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

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a small, evergreen tree of widely conical to broadly oval habit with spiny, toothed, extremely glossy, emerald green leaves. Small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in spring are followed by abundant and long-lasting crop of attractive, large, orange to red, berries in autumn and winter. It’s a female, partially self-pollinating plant. 'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly is a cross between English holly (ilex aquifolium) and Chinese holly (ilex cornuta). It can grow in various soil types, but prefers fertile, medium moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand frost and wind, but needs to be sheltered from drying winter winds. It is suitable for coastal areas. Low maintenance plant. Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is great as a specimen plant, good for hedges and screens, foundations, path edgings, and for growing in containers. Its branches with glossy leaves and red berries are typical Christmas decoration.

Red Oak is a deciduous tree, supplied here as a feathered specimen with branching retained down to ground level, giving it a full, bushy habit from an early stage. The foliage consists of large, deeply lobed leaves that emerge green in spring and summer before turning rich shades of red to russet in autumn, providing strong seasonal colour and interest. As a feathered tree it develops a dense, pyramidal to rounded structure, making it useful for screening or as a specimen tree where coverage close to the ground is desired. The autumn display is particularly notable, with the foliage colouring reliably even in less favourable conditions compared to some other oak species. Inconspicuous catkins appear in spring, followed by acorns in autumn, which provide a valuable food source for birds and small mammals. The tree supports a wide range of insect life, contributing to local biodiversity and forming part of a broader food chain within the garden ecosystem. Red Oak is tolerant of a range of soil types, including acidic and sandy soils, and is particularly well suited to sites with poor drainage compared to other oaks. It also copes well with urban pollution, making it a robust choice for both rural and town gardens, parks, and larger landscaped areas requiring a hardy, long-lived tree.

Pittosporum 'Gold King' is an evergreen shrub valued for its bright, eye-catching foliage. The glossy leaves emerge lime-green and mature to a rich golden-yellow, with colouring most vivid when grown in full sun. New growth is carried on distinctive dark, almost black stems, which provide an attractive contrast against the gold leaves. The shrub has a naturally compact, bushy habit with dense growth, making it useful for structural planting or informal hedging. It responds well to trimming and holds its shape and density throughout the year, offering year-round interest thanks to its evergreen nature and consistent foliage colour. Small, bell-shaped, dark purple flowers may appear in late spring, though these are generally insignificant and often hidden among the foliage, so the plant is grown primarily for its leaf colour rather than for flowering display. This variety is well suited to coastal gardens, as it tolerates salt-laden winds and exposed conditions. It also performs well in sheltered, sunny borders where its golden foliage can be fully appreciated. Pittosporum 'Gold King' prefers well-drained soil and benefits from some protection from harsh, cold winds in colder inland areas, making it a versatile choice for mixed borders, screening, or specimen planting.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with ovate to round, densely branched crown, smooth bark that becomes grooved as it matures, and oval, sometimes heart-shaped, blue-green leaves, bronze when young, yellow, orange and red in autumn. The fallen autumn leaves smell like cinnamon, burnt sugar or ripe apples. Tiny, inconspicuous, fragrant, reddish flowers bloom in spring before the foliage. Cercidiphyllum japonicum grows best in rich, loose, fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in partial shade, but tolerates full sun. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is resistant to frost and wind, but prefers locations sheltered from harsh winds and hot afternoon sun. The leaves may be damaged by late frosts. Tolerant of urban conditions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Japanese Katsura Tree is an elegant, architectural tree, perfect as a specimen plant in large, informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens. Excellent for avenues and broad streets.

Waldsteinia, also known as barren strawberry, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial that forms a dense, spreading mat of foliage. The leaves are trifoliate, resembling strawberry leaves, glossy and dark green, turning bronze-tinted during colder months before fresh green growth emerges again in spring. This cultivar provides good ground cover, spreading steadily via runners to suppress weeds and create a uniform carpet over borders or beneath shrubs. In spring, bright yellow, five-petalled flowers appear above the foliage, similar in appearance to buttercups, adding a cheerful splash of colour at a time when many other ground cover plants have yet to flower. The flowers are held on short stems just above the leaf canopy, creating a pleasing contrast against the dark green foliage. This plant is particularly useful for shady areas, including underneath trees and shrubs where many other ground cover plants may struggle. It tolerates a range of soil types, including clay, and copes well with dry shade once established, making it a practical choice for difficult areas of the garden. It is also suitable for edging paths and borders due to its compact, spreading habit.

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a dense, neat and tidy, evergreen shrub or small tree of compact, rounded to conical habit, with narrow, long, glossy, dark green leaves. Young stems are vivid red. Small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds.

