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Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a dense, shrubby, rounded, slow-growing, flowering, evergreen shrub with small, ovate, finely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, highly fragrant, jasmine-like, white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring. Flowers are rarely followed by oval, black-purple fruits. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is very easy to grow. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It brings more flowers in full sun, but can easily grow in partial shade. Once established, tolerant of drought. It is resistant to frost and heat. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Burkwood Osmanthus is a hybrid between O. delavayi and O. decorusa. It’s a beautiful and tough plant suitable for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for flower beds, mixed and shrub borders. Great for banks and slopes for erosion control. Very effective for hedges and screens.

Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ is a robust, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leathery, slightly arching, strap-shaped, coppery-purple and green leaves forming thick, spiky clumps. Dark red, tubular flowers appear sparsely on upright stems blooming in summer. New Zealand flax ‘Purpureum’ grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade.

It doesn’t like too wet or waterlogged soils. It is tolerant of salt and drought, therefore, perfect for coastal areas. It can withstand some cold, but frost can damage the foliage. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Old and discoloured leaves should be removed to keep the plant tidy.

Generally, disease-free. Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’, with its attractive foliage, is a good-looking ornamental plant, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in coastal, Mediterranean, rock and gravel, and urban gardens. Ideal for mass planting. Great for beds and borders and for growing in containers.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus', commonly known as porcupine grass or Japanese silver grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to eastern Asia. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add texture and structure to their landscape design. This cultivar is distinguished by its upright growth habit and striking foliage. Its narrow leaves are green with yellow margins, and they grow in an evenly spaced, horizontal banding pattern that gives the plant a distinct porcupine-like appearance. In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown, creating a stunning display of colour in the garden. Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a substantial plant that can be used as a specimen or in mass plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.

Viburnum davidii is a compact, low-growing, mounded evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with leathery, deeply-veined, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, acquiring burgundy tones in winter. Small, white flowers in rounded clusters bloom in spring and are followed by attractive, round, berry-like fruits that change their colour from green to pink to metallic turquoise when ripe. Only female plants produce fruit. Viburnum davidii grows best in average, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. In hot summer climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It’s an evergreen plant but tends to be semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder climates. Male and female plants are separate and female plants need male pollinators to bear fruit. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Viburnum davidii is a wonderful, exotic-looking shrub, perfect for informal hedges, foundation plantings, shrub borders or wall-side borders. Excellent as a ground cover. Suitable for informal and cottage gardens, as well as woodland areas.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Midget' is a compact, evergreen shrub valued in UK gardens for its neat form and year-round structure. A dwarf selection of Pittosporum, it naturally grows into a dense, rounded mound, typically reaching around 60–90 cm in height and spread, making it ideal for smaller gardens, low hedging, edging, or container planting.

Its foliage is particularly attractive. The small, oval leaves are a rich, dark green with gently wavy margins, creating a slightly textured appearance. The leaves are held closely along slender, dark stems, which can appear almost black, adding subtle contrast and depth. The overall effect is refined and architectural without appearing formal or rigid.

In late spring to early summer, inconspicuous but pleasantly honey-scented, deep purple flowers may appear, although the plant is primarily grown for its foliage rather than its blooms. The flowers are usually nestled within the foliage and may go unnoticed unless admired up close.

Well suited to the UK climate, Pittosporum ‘Midget’ thrives in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and benefits from protection against cold, drying winds, particularly in colder regions where hard frosts can damage young growth. In milder areas, it performs reliably and requires minimal maintenance.

Pruning is rarely necessary beyond light trimming to maintain its compact shape. Its tidy habit makes it an excellent alternative to box for low borders, especially in contemporary or Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Overall, it is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub that provides dependable evergreen interest throughout the year.

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', commonly known as the Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, is a stunning deciduous tree cherished for its striking foliage and remarkable autumn display. Native to Japan, this variety is celebrated for its deeply lobed, fern-like leaves which provide a delicate, lacy texture that adds a unique aesthetic to any garden.

In spring and summer, the leaves emerge with a soft green hue, creating a serene and refreshing presence. As the seasons transition to autumn, 'Aconitifolium' truly shines. Its foliage transforms into a spectacular array of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it one of the most brilliant autumnal displays among maples. This transformation adds a dynamic and fiery focal point to gardens, capturing the essence of the changing seasons.

