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Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', or red leaf Japanese maple, is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub with delicate, upright branches and beautiful finely-divided, deep red leaves that change colour throughout the year. It is grown for its stunning foliage and interesting growth habit. Deep burgundy red of spring leaves fades to light green in early summer, then turn to golden, orange, and red in autumn. Unnoticeable red-purple flowers are followed by winged purple fruits.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' thrives in moist, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position. To achieve the best leaf colour, it must be in partial shade, though it tolerates full sun if the soil is moist. It also needs to be sheltered from drying winds. An outstanding ornamental tree, perfect for small yards, urban gardens, or as a front yard accent. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Acer platanoides 'Emerald Queen' is a robust and fast-growing cultivar of the Norway maple, widely valued for its adaptability, dense canopy, and year-round visual appeal. This deciduous tree typically reaches heights of 40 to 50 feet with a broad, symmetrical crown that provides excellent shade, making it a popular choice for streetscapes, parks, and large gardens.

Its glossy, dark green leaves create a lush summer display and turn a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn, offering striking seasonal interest. 'Emerald Queen' is tolerant of urban conditions, including air pollution, compacted soils, and drought once established, making it ideal for city planting. It also requires minimal maintenance and is relatively pest-resistant.

This cultivar prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Acer platanoides 'Emerald Queen' is perfect for those seeking a hardy, attractive shade tree with strong structure and reliable performance throughout the seasons.

Acer pensylvanicum, commonly known as the striped maple, is a deciduous tree native to the forests of eastern North America. It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing between 5 to 10 metres tall, with a slender trunk and spreading branches that create a rounded crown. The bark of young trees is particularly striking, characterised by green and white vertical stripes, giving the tree its common name. As the tree matures, the bark darkens to a reddish-brown or grey, and the stripes become less pronounced.

The leaves of Acer pensylvanicum are large and broad, usually measuring 12 to 18 centimetres in length and width. They are three-lobed, with a slightly serrated edge, and have a soft, velvety texture. The leaves are bright green in spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of yellow in the autumn before falling. This autumnal display makes the tree an attractive feature in woodland settings.

In late spring, the striped maple produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that hang down in delicate racemes. These flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers often found on the same tree. Pollinated by wind or insects, the flowers develop into distinctive winged seeds, called samaras, which mature in late summer and are dispersed by the wind.

Acer pensylvanicum thrives in cool, shaded environments, preferring moist, well-drained soils. It is commonly found in the understorey of mixed hardwood forests, where it grows slowly in the dappled light. The striped maple is also known for its ability to regenerate from stumps, making it resilient in disturbed forest areas.

Pinus parviflora ‘Linda’ is a highly ornamental, slow-growing dwarf Japanese white pine, ideal for adding year-round structure, texture, and subtle color to garden landscapes. Its compact, rounded form reaches about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide over many years, making it particularly well-suited to small gardens, rock gardens, container plantings, and bonsai displays. The shrub’s soft, blue-green needles grow in short tufts, creating a dense, finely-textured appearance that contrasts beautifully with broadleaf plants and flowering perennials.

‘Linda’ thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is hardy and has good tolerance to cold, wind, and light drought once established. Minimal maintenance is needed, with only occasional shaping to preserve its form. Its slow growth makes it a long-lasting structural plant that won’t outgrow its space quickly, reducing the need for frequent pruning.

This cultivar is particularly attractive in Japanese-style or minimalist gardens, where its refined appearance and compact stature are highly valued. Pinus parviflora ‘Linda’ adds elegance, visual interest, and dependable evergreen presence, making it a valuable choice for discerning gardeners.

Laurus nobilis ½ std, 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 ½ std 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.

Baccharis 'Coral Wave' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its unusual foliage, compact habit and excellent tolerance of exposed conditions. Also known as groundsel bush, this relatively tough plant is particularly well suited to coastal gardens, where it can cope with salt-laden winds and challenging conditions that many other shrubs find difficult.

The foliage is one of its main attractions. The narrow, glossy green leaves are carried densely along the branches, creating a neat, textured appearance throughout the year. Young growth can have attractive reddish-bronze colouring, adding further seasonal interest. The branches have a naturally arching habit, giving the plant a relaxed, slightly cascading form that works well in mixed borders, informal hedging and coastal planting schemes.

In late summer and autumn, Baccharis 'Coral Wave' produces small, pale flowers which are followed by attractive fluffy seed heads. These can add another layer of interest as the seasons change, while providing a useful source of food for some insects.

'Coral Wave' is a versatile shrub that performs best in full sun or light partial shade. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided the ground is reasonably well drained, and is particularly useful on sandy or poorer soils. Once established, it has good drought tolerance, although newly planted specimens should be watered regularly during their first growing seasons.

