Search results

Betula jacquemontii, or Himalayan Birch, is one of the most popular birch trees. It is a medium-sized, vigorous, deciduous tree with upright, pyramidal habit. It is famous for its beautiful snow-white peeling bark, the whitest that can be found among birch varieties. Its leaves are ovate, dark green and turn bright yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in dropping catkins, while female flowers are greenish and appear in upright catkins. Himalayan Birch can grow in any type of soil, even sand or clay, as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is extremely hardy and does best in cool northern climates. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Betula jacquemontii is a very attractive tree, perfect as a specimen plant or in beds and borders. Great for cottage and urban gardens, avenues and broad streets. Suitable for roof gardens and growing in containers.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' is an elegant, evergreen shrub admired in UK gardens for its light, airy appearance and refined foliage. A distinctive cultivar of Pittosporum tenuifolium, it forms a dense yet graceful plant, typically reaching 2–4 metres in height if left unpruned, though it can be easily maintained at a lower size through regular trimming.

Its most striking feature is its foliage. The leaves are small, narrow and slightly wavy, coloured a soft silvery-green that catches the light beautifully. Held on slender, dark brown to almost black stems, the foliage creates a subtle contrast that adds depth and texture. When planted en masse or used as a hedge, the overall effect is shimmering and delicate, lending movement and brightness to borders.

In late spring to early summer, small, dark purple flowers may appear, often hidden amongst the foliage. Though not particularly showy, they are lightly scented and can add a further layer of interest when viewed up close. However, the plant is primarily valued for its foliage rather than its blooms.

‘Silver Sheen’ thrives in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. In the UK, it performs best in milder regions or protected gardens, as hard frosts and cold, drying winds can damage young growth. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and low maintenance.

It is particularly well suited to contemporary planting schemes, coastal gardens in sheltered spots, or as a stylish alternative to traditional hedging plants. Regular light pruning will maintain a neat shape, while minimal intervention allows it to develop into a soft, architectural presence within the garden.

Lacebark 'Snow White' is an evergreen tree with glossy, dark green, finely toothed leaves that provide year-round interest. As a full standard, it develops a neat, upright and slender habit with a clear stem beneath a well-proportioned crown, making it a good choice where a more formal or structured specimen tree is required. During late summer, the tree becomes covered in masses of small, fragrant, white star-shaped flowers, creating a striking display against the dark foliage. This flowering period extends the season of interest beyond the typical spring and summer flowering trees, offering value later in the year when many other plants have finished blooming. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making this tree a useful addition for those wishing to support garden wildlife and biodiversity. The abundance of nectar-rich blooms provides a valuable food source for pollinators at a time of year when other nectar sources may be in decline. This tree is particularly well suited to coastal locations, showing good tolerance of wind and salt-laden air. It also performs well in sheltered garden settings, where its fast growth rate and elegant form can be appreciated as a specimen tree or within a mixed planting scheme.

Hypericum 'Radiance' is a semi-evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded, bushy habit. Its foliage is small, ovate and blue-green, providing a dense backdrop throughout the growing season and retaining much of its colour into the colder months where conditions allow. From summer into early autumn, the shrub produces a profusion of bright golden-yellow flowers with prominent central stamens, typical of the Hypericum genus. These saucer-shaped blooms open in succession, giving the plant a long and reliable flowering period during the warmer months. As the flowers fade, small berry-like seed capsules develop, adding further seasonal interest. The flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees, making this shrub a useful addition for gardens aiming to support local wildlife. The dense growth habit also offers shelter for small insects and invertebrates within the garden ecosystem. This shrub is adaptable and tolerates a range of soil types, including loamy and clay soils, and performs well in both sun and partial shade. It is a versatile choice for borders, low hedging, or mass planting, maintaining a neat, uniform shape with minimal maintenance. Its resilience and steady flowering make it a dependable option for adding structure and colour to a variety of garden settings.

Forest Pansy is a deciduous multistem tree, valued for its striking heart-shaped foliage that emerges rich reddish-purple in spring, deepening to dark purple-maroon through summer before turning shades of orange and red in autumn. The multistem habit gives the tree an attractive spreading, open structure with branches arising from ground level, creating year-round interest even without leaves. In spring, small clusters of rose-pink flowers appear directly on the bare branches and trunk before the foliage unfurls, a feature known as cauliflory. This provides an early nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects. The flowers are followed by the emergence of the distinctive purple leaves, making spring a particularly attractive season for this tree as both flower and foliage colour combine. The tree maintains a moderate density canopy, allowing dappled light beneath it, which suits underplanting. Forest Pansy performs well in a range of soil types, including loamy and clay soils, provided drainage is reasonable, and it benefits from a sheltered position away from strong winds. It is well suited as a specimen tree where its seasonal colour changes and architectural stem structure can be appreciated from multiple angles throughout the year.

