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Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the laceleaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and color to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.

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

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

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

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

Abies koreana, commonly known as the Korean fir, is a striking, compact evergreen conifer native to the mountainous regions of South Korea. It is prized for its dense, upward-growing branches, dark green needles with shimmering silvery undersides, and distinctive purple-blue cones that often appear even on young trees, adding year-round ornamental appeal. This slow-growing species typically reaches a mature height of 6 to 12 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature tree in larger landscapes.

At Arundel Arboretum, our Korean firs have been lovingly pot-grown from seed, ensuring strong root development and careful cultivation from the very beginning. This method promotes healthier, more resilient trees that are well-suited for successful transplanting into a variety of garden settings. Grown with expertise and attention to detail, our Abies koreana trees offer not only exceptional beauty but also the assurance of quality and care from seed to sale.

Tetrapanax, particularly Tetrapanax papyrifer or the rice paper plant, is a striking tropical-looking shrub or small tree native to Taiwan and southern China. It features enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to three feet wide, creating a bold, architectural presence in gardens. The leaves are green on top with a soft, felt-like white underside. Tetrapanax grows rapidly, often reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet, and spreads through underground rhizomes, which can make it invasive in mild climates. In late summer or fall, it produces tall, creamy-white flower clusters that attract pollinators. Despite its exotic appearance, it is relatively easy to grow in temperate regions with shelter from strong winds and frost. Ideal for creating a lush, tropical vibe.

Ginkgo biloba Mariken is a dwarf, coniferous, slow-growing, spreading, slightly weeping, deciduous tree with dense, spreading branches and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, bluish green leaves, golden yellow in autumn. Flowers are green and insignificant and are not followed by fruits since the plant is male. Ginkgo biloba Mariken grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution, therefore, it will thrive in city environments. Needs to be sheltered from hard winds. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. It transplants and establishes easily. Low maintenance. Ginkgo biloba Mariken, with its globe-shaped form and interesting foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in small gardens, great for beds and borders, as a foundation plant, planted along pathways, or for growing in containers. Suitable for bonsai. Great for small, informal, cottage, rock, or urban gardens.

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

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

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

Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is a dense, compact, coniferous, evergreen shrub of pyramidal habit with flat sprays of fresh green, scale-like leaves, bronze tinged in winter, and small, brown cones. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is an undemanding plant and once established, it needs no maintenance. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and soil conditions, except waterlogged, but prefers average, fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand exposed conditions. Not suitable for areas with long frosts and heavy snows. Low maintenance plant, but suitable for trimming. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' is a lovely, dense, elegant, coniferous shrub that can bring structure and nice evergreen colour to cottage, woodland, urban, rock, and gravel gardens. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Excellent for beds and borders and ideal for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Laurus nobilis, or Bay Laurel, is a dense, compact, slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal habit, dark grey bark, and aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, dark green leaves used in cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Clusters of small, yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by glossy, dark purple, berry-like drupes. Bay Laurel can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but thrives in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but doesn’t mind partial shade. It is tolerant of salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. In colder climates, it needs to be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Laurus nobilis is a wonderful, long-lived shrub, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers, great as a topiary, and excellent for hedges and screens. Essential for herb garden.

Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana,' commonly referred to as Chinese Redbud 'Shirobana,' is an exceptional and eye-catching ornamental tree that can grace British gardens and landscapes with its unique and captivating features. Originally hailing from China, this cultivar has garnered international acclaim for its remarkable characteristics.

One of the most remarkable attributes of 'Shirobana' is its blossoms. During the spring season, prior to the emergence of its leaves, this tree adorns itself with a profusion of delicate, butterfly-like flowers. What sets it apart is its ability to produce different-colored blossoms on the same tree simultaneously, creating a spectacular display of colour variation that is truly enchanting.

The name 'Shirobana' translates to "white flower," underscoring the tree's ability to produce these stunning pale blooms alongside the usual pink and lavender ones. This unique trait makes 'Shirobana' particularly desirable for garden enthusiasts seeking to introduce an element of whimsy and diversity to their outdoor spaces.

The foliage of 'Shirobana' typically takes on a heart-shaped form and exhibits a medium green hue, serving as a splendid backdrop to the lavish spring blossoms. As the leaves mature, they may acquire a glossy sheen, adding to the tree's visual appeal. This deciduous tree usually reaches a height of around 3 to 4 meters and forms an elegant, gracefully-rounded canopy.

Maintaining Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' in the UK is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location that receives ample sunlight or partial shade. Ensuring adequate watering during dry spells and regular mulching to conserve moisture are key to its overall health and vitality. Pruning requirements are typically minimal, primarily focused on shaping the tree or removing any dead or overcrowded branches.

One of the advantages of 'Shirobana' is its notable resistance to common pests and diseases, contributing to its low-maintenance nature. Additionally, it exhibits adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings.

In conclusion, Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' is an extraordinary ornamental tree that can bring a sense of wonder and diversity to British gardens. Its multi-coloured spring blossoms, heart-shaped leaves, and manageable size make it an enchanting addition to landscapes, providing an opportunity for gardeners to experience the ever-changing palette of nature. Whether used as a focal point or to infuse charm into garden borders, 'Shirobana' is certain to captivate the hearts of those who encounter its mesmerizing beauty.

Pterocarya fraxinifolia, commonly known as the Caucasian wingnut, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its bold structure and lush, tropical-looking foliage. Native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, it typically grows 20 to 30 meters tall with a wide, spreading canopy reaching 15 to 20 meters. Its elegant, pinnate leaves create a soft, feathery effect, providing dense summer shade. In late spring and summer, the tree produces striking, long, hanging catkins that develop into chains of winged seeds, adding ornamental interest. Pterocarya fraxinifolia thrives in moist, fertile soils and is ideal for parklands, large gardens, and riverside plantings. Its impressive size and distinctive appearance make it a standout feature in any expansive landscape.

