Search results

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

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

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

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.

Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a dwarf variety of Oriental thuja. It’s a small, compact, dense, coniferous, evergreen shrub with conical habit and erect sprays of scale-like, yellowish green leaves, darker green with age, and bronze-tinged in winter. It may produce oval, female cones. Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana' can adapt to almost any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but can withstand some afternoon shade. It is somewhat resistant to frost, but not very suitable for colder climates. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. It likes good air circulation. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, it doesn’t require pruning. It keeps its neat shape naturally. Dwarf golden oriental thuja is a beautiful, trouble-free shrub, very easy to grow. Great as a specimen plant, especially in small, rock gardens. Excellent for shrub borders, foundation plantings, or informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as false holly, is a captivating evergreen shrub renowned for its beauty and resilience. This shrub typically grows to a height and width of 8-10 feet, forming a dense, rounded shape. Its most striking feature is the glossy, spiny leaves, resembling those of a holly, which transform from a deep green to a bronzed-purple hue in the fall. In late summer to early fall, Osmanthus heterophyllus produces small, white, fragrant flowers, adding a delightful aroma to gardens. It's a versatile plant, ideal for hedges, screens, or specimen plantings.

Amelanchier Ballerina is an ornamental, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with vase-shaped crown. Its long-stemmed, glossy, oval, leaves are bronze in spring, dark green in summer, and red-purple in autumn. The autumn colour is very attractive. White and slightly blushed pink flowers grow in large, loose clusters. Small edible red to deep purple berries appear in July but are mostly eaten by birds. Amelanchier Ballerina is a resilient and tough tree. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. It likes moist lime-free soils, preferably clay or sandy, and will grow well in damp places. It is resistant to frost, can withstand wind, and tolerates partial paving and air pollution. This attractive ornamental plant is suitable for any garden. It looks great in small, patio, roof, or rock gardens. Good for growing in containers. Perfect for urban gardens and for planting in narrow streets.

Salix babylonica, commonly known as the weeping willow, is a majestic deciduous tree that belongs to the family Salicaceae. With its graceful and distinctive appearance, the Salix babylonica is widely recognized and admired around the world. Native to China, this tree has been cultivated for centuries and has found its way into various landscapes due to its ornamental value and environmental benefits.

The weeping willow is known for its unique weeping form, with its long, slender branches that droop gracefully towards the ground. It can reach impressive heights, often growing between 30 to 50 feet tall, with some exceptional specimens exceeding 100 feet. The branches are covered in narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are a vibrant green color, turning yellow in the fall before shedding for winter.

One of the most captivating features of the weeping willow is its pendulous branches, which sway and dance in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing display. These branches are adorned with slender, yellow-green catkins in the spring, adding a touch of beauty to the tree's overall appearance.

Salix babylonica thrives in moist environments and is commonly found near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, and lakes. It has an extensive root system that helps stabilize the soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control along riverbanks and shorelines. Additionally, its dense foliage provides shade and helps regulate water temperature, benefiting aquatic ecosystems.

In addition to its aesthetic and environmental appeal, the weeping willow holds cultural and symbolic significance in various societies. It has been associated with mourning and grief in some cultures, while in others, it represents resilience, flexibility, and adaptability.

When it comes to cultivation, the weeping willow prefers full sun exposure and moist, well-drained soil. It is a fast-growing tree that requires regular pruning to maintain its elegant shape and prevent the branches from touching the ground. Care should be taken when planting near structures or underground utilities due to its invasive root system.

In conclusion, Salix babylonica, or the weeping willow, is a remarkable tree renowned for its graceful weeping form, pendulous branches, and vibrant foliage. It serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, making it a beloved choice for landscapes and water conservation efforts. Its cultural significance and captivating beauty have made it a cherished tree for centuries, captivating the hearts of those who encounter it.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is a medium-sized, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with lovely, variegated foliage. Broad, oval, glossy leaves are light green when young and dark green when mature, with broad golden-yellow margins. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish and bloom in summer. Sometimes, they are followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, but is adaptable to various types of soils, except extremely wet. It is very tough and resilient, tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant and easy to grow. Great for shady garden corners. This small, adaptable plant is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

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.

Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Rocket’ is a small, neat, compact, bushy, evergreen shrub of stiffly upright habit with small, oval, leathery, glossy, deep green leaves, lime green when young. Tiny, green flowers bloom in May and June and are sometimes followed by orange fruits in autumn. Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Rocket’ is a tough and reliable shrub. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, as long as they are moist and well-drained. It can grow in full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. It is resistant to heat, frost, and coastal conditions. No serious disease and pest problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. It can be trimmed into specific shapes, but generally has a good natural shape. Spindle 'Green Rocket' is an easy to grow, very adaptable, neat and compact plant, perfect for low hedges and screens. Great for mixed and shrub borders. Ideal for growing in containers and for topiaries.

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.

Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' is a robust, evergreen shrub admired for its bold, vibrant flowers and reliable growth, making it a striking addition to a wide range of gardens. It typically grows to 1.5–2 metres in height and spread, forming a dense, rounded shape that provides year-round structure and visual interest.

In late spring, ‘Nova Zembla’ produces large trusses of deep crimson-red flowers, often accented with darker markings in the throat. The vivid blooms create a dramatic focal point in borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant, and they attract pollinators such as bees, enhancing biodiversity in the garden. Its glossy, dark green leaves maintain structure and colour throughout the year, ensuring evergreen appeal even outside the flowering season.

This rhododendron thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled sunlight. It benefits from protection against strong winds and hot afternoon sun to maintain healthy foliage and maximise flowering.

