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Quercus coccinea, known as the scarlet oak, is a stunning deciduous tree native to North America and admired for its brilliant seasonal display. In spring and summer, its deeply lobed green leaves form a graceful canopy, but it is in autumn that the tree reveals its true brilliance—transforming into fiery shades of scarlet, crimson, and deep red. This spectacular burst of color makes the scarlet oak a cherished symbol of vitality, transformation, and natural beauty. Its strong wood, hardy growth, and deep root system reflect resilience and endurance, qualities that have long connected this oak to strength and stability. Thriving in upland soils and sunlit environments, Quercus coccinea also plays an important ecological role, supporting wildlife and enriching landscapes with its vibrant presence. With its striking appearance and enduring symbolism, the scarlet oak embodies the essence of boldness, energy, and timeless connection to the natural world.

Fagus sylvatica is a beautiful, large, law-branched, deciduous tree, with pyramidal habit when young and more rounded and spreading crown when mature and thin, smooth, grey bark. Ovate, pale green to dark green leaves turn golden bronze in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers bloom in spring and are followed by edible, triangular beech nuts in autumn. Common Beech grows best in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay. Once established, somewhat tolerant to drought. It is generally disease-free and pest-free. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It may not grow well in urban areas and doesn’t like to be moved, it is difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica is a beautiful, large tree, perfect as a specimen plant or a shade tree for large lawns and parks. It can withstand pruning so it can be used for informal hedges and screens.

Pinus mugo 'Mops’ is a lovely, slow-growing, dense, coniferous, evergreen shrub of bushy, rounded habit with short, slender, double, silvery-green needles, yellowish in winter, and small, inconspicuous cones. Pinus mugo 'Mops’ can grow in a wide range of soils, loamy, sandy, clay or chalky, as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It can adapt to coastal conditions, but prefers cool summer climates. Resistant to frost and can withstand wind, therefore, suitable for exposed positions. Generally tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Dwarf mountain pine 'Mops' is a popular dwarf shrub, great-looking in rock gardens, surrounded with stones and pebbles. Also suitable for informal, cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Excellent as a specimen plant or accent plant in small gardens. Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, and for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum ‘Chitose-Yama’ is a striking and reliable Japanese maple valued for its seasonal colour shifts and strong garden presence. Its deeply lobed foliage emerges in spring as bright red-purple tones, gradually maturing to bronze-green through summer while retaining attractive reddish highlights. In autumn, the tree produces a vivid display of fiery crimson, orange, and gold, making it a standout feature in the late-season garden.

This cultivar has a more vigorous, upright habit than many Japanese maples, making it well suited to medium and larger gardens where it can develop its natural shape. It works particularly well as a specimen tree in lawns, mixed borders, or woodland-style plantings, where its changing foliage can contrast beautifully with evergreen shrubs and softer underplanting.

‘Chitose-Yama’ prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefits from a sheltered position away from strong winds. Partial shade is ideal, although it can tolerate sunnier sites if soil moisture is consistent. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring only light pruning to maintain structure.

With its robust growth, reliable colouring, and seasonal transformation, Acer palmatum ‘Chitose-Yama’ brings structure, movement, and exceptional year-round interest to the garden.

Cornus mas is a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with exfoliating bark and ovate, dark green leaves which turn purple in autumn. The clusters of tiny bright yellow flowers on short stalks bloom in late winter on bare branches, before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by edible, red, cherry-like fruits that can be used for making syrups and jams. Cornus mas is easily grown in average, medium moist, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in almost any type of soil, but prefers organically rich soils. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance and resistant to frost. To prevent spread, root suckers need to be removed immediately. Cornus mas is a very adaptable, highly decorative early-bloomer that brings brightness and colour to bare winter gardens. It is perfect as an unusual specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges and screens, informal and cottage gardens.

Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko' is a popular Japanese maple cultivar known for its stunning crimson-red foliage that emerges in the spring and deepens to a rich burgundy color in the summer and fall. The name 'Beni-maiko' translates to "red dancing girl" in Japanese, and this cultivar certainly lives up to its name with its graceful and eye-catching appearance.

This deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 8-12 feet with a spread of 6-10 feet, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or as a container plant. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a delicate, lacy appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.

