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Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen climber, with twining stems, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, bronze purple when they emerge, bronze-red in winter. Clusters of lovely, very fragrant, star-shaped, white to creamy flowers bloom in summer. Star jasmine grows best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade and most soils and conditions.

It thrives in a south-facing positions. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It needs to be protected from cold, drying winds. It should be provided a strong support and pruned to promote bushy growth. Generally, disease-free and pest-free, very easy to grow and maintain, ideal for beginners.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides, with is highly fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage, is a beautiful vine suitable for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. It is perfect as a ground cover or low clipped hedge, excellent for covering walls, fences, pergolas, arbours and trellises and great for planting in pots.

Phyllostachys nigra, or Black Bamboo, is a vigorous, elegant, evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, slightly arching, black-brown canes, olive green when young, and narrow, short, glossy green leaves. It’s a gregarious flowering bamboo – every black bamboo around the world will bloom around the same time once in 40 to 60 years. That generation will soon after die. Black Bamboo is extremely fast-growing and need adequate space. It is less invasive than other types, but the spreading of its roots should still be restricted with a barrier. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, rich, moist, loamy, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It has shallow roots and needs to be protected from strong winds. It is not resistant to frost. In colder areas, it can be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Phyllostachys nigra is a stunning, exotic-looking plant, perfect for hedges and screens, and growing in containers.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena', an exquisite variety of evergreen Japanese azalea that promises to add a burst of colour and charm to any British garden. Boasting vibrant magenta-pink flowers and glossy, deep-green foliage, this azalea variety is known for its compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as a striking feature in mixed borders. Hardy and versatile, the Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is perfect for British garden enthusiasts who are keen to create an eye-catching display throughout the spring.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' thrives in acidic, well-draining soil, making it well-suited for planting in peat beds or borders enriched with ericaceous compost. Choose a site with partial shade to full sun, ensuring that the plant receives adequate light while avoiding scorching its delicate blooms. When planting, space the azaleas approximately 60-80cm (24-32 inches) apart to accommodate their mature size.

To maintain optimal health, water your azalea regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch annually in the spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune your azalea lightly after flowering to maintain its compact shape and encourage new growth.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, with its vibrant magenta-pink flowers and evergreen foliage providing a stunning display in the spring months. Easy to care for and adaptable to various planting situations.

Yucca rostrata, commonly known as the beaked yucca or Big Bend yucca, is an iconic plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Its striking appearance and resilience have made it a favourite among gardeners and landscapers worldwide.

This architectural plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is characterized by its dramatic, symmetrical rosette of stiff, sword-like leaves. The leaves, which can reach lengths of up to three feet, are a striking blue-green colour and have a unique twist that adds to their visual appeal. The name "rostrata" refers to the beak-like shape of the pointed tips of the leaves.

Yucca rostrata is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and high temperatures. It prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, making it ideal for xeriscaping and desert gardens. In its natural habitat, it often grows on rocky slopes and ridges, where it adds a sculptural element to the landscape. It is low-maintenance in nature, making it a popular choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

In spring and early summer, Yucca rostrata produces a spectacular display of creamy white flowers held on tall, branching stalks. These flowers are bell-shaped and fragrant, attracting pollinators such as moths and butterflies. After flowering, the plant may produce small, fleshy fruit containing numerous seeds.

Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' is a vigorous, dense, vase-shaped, upright, evergreen shrub with oval, leathery, variegated foliage - grayish dark-green leaves with silvery undersides and irregular golden-yellow margins. Small, fragrant, tubular, creamy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by cherry-like, edible fruits. Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' can grow in almost any type of soil, but it prefers average, moist, and well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can withstand frost, but its shallow roots need to be protected with mulch. It doesn’t like wet conditions. It is tolerant of dry conditions and coastal winds. Fast growing and vigorous. Almost maintenance-free. May become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' is a nice, variegated variety of Silverberry. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or for banks and slopes. Great for informal, cottage, coastal, and wildlife gardens.

