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Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is a compact, deciduous shrub or small tree, mostly known for its beautiful foliage. Small 5-lobed leaves, resembling an open hand with outstretched fingers, are golden-orange with pink edges in spring, bright green in summer, and pastel yellow-orange in autumn. Katsura Japanese maple grows in vase-shaped form, but as it matures, it becomes more rounded. Small reddish flowers bloom in April. It grows well in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. It’s very hardy but needs to be sheltered from harshest winds. Easy to care for, it requires minimal pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is grown mostly for its attractive foliage and interesting shape. Great as a specimen plant, but also in groups, especially, for beds and borders. Perfect for small gardens. Very suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta is a compact, dense, fast-growing, evergreen shrub with colourful twigs and branches – colours range from orange-brown, honey to sandy yellow. Leathery, glossy dark green leaves have silver undersides. Flowers are small, creamy, inconspicuous, but have nice, sweet fragrance. They bloom from late summer to autumn and are followed by deep red, edible fruit.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta 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. In very cold climates, its shallow roots should be protected from frost. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta, with its compact habit and lovely silvery-green foliage, is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban or coastal. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or planted in containers.

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.

Malus x zumi 'Golden Hornet' is a vigorous, medium-sized, deciduous tree with broad oval crown, ovate, green leaves, yellow in autumn, and a profusion of fragrant, pink-white flowers, opening from pink buds and blooming in late spring. Flowers are followed by heavy crops of edible, golden-yellow fruits in autumn, persisting on bare branches in winter. Great for jellies and jams. Attractive to birds and bees. Malus x zumi 'Golden Hornet' prefers fertile, deep, loamy, moist, and well-drained soils, but tolerates many different soil types, except too wet. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Resistant to frost and urban pollution. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. A self-fertile plant that can be used as a pollinator for other fruit trees. It can be susceptible to scab. Crab Apple ‘Golden Hornet’ is an attractive ornamental tree, perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen plant and suitable for growing in containers.

Pinus × schwerinii 'Wiethorst' is a cultivar of the hybrid pine, Pinus × schwerinii, which is a cross between Pinus nigra and Pinus strobus. This ornamental evergreen tree is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive form and foliage. 'Wiethorst' is a slow-growing conifer that typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet and a spread of 6-8 feet over a period of 10 years. Its branches grow in a symmetrical, upright fashion, creating a compact and dense form. The bark is dark gray and develops interesting furrows as the tree matures. The needles of 'Wiethorst' are long and slender, measuring about 5 inches in length, and are arranged in pairs. They have a beautiful bluish-green color that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This cultivar also produces small cones, which are typically about 2-3 inches long. 'Wiethorst' is a hardy tree that can thrive in a range of soil types and climates, making it an excellent choice for many regions. It is relatively low-maintenance and requires little pruning, though occasional shaping may be desired to maintain its form.

Acer palmatum 'Ryusen' is a stunning cultivar of the Japanese maple tree, highly valued for its unique and graceful weeping habit. It is a deciduous tree that grows up to 10-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with a dense and cascading canopy that forms a beautiful dome shape. Its branches are covered in delicate and deeply cut leaves, which emerge in spring as a vibrant green color and turn into golden-yellow in the fall. One of the most striking features of 'Ryusen' is its cascading habit, which makes it a perfect choice for small gardens or landscapes where space is limited. The tree's slender and flexible branches can be trained to grow over walls, fences, or trellises, creating a stunning vertical effect. In Japan, 'Ryusen' is often used as a bonsai tree, where its graceful weeping habit is highly appreciated. ' Ryusen' is a hardy tree that thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering during dry periods and occasional pruning to maintain its shape and prevent overcrowding.

Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium', also known as Lion’s Head Maple, is a small, deciduous, slow-growing Japanese maple with bushy upright habit and peculiar foliage. Masses of small, curled, dark green lobed leaves are very decorative throughout the season, especially in autumn, when they become golden yellow and vivid orange. This vibrant autumn foliage resembles lion’s fiery mane. Small reddish-purple flowers appear in May and are followed by samaras in autumn. It grows best in neutral or acidic soil, moist, but well-drained, in partial shade or full sun. It should be protected from harsh winds, late frosts or searing sunshine because of its delicate leaves that could be damaged. Besides that, it is very hardy and can withstand hard winters. Highly sculptural form of Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium' is perfect for contemporary gardens, but also very effective in small, urban, or Oriental-themed gardens. Ideal for growing in containers.

Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly popular evergreen shrub, valued for its vibrant red young foliage that matures to glossy dark green, creating striking year-round colour and contrast in the garden. Its reliable performance and bold appearance make it a staple in both contemporary and traditional planting schemes.

Well suited to a variety of garden settings, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. A sheltered position is ideal to protect its young growth from cold winds, particularly in exposed areas. It is also tolerant of urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for town and city gardens.

Typically reaching 3–4 metres in height if left unpruned, it can be easily maintained at a lower height, making it perfect for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen. Regular trimming encourages fresh red growth, enhancing its ornamental appeal.

Low maintenance and versatile, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is ideal for adding structure, privacy, and vibrant colour, while also providing a dense habitat for garden wildlife throughout the year.

Prunus x blireana is a small, robust, vase-shaped, ornamental cherry tree with slender, slightly arching branches and dark green leaves, reddish-purple when young. Slightly fragrant, double, mauve-pink flowers that appear with the leaves and bloom abundantly in early spring. Prunus x blireana is a cross between the Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) and the Purple-leaved plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’). It is sterile, therefore does not produce fruit. It grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, but is adaptable to other types of soils. It thrives in full sun. It is resistant to frost, but late winter frosts may damage the flower buds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Tolerant of urban conditions. Blireana Plum is an attractive, very decorative cherry tree with wonderful flowers and good autumn foliage. It is perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Great for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent for planting along driveways and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers.

Enkianthus 'Pagoda' is a bushy, spreading, deciduous, tree-like shrub with simple, oval, toothed, dull green leaves that turn red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Clusters of lovely, small, bell-shaped, creamy to pink flowers with red veins bloom from late spring to summer and are attractive to bees. Enkianthus 'Pagoda' can adapt to most soil types, even poor ones, but prefers fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist, well-drained soils in light shade. It also grows well in full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, but it may require some pruning to retain its size and shape. Pagoda bush is an unusual and attractive plant with beautiful flowers and excellent autumn foliage. It is not demanding and very easy to grow. Great for Japanese-style and woodland gardens. Perfect for mixed and shrub borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Betula utilis var. jaquemontii, or West Himalayan Birch, is one of the most popular birch trees. It is a medium-sized, vigorous, deciduous tree with upright, pyramidal habit. It is famous for its beautiful snow-white peeling bark, the whitest that can be found among birch varieties. Its leaves are ovate, dark green and turn bright yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in dropping catkins, while female flowers are greenish and appear in upright catkins.

West Himalayan Birch can grow in any type of soil, even sand or clay, as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is extremely hardy and does best in cool northern climates. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Betula utilis var. jaquemontii is a very attractive tree, perfect as a specimen plant or in beds and borders. Great for cottage and urban gardens, avenues and broad streets. Suitable for roof gardens and growing in containers.

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.

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.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' is a striking deciduous ornamental grass valued for its impressive height, graceful form, and dramatic seasonal colour. Forming dense clumps of arching green foliage with a distinct white midrib, it creates movement and texture within garden borders throughout the growing season. In late summer, tall stems rise above the foliage carrying rich reddish-purple flower plumes that gradually soften to silvery tones as autumn progresses, providing long-lasting interest well into winter.

As temperatures cool, the foliage develops beautiful shades of bronze, orange, and gold, making this grass especially attractive in autumn planting schemes. Its upright yet flowing habit makes it ideal for adding structure to mixed borders, prairie-style gardens, and contemporary landscapes. The plumes also catch low sunlight beautifully, bringing warmth and atmosphere to outdoor spaces.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’ is hardy, reliable, and easy to maintain. Once established, it tolerates periods of drought and requires only an annual cutback in late winter or early spring before fresh growth appears, ensuring a tidy and healthy display each year.

