Search results

Quercus phillyreoides, commonly known as the Ubame oak, Black Ridged Oak, is a versatile, evergreen oak prized for its dense foliage, compact size, and year-round interest. Typically reaching 6 to 10 meters in height with a spread of 5 to 8 meters, it forms a neat, rounded crown filled with small, leathery dark green leaves. The foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for providing structure and greenery even in winter months. Highly adaptable, Quercus phillyreoides thrives in a range of soils and shows strong tolerance to pruning, pollution, and drought once established. It is ideal for use as a specimen tree, clipped hedge, or screen in gardens and urban landscapes. Its resilience and tidy form make it a low-maintenance, attractive addition to any planting design.

Hydrangea petiolaris is a large, vigorous, self-clinging, deciduous climber with aerial rootlets along the stems, which have reddish-brown and exfoliating bark when the plant is mature. Heart-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn. Fragrant, white flowers in flattened clusters bloom in late spring and early summer. Each cluster has tiny, greenish-yellow fertile flowers in the centre and sterile, white flowers around them. Hydrangea petiolaris is a slow to establish, but very vigorous later. It grows best in fertile, neutral, moist and well-drained soils, in partial to full shade. It can withstand full sun, if the soil is consistently moist. Doesn’t like hot and humid conditions. Low maintenance plant, generally, pest-free and disease-free. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hydrangea petiolaris is a wonderful climber, great for covering walls, arbours, fences or trunks of large trees. It can also be a good ground-cover. Its interesting bark makes it attractive even during the winter.

The Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ is an evergreen shrub prized in UK gardens for its bold architectural form, striking foliage, and vibrant winter flowers. Unlike many plants that fade in the colder months, this mahonia truly shines from late autumn into early spring, offering a burst of colour when most other garden plants are dormant.

Its leaves are deeply pinnate, glossy, and dark green, often with spiny, holly-like edges. These leaves give the shrub a sculptural, almost exotic appearance, making it stand out in mixed borders or woodland-style plantings. During winter, the plant produces clusters of bright yellow, fragrant flowers that rise above the foliage on tall stems. The scent is subtle but pleasantly reminiscent of honey, attracting bees and other pollinators even in chillier months. Following flowering, small, dark blue or purple berries often appear, providing visual interest and a valuable food source for birds.

‘Winter Sun’ is a relatively compact variety, usually reaching around 2.5-4 metres in height, making it suitable for smaller gardens, patios, or as a low hedge. It thrives in partial shade but tolerates full sun if the soil is consistently moist and well-drained. The shrub is hardy across most of the UK, enduring cold winters and sheltered from the harshest frosts. Its low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for gardeners seeking year-round structure with minimal effort.

Beyond its ornamental value, Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ is versatile in the landscape. It can be grown under trees, along boundaries, or as a specimen plant, and it pairs beautifully with spring bulbs or shade-loving perennials. Its evergreen habit ensures a constant backdrop of texture and colour, while its winter flowering adds cheer during the grey months. Overall, Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ is a reliable, attractive, and practical choice for UK gardens, bringing both colour and wildlife interest when it is most needed.

Camellia 'Doctor King' is a compact, bushy, evergreen shrub of upright habit, with broadly elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves and profusion of ruffled, single to semi-double, rosy-red flowers with yellow stamens in the centre, blooming from February to April. Camellia 'Doctor King' prefers organically rich, slightly acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. The soil needs to be consistently moist, but too much water may lead to a root rot. It thrives in partial or dappled shade. Direct sunlight will burn its leaves and full shade may lead to thinner leaves and fewer blooms. It can withstand frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds, as well as early morning sun. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning. Camellia 'Doctor King' is a wonderful, long-flowering, colourful, evergreen shrub perfect as an accent plant, great for mixed borders and shrub borders, and excellent for growing in pots and containers.

Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is a stunning climbing shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Also known as the Japanese wisteria, this plant is highly prized for its gorgeous, cascading clusters of fragrant, white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer.

The 'Longissima Alba' variety is particularly noted for its long, pendulous flower clusters, which can reach up to 3 feet in length. The flowers are delicately scented and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

The foliage of this plant is also attractive, with long, narrow leaves that emerge in a bronze hue before maturing to a bright green color. In fall, the leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow before dropping for the winter.

As a climbing shrub, Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba' is ideal for training onto trellises, walls, or pergolas, where its cascading flowers can be fully appreciated. It is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 30 feet if left unpruned.