With its evergreen foliage, wind tolerance and relatively low maintenance requirements, Baccharis 'Coral Wave' is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, exposed sites and wildlife-friendly planting. It can be lightly pruned in spring to maintain a compact shape or encourage denser growth, although its naturally attractive form means extensive pruning is rarely necessary.

For UK gardens, it offers year-round structure combined with seasonal colour and is particularly useful where a hardy, unfussy evergreen shrub is required.

Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Wisteria floribunda ‘Black Dragon’ is a superb choice for adding drama and elegance to a garden, particularly where vertical interest is desired. This vigorous, deciduous climber is best suited to sunny, sheltered positions, ideally trained against a sturdy wall, pergola, or arch where its cascading racemes of deep purple, almost black, double flowers can be fully appreciated in late spring and early summer.

It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from a position in full sun to encourage abundant flowering. Like all wisterias, it requires a strong support structure and regular pruning—typically twice a year—to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and prevent excessive growth. Once established, it is relatively hardy and long-lived, making it a valuable investment for larger gardens.

‘Black Dragon’ is particularly effective in traditional or cottage-style settings but can also bring contrast to contemporary designs. It provides excellent seasonal interest, with fragrant blooms followed by attractive foliage through summer. However, patience is required, as young plants may take a few years to flower well. Ideal for creating shaded seating areas or focal features, it adds both beauty and architectural impact.

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.

Acer palmatum 'Orangeola' is an exceptional choice for gardens where elegant form, year-round interest, and vibrant seasonal colour are desired. This compact, weeping Japanese maple develops a graceful cascading habit, making it ideal for smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, woodland settings, and ornamental borders. Its finely dissected foliage emerges in shades of orange-red during spring, matures to rich red-green tones through summer, and culminates in a spectacular display of crimson, scarlet, and orange in autumn.

Thriving in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, 'Orangeola' performs best in a sheltered position protected from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun, particularly in warmer areas. In the UK climate, it is generally reliable and hardy, benefiting from partial shade where its delicate foliage can remain at its best throughout the growing season.

This striking tree is particularly effective as a specimen plant, beside ponds, within Japanese-inspired gardens, or grown in a large patio container where its cascading branches can be fully appreciated. Requiring little pruning beyond occasional shaping, it is relatively low-maintenance. Its manageable size and outstanding foliage colour make Acer palmatum 'Orangeola' a superb focal point that brings beauty, texture, and seasonal interest to gardens of all sizes.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 1/2 std is a New Zealand selection of Fraser's Photinia. It’s a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, oval, glossy, brilliant, bright red leaves when they emerge, and dark green after several weeks. Small, 5-petal, white flowers bloom in spring and are rarely followed by red fruits which can persist throughout winter. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 1/2 std grows best in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except waterlogged and compact. Once established, it is resistant of frost and drought. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 1/2 std is a very popular evergreen shrub, great as a specimen or accent plant, but perfect for hedges and screens, useful for noise reduction, or wind protection.

Amelanchier lamarckii is a large, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub or small tree of upright habit and horizontally spreading branches, and toothed, elliptic leaves, bronze when they emerge, dark green when mature, and orange-red in autumn. Fragrant, white, 5-petal flowers in loose, dropping clusters bloom in spring and are followed by edible, sweet and juicy, dark purple berries in summer.

Amelanchier lamarckii can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, lime-free, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It grows well in full sun and partial shade, but best fruit and autumn foliage are achieved in full sun. It is resistant to frost, de-icing slat, and wind. Tolerant of urban pollution. No serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant. Amelanchier is a lovely, elegant shrub, perfect for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen, for shrub borders, wall-side borders, and informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a highly attractive and practical choice for many gardens, particularly those seeking a Mediterranean character. Renowned for its silvery-grey foliage, gnarled trunk, and evergreen nature, it provides year-round visual interest and a strong architectural presence. Olive trees thrive best in sunny, sheltered positions with well-drained soil, making them especially suitable for warmer, drier climates or urban gardens with good light exposure.

One of the key advantages of Olea europaea is its drought tolerance once established, requiring relatively low maintenance compared to many ornamental trees. It responds well to pruning, allowing gardeners to shape it as a specimen tree, container plant, or even a small hedge. While it can produce olives in favourable conditions, fruiting is secondary to its ornamental value in cooler regions.

Although hardy, olive trees may need winter protection in areas with prolonged frost or heavy rainfall. Overall, Olea europaea is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking elegance, resilience, and a timeless Mediterranean aesthetic.