'Aconitifolium' typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 4 meters, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for urban gardens, patios, and container planting.

This maple is not only admired for its foliage but also for its elegant, spreading habit and attractive branching structure, which provide year-round interest. Whether as a specimen tree or part of a mixed border, Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' brings a touch of elegance and seasonal drama to any garden setting in the UK.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum Dissectum' is a highly decorative small tree, valued for its elegant weeping habit and finely cut purple-red foliage. Its compact size and graceful form make it especially suitable for smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, Japanese-style planting schemes, and container growing on patios or terraces. The delicate foliage creates a soft, textured appearance throughout spring and summer before turning brilliant crimson shades in autumn, providing exceptional seasonal interest.

This cultivar thrives best in sheltered positions with moist, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds, which can damage the finely divided leaves. Partial shade is ideal, particularly in warmer areas, as it helps preserve the rich foliage colour and prevents leaf scorch. It combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, ferns, hostas, and evergreen shrubs, creating a calm and refined garden atmosphere.

Due to its slow growth and naturally cascading shape, very little pruning is required beyond removing damaged branches. Its architectural beauty makes it an excellent focal point near water features, pathways, or seating areas where the intricate foliage and graceful silhouette can be fully appreciated year-round.

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red' is a bold and elegant cultivar of the Norway maple, prized for its deep, rich purple foliage that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. This slow-growing, deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 meters with a spread of 10 to 12 meters, forming a broad, rounded crown. Its glossy, lobed leaves provide dramatic color contrast in gardens, parks, and streetscapes. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear before the leaves, adding subtle seasonal interest. 'Royal Red' is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types and urban conditions, including pollution and drought once established. It is an excellent choice for creating a striking focal point or providing bold, long-lasting color in the landscape.

Euonymus japonicus 'Benkomasaki' is an upright, dense, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with neatly erected branches with long, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, brighter green when young. Small, pale green, inconspicuous flower bloom in spring and are followed but dark berries if the plant is left unclipped. Japanese spindle 'Benkomasaki' is tolerant of a wide range of soils and soil conditions, but prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in any location, from full sun to deep shade. Once established, drought-tolerant. Very resistant to frost, but still needs to be protected from harsh, winter winds. Not suitable for outdoor pots in colder areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Euonymus japonicus 'Benkomasaki' is a is tough and undemanding architectural shrub, perfect for cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Excellent for formal and informal hedges and screens. Great for beds and borders, shrub and wall-side borders. Looks exceptional in rock and Mediterranean-style gardens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Doodia media, commonly known as the rasp fern, is a small to medium-sized terrestrial fern native to eastern Australia and parts of New Zealand. It belongs to the Blechnaceae family and is well regarded for its striking appearance and ease of cultivation in temperate gardens.

This evergreen fern typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm, forming neat clumps of erect or arching fronds. The young fronds emerge a vivid pink or red, creating a vibrant contrast against the mature, dark green foliage. Each frond is pinnate, with leathery leaflets that have a slightly toothed or rasped texture—hence the common name.

Doodia media prefers shaded or semi-shaded environments with consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. It thrives in sheltered woodland settings, rock gardens, or as part of an understory planting beneath larger shrubs or trees. Though relatively hardy, it does best in frost-free areas or where winter temperatures remain mild.

This fern is valued for both its ornamental qualities and its low maintenance requirements. It can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it suitable for patios and shaded courtyards. The colourful young growth adds seasonal interest, particularly in spring and early summer.

Propagation is typically by division of clumps in early spring. While generally pest-free, Doodia media may suffer in prolonged dry conditions or if exposed to direct, harsh sunlight.

In summary, Doodia media is a decorative and adaptable fern ideal for adding texture and colour to shaded areas of the garden. Its reddish new growth and tidy habit make it a desirable choice for gardeners seeking year-round foliage interest with minimal care.

Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is a dense, compact, coniferous, evergreen shrub of pyramidal habit with flat sprays of fresh green, scale-like leaves, bronze tinged in winter, and small, brown cones. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is an undemanding plant and once established, it needs no maintenance. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and soil conditions, except waterlogged, but prefers average, fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand exposed conditions. Not suitable for areas with long frosts and heavy snows. Low maintenance plant, but suitable for trimming. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' is a lovely, dense, elegant, coniferous shrub that can bring structure and nice evergreen colour to cottage, woodland, urban, rock, and gravel gardens. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Excellent for beds and borders and ideal for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Prunus avium 'Regina' is a compact, upright, bushy, deciduous, cherry tree with ovate, toothed, dark green leaves, orange and red in autumn, and masses of lovely white flowers with yellow stamens, blooming in mid-spring. Flowers are followed by sweet, delicious, aromatic, glossy, very dark red cherries, ready for harvesting in mid-summer. Prunus avium 'Regina' can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but prefers moderately fertile, loose, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It can withstand low temperatures, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Late frost may damage the flower buds. Fairly tolerant of wind and resistant to cracking. It is not self-fertile, requires a pollinating partner planted nearby. Prunus avium 'Regina' is primarily grown for its delicious cherries but it is also very decorative, great as a specimen plant or planted against a wall or a fence. The fruit can be eaten fresh or preserved.

Callistemon laevis, commonly known as the Bottlebrush, is a striking evergreen shrub that brings vibrant color and texture to gardens. It features arching branches adorned with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that offer year-round interest. The plant truly shines in spring and summer when it produces an abundance of vivid red, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. These unique blooms are not only visually stunning but also attract pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the landscape. Callistemon laevis thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established. It is a versatile choice for borders, hedging, or as a specimen plant, and its tolerance to pruning makes it suitable for shaping and maintaining a tidy appearance.

Wisteria floribunda ‘Ito Koku Riu’ is a dramatic and highly ornamental deciduous climber, celebrated for its exceptionally long flower racemes and rich colouring. A Japanese cultivar of the Japanese wisteria, it is particularly admired for the way its flowers open progressively from the base to the tip, extending the flowering display over several weeks.

In spring, fresh green, pinnate leaves emerge, each composed of 13–19 narrow, smooth-edged leaflets. The foliage is elegant and finely textured, providing a soft, flowing framework that complements the plant’s pendulous flowers. As the season advances, the leaves deepen in colour and form a dense canopy, making the plant attractive even after flowering has finished.

Flowering usually occurs in late spring to early summer, most commonly in May or early June in the UK. The racemes are long and slender, often reaching 40–60 cm, and sometimes even longer under ideal conditions. Each individual flower is a deep violet-purple, often with a subtle paler marking at the throat. The blooms are strongly fragrant, with a sweet, classic wisteria scent that carries well in warm weather and is highly attractive to bees.

‘Ito Koku Riu’ is a vigorous twining climber, capable of reaching 8–10 metres or more when mature. Like all Wisteria floribunda cultivars, it twines clockwise and requires substantial, permanent support. Regular pruning in summer and winter is essential to control its size, encourage spur formation, and ensure reliable flowering.

This wisteria performs best in full sun, where both flower length and colour intensity are maximised. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from shelter from strong winds. Fully hardy throughout most of the UK, Wisteria floribunda ‘Ito Koku Riu’ is an outstanding choice for large structures where its cascading racemes can be appreciated to full effect, offering drama, fragrance, and a strong sense of Japanese garden tradition.

Phormium 'Pink Panther' is a stunning evergreen perennial known for its vibrant, sword-shaped leaves in rich shades of pink, burgundy, and bronze. Compact and tidy in growth, it typically reaches around 1 meter in height and spread, making it perfect for smaller gardens, borders, and patio containers.

Its bold foliage adds year-round color and a striking architectural presence to both contemporary and traditional garden designs. 'Pink Panther' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

