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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.

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.

Acer palmatum 'Going Green' is a small, compact, dense, rounded, bushy deciduous Japanese maple tree with strong, upright stems, palmate, deeply-lobed bright green to lime green leaves, golden, orange, and scarlet in autumn. Inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by attractive, red, winged seed pods in summer and autumn. Acer palmatum 'Going Green' can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as they are consistantly moist and well-drained, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moisture retentive, soils. It thrives in partial shade and leaf colour is best in partial shade, but can tolerate full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant. Japanese maple ‘Going Green’ with its sculptural stems and striking autumn foliage can add beauty to any informal, cottage, or urban garden. Perfect as a specimen plant. Suitable for growing in containers.

Parrotia persica 'Persian Spire' is a striking, compact tree known for its elegant, columnar form and vibrant seasonal colors. Ideal for small gardens, this deciduous beauty grows up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall but stays slender, reaching only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in width. Its glossy, green leaves emerge with a hint of purple in spring, transitioning to lush green in summer, and then burst into fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In late winter, small clusters of red, petal-less flowers add subtle charm before the foliage appears.

'Persian Spire' is hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. This Parrotia cultivar is drought-tolerant once established, and its upright form makes it perfect for narrow spaces, urban landscapes, and focal points in mixed borders, adding year-round interest and vibrant color.

Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana,' commonly referred to as Chinese Redbud 'Shirobana,' is an exceptional and eye-catching ornamental tree that can grace British gardens and landscapes with its unique and captivating features. Originally hailing from China, this cultivar has garnered international acclaim for its remarkable characteristics.

One of the most remarkable attributes of 'Shirobana' is its blossoms. During the spring season, prior to the emergence of its leaves, this tree adorns itself with a profusion of delicate, butterfly-like flowers. What sets it apart is its ability to produce different-colored blossoms on the same tree simultaneously, creating a spectacular display of colour variation that is truly enchanting.

The name 'Shirobana' translates to "white flower," underscoring the tree's ability to produce these stunning pale blooms alongside the usual pink and lavender ones. This unique trait makes 'Shirobana' particularly desirable for garden enthusiasts seeking to introduce an element of whimsy and diversity to their outdoor spaces.

The foliage of 'Shirobana' typically takes on a heart-shaped form and exhibits a medium green hue, serving as a splendid backdrop to the lavish spring blossoms. As the leaves mature, they may acquire a glossy sheen, adding to the tree's visual appeal. This deciduous tree usually reaches a height of around 3 to 4 meters and forms an elegant, gracefully-rounded canopy.

Maintaining Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' in the UK is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location that receives ample sunlight or partial shade. Ensuring adequate watering during dry spells and regular mulching to conserve moisture are key to its overall health and vitality. Pruning requirements are typically minimal, primarily focused on shaping the tree or removing any dead or overcrowded branches.

One of the advantages of 'Shirobana' is its notable resistance to common pests and diseases, contributing to its low-maintenance nature. Additionally, it exhibits adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings.

In conclusion, Cercis chinensis 'Shirobana' is an extraordinary ornamental tree that can bring a sense of wonder and diversity to British gardens. Its multi-coloured spring blossoms, heart-shaped leaves, and manageable size make it an enchanting addition to landscapes, providing an opportunity for gardeners to experience the ever-changing palette of nature. Whether used as a focal point or to infuse charm into garden borders, 'Shirobana' is certain to captivate the hearts of those who encounter its mesmerizing beauty.

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.

Yucca gloriosa 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Spanish Dagger or Variegated Moundlily Yucca, is an eye-catching evergreen succulent that brings bold texture and color to any garden or landscape. This hardy, architectural plant forms a dramatic rosette of sword-shaped leaves with striking variegation—rich green centers edged with creamy yellow margins. The foliage may take on a blush of pinkish-red tones in cooler months, adding seasonal interest. During late summer, it produces tall flower spikes adorned with clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Growing up to 3-4 feet in height and width, Yucca gloriosa 'Variegata' thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It is ideal for coastal gardens, xeriscaping, and as a focal point in mixed borders.

Prunus x hillieri 'Spire' is a small, compact, vase-shaped flowering cherry tree of upright habit, with small, dark green leaves, bronze when young and vivid orange-red in autumn. As the leaves emerge, fragrant, single, soft-pink flowers appear on long petals along the branches in clusters of 3 to 5. It is sterile, therefore, doesn’t produce fruit. Prunus x hillieri 'Spire' a cross between Prunus sargentii and Prunus Yedoensis. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It’s a tough plant, resistant to frost and urban conditions. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning, but if pruned regularly, it can be kept very narrow. Cherry 'Spire' is a wonderful, elegant, flowering cherry, perfect for small informal, cottage, urban or wildlife gardens. Excellent for urban areas, especially for narrow streets. Great in beds and borders, wall-side borders, or for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Sorbus aucuparia ‘Cardinal Royal’ is a slender, vigorous, deciduous tree of narrowly columnar habit, with pinnate, dark green leaves, silvery underneath, orange and yellow in autumn. Small, creamy-white flowers grow in loose clusters and bloom in spring. They are followed by lovely, red berries attractive to birds. Mountain Ash 'Cardinal Royal' thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even damp. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution, coastal conditions, and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Cardinal Royal’, with its autumn foliage, profusion of white flowers and attractive red berries, is an excellent slender ornamental tree. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in cottage, wildlife, urban, and coastal gardens. Great for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