In addition to its stunning foliage, 'Beni-maiko' also produces small red flowers in the spring that give way to winged samaras, or "helicopter" seeds, in the fall. The tree prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, and is generally low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko' is a striking and versatile tree that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden or landscape.

When fully mature, Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko' can reach a height of up to 12 feet with a spread of 6-10 feet. However, the ultimate size of the tree will depend on factors such as the growing conditions, pruning practices, and other environmental factors. This cultivar is considered to be a slow-growing tree, which makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a container plant. With its compact size and graceful appearance, 'Beni-maiko' is a great choice for adding a touch of elegance and beauty to any outdoor space.

Pinus leucodermis 'Irish Bell', also known as dwarf Bosnian pine, is a superb choice for gardeners seeking a slow-growing, structured evergreen with year-round appeal. Its compact, upright, and broadly pyramidal form reaches about 3 to 4 feet in 10 years, making it ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, or as a standout specimen in conifer collections. The plant features dense tufts of dark green needles with white fascicle sheaths that add a subtle sparkle and visual texture throughout the seasons.

This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is hardy. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance and versatile addition to a wide range of garden designs—from rock gardens to formal landscapes.

'Irish Bell' provides strong architectural form and year-round color, contrasting beautifully with flowering perennials, broadleaf evergreens, or deciduous shrubs. Its neat growth habit requires little to no pruning, and it resists most pests and diseases. With its manageable size, unique texture, and striking color, Pinus leu 'Irish Bell' enhances both traditional and modern garden spaces with elegance and resilience.

Pinus mugo 'Ophir' is a dwarf cultivar of the mountain pine, Pinus mugo. It is a slow-growing, coniferous evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 4-5 feet at maturity. Its compact and rounded form, with bright golden-yellow foliage, makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, container plantings, and low borders. The needles of Pinus mugo 'Ophir' are short and twisted, measuring about 1-2 inches long. They emerge in spring as a vibrant golden-yellow colour, which gradually fades to a soft green in summer. The bark of the plant is a dark brown color with a slightly rough texture, adding to its ornamental value. This cultivar is very hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions, making it an ideal choice for cold climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Pot grown from seed here at the Arundel Arboretum, very well rooted and hardened. 

Populus tremula, commonly known as the trembling aspen or quaking aspen, is a deciduous tree native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including the United Kingdom. It belongs to the genus Populus and is renowned for its distinctive quivering leaves, which flutter in even the slightest breeze, giving rise to its evocative common names.

The trembling aspen typically reaches heights of 20 to 25 meters, although some specimens can grow taller under optimal conditions. Its slender trunk is often pale grey or white with black knots, and it tends to have a narrow crown with branches that ascend in a graceful, upward fashion.

One of the most striking features of the trembling aspen is its leaves. They are roughly triangular in shape with finely serrated edges, and they have a flat petiole that causes them to flutter and tremble in the wind. This unique characteristic helps to distinguish the tree from other species in its range.

In the spring, the trembling aspen produces catkins, which are long, drooping clusters of small flowers. These flowers are an important source of pollen for bees and other pollinators. Later in the season, the tree develops small, round fruits containing tiny seeds surrounded by cottony fluff, aiding in wind dispersal.

Trembling aspens typically thrive in moist, well-drained soils in locations such as riverbanks, wetlands, and mixed woodlands. They are relatively fast-growing and can colonize disturbed areas quickly, making them an important pioneer species in forest ecosystems.

In addition to their ecological significance, trembling aspens also hold cultural and historical importance. They feature prominently in folklore and mythology in various cultures, often symbolizing resilience, regeneration, and transformation.

Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' is a dwarf, slow-growing cultivar of the Japanese red pine. This evergreen conifer typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with a spread of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) over a period of 10 years. The plant has a compact, dense, and spreading habit with a flat-topped crown.

The needles of 'Low Glow' are dark green, stiff, and twisted, and grow in bundles of two. They are typically 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and have a somewhat coarse texture. In the fall, the needles take on a rich golden-yellow color before dropping off.

The tree produces cones that are small and round, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The cones are typically a reddish-brown color and persist on the tree for several years.

'Low Glow' is an excellent choice for small gardens, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant in a container. It is also suitable for bonsai and other small-scale horticultural applications. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers a well-drained site with full sun exposure.