Abutilon megapotamicum is a charming addition to gardens, valued for its long-lasting, bell-shaped flowers and graceful, trailing growth. It is well-suited for borders, trellises, or container planting, where it can cascade attractively. Best grown in a sheltered, sunny position, it thrives with plenty of light but benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Abutilon prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix enriched with organic matter like compost is ideal. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Protection from strong winds is recommended, as the branches are soft and may snap.

In cooler areas, it should be placed in a frost-free spot or overwintered indoors, as it is only hardy down to around -5°C. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional feeding will encourage continuous flowering and healthy growth throughout the season.

Taxodium distichum 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Bald Cypress, is a captivating ornamental tree renowned for its unique form and striking foliage. This cultivar of the native Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer, meaning it sheds its needles in the fall, revealing a graceful, architectural framework. It can reach up to 20 feet in height, but is notable more for its width and weeping habit than for its height.

The tree boasts feathery, light green needles that turn a rich coppery-brown before dropping in autumn, offering seasonal interest. In spring, fresh green foliage emerges, creating a lush, soft appearance. The Weeping Bald Cypress thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It's particularly well-suited for waterside plantings, where it can reflect its beauty in the water, but also adapts well to urban environments.

Resistant to pests and diseases, this low-maintenance tree is a fantastic choice for adding structure and elegance to landscapes. Its distinctive weeping form makes it a focal point in gardens, parks, or along streets.

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.

Skimmia japonica is a compact, dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with aromatic, leathery, elliptic, rich green leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers appearing at the end of branches in spring. Female flowers are followed by attractive bright red berries in summer which ripen in autumn and persist throughout the winter.

Skimmia japonica grows best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. It is tolerant of drought and urban pollution. Doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Japanese skimmia, with its lush evergreen foliage and attractive red berries, is beautiful all year round. It is especially decorative in winter or in shady areas of the garden. Excellent for shrub borders, banks and slopes, and foundation plantings. Great for informal hedges and screens and for growing in containers.

Hosta Sum and Substance is a popular variety of Hosta, known for its impressive size and striking foliage. This herbaceous perennial is often chosen for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 60cm in length. The leaves are a vibrant chartreuse or golden green, depending on the light conditions, with a slightly glossy finish that adds to their appeal. As the plant matures, the foliage can form an imposing mound that can reach over 1 metre in diameter, making it an ideal focal point in shaded gardens.

This hosta hrives in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, which can bring out a more golden hue in the leaves. However, too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep the plant looking its best.

In mid to late summer it produces tall flower spikes, often up to 1 metre in height, bearing lavender, funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and can provide additional interest in the garden, though the foliage remains the primary attraction.

Relatively low-maintenance, this Hosta is hardy in the UK climate, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C. It's also resistant to pests like slugs and snails, which often plague other Hosta varieties. Due to its size it works well as a specimen plant or as a backdrop in larger garden borders. Its bold foliage contrasts well with finer-textured plants, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any shaded garden.

Prunus domestica 'Stanley' is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous plum tree with elliptical, bright green leaves and masses of fragrant, white flowers blooming in mid-spring. Flowers are followed by an abundance of large, delicious, juicy, dark blue plums with greenish-yellow flesh. The fruit is ready for harvesting in late summer and autumn. Prunus domestica 'Stanley' can tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in sunny, sheltered positions. Very resistant to frost and since it blooms later in spring, flower buds are rarely in danger of late frosts. It crops better after a cold and wet spring. It is self-fertile but it’s beneficial to have a pollinator nearby. Requires minimal pruning. Plum 'Stanley' is a very popular plum variety. It’s a reliable and heavy cropper. Perfect for small gardens. Very tasty, with high sugar content. Excellent when eaten fresh and ideal for drying and canning.

The Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as the horse chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. This majestic tree, widely cultivated throughout the UK, is celebrated for its striking appearance and historical significance.

Horse chestnuts can grow up to 30 meters tall, boasting a broad, rounded canopy that provides ample shade. The bark is greyish-brown, developing scaly plates with age. Its leaves are large and palmately compound, typically composed of five to seven leaflets radiating from a central point, resembling an open hand.

In spring, the horse chestnut produces magnificent conical flower clusters, known as inflorescences or 'candles'. These are composed of numerous small, white flowers with red or yellow blotches at the base of the petals. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs, and are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees.

The tree's fruit, commonly referred to as conkers, develop within a spiky green husk. When mature, the husks split open to reveal the shiny brown seeds inside. Conkers are a familiar sight in autumn and are traditionally used in children's games.

The Aesculus hippocastanum is a remarkable tree, known for its impressive stature, distinctive leaves, and iconic conkers, making it a beloved feature in parks, gardens, and streetscapes across the UK.