Morus nigra trained as a mature four-branched espalier is an outstanding choice for gardens where space, productivity, and ornamental structure are important. Its carefully trained horizontal framework creates a formal architectural feature that looks superb against sunny walls, fences, or boundary lines. This elegant form allows gardeners to enjoy a traditionally broad-growing mulberry in a far smaller footprint, making it especially suitable for compact gardens, courtyards, and kitchen garden settings.

The tree carries attractive heart-shaped leaves that provide fresh summer greenery, while its rich purple-black fruits ripen in late summer. These sweet, aromatic berries are highly prized for fresh eating, preserves, and culinary use. In autumn, the foliage may develop warm seasonal tones before leaf fall, while the bare branch structure adds winter interest.

Morus nigra thrives best in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. A south or west-facing wall is ideal, helping fruit ripen fully and protecting young growth from colder weather. Once established, it is hardy and long-lived, requiring only periodic pruning to maintain its espalier shape and encourage fruiting wood.

Perfect for decorative edible gardens, formal layouts, and smaller spaces, this mature espalier mulberry offers beauty, character, and generous harvests for many years.

The Acer palmatum 'Brown Sugar' is a captivating Japanese maple variety known for its dense, bushy form and striking foliage. This compact, deciduous tree features vibrant leaves that transition from a rich burgundy in spring to a deep brownish-red in summer, and finally to fiery orange and red hues in autumn. With an elegant, multi-branched structure, it typically reaches heights of 8-10 feet, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, or as a stunning focal point in any landscape. ‘Brown Sugar’ thrives best in partial shade to full sun, preferring well-drained soil with regular moisture. Resistant to many pests and diseases, this tree offers year-round beauty and low maintenance, enhancing any outdoor space with its unique color palette and form.

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.

Acer palmatum 'Fire Cracker' is a graceful and eye-catching Japanese maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and elegant cascading form. This deciduous ornamental tree produces delicate lace-like leaves that emerge rich crimson-red in spring, maintaining their vibrant colouring throughout the summer months. As autumn arrives, the foliage intensifies into brilliant scarlet and fiery red tones, creating a dramatic seasonal display.

Its naturally arching habit gives the plant a soft, flowing appearance, making it an excellent focal point in small gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes, courtyard settings, or large decorative containers. The finely textured leaves contrast beautifully with evergreen shrubs, gravel gardens, and woodland planting schemes.

‘Fire Cracker’ thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade, where the foliage is protected from scorching sun and drying winds. Slow growing and relatively compact, it is easy to maintain and suitable for gardens where space is limited. The attractive branching structure also provides winter interest, ensuring year-round ornamental value and refined architectural beauty.

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. 

Acer palmatum ‘Inosukaza’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a graceful, fine-textured ornamental tree that brings year-round interest to a variety of landscape styles. Its deeply dissected green leaves and naturally cascading, airy branching structure give it a soft, elegant appearance that works beautifully as a feature plant in small to medium gardens. Although visually delicate, it is generally hardy and adaptable, thriving in temperate climates where it receives protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds.

This cultivar prefers partial shade, especially in hotter regions, where filtered light helps prevent leaf scorch and maintains vibrant summer color. It also performs well in lightly dappled woodland settings, Japanese-inspired gardens, and courtyard plantings. With its moderate growth rate and compact habit, ‘Inosukaza’ is suitable for planting near patios, water features, or pathways where its intricate leaf shape can be appreciated up close.

In autumn, the foliage transforms into warm tones of yellow, orange, or soft red, adding seasonal drama without overwhelming surrounding plants. It is best grown in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. With consistent watering and gentle shelter, Acer palmatum ‘Inosukaza’ rewards gardeners with refined beauty and reliable performance.

Cordyline australis, or Cabbage Palm, is an impressive, vigorous, palm-like, sub-tropical tree with long, arching, narrow, dark burgundy leaves. The panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers bloom only on mature plants, in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by white or blue-tined berries. Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soils. It is tolerant to salt, wind, and drought which makes it a perfect coastal plant. It can withstand some cold weather, but frost might damage it. Disease-free and low maintenance. Toxic to animals. Cordyline australis is an incredible specimen tree because of its tropical looks and bold colour. It’s a great addition to any garden, traditional or modern. Perfect for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, patios and containers.

