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The Nandina Pink Blush is an attractive, versatile shrub known for its distinctive foliage and compact growth. This evergreen plant, a variety of Nandina domestica, is a popular choice for adding year-round interest to gardens and landscapes.

Nandina Pink Blush stands out with its vibrant, ever-changing foliage. In spring and summer, the leaves emerge with a blush of pink that gradually transitions to a mix of soft green and cream. As the seasons progress, the foliage intensifies to deep pinks and reds, providing a striking contrast against the more muted winter landscape. The plant's delicate, fern-like leaves contribute to its ornamental appeal, creating a light and airy texture.

This variety typically grows to a height and spread of around 60-90 cm (2-3 feet), making it suitable for small gardens, containers, or as part of a mixed border. Nandina Pink Blush prefers a sunny to partially shaded position and thrives in well-drained soil. It's a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F), making it ideal for various climates across the UK.

In addition to its visual appeal, Nandina Pink Blush is low maintenance. It requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove any damaged or dead branches and to maintain its shape. This shrub is also resistant to most pests and diseases, further enhancing its appeal to gardeners seeking an easy-care plant.

Nandina Pink Blush can be used in various landscaping applications, including as an accent plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed shrub border. Its changing foliage colours provide a dynamic element throughout the year, making it a standout feature in any garden setting. With its blend of beauty and resilience, Nandina Pink Blush is a valuable addition to any garden.

Pittosporum heterophyllum ‘Variegatum’ is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its elegant foliage, compact growth habit and year-round interest. The narrow, pointed leaves display a beautiful variegated pattern, with fresh green centres surrounded by creamy-white margins, creating a bright and refined appearance in the garden. Its dense, bushy form makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders, low hedging, screening, coastal gardens and container planting.

This versatile Pittosporum is relatively low maintenance and naturally forms a neat, rounded shape, although it can be lightly pruned to maintain size and encourage bushier growth. During late spring, it may produce small, subtle flowers that add further seasonal interest and attract pollinating insects.

Pittosporum heterophyllum ‘Variegatum’ is well suited to UK gardens, tolerating a range of soil types provided they are free draining. It performs best in a sunny or partially shaded position and is particularly useful in exposed locations due to its tolerance of wind and coastal conditions. Its evergreen foliage provides structure and colour throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for adding texture and contrast to modern and traditional planting schemes.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Glo Ball' is a delightful and compact evergreen shrub, cherished for its unique and eye-catching ornamental features. Hailing from the Pittosporum genus, this cultivar is known for its striking spherical shape, which sets it apart from other members of the species.

This shrub's botanical name, Pittosporum tenuifolium, gives a nod to its slender, narrow leaves ('tenuifolium' referring to "thin leaves"), which are glossy, small olive green leaves with a creamy - yellow margin. These foliage characteristics lend a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

'Glo Ball' is truly distinctive due to its compact, rounded form, which resembles a perfectly manicured green globe. Its dense growth habit makes it an ideal choice for hedges, borders, or as an attractive stand-alone specimen plant. This rounded shape is easily maintained with light pruning to help it retain its appealing spherical appearance.

In spring, 'Glo Ball' surprises with tiny, inconspicuous maroon flowers that release a subtle, sweet fragrance. These blooms, while not showy, attract pollinators and add an extra layer of charm to the shrub.

One of the key advantages of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Glo Ball' is its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for various garden settings. Its hardy nature also makes it relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention once established.

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.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is a small, dense, slow-growing, evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit, with grey to black stems, and small, leathery, wavy-margined, glossy, variegated, dark purple leaves, light green when young. Sometimes, small, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It can adapt to various types of soil, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in mild climates, in sunny, sheltered positions, and is perfect for coastal areas. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is an interesting plant, ideal to be planted against a warm, south-facing wall or in shrub or mixed borders. Excellent as an accent plant in rock and gravel gardens. Great for growing in containers.

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.

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis,' commonly known as the Imperial Alder, is a cultivar of the European alder (Alnus glutinosa) renowned for its striking ornamental qualities. This deciduous tree is a favoUrite among landscape enthusiasts and horticulturists for its impressive appearance and adaptability.

Imperial Alder typically reaches a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and forms a broadly pyramidal shape. Its dark green, glossy leaves are deeply cut and serrated, measuring about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. During the growing season, the foliage provides a lush and vibrant backdrop to garden landscapes.

One of the standout features of Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' is its stunning catkins. In late winter or early spring, long, pendulous catkins emerge, adding a unique and captivating element to the tree's appearance. These catkins sway gracefully in the wind, creating a charming visual effect. Additionally, this cultivar displays a lovely yellow fall coloUr, which adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Imperial Alder is highly adaptable to various soil types and moisture conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardens and parks. Its ability to tolerate wet soil and even occasional flooding makes it an excellent choice for riparian zones or areas prone to seasonal waterlogging.

