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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.

Alnus incana 'Aurea',  known as the Golden Alder, is a deciduous tree prized for its striking yellow foliage and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cultivar is a variation of the grey alder (Alnus incana), native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

Reaching a height of 6 to 10 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, Alnus incana 'Aurea' is medium-sized, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It is noted for its smooth, greyish bark, which contrasts beautifully with its bright golden-yellow leaves that emerge in early spring. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a lime green, maintaining a light and airy appearance. The leaves are ovate, serrated, and slightly sticky to the touch when young.

In winter, this tree adds visual interest with its small, cone-like fruits and hanging catkins that persist on the branches. The catkins are yellow-brown and appear before the leaves in early spring, contributing to the tree’s year-round appeal.

Alnus incana 'Aurea' is an extremely hardy tree, thriving in a variety of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils. It is often planted in areas prone to flooding or along riverbanks, as it is highly tolerant of waterlogged conditions. The tree also fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with root nodules, which improves soil fertility.

Though low-maintenance, the Golden Alder benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. This fast-growing tree is a great choice for those looking to introduce colour and texture to their garden while supporting local wildlife, as it provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

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.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is an exotic-looking evergreen shrub or small tree of narrowly columnar habit, dense and compact, with leathery, oblong, glossy, dark green leaves, coppery-brown underneath. Its lightly scented, creamy-white to pure white flowers with yellow stamens, bloom in summer and early autumn, and are followed by red, cone-like fruits. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is easily grown in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. It doesn’t like too wet or too dry soils. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. It can withstand cold, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds. Not very tolerant of urban pollution, but somewhat tolerant to salt. Low maintenance plant. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a lovely, small, slow-growing ornamental tree, perfect as a lawn specimen or planted in groups. Great for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for informal hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

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.

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.

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.

Butia capitata, commonly known as the Jelly Palm, is a beautiful palm tree that is frequently used in landscaping for its ornamental value. This palm is native to Brazil and Uruguay and has a very distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify.

The most striking feature of the Butia capitata is its blue-gray or silver-green trunk. Unlike many other palm trees, the trunk is covered in old leaf bases that give it a rough, textured appearance. As the palm matures, the base of the trunk gradually changes from a gray to a brown color, adding to its unique character.

Butia capitata is also known for its lush foliage. The leaves are feather-like, pinnate, and can grow up to 8 feet long. They grow in a V-shape around the trunk, giving the palm a stunning, symmetrical look. In spring, small, yellowish flowers bloom from the palm's crown. The flowers give way to edible fruit, which are known as "jelly palms," as they are sweet and commonly used to make jellies and jams.

This palm tree is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun but can handle some shade and is tolerant of drought and heat.

In addition to its stunning visual appeal, Butia capitata is also considered to be a "clean" palm tree. Unlike some other palm species, it is not prone to diseases or pests and requires little maintenance to keep it healthy.

In summary, Butia capitata is an excellent choice for adding texture, color, and character to any outdoor garden. It's a low-maintenance plant that offers an appealing aesthetic and is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a small, highly ornamental, deciduous tree with rounded habit, thorny branches, and shallow, three-to-five-lobed, glossy green leaves that turn yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of lovely, double pink flowers grouped in corymbs bloom in May and June creating a spectacular display. Blossoms are followed by bright red berries in autumn.

Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is not only beautiful, but tough and resilient. It is easily grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It is adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. Crataegus laevig 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a wonderful ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant in small, informal, or urban gardens. Suitable for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens.

Pittosporum ‘Victoria’ is an upright, bushy, dense, evergreen shrub with small, elliptic, leathery, silvery-green leaves with irregular, wavy, white margins, tinged dark pink in winter. Small, fragrant, bell-shaped, dark purple flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by dark grey seed capsules. Pittosporum ‘Victoria’ can grow in a wide variety of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and the best leaf colour is in full sun, but it can grow well in partial shade. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds. It is tolerant of coastal conditions and ideal for coastal areas. Tolerant of urban pollution. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Tawhiwhi or Kohuhu 'Victoria' is a great ornamental shrub, very attractive and resilient. Suitable for coastal, urban, and cottage gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, wall-side borders, and trellises. Great for hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is an evergreen shrub valued for its attractive year-round foliage and clusters of delicate flowers, making it a popular choice for UK gardens. This compact variety is especially appreciated for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a wide range of soils and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Reaching an average height and spread of about 1.5 to 2 metres, it’s well-suited for hedging, borders, or as a standalone feature in smaller garden spaces.