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki', commonly known as Dappled Willow or Flamingo Willow, is a distinctive deciduous shrub prized for its striking variegated foliage. The leaves emerge pink in spring, maturing to a mosaic of cream, pink, and green, providing a spectacular display, particularly effective in contrasting planting schemes. It typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it a versatile option for many garden spaces.

Originating from Japan, 'Hakuro-nishiki' thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a full sun to partial shade environment. While it is highly adaptable to different soil types, it performs best in acidic to neutral soils. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry conditions, to maintain its lush appearance.

This Salix variety exhibits fast growth and requires regular pruning to encourage bushiness and to manage its size, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens. The branches are flexible and are often used in basket weaving. Additionally, catkins appear before the leaves in early spring, adding to its ornamental value. It’s especially attractive to those desiring a unique, colorful, and easily manageable addition to their landscapes.

Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the laceleaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and color to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.

Butia capitata, commonly known as the Jelly Palm, is a beautiful palm tree that is frequently used in landscaping for its ornamental value. This palm is native to Brazil and Uruguay and has a very distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify.

The most striking feature of the Butia capitata is its blue-gray or silver-green trunk. Unlike many other palm trees, the trunk is covered in old leaf bases that give it a rough, textured appearance. As the palm matures, the base of the trunk gradually changes from a gray to a brown color, adding to its unique character.

Butia capitata is also known for its lush foliage. The leaves are feather-like, pinnate, and can grow up to 8 feet long. They grow in a V-shape around the trunk, giving the palm a stunning, symmetrical look. In spring, small, yellowish flowers bloom from the palm's crown. The flowers give way to edible fruit, which are known as "jelly palms," as they are sweet and commonly used to make jellies and jams.

This palm tree is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun but can handle some shade and is tolerant of drought and heat.

In addition to its stunning visual appeal, Butia capitata is also considered to be a "clean" palm tree. Unlike some other palm species, it is not prone to diseases or pests and requires little maintenance to keep it healthy.

In summary, Butia capitata is an excellent choice for adding texture, color, and character to any outdoor garden. It's a low-maintenance plant that offers an appealing aesthetic and is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

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.

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

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

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

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

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a purple-leaved Japanese maple of great beauty and quality. This large deciduous shrub or a small rounded tree has attractive, deeply lobed wine-red to purple leaves that become blood red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, red flowers that bloom in spring are followed by samaras. Its striking blackish red bark makes it attractive even in winter when leaves fall off. Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t like hot and dry locations. It is very hardy and needs sheltering only in extreme cold weather or from harsh winds. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. This attractive plant is perfect for small gardens, urban gardens, or rock gardens. It is also suitable for growing in containers and pots.

Prunus Avium ‘Sunburst’ is a medium-sized, self-fertile, deciduous cherry tree with upright, rounded crown, oval, serrated, green leaves, and lovely, white blossoms in spring. A great yield of dark red, almost black, cherries with very sweet and juicy taste is ready for harvesting in summer. Sweet Cherry ‘Sunburst’ thrives in average, moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils and grows best in full sun. Doesn’t tolerate too wet or waterlogged soils. It is very resistant to frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. A self-pollinating variety and a good pollinator for other varieties. Low maintenance plant. Suited for fan-training. Prunus Avium ‘Sunburst’ is primarily grown for its sweet, juicy cherry fruits, but it can be a great specimen tree in a small informal or cottage garden. Excellent in beds and borders, and wall-side borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Amber Glow' is a striking deciduous conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is a dwarf cultivar of the dawn redwood tree, which is native to China. The Amber Glow variety is highly prized for its stunning coloration, which adds an extra layer of visual interest to any landscape. The tree's foliage is a unique combination of green and gold hues, which take on a beautiful amber glow in the fall. The soft needles are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches, creating a delicate, lacy effect. As the tree matures, its bark develops an attractive, fluted texture that adds another layer of visual interest. This variety of Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of around 6-8 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet over 10 years. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is also tolerant of wet soils and can be grown near bodies of water.