‘Nova Zembla’ is perfect for woodland-style gardens, mixed shrub borders, or as a standout specimen. Its striking colour, compact growth, and dependable performance make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking dramatic spring interest and year-round structure.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a compact, rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub with purple to black branches, and small, ovate, wavy-margined, dark green leaves with white centres, light golden-green when young. Small, fragrant, dark maroon flowers bloom in spring, and though inconspicuous, they have a beautiful sweet fragrance. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ grows well in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand some cold, but needs to be sheltered from cold, drying, winds. It is tolerant of heat, salt and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a lovely, vivid, luminous shrub, very good-looking in gravel gardens or on patios, in pots and containers. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens, and perfect for bringing brightness and colour into winter gardens. In colder areas, it needs to be brought inside during the winter.

Dryopteris affinis 'The King', is a handsome and distinctive evergreen fern valued for its strong structure and attractively crested fronds. It belongs to the golden male fern group and is particularly appreciated for the decorative tips that give the plant an elegant yet slightly unusual appearance.

This fern forms a substantial clump of arching fronds that emerge from a central crown. Each frond is a rich, glossy green and can reach around 60–120 cm in length, creating a bold, architectural presence in shaded areas of the garden. The defining feature of this cultivar lies in the crested ends of the fronds and pinnae, where the leaflets divide into small tufted or tasselled tips. These crests give the plant a softly ruffled outline and add a layer of visual interest compared with standard forms of the species.

As an evergreen fern, it provides year-round structure and foliage in suitable conditions. Fresh new fronds unfurl in spring, often appearing slightly lighter green before deepening in colour as they mature. Older fronds can remain attractive through winter, though some gardeners choose to remove any tired foliage in early spring to allow the new growth to be seen clearly.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is particularly well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalistic planting schemes where its bold texture contrasts beautifully with finer foliage plants. It combines well with hostas, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials, helping to create layered planting with varied forms and textures.

This fern is generally hardy and reliable in the UK climate, requiring little maintenance once established. Its robust habit, evergreen character and distinctive crested fronds make it a valuable structural plant for shaded garden spaces.

Overall, Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ is admired for its durability, ornamental foliage and ability to bring year-round interest and texture to sheltered, shady areas of the garden

Betula pendula Youngii is a smaller form of the common silver birch with distinguished weeping habit. It has long, elegant, pendulous branches with triangular, serrated, mid-green leaves that turn warm yellow in autumn, and lovely white bark, especially in winter. It was found as a chance seedling and introduced in 1874, by Maurice Young nursery, from Surrey, England. Betula pendula Youngii is easily grown in any type of soil, but prefers moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is resilient to a wide range of conditions. Great choice for cities and urban gardens since it can withstand air pollution. It is very hardy, suitable even for cold climates. Thrives in cool northern climates. Betula pendula Youngii is a lovely, elegant tree with attractive white bark. It is perfect as a specimen plant and small landscape tree, or planted in beds and borders. Great for cottage, urban and informal gardens.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ is a vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen shrub of an upright habit, with large, oblong, glossy, dark green leaves, and small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers on long spikes, followed by cherry-like berries which are harmful when eaten. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ grows best in fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but is tolerant of full shade as well. May suffer from chlorosis when planted in poor, shallow, chalky soil. It is resistant of frost and can withstand low temperatures. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It can withstand air pollution and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Generally, pest-free. Cherry Laurel ‘Novita’ is a wonderful variety of laurel, perfect for long-lasting privacy hedges in informal, cottage, coastal, 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.

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.

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.

Clematis cartmanii 'White Abundance' is a delightful evergreen climber that offers a stunning display of delicate beauty to any garden or outdoor space. When trained on a cane, this compact climber creates a charming vertical feature, showcasing its finely cut, lush green foliage that remains vibrant year-round. In early spring, 'White Abundance' lives up to its name by producing a profusion of small, pristine white, star-shaped flowers. These blooms form a breathtaking carpet of white, adding lightness and elegance to patios, garden borders, or containers. Ideal for canes, trellises, and small structures, this clematis thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys a sunny to partially shaded location. With its low-maintenance nature, it is perfect for creating a fresh and captivating garden display.

Stipa gigantea, also known as Giant Feather Grass, is a species of ornamental grass known for its beautiful and towering presence in outdoor gardens. This grass is native to Southwest Europe and North Africa, but has become popular worldwide as a garden plant due to its stunning appearance and ease of care.

The most prominent feature of Stipa gigantea is its tall, slim silhouette. It can grow up to six feet tall with a spread of up to four feet, making it a commanding presence in any garden. The grass has long, slender blades that are a bright green color and arch gracefully outwards, creating a cascading effect. The blades then turn golden-yellow in the fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the greenery of other plants in the garden. The plants can also be used for ornamental purposes, as the blades are thin and flexible, making them ideal for weaving and other crafts.

The flower stalks of Stipa gigantea are another striking feature. The stalks can reach up to eight feet tall and bear large, billowing panicles of delicate, feathery flowers that sway gently in the breeze. The flowers are long-lasting and stay on the plants through most of the summer and into the fall, putting on a beautiful show for onlookers. The feathery plumes of the flowers are striking when caught by the sun's rays, creating an ethereal, glowing effect.

One of the main reasons that Stipa gigantea is such a popular garden plant is because it is low-maintenance and easy to grow. The grass prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, but prefers slightly alkaline soil and can also tolerate drought conditions. In the winter, the plant should be cut back to ground level to encourage new growth in the spring.

In summary, Stipa gigantea is an eye-catching and easy-to-grow plant that adds a unique touch to any outdoor garden. Its towering height and feather-like flowers are sure to make a statement, while its low-maintenance needs make it a favorite among gardeners.