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Morus alba, or White Mulberry, is a fast-growing, rounded, spreading, deciduous tree with simple, heart-shaped, veined, glossy dark green leaves, yellow in autumn. It is usually dioecious, but sometimes monoecious. Small, yellowish, inconspicuous flowers grow in dropping catkins and bloom in spring. Female flowers are followed by sweet, edible, blackberry-like fruits, white to dark-red or purple-black when ripe. White Mulberry can adapt to a wide range of soils but grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat and drought. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. White Mulberry has been used in China for thousands of years as a primary food for silkworms that produce silk. It is suitable for growing in cottage gardens, fields and roadsides. Its fruit and bird droppings are very messy for urban areas.

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a small, rounded, deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown and ascending, thorny branches with deeply lobed, glossy, emerald green leaves that turn yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of beautiful, double, scarlet-rose flowers bloom in clusters in late spring, covering the whole crown and creating a spectacular display. The blossoms are followed by black red fruits in autumn.

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is easily grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun and best flowers occur in full sun, but the plant tolerates partial shade. It is tough and resilient, adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning. Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet', is a beautiful, tough ornamental tree, great addition to any garden. Perfect as a specimen tree in cottage or urban gardens. It can be also used for hedges and screens.

The Gage Old Greengage on Myrobalan rootstock is a distinguished fruit tree revered for its production of exquisite, sweet, and flavourful plums. This tree, when paired with Myrobalan rootstock, exhibits admirable hardiness and disease resistance, making it an enduring favorite amongst gardeners and orchard owners. Myrobalan rootstock is notably conducive to moderate growth, rendering the tree suitable for gardens with limited space.

Old Greengage is prized for its delicious greenish-yellow fruits that have been a staple in gardens for centuries. The fruits are known for their rich, honeyed flavor and smooth texture, making them a preferred variety for fresh consumption and culinary uses, like jams, jellies, and baked goods. The tree blooms with delicate, white flowers in spring, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest in late summer.

The symbiotic relation between the Old Greengage and the Myrobalan rootstock not only ensures a reliable yield but also increases the tree’s adaptability to different soil types, improving its chances to thrive in various environments. This combination of delectable fruits and robust growth makes the Gage Old Greengage on Myrobalan rootstock a cherished option for those seeking to cultivate quality plums with less hassle.

Despite its myriad of advantages, the cultivation of Old Greengage requires meticulous attention to watering, pruning, and pest control to maintain optimal health and achieve abundant, high-quality fruit production. This union of storied fruit variety and sturdy rootstock remains a symbol of horticultural excellence and tradition in fruit cultivation.

St. Julian rootstock is a semi-vigorous rootstock for gage trees, providing medium-sized trees, making it suitable for small gardens. It's widely used for its compatibility and adaptability, promoting good productivity and longevity. It's partially self-fertile and moderately resistant to diseases and pests. Ideal for plum and gage.

Cotoneaster 'Cornubia' is a large, rounded, compact, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree with branches that are upright when young, and arching as the plant matures. Long, oval, pointed, rich green leaves are early to leaf and late to drop. Clusters of lovely, creamy-white flowers appear in spring and attracts bees. Flowers are followed by abundance of attractive, pea-sized, vivid red berries in autumn and winter, if not eaten by birds. Cotoneaster 'Cornubia' is very easy to grow. It thrives in fertile sandy loams, but can adopt to poor soils as long as they are well-drained. It doesn’t like marshy or waterlogged soils. It grows best in full sun and requires little maintenance. Once established, it is drought resistant. Cotoneaster 'Cornubia', with its semi-evergreen leaves and long-lasting berries, can be a perfect accent plant in winter gardens. Great for shrub borders, banks and slopes, and informal hedges.

Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is a stunning climbing shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Also known as the Japanese wisteria, this plant is highly prized for its gorgeous, cascading clusters of fragrant, white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer.

