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The Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’, commonly known as the dwarf white spruce, is a compact, slow-growing conifer prized for its neat, conical shape and silvery-green needles. A cultivar of the white spruce (Picea glauca), this tree is ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature in rockeries, borders, or containers due to its modest size. Typically growing to a height of 1.5 to 2 metres over many years, it maintains a tidy, dense form that requires little maintenance.

The needles of the Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ are soft to the touch, bluish-green in colour, and create a shimmering effect in sunlight, adding a striking element to the garden landscape. Its branches are short and evenly spaced, enhancing the tree's symmetrical, pyramid-like appearance.

This tree is hardy and well-suited to the UK climate, tolerating cold winters and thriving in a range of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning, and it is also resistant to pests and diseases. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially when young.

One of its most appealing features is its year-round interest. As an evergreen, it provides structure and colour in the garden throughout all seasons, making it a popular choice for those seeking a focal point that doesn’t lose its charm in winter. Whether used as a standalone specimen or as part of a mixed border, the Picea glauca ‘Perfecta’ is an excellent choice for adding texture, form, and seasonal interest to small or medium-sized gardens in the UK.

Pot grown from seed at Arundel Arboretum.

Sorbus aucuparia, or European Mountain Ash, is a vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, upright habit when young, rounded when mature and pinnate, serrated, dark green leaves, yellow, red, and purple in autumn. Flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by a profusion of bright orange-red berries. Attractive to birds and bees. European Mountain Ash prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even poor and dry. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand wind and short floods. Doesn’t like hot and humid summers. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sorbus aucuparia is an attractive ornamental tree, perfect for cool northern climates. Great for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a street tree. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia, or European Mountain Ash, is a vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, upright habit when young, rounded when mature and pinnate, serrated, dark green leaves, yellow, red, and purple in autumn. Flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by a profusion of bright orange-red berries. Attractive to birds and bees. European Mountain Ash prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even poor and dry. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand wind and short floods. Doesn’t like hot and humid summers. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sorbus aucuparia is an attractive ornamental tree, perfect for cool northern climates. Great for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a street tree. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Pot-grown trees establish quickly with minimal transplant shock, offer greater flexibility for planting throughout the year, and typically show more consistent early growth due to their well-developed, protected root systems.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Tomahawk’ is an attractive evergreen conifer prized for its dense, bushy habit and distinctive, soft-textured foliage. It forms a naturally neat, upright plant, making it an excellent choice for adding year-round structure, screening and interest to the garden.

The foliage consists of short, slightly twisted needles arranged closely along the branches, creating a full and textured appearance. New growth emerges in fresh green shades, developing into a rich green as it matures. During colder weather, the foliage can take on attractive bronze or reddish tones, adding seasonal interest while remaining evergreen.

‘Tomahawk’ is particularly useful where a strong architectural evergreen is required without the stark appearance of some traditional conifers. It works well as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, woodland-style planting schemes or as part of an evergreen screen. Its dense growth also provides useful shelter for birds and other garden wildlife.

It is generally hardy throughout the UK and performs best in a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and requires little pruning to retain its naturally attractive shape. It appreciates consistent moisture during its establishment period, particularly during prolonged dry spells.

With its compact, upright growth and attractive evergreen foliage, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Tomahawk’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, year-round specimen with a softer appearance than many conventional conifers.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’, or ‘Pyramidalis’, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a fluted smooth grey bark, narrowly upright, columnar growth habit, and a pyramidal shape. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. This pyramidal variety has neater and denser form and more glossy leaves. Small flowers appear in catkins in spring before the leaves. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’ 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 ‘Fastigata’ 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.

Pinus wallichiana, commonly known as the Bhutan Pine, is a majestic and elegant evergreen conifer well suited to large gardens, parklands, and naturalistic landscapes. Native to the Himalayas, it is admired for its graceful, conical form, long soft blue-green needles, and layered, slightly pendulous branches, which give it a serene and ornamental presence throughout the year.

Bhutan Pine thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, although it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy or moderately poor ground. It is hardy once established, tolerating cold winters and exposed positions, making it a reliable choice for temperate climates. Its growth habit is upright but relaxed, and mature trees develop a broad, elegant crown that adds structure and vertical interest to the garden.