Overall, this beautiful and fragrant climbing shrub is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape, providing a stunning display of flowers and foliage throughout the growing season.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a New Zealand selection of Fraser's Photinia. It’s a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, oval, glossy, brilliant, bright red leaves when they emerge, and dark green after several weeks. Small, 5-petal, white flowers bloom in spring and are rarely followed by red fruits which can persist throughout winter. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 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 and drought. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a very popular evergreen shrub, great as a specimen or accent plant, but perfect for hedges and screens, useful for noise reduction, or wind protection.

Abelia x grandiflora is a medium-sized, compact, rounded, multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen shrub with reddish-brown arching stems. Its glossy, oval, dark green leaves turn bronze in autumn. It is mostly grown for its dense habit and clusters of mildly fragrant, white to pale pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom continuously from May to September. Abelia x grandiflora thrives in full sun, but since it is not full hardy, it needs a sheltered position. This plant is very easy to grow. It is not demanding, prefers average, moist, well-drained soil, and can tolerate drought. It adapts well to a wide range of conditions and is, therefore, suitable for both coastal and mountainous regions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. It is perfect for informal hedges, garden and wall-side borders, and for growing in containers.

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Iko yama fuji' is a captivating flowering plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is known for its elegant, cascading clusters of fragrant, violet-blue flowers that drape gracefully from its branches. 

The term "half standard" indicates that the clear stem has been pruned to a specific height, typically around three to four feet (90-120 cm) above the ground. This pruning method creates a visually appealing feature, allowing the flowering portion of the Wisteria to be showcased more prominently. The clear stem also facilitates ease of maintenance and enhances the plant's overall form and structure.

The 'Iko yama fuji' Wisteria itself is a deciduous vine with pinnate leaves consisting of numerous leaflets. The foliage emerges in spring, creating a lush green backdrop for the spectacular floral display that follows. The violet-blue flowers, are highly fragrant which typically appear in late spring or early summer, are abundant and borne in pendulous racemes that can reach up to a foot (30 cm) or more in length. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's ecological value. Additionally, the flowers give way to velvety, elongated seed pods that develop later in the season, contributing to the overall visual interest of the plant.

The 'Iko yama fuji' Wisteria, with its half standard clear stem, offers a captivating combination of structural elegance and abundant floral beauty. Whether used as a focal point in a garden or as a decorative feature in a landscape, this cultivar adds a touch of sophistication and charm to any setting. With proper care and maintenance, this extraordinary plant can provide years of enjoyment and become a cherished highlight of outdoor spaces.

Ligustrum Lucidum 'Varigatum' 1/2 std is a small, evergreen tree with a great, rounded crown which retains its rounded shape if grown in full sun. Long, ovate, pointed, glossy, light-green leaves have attractive, greenish-yellow to creamy-yellow margins. Numerous clusters of scented, creamy-yellow flowers almost cover the leaves in summer and autumn, and are followed by small, black berries that remain on branches for a long time. Chinese privet 1/2 std can thrive in wide range of soil types, except waterlogged. It prefers deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. Tolerant of urban pollution and salty air. Low maintenance plant. In harsh winters, it may lose its leaves. Ligustrum 1/2 std is a tough tree, perfect for restricted spaces as it can be planted very close to buildings, therefore, suitable for a street tree. Great for informal hedges and screens, or as an accent plant.

Pinus mugo 'Carsten's Wintergold' is a lovely, small, compact, broadly globose, low-spreading shrub with short, green, needle-like leaves in spring and summer, and rich golden yellow in cold weather, and small, inconspicuous cones. It is one of the best “winter gold” pines. Pinus mugo 'Carsten's Wintergold' can grow in most soil types, alkaline, sandy, loamy, sandy, or clay, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It is tolerant of coastal conditions but its colour is most intense in colder climates. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Dwarf mountain pine 'Carsten' is an exceptional shrub, perfect for brightening and adding colour to any cottage, urban, coastal, or rock garden. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant in small gardens. Great as a ground cover or for banks and slopes when planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers.

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' is a cultivar of Laburnum x watereri and the best known Laburnum. It’s an attractive, large, deciduous shrub or small tree of bushy, spreading, capricious growing habit, vase-shaped crown, and glossy, deep-green leaves. Spectacular, long, dropping clusters of slightly scented, pea-like, golden yellow flowers bloom in spring, and are followed by attractive bean-like pods.