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.

Sorbus vilmorinii, or Vilmorin's Rowan, is a small, spreading, deciduous tree with flat, fern-like, pinnate green leaves, turning red and purple in autumn. Corymbs of small, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by rose pink berries fading to white in autumn, and persisting on bare branches throughout the winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Vilmorin's Rowan is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Sorbus vilmorinii is a lovely, small, ornamental tree, perfect for small cottage, coastal and urban gardens. It is great as a specimen plant, for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers.

Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia, or European Mountain Ash, is a vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, upright habit when young, rounded when mature and pinnate, serrated, dark green leaves, yellow, red, and purple in autumn. Flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by a profusion of bright orange-red berries. Attractive to birds and bees. European Mountain Ash prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even poor and dry. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand wind and short floods. Doesn’t like hot and humid summers. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sorbus aucuparia is an attractive ornamental tree, perfect for cool northern climates. Great for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a street tree. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Pot-grown trees establish quickly with minimal transplant shock, offer greater flexibility for planting throughout the year, and typically show more consistent early growth due to their well-developed, protected root systems.

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.

Prunus 'Chocolate Ice' is a highly ornamental cherry tree, distinguished by its dark, chocolate-coloured foliage that remains consistent throughout the growing season, creating a unique, striking appearance. This tree typically reaches moderate heights, making it suitable for a variety of landscape applications. In addition to its distinctive foliage, 'Chocolate Ice' produces soft, pink blossoms during spring, adding an appealing contrast and enhancing its ornamental value.

This variety of Prunus is known for its adaptability and resilience, allowing it to thrive in a range of soil conditions and climates, although it prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. Its relatively compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, or it can be used as a focal point in larger landscapes due to its unusual colouring and attractive flowers.

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, 'Chocolate Ice' is also valued for its ability to attract wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity within its locale. Proper care, including regular watering and pruning, is crucial for maintaining the tree’s health and vigor, ensuring a lasting, impactful presence in the garden or landscape where it is planted. The dark foliage and soft pink blossoms create a harmonious and alluring blend, making Prunus 'Chocolate Ice' a prized selection for those seeking unique and visually striking trees.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Chinese Lace' is a distinctive ornamental tree valued for its unique aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It features finely cut, intricate, lace-like leaves, which grant the tree an elegant and delicate appearance. The tree produces clusters of vibrant orange-red berries, which are a prominent feature in the late summer and fall, providing a striking contrast to the foliage and attracting various birds and wildlife.

This variety of Sorbus aucuparia is celebrated for its adaptability to different environmental conditions, tolerating a range of soil types and prospering in both full sun and partial shade. It’s relatively resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscapes.

The ‘Chinese Lace’ showcases a splendid display of color during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a mixture of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a visual spectacle. This decorative feature makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to add autumnal color to their gardens.

Its compact growth habit and moderate height make it suitable for smaller gardens or for planting in restricted spaces. It provides structure, texture, and color to landscapes, blending well with other plants or standing alone as a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the surroundings.

Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' is a medium-sized, dense, bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub with a lovely variegated foliage. Leathery, glossy, dark-green to gray-green leaves have irregular, cremy margins. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in summer and are occasionally followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' can grow in various types of soil, but prefers average, moist, well-drained, fast-draining soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is very resilient and adaptable. It is tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance, but all branches that turn all green should be pruned. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo', with its beautiful variegated foliage that creates nice shimmering effect, is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens, banks and slopes. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’, or Irish Yew, is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub of narrowly columnar habit when young, broadly conical as it matures, with dense, closed crown, and leathery, needle-like dark green leaves. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by red, berry-like fruits. Irish Yew ‘Fastigata’ grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is resistant to frost and wind. 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 if needed. Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ is a stunning ornamental plant, ideal for providing beauty and structure in formal gardens. Great for urban, coastal and industrial areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for foundation plantings, hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a compact, deciduous conifer tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is commonly known as the European larch. The 'Little Bogle' cultivar is a dwarf version of the species, reaching a mature height of only 2-3 meters with a spread of 1-1.5 meters. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, small tree.

The 'Little Bogle' has a distinctive conical shape with a narrow, upright growth habit. The branches are densely covered with short, bluish-green needles that turn golden-yellow in the fall before dropping. The tree produces small, brown cones that are approximately 2-3cm long and have a papery texture. The cones persist on the tree into the winter months, adding an element of interest to the landscape.

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soil. The 'Little Bogle' is hardy, which makes it suitable for a wide range of climates.

This cultivar is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal pruning or shaping. It is also resistant to many common diseases and pests, making it a reliable addition to any garden. The tree can be used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or urban landscapes, where space is at a premium.

In conclusion, Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a beautiful and versatile tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. Its distinctive conical shape, bluish-green needles, and golden-yellow fall color make it a standout in any garden. It is easy to care for, hardy, and resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Nandina domestica, or Heavenly Bamboo, is small, compact, dense, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with a wonderful, colourful, bamboo-like, lance-shaped, lacy foliage – in shades of red in spring, green in summer, and again red in autumn. The clusters of small, star-shaped, white flowers may bloom in summer and are sometimes followed by bright, red berries. Nandina domestica is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, hummus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun with some afternoon shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can tolerate frost, but may need some protection from harsh winds. In very cold climates, it may lose some leaves or die to the ground. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant. It is considered to be invasive. Heavenly Bamboo is stunning when planted in groups or masses. Perfect for shrub borders, foundations, informal hedges and screens, as a groundcover or edger. Suitable for growing in containers.