Photinia x fraseri Robusta is an ornamental, fast-growing, rounded, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with large, finely serrated, glossy, oval leaves – crimson to copper when young, dark green when mature. Small, inconspicuous, white flowers in dome-shaped clusters bloom in spring and are followed by red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri Robusta 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, drought, heat and urban pollution. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Photinia x fraseri Robusta is great as an accent plant, but perfect for tall hedges and screens which are useful for noise reduction or wind protection in cottage and urban gardens.

Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’ is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its distinctive golden-green foliage and graceful, naturally attractive form. Its small, glossy leaves create a fine-textured appearance, giving the tree a light and airy presence within the garden.
The foliage develops in shades of fresh green and golden yellow, providing year-round colour and interest. In spring, mature plants can produce small, attractive yellow flowers, adding an extra seasonal feature. Over time, ‘Sun King’ develops into a handsome specimen tree with an interesting branching structure, making it particularly well suited to planting where its form and foliage can be appreciated.
It is ideal as a feature tree in lawns, borders, courtyards or larger gardens, where its evergreen character provides structure throughout the year. Choose a sunny or partially shaded position with well-drained soil and shelter from particularly cold or exposed conditions, especially when young.
Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’ is a versatile choice for customers looking for an unusual evergreen tree that combines architectural shape, attractive foliage and year-round garden interest.

Malus ‘Direktoer Moerland’, or Crab Apple ‘Profusion Improved’, is an upright, spreading, deciduous tree with rounded to ovoid, half-open crown, and attractive, colourful foliage – coppery-red when young, dark-green during the season, and yellow-bronze in autumn. Profusion of beautiful, fragrant, red-purple flowers emerge in clusters in spring and are followed by purple fruits in autumn that persist into winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Malus ‘Direktoer Moerland’ is an improved version of Crab Apple ‘Profusion’. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand frost, wind, and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free, much more resilient to apple scab. Low maintenance plant. Malus ‘Direktoer Moerland’, with its attractive foliage, profusion of lovely, purple flowers and purple fruits, is a very decorative tree all year round. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa' is a medium-sized, very ornamental, deciduous willow tree of upright habit, known for its fantastic spirally contorted branches, pendant when mature, especially attractive in winter. It has long, narrow, twisted, dark green leaves and inconspicuous, female, long, yellow catkins in spring. Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa' can adapt to a wide range of soils, but prefers deep, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Best to be grown in sunny sites and moist soils and avoid dry conditions. Tolerant of light shade. It is resistant to frost and exposed positions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Dragon's Claw Willow 'Tortuosa' is the most popular variety of this species. Outstanding and decorative, it is perfect as a specimen plant in large gardens and can create a very romantic scenery in the garden. It has perfect winter silhouette and looks great all year round. Unfortunately, it is not very long lived.

Skimmia japonica is a compact, dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with aromatic, leathery, elliptic, rich green leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers appearing at the end of branches in spring. Female flowers are followed by attractive bright red berries in summer which ripen in autumn and persist throughout the winter.

Skimmia japonica grows best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. It is tolerant of drought and urban pollution. Doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Japanese skimmia, with its lush evergreen foliage and attractive red berries, is beautiful all year round. It is especially decorative in winter or in shady areas of the garden. Excellent for shrub borders, banks and slopes, and foundation plantings. Great for informal hedges and screens and for growing in containers.

Enkianthus 'Pagoda' is a bushy, spreading, deciduous, tree-like shrub with simple, oval, toothed, dull green leaves that turn red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Clusters of lovely, small, bell-shaped, creamy to pink flowers with red veins bloom from late spring to summer and are attractive to bees. Enkianthus 'Pagoda' can adapt to most soil types, even poor ones, but prefers fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist, well-drained soils in light shade. It also grows well in full sun. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, but it may require some pruning to retain its size and shape. Pagoda bush is an unusual and attractive plant with beautiful flowers and excellent autumn foliage. It is not demanding and very easy to grow. Great for Japanese-style and woodland gardens. Perfect for mixed and shrub borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’ is an attractive evergreen shrub that brings year-round colour, texture and structure to the garden. Its distinctive grey-green leaves are edged with creamy white, creating a beautiful variegated effect that brightens borders and complements a wide range of planting styles. The foliage is held on slender, dark stems, adding further contrast and interest throughout the year.

With its naturally upright, bushy growth habit, this versatile shrub works well as a specimen plant, within mixed borders or as part of an informal evergreen hedge. It is particularly effective when planted alongside darker-leaved shrubs or flowering perennials, allowing its pale foliage to stand out. In suitable conditions, small, dark purple flowers may appear in late spring, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Pittosporum ‘Variegatum’ prefers a sunny or partially shaded position in well-drained soil and benefits from shelter from cold, drying winds. Once established, it is reasonably low maintenance and can be lightly pruned to maintain its shape and size. This elegant evergreen is an excellent choice for adding lasting colour, structure and contrast to a variety of garden settings.