This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance and requires little pruning, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want a fuss-free plant. It is also relatively drought-tolerant, although it will benefit from regular watering during periods of extended dryness.

In summary, Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen conifer with a spreading habit and dark green, twisted needles. It produces small, round cones and is suitable for small-scale horticultural applications, including container gardening, rock gardens, and bonsai. This cultivar is low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.

The Acer palmatum 'Brown Sugar' is a captivating Japanese maple variety known for its dense, bushy form and striking foliage. This compact, deciduous tree features vibrant leaves that transition from a rich burgundy in spring to a deep brownish-red in summer, and finally to fiery orange and red hues in autumn. With an elegant, multi-branched structure, it typically reaches heights of 8-10 feet, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, or as a stunning focal point in any landscape. ‘Brown Sugar’ thrives best in partial shade to full sun, preferring well-drained soil with regular moisture. Resistant to many pests and diseases, this tree offers year-round beauty and low maintenance, enhancing any outdoor space with its unique color palette and form.

The Acer ‘Koto no Ito’, a stunning variety of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), is highly prized for its delicate, finely dissected foliage and elegant cascading form. The name Koto no Ito translates from Japanese as “Harp Strings”, aptly describing its thin, thread-like leaves that resemble the delicate strings of a traditional Japanese koto instrument.

This captivating maple is a slow-growing, deciduous tree, reaching approximately 2.5–4 metres (8–13 feet) in height over many years. In spring, its narrow, deeply lobed leaves emerge in a fresh green shade, adding an airy, graceful texture to the garden. As the seasons progress, the foliage matures to a deeper green before undergoing a spectacular autumn transformation, turning vibrant shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

One of the standout features of ‘Koto no Ito’ is the way its fine, almost wispy leaves flutter in the wind, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display. This delicate, feathery appearance gives the tree an ethereal quality, making it a popular choice for Japanese-style gardens, courtyards, and containers.

Unlike some Japanese maples, ‘Koto no Ito’ is relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, though it thrives best in partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds helps preserve its delicate foliage.

This tree’s compact size and elegant form make it a perfect choice for smaller gardens, patios, or as a striking focal point. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or alongside other Japanese maples, ‘Koto no Ito’ brings a sense of tranquillity and natural beauty to any landscape.

Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' is a remarkable cultivar of the Pinus mugo species, also known as the mountain pine or dwarf mountain pine. This particular cultivar, named 'Benjamin,' is a compact, slow-growing, and low-maintenance coniferous evergreen shrub that makes an ideal choice for gardens, rockeries, or as a specimen plant in various landscaping projects. Its distinctive characteristics and growth habits make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers who appreciate its unique charm and resilience.

Originating from the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' thrives in higher altitude environments and is well-adapted to a wide range of conditions. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey compositions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -50°F (-45°C) and is suitable for a diverse range of climates.

Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' is characterized by its dense, symmetrical, and rounded growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of approximately 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) in 10 years. Its slow growth rate, typically about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) per year, makes it an excellent choice for small gardens and confined spaces where other conifers might become too large. The compact size of this cultivar allows it to maintain its shape without the need for regular pruning, which makes it an attractive low-maintenance option.

The foliage of Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' consists of dark green, needle-like leaves, arranged in pairs and spirally arranged along the branches. Each needle is approximately 1.2-2.4 inches (3-6 cm) in length, with a slightly curved or twisted appearance. These needles are retained year-round, providing constant interest and color even during the winter months.

In addition to its attractive foliage, Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-brown male cones and slightly larger, ovoid, green female cones. As the female cones mature, they turn into a woody, brown color and release winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind. While the cones are not particularly showy, they do provide additional textural interest to the plant's overall appearance.

The bark of Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' is initially smooth, with a grayish-brown color, which gradually becomes more rugged and furrowed as the shrub ages. This textural contrast between the bark, needles, and cones contributes to the visual appeal of this cultivar.

To maintain the health and vigor of Pinus mugo 'Benjamin,' it is essential to provide it with a sunny or partially shaded location, allowing it to receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it is essential to water it regularly during the first few years of growth to encourage a strong, healthy root system.

In summary, Pinus mugo 'Benjamin' is a captivating and resilient evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest, with its dense growth habit, dark green needle-like foliage, and intriguing bark texture. Its compact size, slow growth rate, and low-maintenance requirements make it an exceptional choice for various landscape settings, from rock gardens to mixed borders or as a focal point in a small garden.