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

Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a large, deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk and very appealing, dense, oval to rounded crown. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. Flowers appear in separate male and female catkins before the leaves, in spring, and are followed by winged nuts. European Hornbeam is a low maintenance and easy to grow plant. It is satisfied with any type of soil, but prefers fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free and pest free. It can tolerate drought. Carpinus betulus is an excellent tree and a nice addition to any garden. It is great as a specimen plant or in a group. Because of its tolerance to pruning, it is perfect for hedges and privacy screens.

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a medium-sized, narrowly upright, conical, ornamental pear tree with glossy, dark green leaves, vivid red in autumn, a profusion of lovely, white flowers blooming in spring, and occasionally, small, brown fruit in autumn. Attractive to bees and birds. Callery Pear 'Chanticleer' is adaptable to a wide range of soil, including heavy clay, but prefers fertile, loamy, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought, frost, and wind. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Generally, pest-free. Easy to grow. Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a beautiful, tough ornamental tree, one of the best ornamental pears for autumn colour. Great as a specimen plant or small shade tree. Excellent for avenues and narrow streets, as well as industrial areas. Suitable for growing in containers. Because of its wind resistance, good for coastal areas and roof gardens.

Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' is a medium-sized, evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with lovely, variegated, spiny, thorny, shiny, dark green leaves with creamy white margins, purplish-pink when young. Small, inconspicuous, white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by masses of attractive, glossy, bright red berries in autumn and winter. Beneficial for bees, butterflies, and birds, but toxic to pets. Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' can grow in almost any kind of soil, even nutrient-poor, except very wet. It prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant of frost, wind, and salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Tough, low maintenance plant. 'Argentea Marginata' Holly is a lovely, variegated variety of Common Holly, perfect as a specimen plant or for attractive, dense hedges and screens. Great to brighten dark areas in the garden and winter landscapes. Its wonderful foliage is used for Christmas arrangements.

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Chusan palm or windmill palm, is a highly versatile and hardy choice for UK gardens. Its tall, slender trunk is covered in fibrous bark, topped with a crown of large, fan-shaped evergreen leaves that create an instant tropical effect. Despite its exotic appearance, it is one of the most cold-tolerant palms available, making it well suited to British climates.

Ideal for sheltered positions in full sun or partial shade, Trachycarpus fortunei thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from protection against strong, drying winds, particularly when young. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate urban pollution, coastal conditions, and occasional frost.

This palm works well as a focal point in borders, gravel gardens, or contemporary planting schemes, and pairs beautifully with other architectural plants. Its upright growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens, as it occupies minimal ground space while adding height and structure. With proper care, it is a long-lived and rewarding addition, bringing year-round interest and an exotic character to any outdoor space.

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.

Cydonia oblonga (Quince) 1/2 std is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree with broadly oval, mid-green leaves with grey undersides. Large, solitary, five-petal, pale pink to white flowers bloom in late spring, and edible, aromatic, round or pear shaped, bright yellow fruits ripen in autumn. Fruits can be eaten fresh, but when cooked the taste is better and sweeter. Perfect for jams, jellies, or pies.

Cydonia oblonga (Quince) 1/2 std can grow in almost any kind of soil, as long as it is moist, and well-drained, but it prefers fertile, deep, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. Once established, it tolerates dry soils. Cydonia oblonga (Quince) 1/2 std trees are great as specimen plants or informal hedges and screens. They are mostly grown for their fruit. Commercial production has decreased significantly in US and Europe, but it is still a popular fruit in Turkey and some parts of Asia.

Sorbus hupehensis, or Hupeh Rowan, is a small, compact, ornamental, deciduous tree, with pinnate, mid-green leaves, vivid red and orange in autumn. Fluffy corymbs of tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by clusters of pink to white berries in autumn which hang on bare branches throughout winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Hupeh Rowan prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind, and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require routine pruning. Sorbus hupehensis is a beautiful ornamental tree with great autumn colour and attractive colourful berries. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in small cottage, urban or coastal gardens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof 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.

Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' is a small, compact, slow-growing, mound-forming, coniferous, evergreen shrub with thin, pendulous, whipcord-like branches with tiny, aromatic, scale-like, glossy dark green leaves, pressed tightly against the branches. It usually acquires bronze tones in winter. It has pineapple scent when crushed.

Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. It prefers cool summer climates and doesn’t like too dry conditions. Even though it likes sunny areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be protected from harsh, drying winds. It doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Western Red Cedar 'Whipcord' is an interesting, unique, evergreen shrub with elegant arching branches, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Great-looking in rock and gravel gardens, planted near ponds or swimming pools. Excellent for growing in containers.