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions. It thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, but doesn’t’ like very exposed sites, therefore, needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Portuguese Laurel 'Angustifolia', differs from the classic variety for its greater density and narrower leaves. It is, therefore, superb for formal hedges. It forms great windbreaks and privacy screens. It reduces noise and pollution. It can be grown as a topiary tree.

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.

Azalea Japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a stunning and popular cultivar of the evergreen Azalea genus, known for its vibrant and eye-catching blooms. This particular variety, 'Vuyk's Scarlet,' is cherished by garden enthusiasts for its distinctive scarlet-red flowers that add a burst of colour to gardens in late spring to early summer.

The Azalea Japonica species is native to Asia, particularly Japan and Korea, and 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a testament to the beauty and diversity within this group. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimetres) with a similar spread, making it a compact and manageable addition to gardens, borders, or even as a potted plant. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the striking scarlet blossoms, creating a visually appealing contrast.

The flowers of 'Vuyk's Scarlet' are trumpet-shaped and feature five distinct petals. These deep crimson-red blooms are known for their durability and longevity, often lasting for several weeks. Their intense colouration makes them stand out in any landscape, whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting scheme.

Caring for Azalea Japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Pruning can be done after flowering to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth.

This Azalea cultivar not only adds an explosion of colour to gardens but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a delightful choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes. 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a versatile and visually striking plant that exemplifies the timeless beauty of the Azalea Japonica species, making it a cherished addition to gardens throughout the United Kingdom.

Elaeagnus ebbingei, or Ebbing's Silverberry, is a cross between Elaeagnus macrophylla × Elaeagnus pungens. It’s a large, bushy, dense, rounded shrub, evergreen in warm winter climates, semi-evergreen in colder. Leathery, oval leaves are green with silver scales. As the plant matures, leaves turn dark green with silvery undersides. The clusters of creamy white, intensely fragrant, flowers bloom in late autumn, and are followed by edible, reddish-brown fruits in winter and early spring. Elaeagnus ebbingei can grow in wide varieties of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it can withstand drought, wind, and salt spray. Coastal winds may cause chlorosis when planted on shallow chalky soils. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Elaeagnus ebbingei has a beautiful silvery-green foliage that creates nice shimmering effect. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or along highways.

Acer palmatum 'Oridono Nishiki' is a highly decorative Japanese maple prized for its distinctive variegated foliage and elegant garden presence. In spring, the leaves emerge in a soft blend of cream, green and blush pink, often with irregular marbling and speckling that makes each leaf unique. As the season progresses, the pink tones may soften, while the creamy variegation remains prominent against fresh green, creating a luminous, almost dappled effect in the canopy.

Its naturally upright yet gently spreading habit gives it a graceful structure, making it a superb focal point in smaller gardens, courtyard spaces and mixed borders. The fine branching adds to its refined appearance, particularly in winter when the framework is revealed.

In autumn, Acer palmatum 'Oridono Nishiki' typically transforms into warm shades of gold, orange and red, providing a final burst of seasonal colour. It prefers a sheltered position in partial shade, protected from harsh winds and strong afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Best grown in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, it performs beautifully in both containers and garden planting schemes, offering year-round ornamental interest and exceptional foliage detail.

Frangula alnus, commonly known as alder buckthorn, is a versatile and ecologically valuable plant that can be an excellent addition to a wide range of garden styles. Its natural adaptability allows it to thrive in moist, well-drained soils and it tolerates both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for various garden positions including borders, woodland edges, or wildlife-focused spaces.

As a deciduous shrub or small tree, it brings multi-season interest to the garden: its glossy green leaves emerge in spring, followed by clusters of small, star-shaped pale greenish-yellow flowers in early summer. These are later replaced by red berries that ripen to black in autumn, providing a rich food source for birds and other wildlife.

Frangula alnus is especially valued in environmentally conscious gardens as it supports biodiversity. It attracts bees, other pollinators, and is the larval food plant for the brimstone butterfly. Additionally, it has a non-invasive root system, requires minimal maintenance once established, and is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Its subtle beauty, wildlife benefits, and resilience make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to combine ecological value with low-maintenance charm.

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a medium-sized, vigorous deciduous shrub with a bushy, dense, capriciously growing, cascading habit and smooth, grey-brown bark. It has beautiful, feathery, deeply cut, red leaves that resemble the colour of garnet stone in spring and summer, and turn scarlet in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, purplish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by pink, winged fruits. It can grow in any soil type except clay, but thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a wonderful shrub that really stands out in the landscape and is probably the most used among similar cultivars. It is stunning as specimen plant, perfect for cottage and urban gardens, rock gardens, and roof gardens. Suitable for growing in containers as well.