The foliage of Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is lush, dense, and a rich dark green, providing an excellent backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are oval-shaped with a leathery texture, adding structure and depth to garden displays. Flowering from late autumn through to early spring, it produces rounded clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that open in pale pink buds and gradually transition to a bright, creamy white. This long blooming period makes it especially valuable for providing colour and interest during the colder months when many other plants are dormant.

The flowers of Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ are followed by metallic blue-black berries, which ripen in spring and attract birds to the garden. These berries add an extra visual appeal and make the plant a good choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The shrub is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain shape, and it’s resistant to most pests and diseases. Additionally, Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is tolerant of coastal conditions, making it a resilient option for seaside gardens.

Overall, Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is a versatile, robust, and decorative shrub that brings a mix of evergreen foliage, seasonal flowers, and attractive berries to any garden, ensuring year-round interest with minimal effort.

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' is an attractive, bushy, suckering, long-blooming, deciduous shrub with narrow, dark blue-green leaves. In late winter, large, rounded flower-heads composed of tiny, fragrant, bright yellow flowers appear on bare stems from small, hairy buds. The period of blooming is long, from 4 to 6 weeks providing an exquisite display in winter and early spring. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' prefers fertile, hummus-rich, loamy, moist but well-drained soils in light dappled shade or full sun. In hot areas, it appreciates protection from the afternoon sun. Intolerant of hot dry summers. Pest-free and disease-free. Doesn’t require pruning. Its inner bark can be used to make quality paper, hence the name Paperbush. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' is a stunning ornamental plant, attractive all year round. Ggreat addition to any garden – informal, cottage, coastal or urban. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for wall-side borders, shrub borders, or foundation plantings. Suitable for growing in containers.

Loropetalum chinense ‘Black Pearl’ is a bushy, compact, rounded, multi-stemmed, spreading, semi-evergreen shrub with small, leathery, heart-shaped, dark purple leaves. Fragrant, spider-like, reddish-pink flowers with long petals, resembling witch hazel, blooming in February and March. Loropetalum chinense ‘Black Pearl’ prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Doesn’t like waterlogged and shallow chalk soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in sunny, sheltered, frost-free areas. Too much shade reduces flowering. It can withstand some frost, but has to be sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance shrub, doesn’t require pruning. Chinese Fringe Flower is a very pretty evergreen shrub suitable for various purposes. Perfect for cottage, urban, and woodland gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, shrub and wall-side borders. Great for growing in containers. In colder areas, it should be brought inside during the winter.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia' is a small, ornamental, deciduous tree with broad, compact, rounded crown, and thorny branches. Glossy, broad-oval, dark green leaves look spectacular in autumn when they turn scarlet, deep yellow and purple. Small, fragrant, white flowers cover the tree in late spring and are followed by attractive clusters of deep red berries that persist on thorny branches for a long time. Attractive to birds and bees.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is very undemanding and adaptable. It grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for most difficult gardens. It tolerates full exposure to coastal winds and air pollution. Very resilient and low maintenance. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is a stunning ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges and screens in cottage and informal gardens. Great for urban and coastal areas.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen climber, with twining stems, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, bronze purple when they emerge, bronze-red in winter. Clusters of lovely, very fragrant, star-shaped, white to creamy flowers bloom in summer. Star jasmine grows best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade and most soils and conditions.

It thrives in a south-facing positions. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It needs to be protected from cold, drying winds. It should be provided a strong support and pruned to promote bushy growth. Generally, disease-free and pest-free, very easy to grow and maintain, ideal for beginners.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides, with is highly fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage, is a beautiful vine suitable for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. It is perfect as a ground cover or low clipped hedge, excellent for covering walls, fences, pergolas, arbours and trellises and great for planting in pots.

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’, commonly known as the Japanese White Pine, is an elegant evergreen conifer prized for its striking blue-green foliage, graceful form and year-round ornamental appeal. Native to Japan, this beautiful pine develops a naturally picturesque shape, often forming an open, irregular crown with gently twisting branches that create a distinctive Japanese garden character.

The soft, slender needles are arranged in clusters of five and have a silvery-blue appearance, giving the tree a cool, refined colour that provides excellent contrast against darker evergreens or lush green planting schemes. In spring, attractive purple-blue cones may appear, adding further seasonal interest. With age, the bark develops attractive grey tones and a rugged texture, enhancing its mature, sculptural appearance.

Growing at a slow to moderate rate, Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ is an excellent choice where space is limited or where a specimen tree with strong architectural qualities is required. It typically reaches around 4–6 metres in height over many years, although its final size depends on growing conditions and pruning. It responds well to careful training and is often used for Niwaki-style pruning, making it a popular choice for formal Japanese gardens, courtyards and contemporary landscapes.

