Search results

Arbutus rubra is an evergreen tree of notable ornamental value, admired for its rich colouring, distinctive bark, and year-round interest. Typically medium-sized, it develops a rounded to spreading crown and a strong architectural presence, making it well suited to gardens, parks, and mild coastal landscapes.

The foliage of Arbutus rubra is one of its most striking features. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, often flushed with reddish tones when young. Elliptical in shape with finely serrated margins, they are held densely along the branches, contributing to the tree’s lush and robust appearance throughout the year. As an evergreen, it provides consistent structure even in winter months.

Its bark is particularly decorative. Smooth and richly coloured, it peels naturally in thin flakes, revealing layers of warm red, cinnamon, and copper beneath. This exfoliating habit gives the trunk and larger branches a textured, sculptural quality that becomes increasingly attractive with age.

Flowering typically occurs in autumn or early winter. Small, urn-shaped flowers appear in hanging clusters and are usually creamy white to pale pink. These blooms are attractive to pollinating insects and add subtle charm at a time when many plants are dormant. The flowers are followed by rounded fruits that gradually ripen to shades of red, enhancing the tree’s seasonal appeal and providing food for birds.

Arbutus rubra prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sheltered positions with full sun or light shade. Once established, it shows good tolerance to drought and coastal conditions. Its combination of colourful bark, evergreen foliage, delicate flowers, and ornamental fruit makes it a refined and enduring choice in temperate gardens.

Pinus nigra ‘Summer Breeze’ is a dwarf, slow growing variety of black pine tree with textured trunk, dense, oval-shaped crown, and long, dark green needles, fresh green when young. Pinus nigra ‘Summer Breeze’ is not a fussy plant and can grow in any type of soil, loamy, sandy, clay or chalky, as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in fertile, loose, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, heat, and salt, ideal for coastal areas. Extremely resistant to frost and wind and can withstand urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Pinus nigra ‘Summer Breeze’ is a lovely, little tree, but very adaptable and resilient. It is perfect for coastal areas, but can grow very well in any informal, cottage, or urban garden. Because of its small size, suitable for terraces and balconies. It looks beautiful in rock gardens or in pots and containers surrounded with white rocks and pebbles.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a captivating and resilient deciduous tree, often recognized by its striking golden-yellow foliage. This robust cultivar stands out for its adaptability and rapid growth, often thriving in diverse environmental conditions, including urban areas with substantial pollution. Originating from the black locust tree, 'Frisia' inherits a hardy and enduring nature, demonstrating significant resistance to harsh weather conditions, rendering it a prevalent choice among garden enthusiasts and landscape architects.

The tree is a magnificent spectacle during the spring season when it is adorned with pendulous clusters of sweetly fragrant, white, pea-like flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators, notably bees, enhancing biodiversity within its vicinity. The blooms are followed by smooth, elongated seed pods, contributing to the tree's visual appeal. The vibrant foliage, which creates a pronounced contrast with the surroundings, transitions to a lighter shade of yellow in the autumn, offering an extended period of visual interest.

Despite its aesthetic appeal and resilience, 'Frisia' necessitates vigilant management due to its propensity for suckering and its invasive nature. Proper pruning is vital to maintain its structural integrity and curtail unrestrained growth. This tree is suitable for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet visually arresting focal point in their landscapes.

Prunus avium ‘Summer Sun’ is a compact, medium-sized, moderately vigorous, deciduous cherry tree of upright, spreading habit, dark green leaves, abundance of fragrant, white flowers in spring, and a great crop of tasty, dark red cherries in summer. The cherries are large, not too firm, not too soft, with excellent taste. Sweet Cherry 'Summer Sun' grows best in average, moderately fertile, loamy, sandy, medium moisture, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun. Doesn’t tolerate too wet or waterlogged soils. It is resistant to frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. A partially self-pollinating variety, but it requires a pollinator. Low maintenance plant. Prunus avium ‘Summer Sun’ is primarily grown for its sweet cherries. It is a reliable producer of a good amount of fruit, but it also looks lovely in small, informal and cottage gardens. Great as a specimen plant, in beds and borders and wall-side borders.

Colt rootstock is a popular choice for cherry trees, offering a semi-dwarfing size that reaches about 70-80% the height of standard cherry trees. It's well-suited for heavier soils, providing good anchorage and resistance to bacterial canker. Colt enhances the tree's longevity and supports robust fruit yields, making it ideal for various cherry cultivars.

Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the family Lythraceae. Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, the pomegranate is widely cultivated for its fruit, ornamental value, and medicinal properties. The tree grows up to 5-8 meters tall and has glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It produces beautiful red-orange flowers that bloom in summer.

The fruit of the pomegranate is a round or slightly hexagonal berry, about the size of an apple or grapefruit. The leathery skin of the fruit is thick and inedible, but it contains hundreds of edible arils or seeds, each surrounded by a juicy, ruby-red pulp. The seeds are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and are said to have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Pomegranate is commonly used in cooking, juices, smoothies, and salads, and it adds a sweet-tart flavour and vibrant colour to any dish. Overall, Punica granatum is a versatile and attractive tree that would make a great addition to any garden or landscape, both for its ornamental value and its delicious fruit.