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' thrives in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It likes full sun, but in hot areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It doesn’t like heat and humidity, but is tolerant of frost, winds, urban conditions, and de-icing salt. Its roots can sometimes be badly anchored. A very tough and hardy plant. All parts of the palnt are toxic to humans and animals. This stunning shrub with its rich, dense, golden yellow flower clusters resembling golden chains, is great as a specimen plant, but can also be trained for arbours and pergolas.

Clematis armandi 'Snowdrift' is a robust and elegant evergreen climber, perfect for adding vertical interest to gardens and outdoor spaces. When trained on a cane, this charming plant showcases glossy, dark green foliage that provides year-round appeal. In early spring, 'Snowdrift' bursts into bloom with an abundance of pure white, star-shaped flowers that emit a delicate, sweet fragrance. The cascading blooms create a breathtaking display, attracting pollinators and adding a fresh, clean aesthetic to trellises, pergolas, or decorative canes. This climber thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys a sunny to partially shaded position. Its vigorous growth, combined with low maintenance requirements, makes 'Snowdrift' an ideal choice for enhancing gardens, patios, or any outdoor living area with beauty and fragrance.

Magnolia grandiflora is an exotic-looking, fast-growing, long-lived, evergreen shrub or tree of pyramidal to rounded habit, with attractive, oblong, glossy, dark-green leaves, copper-brown underneath. Beautiful, fragrant, goblet-shaped, creamy-white flowers bloom from June to September and are followed by red, cone-like seedpods.

Magnolia grandiflora, or Sothern Magnolia, is easily grown in a wide range of soils, except too dry or too wet, but prefers fertile, rich, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. Once established, it can withstand some drought. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. It has very good cold tolerance, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds. Low maintenance, generally, pest-free and disease-free. Not very tolerant of urban pollution.

Magnolia grandiflora is an American variety of Magnolia. It’s an excellent ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or a shade tree. Great for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

Mahonia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub appreciated for its ornamental value and adaptability. This robust plant, native to East Asia, is well-suited to the UK climate and can often be found gracing gardens and landscapes with its distinctive features.

Characterised by its bold, architectural form, Mahonia japonica typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 metres, with an upright, spreading habit. The shrub's foliage is a notable feature: its pinnate leaves are composed of up to 19 leaflets, each with a spiny, holly-like edge, lending the plant a somewhat dramatic appearance. These glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

In late autumn to early winter, Mahonia japonica produces striking racemes of bright yellow flowers. These blooms, which can appear even in the coldest months, emit a sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. The flower clusters are not only visually appealing but also provide a vital source of nectar during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Following the flowering period, the shrub produces small, blue-black berries that resemble grapes. These berries are edible but are generally more popular with birds than with humans. They add a further layer of seasonal interest and can contribute to the biodiversity of a garden by attracting wildlife.

Mahonia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning—typically just to remove any dead or damaged growth. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to deep shade, makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.

Overall, Mahonia japonica is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers year-round interest and is particularly valuable for its winter blooms and hardy nature. Its combination of striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries make it a standout plant in any landscape.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena' is a captivating deciduous shrub, renowned for its striking winter blooms and vibrant fall foliage. Standing at an impressive height of 150cm, this cultivar of witch hazel makes a stunning statement in any garden.

The most notable feature of 'Jelena' is its unique flowers. During the late winter, when most of the garden lies dormant, this shrub bursts into life with an abundance of ribbon-like petals. These flowers are a coppery-orange colour exuding a spicy fragrance that adds a sensory delight to the garden. They contrast beautifully against the bare, woody branches, creating a striking visual display.

As the seasons change, so does the foliage of 'Jelena'. In autumn, the leaves turn a fiery array of colours, from bright yellows to rich oranges and reds, before falling to the ground. This seasonal transformation adds year-round interest to the landscape.

This witch hazel variety thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade. It's relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning, mainly to shape or remove any dead or crossed branches. 'Jelena' is also known for its hardiness, making it a resilient choice for many gardens.

Dryopteris affinis 'The King', is a handsome and distinctive evergreen fern valued for its strong structure and attractively crested fronds. It belongs to the golden male fern group and is particularly appreciated for the decorative tips that give the plant an elegant yet slightly unusual appearance.