Malus ‘Neville Copeman’, or Purple Crab Apple, is a medium-sized, upright, deciduous tree with irregular, wide, ovoid, half-open crown, and attractive foliage – purple when young and green flushed with purple later. Lovely, lilac-pink flowers bloom in spring and large, tasteful, waxy, purplish-red fruits ripe in autumn. Fruits are great for making jams, jellies and chutneys. Malus ‘Neville Copeman’ can grow well in almost any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained, but thrives in moderately fertile, deep, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand frost, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. It is self-fertile, therefore, useful as a pollinator for other apple trees. Purple Crab Apple ‘Neville Copeman’ is popular for its attractive foliage, flowers, and large crab apples. It is great as a specimen plant in smaller gardens, suitable for urban areas, and for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum 'Wilson's Pink Dwarf' is a delightful, slow-growing Japanese maple prized for its compact size and ever-changing foliage. In spring, the finely cut, delicate leaves emerge in soft shades of pink, creating a striking display that brings gentle colour and elegance to the garden. As the season progresses, the foliage matures to fresh green while retaining subtle pink tones on the newer growth, providing lasting visual interest throughout the warmer months. In autumn, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange, crimson and scarlet, delivering a spectacular seasonal finale.

Its naturally rounded, dwarf habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, patios and containers, where it can be appreciated up close. Requiring little pruning, it develops into a graceful specimen that suits both modern and traditional planting schemes.

For the best foliage colour and leaf quality, plant Acer palmatum 'Wilson's Pink Dwarf' in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in a sheltered position. Partial shade is ideal, particularly in hotter areas, as it helps protect the delicate leaves from scorching. Perfect as a focal point, this beautiful maple offers year-round structure, exceptional seasonal colour and timeless elegance in even the smallest of gardens.

Taxus baccata, or Common Yew, is a long-lived, medium-sized, bushy evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with leathery, flat-needled, light to dark green foliage. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by very ornamental, red, berry-like fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are attractive to birds. Common Yew grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is tolerant of full shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It doesn’t like temperature extremes, and need protection from harsh winter winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning, but can be trimmed in various shapes. Taxus bacca is a tough and resilient plant suitable for various conditions, one of the best conifers for shady areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great for foundation plantings or topiaries.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as bear grass, is an excellent addition to a wide variety of garden styles thanks to its striking form, toughness, and low-maintenance nature. Its long, narrow, arching leaves create a graceful fountain-like shape that adds movement and texture to planting schemes, making it ideal for modern, Mediterranean, gravel, and xeriscape gardens. This plant excels as a standalone focal point or when grouped with other drought-tolerant species to create bold, sculptural displays.

One of its greatest strengths is its resilience. Nolina hibernica thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing impressive tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions once established. This makes it particularly suitable for gardens where water conservation is important or where conditions are too harsh for more delicate plants. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, helping maintain structure through winter when other plants may fade back.

In addition to its environmental tolerance, bear grass requires minimal upkeep. It rarely needs pruning and remains naturally tidy, making it perfect for gardeners seeking impactful yet easy-care plants. Whether used in borders, rock gardens, coastal settings, or contemporary landscapes, Nolina hibernica brings architectural beauty, longevity, and practical reliability to any outdoor space.

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.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as beargrass, is an excellent addition to a wide variety of garden styles thanks to its striking form, toughness, and low-maintenance nature. Its long, narrow, arching leaves create a graceful fountain-like shape that adds movement and texture to planting schemes, making it ideal for modern, Mediterranean, gravel, and xeriscape gardens. This plant excels as a standalone focal point or when grouped with other drought-tolerant species to create bold, sculptural displays.

One of its greatest strengths is its resilience. Nolina hibernica thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing impressive tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions once established. This makes it particularly suitable for gardens where water conservation is important or where conditions are too harsh for more delicate plants. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, helping maintain structure through winter when other plants may fade back.

In addition to its environmental tolerance, beargrass requires minimal upkeep. It rarely needs pruning and remains naturally tidy, making it perfect for gardeners seeking impactful yet easy-care plants. Whether used in borders, rock gardens, coastal settings, or contemporary landscapes, Nolina hibernica brings architectural beauty, longevity, and practical reliability to any outdoor space.