The Syringa vulgaris, commonly known as the common lilac, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Oleaceae (olive) family. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, it has been widely cultivated across Europe and North America for its fragrant, showy blossoms and ornamental appeal.

Growing to an average height of 4–6 metres (13–20 feet), Syringa vulgaris forms a dense, multi-stemmed thicket with an upright, spreading habit. Its dark green, ovate leaves are simple and arranged oppositely along the stems, providing lush foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season.

The plant is best known for its spectacular blooms, which appear in mid to late spring. The conical panicles, measuring 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) long, consist of small, tubular flowers. The flowers are highly fragrant, making them a favourite for gardens and floral arrangements.

Thriving in temperate climates, Syringa vulgaris prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil and full sun for optimal blooming. It is cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winters, making it a popular choice for northern regions. 

Historically, lilacs have symbolised love, renewal, and nostalgia, and they are often planted in cottage gardens, hedgerows, and public parks. They attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, while being relatively pest-resistant.

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.

Halesia, or Silverbell, is a small genus of five species (H. carolina, H. diptera, H. macgregorii, H. tetraptera, and H. monticola) of large, deciduous shrubs or small trees with grey bark, and simple, ovate, green leaves, that turn yellow in autumn and fall off early. Attractive, hanging, bell-shaped, white to pale pink flowers grow in clusters and bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by four-winged (or two-winged), nut-like fruits in autumn and often remain on branches long into winter. Attractive to bees and squirrels. Halesia grows best in average, organically rich, slightly acidic, lime-free, moist but well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun. Doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, no routine pruning necessary. Halesia is a wonderful shrub or small tree perfect as an understory plant, for shrub borders, stream banks, or woodland gardens. Great as a specimen plant for the lawn.

Malus John Downie, commonly known as the John Downie crab apple, is a deciduous tree supplied here as a feathered specimen, meaning it retains lateral branches down to ground level for a well-furnished, natural shape from an early stage. This upright, conical tree produces an abundance of white blossom in spring, opening from pink-tinged buds and providing a striking display across the canopy. The blossom gives way in autumn to large, egg-shaped orange and red flushed fruits, which are among the most ornamental of all crab apples and are commonly used for making crab apple jelly. The fruit display is a key feature, hanging in generous clusters and persisting on the branches well into the autumn months, offering strong seasonal interest after the foliage has fallen. Spring flowering and autumn fruiting make this a tree of year-round appeal, bridging the gap between seasons with colour and form. The blossom is valuable for pollinating insects, including bees, which visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, while the fruit provides a late-season food source for birds and other wildlife. As a feathered tree, it is well suited to planting where a naturally branched, characterful specimen is desired, and it performs well in most garden soils.

Rhododendron 'Cosmopolitan' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its vivid spring flowers and neat, rounded habit, making it an excellent feature plant for a wide range of garden settings. Typically growing to around 1.5–2 metres in height and spread, it forms a dense, well-branched shrub that provides structure and year-round foliage interest.

In mid to late spring, ‘Cosmopolitan’ produces large, eye-catching trusses of bright rose-pink flowers, each bloom highlighted with a darker red blotch in the throat. These colourful blooms create a bold display and attract pollinators such as bees, bringing life and movement into the garden.

This rhododendron thrives best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained acidic soil and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled sunlight. It is particularly effective in woodland-style gardens, mixed shrub borders, or planted alongside other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, and pieris.

Protection from cold drying winds will help maintain healthy foliage and strong flowering. With its vibrant colour, compact growth, and dependable performance, ‘Cosmopolitan’ is a superb choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and decorative flowering shrub.

Photinia fraseri 'Compacta', when espaliered on a metal frame, presents a striking and structured display of horticultural artistry. This particular variety of Photinia, known for its compact growth habit, reaches a height of 150cm and spans 100cm in width, making it an ideal choice for espalier training. The metal frame, robust and unobtrusive, provides the necessary support for this method of cultivation, guiding the plant's growth in a controlled, two-dimensional form.

The leaves of Photinia fraseri 'Compacta' are its most notable feature: vibrant and glossy, they emerge as bright red shoots, offering a vivid contrast against the greenery. As the leaves mature, they transition to a deep, rich green, maintaining their luster throughout the seasons. The espalier technique emphasizes the plant's natural beauty, showcasing its dense foliage in a symmetrical pattern.

This living art form, a blend of nature and craftsmanship, not only serves as an ornamental feature in gardens but also as a practical solution for space-limited areas. The plant's ability to thrive with minimal lateral space, combined with regular pruning and training, results in a visually appealing, living wall of lush foliage, perfectly complemented by the understated elegance of the metal frame.

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.