This fern forms a substantial clump of arching fronds that emerge from a central crown. Each frond is a rich, glossy green and can reach around 60–120 cm in length, creating a bold, architectural presence in shaded areas of the garden. The defining feature of this cultivar lies in the crested ends of the fronds and pinnae, where the leaflets divide into small tufted or tasselled tips. These crests give the plant a softly ruffled outline and add a layer of visual interest compared with standard forms of the species.

As an evergreen fern, it provides year-round structure and foliage in suitable conditions. Fresh new fronds unfurl in spring, often appearing slightly lighter green before deepening in colour as they mature. Older fronds can remain attractive through winter, though some gardeners choose to remove any tired foliage in early spring to allow the new growth to be seen clearly.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is particularly well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalistic planting schemes where its bold texture contrasts beautifully with finer foliage plants. It combines well with hostas, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials, helping to create layered planting with varied forms and textures.

This fern is generally hardy and reliable in the UK climate, requiring little maintenance once established. Its robust habit, evergreen character and distinctive crested fronds make it a valuable structural plant for shaded garden spaces.

Overall, Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ is admired for its durability, ornamental foliage and ability to bring year-round interest and texture to sheltered, shady areas of the garden

Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as Indian hawthorn, is a charming evergreen shrub that graces gardens with its elegant presence. Native to Southern Asia, particularly India and China, this resilient plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and thrives in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice among gardeners worldwide.

The beauty of Rhaphiolepis indica lies in its dense, compact growth habit, reaching heights of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and spreading almost as wide. Its glossy, leathery leaves are lance-shaped and typically dark green, providing a lush backdrop for the clusters of delicate flowers it produces. These blooms, which appear in spring, vary in color from white to shades of pink and possess a subtle fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

One of the most appealing features of Indian hawthorn is its adaptability to different growing conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Once established, it exhibits moderate drought tolerance, although regular watering during dry spells is beneficial for optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning is seldom necessary, except to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape if desired. Additionally, the plant is relatively pest and disease resistant, further adding to its appeal as a hassle-free addition to garden landscapes.

Magnolia Genie is an attractive, small, compact, deciduous tree of narrow-pyramidal, upright habit, with oblong, mid-green leaves. Beautiful, slightly fragrant, tulip-shaped, deep burgundy flowers open from black-red buds and bloom in mid-spring before the leaves emerge. It may continue to bloom sporadically during the summer. Magnolia Genie can adapt to a wide range of soils, but prefers light, fertile, slightly acidic, consistently moist, and well-drained soils. Once established, it can withstand drought. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds. Because of its shallow roots, it doesn’t like transplanting. Low maintenance, doesn’t require pruning. Magnolia Genie is a cross between Magnolia soulangeana and Magnolia liliiflora. It’s an exquisite ornamental tree, perfect for smaller informal, cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen plant. Excellent when planted in groups, especially in a row to create informal hedges and screens.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Graffiti’ is a compact, dwarf hydrangea that delivers a bold splash of color and texture to the garden. Reaching only about 1 meter tall and wide, it’s perfectly suited for small gardens, borders, or patio containers. Its striking, cone-shaped flower clusters put on a spectacular show from summer through autumn. The blooms open in a fresh lime-green shade, gradually shifting through pink-tinged greens before maturing into vivid pink-red tones as the season progresses. This constantly changing palette creates a dynamic, graffiti-like effect of layered colors that make the plant truly distinctive. The strong, upright stems keep the blossoms neatly displayed, even when heavy with blooms, ensuring a tidy and reliable performance. Easy to grow and low maintenance, ‘Graffiti’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to many soils. A colorful, long-lasting performer, it brings vibrancy and structure to modern and traditional landscapes alike.

Camellia japonica 'Odoratissima' is a captivating flowering plant renowned for its exquisite beauty and delightful fragrance. It boasts glossy, dark green foliage that serves as an elegant backdrop for its stunning flowers. The blooms are large, rose-like flowers that can measure up to 5 inches in diameter. These flowers typically appear in late winter to early spring, adding a burst of colour to the garden when many other plants are dormant. The petals are usually a rich shade of pink, sometimes with hints of white or deeper hues towards the centre.

Unlike many other varieties of Camellia japonica, which are not known for their scent, 'Odoratissima' fills the air with a sweet, delicate perfume that is reminiscent of roses or jasmine. T

In terms of cultivation, Camellia japonica 'Odoratissima' thrives in partial shade or filtered sunlight and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It is relatively low-maintenance once established but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plant can help