This pine works particularly well as a specimen tree where it can be fully appreciated, or as part of a woodland-style planting scheme. Its soft, cascading foliage allows dappled light beneath, creating a tranquil, airy atmosphere. With minimal maintenance, strong architectural form, and year-round ornamental appeal, Bhutan Pine provides a striking focal point and a sense of timeless serenity in spacious garden landscapes.

Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a pyramidal, light, open, spreading crown and shiny, smooth, thornless, slightly arching, reddish to olive brown branches. The leaves are small, pinnate, feathery, golden yellow when sprouting, lime green in summer, and bright yellow in autumn. The clusters of white-yellow flowers bloom in May and June. There are no fruits, it’s a fruitless cultivar. Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst is not a demanding plant and can grow in any type of soil, from heavy clay to limestone, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can withstand some wind exposure and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Generally, disease-free. Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst is one of the most popular yellow-leaved ornamental trees. It is perfect as a specimen tree or accent plant in any garden. Since it is resistant to air pollution, great choice for urban areas – avenues, streets and city parks.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’, or ‘Pyramidalis’, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a fluted smooth grey bark, narrowly upright, columnar growth habit, and a pyramidal shape. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. This pyramidal variety has neater and denser form and more glossy leaves. Small flowers appear in catkins in spring before the leaves. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigata’ 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 ‘Fastigata’ 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.

Pinus banksiana 'Velda' is a unique and compact cultivar of the Jack pine, well-suited for a variety of garden settings, especially where space is limited. Its slow-growing, upright form and dense branching structure make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, small urban landscapes, or as a distinctive specimen in mixed conifer beds. Reaching a mature height of approximately 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) over many years, ‘Velda’ maintains a tidy, irregular habit that adds visual interest and character to the garden.

The plant’s dark green needles remain attractive throughout the year, providing evergreen structure and color, even in winter. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, showing adaptability to a range of poor or sandy soil conditions—a trait inherited from the species’ native habitat in North America. Additionally, ‘Velda’ is hardy making it suitable for colder climates.

With minimal maintenance needs and a distinctive, rugged charm, Pinus banksiana 'Velda' is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually engaging conifer for naturalistic, alpine, or minimalist garden designs.

Sorbus vilmorinii, or Vilmorin's Rowan, is a small, spreading, deciduous tree with flat, fern-like, pinnate green leaves, turning red and purple in autumn. Corymbs of small, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by rose pink berries fading to white in autumn, and persisting on bare branches throughout the winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Vilmorin's Rowan is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives 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 much pruning. Sorbus vilmorinii is a lovely, small, ornamental tree, perfect for small cottage, coastal and urban gardens. It is great as a specimen plant, for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers.

Araucaria ‘Cunninghami’ is an elegant evergreen plant with a neat, clear stem and a beautifully structured crown of layered, soft green foliage. Its distinctive architectural form makes it an excellent choice for bringing height, texture and year-round greenery into the home.

With its small clear stem, this Araucaria has a particularly attractive tree-like appearance, making it ideal for displaying in decorative pots where its form can be appreciated. It works well in bright, contemporary interiors, conservatories, hallways and larger living spaces, adding a natural focal point without appearing overly bushy.

For best results, position it in a bright room with plenty of indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, although strong afternoon sun through glass should be avoided. Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings and avoid leaving the plant standing in water. Good drainage is important.

Slow-growing and relatively easy to care for, Araucaria ‘Cunninghami’ is a long-lasting house plant that can gradually develop into an impressive indoor specimen. Its evergreen foliage provides attractive colour throughout the year, while the clear stem gives it a sophisticated, tree-like character.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' is a decorative and hardy variety of rowan, or mountain ash tree, particularly noted for its profuse clusters of bright red berries and lush, pinnate, green leaves. Originating in Europe, this cultivar is recognized for its more compact and upright growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or landscapes. It typically reaches heights of around 15 meters.

The 'Sheerwater Seedling' unfolds its beauty in every season. In spring, it brings forth dense clusters of creamy-white flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators. As summer progresses, these flowers give way to vibrant, red berries, which become a primary food source for birds, especially in winter months. By autumn, the foliage turns into a fiery spectacle of oranges, reds, and yellows, creating a striking contrast with the bold berries.

