrub or small tree has dense, glossy, oval leaves with silvery undersides, creating a rich green, textured sphere when formally pruned.

In a ball form, it works beautifully as a specimen plant, low hedge element, or in symmetrical plantings along paths and driveways. It is well suited to Mediterranean, coastal, and temperate gardens, being tolerant of wind, drought once established, and light frost.

Beyond its sculptural shape, the plant offers seasonal interest with striking red and white edible flowers in spring, followed by fragrant, oval green fruits in autumn. The compact, rounded form provides year-round structure while still allowing for fruit production, making it both ornamental and productive.

Overall, a ball-shaped Pineapple Guava is a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually refined choice that suits formal and contemporary gardens as well as relaxed, edible landscapes.

Ilex crenata is a slow-growing, ornamental, evergreen shrub or small tree with dense and compact habit. Its tiny, rounded, glossy, dark green leaves resemble the box-wood leaves. Inconspicuous, white flowers that bloom in summer are followed by small, black berries in autumn. Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is an easily grown plant that tolerates various types of soils, except very wet, but thrives in average, medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it is drought and frost tolerant, but needs to be protected from drying winter winds. Doesn’t require regular pruning. Japanese Holly is a lovely, tough ornamental tree. Great alternative to Box or Buxus sempervirens because it is resistant to Box blight and not prone to leaf scorch when pruned. It is perfect as a specimen plant, for neat, low hedges and screens, path edgings, and foundations. Suitable for trimming and making topiaries and bonsai trees.

Magnolia Yulan is a stunning flowering bush that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to China, particularly the Yunnan Province, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The bush is known for its large, fragrant, and showy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

One of the most striking features of the Magnolia Yulan bush is its flowers. The flowers are cup-shaped and can measure up to 8 inches in diameter. They are pure white, with a slight pinkish tint at the base, and emit a sweet, lemony fragrance. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, and their beauty attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The Magnolia Yulan bush prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It is a relatively low-maintenance bush and requires only occasional pruning to maintain its shape. It is also tolerant of drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for gardens in warmer regions.

In summary, the Magnolia Yulan bush is a beautiful and elegant tree that is prized for its large, fragrant, and showy white flowers. It is low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

The 'Stella' cherry is a highly popular, self-fertile sweet cherry variety, renowned for its adaptability to various soil types and climates, making it a favorable choice for a range of environments. A half-standard 'Stella' denotes a specific tree form, with a clear stem/trunk beneath a bushy, well-branched crown, typically reaching heights of about 10-15 feet.

Originating from Canada, the 'Stella' cherry tree produces luscious, dark-red to almost black, heart-shaped fruits, known for their succulent, sweet, and rich flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. The fruits generally mature around mid-summer, attracting gardeners keen on early harvests.

Apart from its culinary virtues, 'Stella' serves an ornamental purpose, exhibiting beautiful white blossoms in spring that are a feast to the eyes, contributing to the aesthetic value of gardens. This cherry variety is particularly suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces due to its compact growth habit.

Being self-fertile means 'Stella' does not require another tree for pollination, which simplifies orchard management and enhances its appeal for home gardeners. However, planting it with other varieties can potentially improve fruit yield and quality. Care considerations include regular watering, pruning, and monitoring for pests and diseases.