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Showa-beni' is wonderful, vigorous, deciduous climber that climbs by anti-clockwise twining. It has soft, silky, pinnate, fresh green leaves, and fragrant, lilac-pink flowers abundantly growing in hanging sprays and blooming in late spring to early summer. Flowers are followed by velvety, bean-like seed pods, ripening in late summer and persisting on branches throughout the winter. Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Showa-beni' grows best in moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soils. It likes full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Best flowering is achieved in full sun. It can withstand frost and drought. Needs regular pruning to maintain its shape and size and to encourage flowering.

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Showa-beni' is an exotic-looking and fast-growing climber perfect for growing against a house wall, on pergolas, trellises, arbours, and fences. Great for cottage and urban gardens. It can also grow as a tree on a strong support.

Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare' is a vigorous, slow-growing deciduous shrub with a pendulous, weeping habit. Feathery, deeply dissected, lobed, dark purple leaves, become crimson red in autumn. Its inconspicuous, purple-red flowers bloom in April and May and are followed by winged nuts. It can grow in every soil type, except chalk. Thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Although it prefers partial shade, it tolerates full sun very well. If planted on dry locations, the foliage colour may be less intense. Easy to care for. It requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare' is perfect as a focal point in a small garden. It looks stunning when planted by the pond because of the waterfall effect of its pendulous habit. It is also easily grown in containers and suitable for roof gardens or patio gardens.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Fraise Melba’ is an exceptional variety prized for its dramatic, color-changing flower display. From midsummer through autumn, this hardy shrub produces large, conical panicles that open as pristine white, then gradually blush into soft pink before deepening into rich raspberry-red tones. The multi-stage transformation creates a spectacular, layered effect that brings dynamic beauty to the garden across the seasons. With its upright, well-branched habit, ‘Fraise Melba’ typically reaches around 6 to 8 feet tall, making it ideal for use as a focal point, hedge, or backdrop in mixed borders. Its sturdy stems ensure the heavy blooms remain upright, even after rain, maintaining a tidy, elegant form. Easy to grow and remarkably low maintenance, this hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soils. A long-lasting performer, ‘Fraise Melba’ delivers both structure and vibrant color, making it a standout addition to any landscape.

Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea is a small, long-blooming, deciduous, ornamental cherry tree with an upright, spreading to rounded habit, and deep green leaves, turning golden and bronze in autumn. Lovely, semi-double, rosy-pink flowers fade to soft pink and open from dark pink buds, blooming intermittently from November to March. Pea-sized, black fruits ripe in summer and attract birds. Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea is a naturally occurring hybrid, native to Japan, longer-lived than other ornamental cherries. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It is very tolerant of summer heat and winter cold, as well as urban pollution and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant. Winter-flowering Cherry 'Autumnalis Rosea' creates a wonderful display all year round. It is perfect as a specimen or lawn tree in informal, cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Ideal for urban conditions. Suitable for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' is a sought-after Japanese Maple variety known for its remarkable, intricate foliage and distinctive growth habit. This particular specimen sports an 80cm clear stem, supporting a weeping head, bringing the overall height of the tree to 110cm. It epitomizes graceful elegance with its cascading branches cloaked in deeply dissected, feather-like leaves. The leaves are a striking purplish-red, intensifying to a brilliant crimson come autumn, offering a vibrant spectacle. It is relatively compact, making it a superb choice for smaller gardens or growing in containers. It’s well-suited to creating focal points within landscapes, providing both visual appeal and architectural structure. Its rugged charm is highlighted when placed against a backdrop of evergreens or contrasting foliage, where its intricate silhouette becomes a living sculpture. A lover of well-drained, fertile soils and partial shade, ‘Inaba-Shidare’ requires protection from harsh winds and excessive sun to maintain the integrity of its delicate foliage. During winter, its dormant, twisted limbs add an additional layer of interest, hinting at its robust nature beneath a seemingly delicate demeanor. This exquisite blend of strength and beauty makes the Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' a beloved addition to diverse horticultural designs.