The 'Longissima Alba' variety is particularly noted for its long, pendulous flower clusters, which can reach up to 3 feet in length. The flowers are delicately scented and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

The foliage of this plant is also attractive, with long, narrow leaves that emerge in a bronze hue before maturing to a bright green color. In fall, the leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow before dropping for the winter.

As a climbing shrub, Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is ideal for training onto trellises, walls, or pergolas, where its cascading flowers can be fully appreciated. It is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 30 feet if left unpruned.

Overall, this beautiful and fragrant climbing shrub is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape, providing a stunning display of flowers and foliage throughout the growing season.

Quercus robur, or English Oak, is a large, long-lived, deciduous tree with a majestic, broad-spreading crown and smooth silvery brown bark, rough and fissured when mature. The lobed, blue-green leaves turn reddish brown in autumn. The tree is monoecious. Inconspicuous, male, yellow-green flowers grow in long, hanging catkins while small, female, pink flowers are followed by brown acorns that grow in couples on long stalks and fall to the ground in autumn. English Oak grows best in average, loamy, medium moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun to dappled shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought and frost. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. English Oak is a stunning architectural tree, robust and sturdy, often found growing in woodland. It is perfect as a specimen tree in larger areas or grown as a hedge in smaller ones. It supports more wildlife than any other tree in the UK.

Prunus Lusitanica is a vigorous, evergreen shrub of bushy, spreading habit, dark brown bark, dense branches, vivid red when young, with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, fragrant, white flowers bloom in profusion in summer and are followed by dark purple fruits in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds.

Prunus Lusitanica grows best in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, even poor, shallow, or chalky. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but is tolerant of full shade as well. Once established, it is resistant to drought, heat, wind, and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Generally, pest-free.

Portuguese Laurel Cherry is a beautiful plant, perfect for long-lasting privacy hedges in informal, cottage, and woodland gardens, especially in shady areas. It forms dense and attractive windbreaks and screens. It reduces noise and pollution, therefore, suitable for urban areas. Great for banks and slopes and shrub borders.

Catalpa bignonioides, commonly known as Southern Catalpa or Indian Bean Tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a member of the Bignoniaceae family, which also includes other notable ornamental trees such as Jacaranda and Trumpet Creeper. Southern Catalpa trees typically grow up to 50 feet tall and have a broad, spreading crown. They have large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length and produce fragrant, white or yellowish-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by long, slender seed pods that can reach up to 18 inches in length and contain numerous small seeds. Catalpa bignonioides is known for its attractive, distinctive appearance and is commonly used as an ornamental tree in landscaping. It is also valued for its shade-providing qualities and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Southern Catalpa is a hardy tree that is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It prefers well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can even withstand periods of drought. However, it is vulnerable to some pests and diseases, including catalpa sphinx moth and Verticillium wilt.

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.

Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is a beautiful and highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. It is known for its delicate foliage and stunning fall colors. This tree is an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to any landscape.

The mature height of Acer palmatum 'Jordan' typically ranges from 10 to 15 feet, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. It has an upright, rounded habit with multiple trunks and branches that create a beautiful silhouette.

The foliage of 'Jordan' is a deep red color in the spring and summer, and turns a vibrant crimson in the fall. The leaves are palmate and deeply lobed, giving the tree a unique and elegant appearance. This cultivar is also known for its excellent resistance to leaf scorch and other common diseases.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is an exceptional tree that adds a lot of visual interest and beauty to any landscape. Its relatively small size and stunning foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller yards or as a focal point in a larger landscape.

Yucca rostrata 'Blue & Blue', commonly known as Blue Beaked Yucca, is a spectacular evergreen succulent that delivers striking architectural appeal to any garden or landscape. This hardy plant features a tall, single or multi-trunked form topped with dense rosettes of powdery blue, sword-shaped leaves. The foliage's unique blue hue adds a cool, serene tone to garden designs, contrasting beautifully with warmer colors and textures. In late spring to early summer, this yucca produces towering flower spikes adorned with clusters of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Yucca rostrata 'Blue & Blue' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, showcasing exceptional drought tolerance and low maintenance needs. Ideal for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and modern landscapes, it offers year-round interest and resilience.