Beyond its aesthetic value, Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' also contributes to the ecosystem by supporting various wildlife species. Its catkins provide a source of food for birds and insects, and its roots help stabilize soil along riverbanks and wetland areas.

In summary, Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' is a captivating cultivar of the European alder celebrated for its striking appearance, adaptability, and ecological contributions. Whether used as a focal point in a garden or to enhance riparian habitats, this tree adds a touch of elegance and functionality to its surroundings.

Acacia dealbata is a striking choice for gardens seeking early colour and light, airy structure. Its greatest appeal lies in its profusion of bright, fragrant yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, bringing life and scent to the garden when little else is in bloom. The finely divided, silvery-blue foliage adds softness and contrast, pairing beautifully with darker evergreens and architectural plants.

In the UK, it is best suited to mild, sheltered gardens, particularly in coastal or southern areas. Protection from cold winds and hard frost is essential, as temperatures below -5°C can damage or kill the plant. A sunny position with free-draining soil is crucial, as it dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Due to its fast growth, it can quickly become a small tree, making it ideal as a specimen plant or focal point. However, it may require pruning to manage size and shape. With the right conditions, it brings a touch of Mediterranean character and valuable winter interest to the garden.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings. Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds. It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Philadelphus ‘Virginal’, commonly known as Mock Orange, is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its wonderfully fragrant white flowers and graceful, natural form. In late spring and early summer, its arching branches become covered with masses of large, double white blooms, filling the garden with a sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom.

Growing into a substantial shrub, ‘Virginal’ typically reaches around 2–3 metres in height and width when mature, making it an excellent choice for larger borders, informal screening or as a feature shrub. Its fresh green foliage provides a pleasing backdrop to the flowers throughout summer before turning yellow in autumn.

Philadelphus is a versatile and relatively easy-going garden plant, thriving in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. A position with plenty of sunshine will encourage the best flowering, while some afternoon shade is well tolerated.

It is particularly well suited to traditional cottage gardens, mixed borders and wildlife-friendly planting schemes. The highly scented flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, while the shrub’s relaxed habit adds a naturalistic feel to planting.

A hardy and dependable choice for UK gardens, Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ combines abundant summer flowers, exceptional fragrance and easy cultivation.

Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' is a medium-sized, dense, bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub with a lovely variegated foliage. Leathery, glossy, dark-green to gray-green leaves have irregular, cremy margins. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in summer and are occasionally followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' can grow in various types of soil, but prefers average, moist, well-drained, fast-draining soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is very resilient and adaptable. It is tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance, but all branches that turn all green should be pruned. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo', with its beautiful variegated foliage that creates nice shimmering effect, 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, banks and slopes. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Betula pendula ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ is an elegant and distinctive cultivar of silver birch, valued for its finely divided, feathery foliage and graceful overall form. Unlike the typical Betula pendula, this variety features delicately cut leaves that create a soft, almost fern-like texture, giving the tree a light and airy presence in the garden.

As it matures, ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ develops the classic white bark associated with silver birch, which peels attractively to reveal subtle tones beneath. This ornamental bark provides year-round interest, particularly in winter when the tree’s structure is fully visible. The slender branches often have a gently pendulous habit, enhancing its natural elegance and movement in the breeze.

This cultivar is relatively compact compared to standard silver birch trees, making it well suited to smaller gardens or landscaped spaces where a full-sized birch might be too large. It typically forms a narrow, upright canopy, allowing light to filter through and enabling underplanting with shade-tolerant plants or spring bulbs.

In spring, the tree produces small catkins that add further seasonal interest, followed by fresh green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves turn a soft yellow before falling, contributing subtle seasonal colour.

Betula pendula ‘Fuzzy Feathers’ is hardy and well adapted to the UK climate, thriving in a range of soil types provided they are reasonably well drained. It prefers a sunny position and benefits from adequate moisture, particularly when young.

Overall, this refined birch offers a combination of delicate texture, striking bark, and manageable size, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a graceful, ornamental tree with year-round appeal.

Helleborus 'Elemental' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter flowers, strong garden performance and attractive year-round foliage. A member of the genus Helleborus, this cultivar is particularly appreciated in UK gardens for providing colour and interest during the late winter and early spring months when many other plants are still dormant.

‘Elemental’ produces large, open, cup-shaped flowers that appear from late winter through early spring, typically between February and April. The blooms are usually rich pink to deep rose in colour, sometimes displaying subtle shading, veining or darker tones towards the centre. Each flower surrounds a prominent cluster of pale yellow stamens, which create an attractive contrast against the coloured petals and draw attention to the centre of the bloom. The flowers are carried on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, making the display clearly visible even in dense planting schemes.