It is wind and salt-tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal gardens. Drought-tolerant once established, it requires minimal maintenance, aside from occasional removal of older leaves. Ideal for adding contrast, texture, and a splash of color to planting schemes, Phormium 'Pink Panther' is both eye-catching and practical—an excellent choice for low-maintenance, stylish gardens in mild climates.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) is a medium-sized, exotic-looking, evergreen shrub with huge, palmate, deeply-lobed, glossy, bright green leaves. Clusters of bright to cremy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by small, round, shiny, black ornamental berries. Fatsia japonica can grow in any type of soil, but prefers compost-rich, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. It’s a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures, but too strong sun, as well as strong winds, can damage the leaves. It needs annual pruning. Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) brings an exciting tropical look to the landscape, especially when combined with bamboos and grasses. Perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, or urban gardens. Great as a focal point in shaded areas, as a foundation plant, near pools and water gardens, or in outdoor containers. Suitable for growing as a houseplant.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, commonly known as the Corkscrew Willow, is a distinctive, fast-growing tree valued for its dramatically twisted, contorted branches and lively, informal habit. In a bushy tree form, it develops a broad, airy crown that provides strong architectural interest throughout the year, particularly in winter when the bare, spiralling stems are fully revealed.

This willow is well suited to larger gardens where its vigorous growth and spreading shape can be appreciated. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for planting near ponds, streams, or in naturally damp ground, though it will also tolerate ordinary garden soils if not allowed to dry out completely. In spring and summer, the narrow, bright green leaves create a soft, shimmering canopy, bringing movement and lightness to the landscape.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ is relatively low maintenance, responding well to pruning if size control is needed, and can even be coppiced to encourage fresh, colourful, twisted stems. Its sculptural form, rapid establishment, and year-round interest make it an excellent choice as a specimen tree or dramatic focal point in spacious, informal or wildlife-friendly gardens.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 400 cm tall, is an ideal choice for gardens needing elegant structure and effective screening. This evergreen tree features a dense, rounded crown elevated on a clear stem, creating a formal, lollipop-shaped standard that brings height and architectural interest to the landscape. The variegated foliage—glossy green leaves edged in creamy white—adds year-round brightness and contrast, making it visually appealing in all seasons.

Well-suited to urban and suburban gardens, this Ligustrum tolerates pollution, pruning, and a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. In summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries which add further seasonal interest.

Its dense canopy makes it excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in formal garden designs. Whether used in rows along boundaries or as standalone specimens in courtyards and patios, Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard trees provide reliable structure, year-round color, and an elegant solution for screening and ornamental planting.

The Acorus gramineus 'Hakuro Nishiki' is an attractive, low-growing ornamental plant valued in gardens for its striking variegated foliage and neat, grass-like appearance. Although often mistaken for a true grass, it is actually a member of the sweet flag family and is closely related to Acorus gramineus. This compact plant is particularly useful for adding colour and texture to damp garden areas, pond margins, or containers.

‘Hakuro Nishiki’ forms a small, clump-forming mound of slender, arching leaves that typically grows to around 20–30 cm in height, with a similar spread. The foliage is narrow and strap-like, creating a soft, fountain-shaped habit. What makes this variety especially appealing is its delicate cream, pale yellow, and green variegation, which gives the plant a light and fresh appearance. The variegated leaves can help brighten shaded corners of the garden and contrast beautifully with darker green plants.

This cultivar thrives in moist or damp soil and performs particularly well near water features, along pond edges, or in bog gardens. It can also be grown successfully in containers, provided the compost is kept consistently moist. While it prefers partial shade, it can tolerate full sun in cooler UK climates as long as the soil does not dry out. The plant is generally hardy across most parts of the UK, though some protection from harsh winter winds may help maintain its appearance.

Unlike many flowering garden plants, Acorus gramineus ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its flowers. Any blooms that appear are small and rather inconspicuous.

Maintenance is minimal. Removing old or damaged leaves in spring helps keep the clump tidy and encourages fresh growth. Over time, the plant may also be divided to create new clumps. With its neat habit, elegant foliage, and tolerance of damp conditions, it is a versatile and attractive addition to many gardens.

Prunus avium, or Wild Cherry, is a medium-sized deciduous cherry tree, with brown bark, silvery when mature, and serrated, dark green leaves, yellow and orange in autumn. The clusters of pure white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by small, glossy, red-purple cherries, edible but a bit bitter, ready for harvesting in summer or autumn. Attractive to bees and birds. Toxic for pets. Wild Cherry thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, but doesn’t tolerate too wet soils, therefore, good drainage is essential. It can withstand frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Needs periodic chemical spraying. Low maintenance plant. Prunus avium is a nice ornamental tree for large informal, cottage and wildlife gardens, great for beds and borders and wall-side borders.