Besides its aesthetic attributes, the 'Sheerwater Seedling' is valued for its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in a range of soil types, and its robust nature allows it to withstand urban pollution and harsh weather conditions. The resilience and prolific berry production make it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens, providing shelter and sustenance to various bird species and other fauna. Its attractive features and hardiness make it a popular choice for both ornamental and ecological plantings.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Chinese Lace' is a distinctive ornamental tree valued for its unique aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It features finely cut, intricate, lace-like leaves, which grant the tree an elegant and delicate appearance. The tree produces clusters of vibrant orange-red berries, which are a prominent feature in the late summer and fall, providing a striking contrast to the foliage and attracting various birds and wildlife.

This variety of Sorbus aucuparia is celebrated for its adaptability to different environmental conditions, tolerating a range of soil types and prospering in both full sun and partial shade. It’s relatively resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscapes.

The ‘Chinese Lace’ showcases a splendid display of color during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a mixture of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a visual spectacle. This decorative feature makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to add autumnal color to their gardens.

Its compact growth habit and moderate height make it suitable for smaller gardens or for planting in restricted spaces. It provides structure, texture, and color to landscapes, blending well with other plants or standing alone as a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the surroundings.

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.

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

Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’, commonly known as weeping Canadian hemlock, is a highly ornamental, evergreen conifer prized for its graceful, cascading form and soft, dark green needles. Its distinctive weeping branches create a flowing, layered appearance that adds elegance and movement to the garden. Ideal as a specimen plant, it brings structure and year-round interest to shady borders, woodland gardens, or sloped landscapes where its draping habit can be showcased.

This cultivar is slow-growing and can be trained or staked to achieve various shapes, including upright with drooping branches or a spreading, ground-hugging form. It typically grows 5 to 15 feet tall and wide, depending on training and space. 'Pendula' thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. It is hardy and benefits from shelter against harsh wind or strong sun, which can scorch its foliage.

Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it requires little pruning beyond shaping and responds well to thoughtful training. Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ is an elegant, versatile choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic yet refined evergreen focal point in shaded or naturalistic garden settings.

Picea pungens 'Glauca Globosa', commonly known as Colorado blue spruce 'Glauca Globosa', is a compact, slow-growing evergreen conifer that is highly valued for its unique blue-green foliage and attractive, rounded form. It is a cultivar of the Colorado blue spruce, which is native to the Rocky Mountains in western North America. This dwarf cultivar typically grows to a height of only 3-5 feet and a spread of 5-7 feet, making it an excellent choice for small gardens, rockeries, and containers. The needles are short, stiff, and sharply pointed, with a powdery blue-green color that intensifies in the winter. The cones are small and inconspicuous, and they do not typically appear until the tree is several years old. 'Glauca Globosa' prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 2-7 and is highly tolerant of cold temperatures and harsh growing conditions. It requires little maintenance once established and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

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.

Arbutus unedo multi-stem is an evergreen, ornamental, multi-stem, capriciously growing shrub or small tree with glossy, leathery, mid-green foliage. It is very unusual and stunning all year round. Clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from autumn to mid-winter. Round, yellow fruits appear in winter and slowly become ripe in the next 12 months, gradually turning red. They are still on the tree when new flowers show up in autumn. A grey-brown bark peels, revealing cinnamon-colored inner bark. Arbutus unedo multi-stem grows slowly in a multi-stem form. It can grow in all kinds of soils and climate conditions, but prefers acidic, moist and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant to drought, disease-free and pest-free. Very resilient. This unusual, colorful and very attractive plant is perfect as a specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges, coastal gardens, and for growing in containers.

Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' is a slow-growing, dwarf, compact, dense, rounded, evergreen shrub, eventually growing into a small, pyramidal tree, with short, stubby, radial branches and strongly curled, glossy, dark green needles, with silvery undersides, creating beautiful shimmering, silvery-blue effect. Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' prefers growing in humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. It doesn’t like too dry or waterlogged soils. It can withstand frost and wind, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require any pruning. More resistant to heat and humidity than most firs but still grows best in cooler climates. Abies koreana 'Kohout's Ice Breaker' is an easy to grow and easy to care for wonderful-looking shrub. It’s great for patios and perfect for small rock and gravel, informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent for beds and borders and suitable for growing in pots and containers.