Euonymus 'Green Rocket' is an evergreen shrub with a naturally upright, narrow, columnar habit, making it particularly useful for tight spaces or where a strong vertical accent is required. The foliage is glossy, dark green and densely packed along the stems, providing a neat, formal appearance throughout the year. Its compact, tightly branched structure allows it to hold its shape well without excessive pruning, making it suitable for topiary or low-maintenance formal planting schemes. This shrub remains visually consistent across the seasons, offering reliable structure and colour in the garden during spring, summer, autumn and winter alike, rather than a specific seasonal peak. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay and loamy soils, and adapts well to both sun and partial shade. It is also suited to coastal locations, being tolerant of salt-laden winds and exposed conditions. This makes it a versatile choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant in various garden settings, including urban and seaside gardens where hardier, structural planting is needed.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a dense, shrubby, rounded, slow-growing, flowering, evergreen shrub with small, ovate, finely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, highly fragrant, jasmine-like, white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring. Flowers are rarely followed by oval, black-purple fruits. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is very easy to grow. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It brings more flowers in full sun, but can easily grow in partial shade. Once established, tolerant of drought. It is resistant to frost and heat. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Burkwood Osmanthus is a hybrid between O. delavayi and O. decorusa. It’s a beautiful and tough plant suitable for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for flower beds, mixed and shrub borders. Great for banks and slopes for erosion control. Very effective for hedges and screens.

Euonymus 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus' is a compact, evergreen shrub forming a small, dense, rounded mound. Its foliage is the main feature, consisting of tiny, narrow leaves in dark green with creamy-white margins, giving the plant a neat, variegated appearance throughout the year. The small leaf size and tight, slow-growing habit make it particularly useful for edging, low hedging, and topiary work, as it responds well to clipping and holds a defined shape. The shrub maintains consistent interest across all seasons due to its evergreen nature and bright variegation, which can lighten shady corners of a garden. Inconspicuous small greenish flowers may appear in early summer, though these are not a significant ornamental feature and are often hidden among the foliage. This variety is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and loamy soils, and tolerates both sun and partial shade. It is well-suited to coastal gardens, showing good resistance to salt-laden winds, and can also be grown successfully in containers or as low garden borders. Its dense, compact growth provides some shelter for small garden insects, though it is not noted for significant wildlife or pollinator value compared to flowering shrubs.

A Prunus lusitanica shrub trained on a frame creates an elegant, evergreen screen that resembles a living fence panel. Its glossy, deep green leaves are held on rich burgundy stems, providing year-round structure and colour. In early summer, upright spires of delicate white flowers add seasonal interest and attract pollinators, followed by small dark berries.

This form is ideal where space is limited but privacy is essential. The elevated frame allows light and airflow beneath, making it perfect for patios, terraces, boundary lines, or dividing garden rooms. It offers a softer, more natural alternative to timber fencing while delivering strong architectural definition.

Portuguese Laurel thrives in well-drained soil and is well suited to UK conditions, including coastal and urban gardens. It tolerates wind, pollution, and light shade, yet performs equally well in full sun. Once established, it is robust and relatively low maintenance, requiring only light trimming to maintain its crisp outline.

For contemporary or formal designs, a framed Prunus lusitanica provides immediate impact, evergreen privacy, and timeless garden structure.

Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Maigrün' is a versatile, evergreen shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. Commonly referred to as 'Maigrün,' this cultivar is valued for its compact growth, dense foliage, and attractive, glossy green leaves, making it a popular choice for hedging, ground cover, and ornamental purposes in gardens.

The shrub typically grows to a height of 1-1.5 metres, with a spread of approximately the same width. Its small, ovate leaves are a vivid green, creating a lush and vibrant appearance throughout the year. The foliage remains attractive in winter, adding to its appeal as an evergreen species. One of the key features of 'Maigrün' is its neat, rounded growth habit, which requires little maintenance. It responds well to pruning, making it ideal for shaping into formal hedges or low borders.

Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis 'Maigrün' produces tiny, inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a delicate touch to the plant. The flowers are followed by small, black berries, which may attract birds, adding some wildlife interest to the garden.

This shrub is easy to grow and adaptable to a range of conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of most soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is also reasonably drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for a variety of garden settings.

'Maigrün' is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in temperate climates. Its compact size, evergreen nature, and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Camellia ‘Brushfields Yellow’ is a vigorous, compact, neat and tidy, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves, and abundance of beautiful, creamy-white, double flowers, primrose yellow in the centre, that bloom in spring. Camellia ‘Brushfields Yellow’ loves organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. The soil needs to be consistently moist, too much water may lead to a root rot. It thrives in partial shade. Direct sunlight will burn its leaves and full shade may lead to thinner leaves and fewer blooms. It can withstand frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning. Camellia ‘Brushfields Yellow’ is one of the most popular camellias. Its evergreen foliage and spectacular flowers makes it a wonderful specimen plant in informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great in beds and borders, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Excellent for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.