Our spruce has been grown in a pot from seed right here at the Arundel Arboretum. 

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a prominent coniferous tree native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Recognisable by its tall, symmetrical shape and dense, evergreen foliage, it often reaches heights of 35–55 metres, with some specimens growing even taller under optimal conditions. The Norway spruce is widely planted in Europe and North America, not only for ornamental and landscaping purposes but also for timber production, given its straight grain and versatility. Its wood, known as "whitewood," is prized in the construction industry and is also used in the manufacture of paper and musical instruments.

The tree's bark is brown to reddish and scaly, becoming rougher as it ages. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, with pendulous branchlets giving the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Needles are dark green, pointed, and around 1–2 cm in length. Cones are one of its defining features, typically measuring 10–18 cm, with a cylindrical shape and rounded, overlapping scales that turn brown as they mature.

Picea abies is hardy, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils and benefits from full sun. In colder climates, it is often cultivated as a Christmas tree due to its classic conical form and appealing fragrance. However, it requires ample space for its expansive root system, making it unsuitable for small gardens.

Ecologically, the Norway spruce plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. 

Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’, commonly known as the Eastern Redbud, is a striking deciduous tree prized for its vibrant foliage, attractive shape and beautiful spring flowers. This eye-catching cultivar is particularly valued for its heart-shaped leaves, which emerge in rich golden-yellow tones before gradually developing a softer yellow-green colour as the season progresses.

In spring, clusters of small, rosy-pink to purple-pink flowers appear directly on the bare branches and stems, creating a wonderful display before the foliage emerges. The flowers provide an important early source of nectar for pollinating insects, adding wildlife value as well as seasonal interest.

As the leaves develop, the tree takes on a fresh and luminous appearance. Its heart-shaped foliage creates a soft, rounded canopy, while the branching structure provides interest during the winter months when the tree is bare. In autumn, the foliage can develop attractive yellow tones before falling.

Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ is best planted in a sunny or partially shaded position with a well-drained, fertile soil. A sheltered location is particularly beneficial, helping to protect the young spring growth from strong winds and late frosts. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and generally does not require extensive pruning.

Its manageable size and distinctive appearance make ‘Hearts of Gold’ an excellent choice as a specimen tree for lawns, borders, courtyards and larger garden spaces. The combination of colourful spring flowers, golden foliage and attractive branching means it provides interest across several seasons.

For customers looking for a tree that offers something different from the usual green-leaved specimens, Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ is a particularly rewarding choice. Its bright foliage can provide a focal point in the garden, while its unusual flowers and elegant form give it plenty of character throughout the year.

Prunus domestica ‘Old Green Gage’ is a small European plum tree with elliptic, serrated, bright green leaves, masses of white, 5-petal, flowers in mid-spring, and heavy crops of delicious, small, oval, yellow-green plums, exceptional for culinary purposes - canning, making jellies, or eating fresh. European Plum ‘Green Gage’ is an old variety and regarded as the one of the best flavoured plums. It is adaptable to different types of soils, but prefers fertile, loamy, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Flower buds may be damaged by early frosts. Low maintenance plant. Prunus domestica ‘Old Green Gage’ is a lovely fruiting tree with extremely tasty and juicy fruits. A great addition to any informal and cottage garden. Excellent for wall-side borders and informal hedges and screens. Primarily grown for its fruit. Great for culinary purposes, canning, making jellies, or eating fresh.

Arbutus rubra is an evergreen tree of notable ornamental value, admired for its rich colouring, distinctive bark, and year-round interest. Typically medium-sized, it develops a rounded to spreading crown and a strong architectural presence, making it well suited to gardens, parks, and mild coastal landscapes.