The plant forms a compact, clump-forming mound of foliage that remains evergreen throughout the year. The leaves are glossy, leathery and deeply lobed, creating a textured and ornamental appearance that continues to add interest to shaded borders even after flowering has finished. The dark green foliage provides an excellent backdrop for the brightly coloured blooms, enhancing their visual impact in the garden.

At maturity, Helleborus ‘Elemental’ typically reaches a height of around 30–40 cm with a spread of 45–60 cm, forming a neat and manageable clump. This size makes it well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, or planting in containers.

The plant thrives in partial or dappled shade and prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or leaf mould helps maintain soil fertility and moisture. Minimal maintenance is required, usually limited to removing older leaves before flowering to improve the display.

With its colourful blooms, evergreen foliage and reliable winter performance, Helleborus 'Elemental' is a valuable addition to shaded UK gardens, bringing beauty and seasonal interest when it is most needed

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. 

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' – A Hardy and Elegant Evergreen

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its glossy, narrow, dark green leaves that add year-round interest to gardens. A relatively new variety, it is prized for its graceful, upright growth habit and slightly weeping foliage, which sets it apart from other Pittosporum varieties.

Native to New Zealand, 'Irish Luck' thrives in the UK’s temperate climate, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings. It typically reaches a height of 2.5 to 3 metres and spreads about 1.5 metres, forming a dense, bushy shape. This makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as an architectural focal point in mixed borders. It also works well in containers for patios and courtyards.

One of the key attractions of 'Irish Luck' is its ability to tolerate coastal conditions, strong winds, and light frosts, making it particularly valuable in exposed locations. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

In spring and early summer, Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' produces small, deep purple, honey-scented flowers, which contrast beautifully against the rich green foliage. While not highly conspicuous, these blossoms attract pollinators, adding ecological value to the plant.

Due to its refined, elegant appearance and resilience, 'Irish Luck' is a popular choice for contemporary and traditional gardens alike. Whether used as a hedge, feature plant, or in mixed planting schemes, it brings structure, texture, and year-round greenery to outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

This specimen has a gnarly trunk which forks into a neat two branched tree with heavy top. Amount of foliage may vary depending on the season and pruning requirement. 

Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Quercus falcata 'Pagodifolia', commonly known as the Pagoda Leaf Southern Red Oak, is a distinctive native tree admired for its unusual, deeply lobed leaves shaped like the tiers of a pagoda. This variety of Southern Red Oak grows into a stately, broad-canopied tree that provides excellent shade and long-lasting beauty in landscapes. Its foliage emerges a fresh green in spring, matures to a rich summer canopy, and transforms into shades of red, orange, and bronze in fall, adding striking seasonal interest. The tree is highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soils, including sandy or clay conditions, and is tolerant of heat and drought once established. Strong and resilient, it supports native wildlife by offering acorns as a valuable food source for birds and mammals. Perfect for large landscapes, parks, or restoration projects, Quercus falcata 'Pagodifolia' combines ornamental appeal with ecological benefit.

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.

Acer palmatum Viridis is a graceful, mound-forming Japanese maple prized for its finely dissected, lace-like foliage and soft, cascading habit. Its leaves emerge a fresh, bright green in spring, creating a delicate, almost feathery texture. Through summer, the foliage remains a vibrant, luminous green that brings light and movement to shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. As autumn approaches, Viridis undergoes a dramatic transformation, turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and occasionally red, offering a stunning seasonal display.

This cultivar typically grows into a medium-sized, dome-shaped shrub or small tree, making it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes. Its elegant form is especially striking when positioned near water features, in Japanese-style gardens, or as a specimen in mixed borders. Viridis thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers dappled light or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat. Shelter from strong winds helps preserve its delicate leaves.

Maintenance is minimal, with only light pruning needed to refine its natural cascading shape. With its exceptional texture, soothing green tones, and glowing autumn colours, Acer palmatum Viridis brings year-round beauty and serenity to any garden setting.

Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’, commonly known as Narrow-leaf Portuguese Laurel, is a refined evergreen shrub with slender, glossy leaves and a naturally dense habit. When trained or pruned into a ball shape, it forms a compact, perfectly rounded canopy reminiscent of a green orb—elegant, architectural and ideal for structured garden styles. The dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with light-coloured flowers and perennials, while the neat sphere provides year-round form and visual interest.

This cultivar’s tidy ball shape works particularly well as a formal accent in mixed borders, gravel gardens, courtyard spaces, or flanking entrances and paths. Its evergreen nature ensures consistent greenery through all seasons, and the narrow leaves keep the silhouette refined rather than bulky. Full sun to partial shade suits it best, promoting dense growth and strong leaf colour.

Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ is adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, tolerating chalky, clay, or loamy conditions, though it dislikes prolonged waterlogging. Regular watering during establishment and light pruning to maintain the ball form will ensure a healthy, robust plant. Overall, its elegant shape and reliable evergreen performance make it a versatile and attractive choice for both formal and contemporary gardens.