Loropetalum chinense ‘Black Pearl’ is a bushy, compact, rounded, multi-stemmed, spreading, semi-evergreen shrub with small, leathery, heart-shaped, dark purple leaves. Fragrant, spider-like, reddish-pink flowers with long petals, resembling witch hazel, blooming in February and March. Loropetalum chinense ‘Black Pearl’ prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Doesn’t like waterlogged and shallow chalk soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in sunny, sheltered, frost-free areas. Too much shade reduces flowering. It can withstand some frost, but has to be sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance shrub, doesn’t require pruning. Chinese Fringe Flower is a very pretty evergreen shrub suitable for various purposes. Perfect for cottage, urban, and woodland gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, shrub and wall-side borders. Great for growing in containers. In colder areas, it should be brought inside during the winter.

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.

Prunus domestica 'Stanley' is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous plum tree with elliptical, bright green leaves and masses of fragrant, white flowers blooming in mid-spring. Flowers are followed by an abundance of large, delicious, juicy, dark blue plums with greenish-yellow flesh. The fruit is ready for harvesting in late summer and autumn. Prunus domestica 'Stanley' can tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in sunny, sheltered positions. Very resistant to frost and since it blooms later in spring, flower buds are rarely in danger of late frosts. It crops better after a cold and wet spring. It is self-fertile but it’s beneficial to have a pollinator nearby. Requires minimal pruning. Plum 'Stanley' is a very popular plum variety. It’s a reliable and heavy cropper. Perfect for small gardens. Very tasty, with high sugar content. Excellent when eaten fresh and ideal for drying and canning.

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.

Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' is a narrow, upright, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen tree of columnar habit, resembling “exclamation mark”, with long, thin, rich green needles and large, white buds in winter and early spring. Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' is not a fussy plant and can grow in any type of soil, loamy, sandy, clay or chalky, as long as it is well-drained. It thrives in fertile, loose, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, heat, and salt, ideal for coastal areas. Extremely resistant to frost and wind, therefore, suitable for exposed positions. It can withstand urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Austrian pine 'Green Tower' is a very attractive, pillar-like tree that can fit to almost any small and tight garden. It looks perfect as a specimen or accent plant, as well as planted in groups. Great for hedges and screens, or as a windbreak. Suitable for growing in containers.

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.

Pinus leucodermis 'Irish Bell', also known as dwarf Bosnian pine, is a superb choice for gardeners seeking a slow-growing, structured evergreen with year-round appeal. Its compact, upright, and broadly pyramidal form reaches about 3 to 4 feet in 10 years, making it ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, or as a standout specimen in conifer collections. The plant features dense tufts of dark green needles with white fascicle sheaths that add a subtle sparkle and visual texture throughout the seasons.

This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is hardy. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance and versatile addition to a wide range of garden designs—from rock gardens to formal landscapes.

'Irish Bell' provides strong architectural form and year-round color, contrasting beautifully with flowering perennials, broadleaf evergreens, or deciduous shrubs. Its neat growth habit requires little to no pruning, and it resists most pests and diseases. With its manageable size, unique texture, and striking color, Pinus leu 'Irish Bell' enhances both traditional and modern garden spaces with elegance and resilience.

Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead' is a stunning cultivar of Japanese Black Pine, characterized by its unique and eye-catching form. This slow-growing evergreen tree typically reaches a height of 15-20 feet and a spread of 8-12 feet, with a dense and compact habit. The foliage is a vibrant green color, with short, twisted needles that give it a distinct and textured appearance. What really sets 'Thunderhead' apart, however, is its distinctive shape. As it matures, the tree develops a broad, conical crown with an irregular, layered structure, giving it a dynamic and visually striking silhouette. The bark is also notable, with dark, deeply grooved ridges that provide an attractive contrast to the bright green needles. Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead' is a hardy and resilient tree that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, and is well-suited for use in both residential and commercial landscapes. It is particularly well-suited for use as a focal point or specimen tree, where its unique shape and texture can be fully appreciated. Whether planted in a garden, park, or other outdoor space, 'Thunderhead' is sure to add a touch of drama and beauty to any setting.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a captivating and resilient deciduous tree, often recognized by its striking golden-yellow foliage. This robust cultivar stands out for its adaptability and rapid growth, often thriving in diverse environmental conditions, including urban areas with substantial pollution. Originating from the black locust tree, 'Frisia' inherits a hardy and enduring nature, demonstrating significant resistance to harsh weather conditions, rendering it a prevalent choice among garden enthusiasts and landscape architects.

The tree is a magnificent spectacle during the spring season when it is adorned with pendulous clusters of sweetly fragrant, white, pea-like flowers, attracting a myriad of pollinators, notably bees, enhancing biodiversity within its vicinity. The blooms are followed by smooth, elongated seed pods, contributing to the tree's visual appeal. The vibrant foliage, which creates a pronounced contrast with the surroundings, transitions to a lighter shade of yellow in the autumn, offering an extended period of visual interest.