The foliage of Arbutus rubra is one of its most striking features. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, often flushed with reddish tones when young. Elliptical in shape with finely serrated margins, they are held densely along the branches, contributing to the tree’s lush and robust appearance throughout the year. As an evergreen, it provides consistent structure even in winter months.

Its bark is particularly decorative. Smooth and richly coloured, it peels naturally in thin flakes, revealing layers of warm red, cinnamon, and copper beneath. This exfoliating habit gives the trunk and larger branches a textured, sculptural quality that becomes increasingly attractive with age.

Flowering typically occurs in autumn or early winter. Small, urn-shaped flowers appear in hanging clusters and are usually creamy white to pale pink. These blooms are attractive to pollinating insects and add subtle charm at a time when many plants are dormant. The flowers are followed by rounded fruits that gradually ripen to shades of red, enhancing the tree’s seasonal appeal and providing food for birds.

Arbutus rubra prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sheltered positions with full sun or light shade. Once established, it shows good tolerance to drought and coastal conditions. Its combination of colourful bark, evergreen foliage, delicate flowers, and ornamental fruit makes it a refined and enduring choice in temperate gardens.

Betula papyrifera, commonly known as the paper birch or white birch, is a striking deciduous tree native to North America. It is best known for its distinctive white bark that peels in thin, paper-like layers, giving it a unique ornamental appeal throughout the year. This species typically grows quickly and can reach heights of 50 to 70 feet, with an open, airy canopy. Its dark green, serrated leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, creating a beautiful seasonal display. Paper birch thrives in cool climates and is commonly found in northern forests, along streams, and in open woodlands. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can adapt to various conditions. In addition to its aesthetic value, Betula papyrifera provides important ecological benefits, offering food and habitat for wildlife. It is also historically significant, as Indigenous peoples used its bark for canoes, containers, and writing surfaces.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Lady in Red’ is an elegant, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture and seasonal colour to the garden. Upright and refined in habit, it produces a dense fountain of narrow, arching green leaves that gradually develop warm red and bronze tones as autumn approaches.

From late summer into autumn, tall flowering stems rise above the foliage, carrying airy, feathery plumes that emerge with a soft reddish tint before maturing to silvery-pink. The flowers catch the light beautifully and move gently in the breeze, making ‘Lady in Red’ an excellent choice for adding structure and movement to borders.

Unlike many larger Miscanthus varieties, ‘Lady in Red’ has a relatively neat and manageable habit, making it particularly useful for modern gardens, mixed borders and smaller planting schemes. It works equally well as a feature plant or planted in groups to create a soft, naturalistic effect.

This versatile grass is happiest in full sun, where it will develop its strongest growth and best flowering, although it will tolerate some light shade. It prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and becomes increasingly drought tolerant once established. Cut the old foliage back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

‘Lady in Red’ provides interest over a long season. Its fresh summer foliage gives way to rich autumn colouring, while the attractive seedheads can be left standing through winter to provide structure and movement when many other plants have died back. The dried flower plumes also offer valuable habitat and cover for wildlife.

A superb choice for cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, contemporary borders and wildlife-friendly schemes, Miscanthus ‘Lady in Red’ combines graceful form with excellent seasonal interest and relatively low maintenance.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba 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. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

Trachycarpus fortune, or Chinese Windmill Palm, is a dioecious, evergreen palm tree with a stout trunk covered with hairy, black fibres from old leaf sheaths, and deeply divided, fan-shaped, dark green leaves. Large, dropping panicles of small, light yellow flowers bloom in summer and are followed by dark blue fruits on female plants. Chinese Windmill Palm grows best in rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade to full sun and locations sheltered from cold, drying winds and winter frosts. Plant crown may need protection. Of all the trunked palms, this one has the best winter hardiness. Drought tolerant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very easy to grow. Trachycarpus fortune is an excellent palm tree, perfect for bringing tropical vibes into the landscape. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in large containers and brought inside in very cold climates.