This Japanese White Pine prefers a sunny, open position in free-draining soil and is particularly suited to lighter, sandy or loamy soils. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and requires little maintenance, although young trees benefit from regular watering during dry periods. It is generally hardy throughout the UK and tolerates exposed positions, provided the soil does not remain waterlogged during winter.

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ makes a superb focal point as a specimen tree, either planted in a lawn, gravel garden or among other architectural plants. Its elegant silhouette, evergreen foliage and slow-growing nature make it a long-lasting and highly desirable addition to both traditional and modern gardens.

Photinia fraseri 'Pink Marble', when espaliered on a metal frame, presents a captivating display of botanical artistry. This living structure, standing at 150 cm in height and 100 cm in width, forms a compact yet eye-catching feature in any garden. The metal frame, typically of a simple grid design, provides sturdy support and guides the plant's growth in a flat, two-dimensional form. This espalier technique not only showcases the plant's architectural qualities but also maximizes space, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a decorative wall feature.

The 'Pink Marble' variety of Photinia is particularly striking. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, with new leaves emerging in vibrant shades of pink and red, before maturing to a variegated pattern of green and cream. This color transition adds a dynamic visual element throughout the seasons. The plant's compact, bushy habit responds well to pruning, essential in maintaining the espalier's shape and promoting dense, lush growth. The result is a living tapestry, rich in color and form, that brings structure and beauty to any outdoor space.

The Morello cherry tree, when grafted onto Colt rootstock, represents an exceptional combination that brings together the delectable taste of the Morello cherries with the strength and resilience of the Colt rootstock. Morello cherries are renowned for their distinctly sour taste, a deep, enticing red hue, and a rich, juicy texture. These attributes make them highly favored for a variety of culinary uses, including pies, jams, jellies, and other desserts.

The tree itself boasts white blossoms in spring, offering not only a bountiful harvest but also an ornamental display. The leaves are a bright green, providing a vivid backdrop for the cherries as they develop from green to their deep, mature red.

Colt rootstock plays an integral role in this pairing. It imparts semi-vigorous growth to the cherry tree, ensuring that it remains at a manageable size, perfect for medium to large garden spaces. Moreover, trees grafted onto Colt benefit from enhanced drought resistance, reliable anchorage, and a noteworthy resilience against various diseases that might plague cherry trees. This results in a tree that is both productive in fruit yield and relatively low-maintenance, making it a favored choice for both experienced gardeners and novices.

Colt rootstock is a popular choice for cherry trees, offering a semi-dwarfing size that reaches about 70-80% the height of standard cherry trees. It's well-suited for heavier soils, providing good anchorage and resistance to bacterial canker. Colt enhances the tree's longevity and supports robust fruit yields, making it ideal for various cherry cultivars.

Sciadopitys verticillata, commonly referred to as the Japanese umbrella pine, is a distinct and architecturally striking evergreen conifer. Native to Japan, this tree is prized for its unique appearance, featuring glossy, dark green needles that radiate around its branches resembling the spokes of an umbrella. The needles are thick and leathery, arranged in whorls that contribute to the plant’s dense, sculptural form.

Growing slowly, the Japanese umbrella pine eventually reaches an ultimate height of about 15-20 meters in the UK, making it a magnificent specimen tree in larger gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect it from harsh winds. Partial shade to full sun is ideal for its growth.

In British gardens, Sciadopitys verticillata is often used as a focal point due to its rare and exotic appearance. Its resilience and year-round beauty also make it a popular choice for ornamental planting.

Thujopsis dolabrata is a distinctive evergreen conifer that makes an excellent structural plant for many garden settings. Native to Japan, it forms a dense, pyramidal tree with thick, glossy dark-green foliage and attractive silvery markings on the undersides of the leaves, adding visual interest throughout the year.

This slow-growing conifer is well suited to medium or large gardens where a long-lived, architectural specimen is desired. It performs best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun or partial shade. Sheltered locations are ideal, particularly in colder or exposed gardens, as this helps protect the foliage from harsh winter winds.

In a garden design, it works beautifully as a focal point in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed shrub borders. Its neat habit and rich foliage colour provide a strong evergreen backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials. Because it grows slowly and maintains a naturally tidy shape, it requires very little pruning or maintenance.

The tree can eventually reach around 10–15 metres in height over many years, but its gradual growth makes it manageable for long-term planting schemes. Hardy and relatively trouble-free, Thujopsis dolabrata is valued for its unusual foliage, strong form, and year-round presence in the garden.