Despite its aesthetic appeal and resilience, 'Frisia' necessitates vigilant management due to its propensity for suckering and its invasive nature. Proper pruning is vital to maintain its structural integrity and curtail unrestrained growth. This tree is suitable for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet visually arresting focal point in their landscapes.

Alnus rubra, commonly known as red alder, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is easily recognized by its smooth, gray bark and broad, ovate leaves with serrated edges that turn yellow in the fall. Red alder typically grows 40 to 80 feet tall and thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often along rivers, streams, and in disturbed areas. One of its most notable ecological traits is its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules. This natural enrichment improves soil fertility and supports forest regeneration, making it an important pioneer species in reforestation and ecological restoration projects. Red alder also provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. In addition to its ecological value, its light-colored wood is used in furniture, cabinetry, and paper production due to its workability and smooth finish.

Pinus uncinata 'Heideperle' is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Pinaceae family. It is commonly known as the mountain pine, and it is native to the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe. 'Heideperle' is a cultivar of Pinus uncinata, which is a species that is often used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.

The 'Heideperle' cultivar is a particularly striking plant, with dense, blue-green needles that grow to a length of about 5 cm. These needles are held in bundles of two, and they have a slightly twisted appearance that gives the tree a unique texture. In the spring, the tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are followed by small, egg-shaped cones that measure about 3-4 cm in length.

'Heideperle' is a slow-growing tree, typically reaching a height of only 2-3 meters after 10 years. It has a compact, conical shape, and its foliage is very dense, making it an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree in a garden or as part of a mixed planting. It is also commonly used in rock gardens and alpine gardens due to its ability to thrive in harsh, rocky environments.

This cultivar prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is relatively tolerant of drought and cold, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with harsh winter conditions. 'Heideperle' is also resistant to most common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.

Overall, Pinus uncinata 'Heideperle' is an attractive and versatile tree that is well-suited to a variety of garden settings. Its unique texture and compact size make it an excellent choice for use as a specimen plant, and its hardy nature and low-maintenance requirements make it a great addition to any garden.

Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as wintersweet, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in the depths of winter. Native to China, this hardy plant belongs to the Calycanthaceae family and thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. It can reach heights of 2 to 4 metres, forming an open, spreading habit with slender, arching branches.

One of the most striking features of Chimonanthus praecox is its flowers, which appear from December to February, often before the leaves emerge. These small, cup-shaped blooms have a translucent quality, with waxy, pale yellow petals and a deep maroon or purple centre. Their strong, sweet fragrance is highly prized, particularly in winter gardens, where they provide a much-needed burst of scent and colour. The leaves, which appear in spring, are lance-shaped, glossy green, and turn golden yellow in autumn before falling.

Wintersweet is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it prefers fertile, well-drained soil. It is best grown in a sheltered spot, such as against a south-facing wall, to maximise flower production. This shrub is often cultivated for ornamental purposes, and its highly fragrant flowers are sometimes used in perfumery and potpourri.

Propagation is typically achieved through seeds or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. However, seedlings take several years to mature and produce flowers. Once established, Chimonanthus praecox is drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant.

This winter-flowering shrub is an excellent choice for adding seasonal interest to gardens, attracting pollinators, and providing cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Its delicate yet resilient nature makes it a cherished addition to temperate landscapes.

Sunset apple is a heavy-cropping garden apple with upright, compact habit and attractive pale pink flowers that bloom in March. They are followed by small, round to ovate, golden-yellow and green fruit with red and orange striping. A white to ivory flesh is crisp, firm and fine-grained, sometimes tinged with green. It has sweet, sharp, aromatic flavour. Sunset Apple was bred in approximately 1918 by G. C. Addy at Ightham, Kent. One of the parent varieties is Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple. Sunset Apple was meant to be similar to it, but easier to grow. It is very resilient, generally disease-free, cold and frost resistant, therefore, suitable for growing even in northern parts of Europe. Doesn’t need a pollinating partner because it is self-fertile. It is not commercially grown because of its small size. Sunset apples are crispy and juicy, great for eating or cooking. When cooked, they retain their shape.

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.

Pinus mugo 'Sherwood Compact' is a compact, slow-growing, cushion-like, mound-forming, coniferous, evergreen shrub of upright habit, with short, stiff, dark green needles, golden tipped in winter, and small brown conifers. Pinus mugo 'Sherwood Compact' can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it resistant to drought. It can adapt to coastal conditions, but prefers cool summer climates. Resistant to frost and can withstand wind, therefore, suitable for exposed positions. Generally tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Dwarf Mountain Pine 'Sherwood Compact' is a great-looking shrub that doesn’t need pruning to maintain its wonderful form. Perfect in rock gardens surrounded with stones and pebbles, but also great in cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. Excellent when arranged with columnar and conical-shaped plants. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.