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Acer palmatum Sango-kaku or Coral Bark Maple, is a large, deciduous shrub with upright, vase-shaped habit. It is famous for its coral red bark and branches that look astonishing in contrast to its yellow foliage. Five-lobed leaves are pinkish yellow in spring, green in summer, and yellow in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, reddish flowers are followed by samaras in late summer and autumn. Coral Bark Maple prefers moist, but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, yet it can grow in any type of soil. The best leaf colour is achieved when grown in partial shade, but it also tolerates full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum Sango-kaku is a very unusual and attractive plant. It can be a stunning focal point, especially in winter. Great for small, urban and cottage gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant or for beds and borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Pittosporum ‘Silver Queen’ is a large, bushy, evergreen shrub with small, leathery, oval, wavy-edged, grey-green leaves with creamy-white margins, tinted pink in winter, and sparsely produced small, sweetly scented, deep purple flowers blooming in late spring and early summer. Round, woody fruits open in autumn and reveal seeds in a sticky pulp. Pittosporum ‘Silver Queen’ is adaptable to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand some cold, but needs to be sheltered from strong, drying, winds. It is tolerant of drought, salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Pittosporum ‘Silver Queen’ is a lovely, variegated shrub, perfect for cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. Great for shrub borders, wall-side borders, or hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Silver Dollar’ is a compact, reliable flowering shrub valued for its abundant blooms and tidy growth habit. It produces large, conical flower panicles in mid to late summer, opening a crisp white before gradually softening to pale pink as they mature. These long-lasting blooms often persist well into autumn, providing extended seasonal interest and structure in the garden even as other plants fade.

This cultivar has a neat, upright, and well-branched form, making it particularly suitable for smaller gardens, mixed borders, and courtyard planting. It also works well in larger containers, where its manageable size and strong flowering performance can be fully appreciated. Its compact nature makes it an excellent choice for formal or informal designs where consistent shape and reliable flowering are important.

‘Silver Dollar’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil and performs best in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy and adaptable in the UK climate, tolerating a range of soil types as long as drainage is good. Pruning in late winter or early spring encourages strong new growth and larger flower heads.

Low maintenance and dependable, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Silver Dollar’ brings structure, softness, and long-lasting floral impact to garden spaces throughout the summer season.

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a dense, neat and tidy, evergreen shrub or small tree of compact, rounded to conical habit, with narrow, long, glossy, dark green leaves. Young stems are vivid red. Small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds. Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions. It thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, but doesn’t’ like very exposed sites, therefore, needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Portuguese Laurel 'Angustifolia', differs from the classic variety for its greater density and narrower leaves. It is, therefore, superb for formal hedges. It forms great windbreaks and privacy screens. It reduces noise and pollution. It can be grown as a topiary tree.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is a small, dense, slow-growing, evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit, with grey to black stems, and small, leathery, wavy-margined, glossy, variegated, dark purple leaves, light green when young. Sometimes, small, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It can adapt to various types of soil, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in mild climates, in sunny, sheltered positions, and is perfect for coastal areas. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free.

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is an interesting plant, ideal to be planted against a warm, south-facing wall or in shrub or mixed borders. Excellent as an accent plant in rock and gravel gardens. Great for growing in containers.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight' is a stunning shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is also known as the Common Ninebark and is a popular choice for gardeners who want to introduce a touch of drama to their garden or outdoor space. This deciduous shrub is particularly known for its dark, almost black foliage, which is absolutely stunning and perfect for creating a striking contrast in any landscape. The 'Midnight' variety of the Physocarpus opulifolius grows to an average height of around two to three meters and can spread across a diameter of up to three to four meters. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types. During the summer, this shrub produces clumps of small creamy white to pinkish flowers that are incredibly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The blooming period of this shrub lasts for around three weeks, from May to June, and it typically produces fruit between August and September. This shrub is known to attract wildlife thanks to its colorful flowers and foliage. The dark leaves of this 'Midnight' variety provide a great backdrop for the vibrant colors of other plants, particularly those with lighter foliage, and can also be used as a focal plant in a garden or landscape design. Overall, the Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight' is a striking and stunning shrub that is sure to add interest and beauty to any garden or outdoor space. With its deep, dark foliage and lovely pinkish-white flowers, it is a true standout that will be cherished by any gardener or plant enthusiast. If you're looking for a shrub that will bring some drama and attention to your garden, be sure to consider the 'Midnight' variety of the Physocarpus opulifolius.

Vitex ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is a compact, deciduous shrub ideal for gardens seeking late-season color, pollinator support, and easy-care beauty. Developed for improved cold hardiness, it thrives in a range of climates. It forms a rounded, bushy habit, typically growing to around 1.5 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or pollinator-friendly plantings.

This hybrid variety features striking, aromatic gray-green foliage and dramatic dark stems that provide contrast throughout the growing season. From mid to late summer, it produces abundant spikes of deep blue-violet flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Unlike many other Vitex varieties, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is sterile, so it doesn’t self-seed or become invasive.

It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or slightly alkaline types. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-water or coastal gardens. Minimal pruning is required, typically in early spring to maintain shape. With its manageable size, vivid blooms, and wildlife appeal, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is an excellent ornamental choice for a wide variety of landscapes.

Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit', commonly known as the Golden Spirit smokebush, is a deciduous shrub admired for its striking foliage and unique flowering. This cultivar stands out due to its vibrant golden-yellow leaves, which provide a dazzling display from spring through autumn.

In the spring, new leaves emerge in a bright lime-green hue, maturing to a rich golden-yellow as the season progresses. These leaves are oval-shaped with a slight waviness at the edges, adding texture and interest to the plant. During autumn, the foliage transforms again, taking on hues of orange, red, and purple, offering a spectacular end-of-season show.

The Golden Spirit smokebush grows to a height and spread of approximately 2.5 to 3 metres, making it an excellent choice for both small and large gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, adding to its versatility in various garden settings.

One of the most captivating features of Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' is its airy, plume-like flower clusters that appear in early summer. These flowers, though individually insignificant, collectively form large, fluffy panicles resembling puffs of smoke, hence the common name "smokebush." The flowers are initially greenish-pink, fading to a soft beige as they age, and they add a whimsical, cloud-like quality to the shrub.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Golden Spirit is a low-maintenance plant. It requires minimal pruning—usually just the removal of any dead or damaged wood and an occasional thinning to maintain its shape and vigour. This shrub is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree with a wide-spreading growth habit and large, heart-shaped leaves, glossy purple when young, dark-green and purple as they mature. Trumpet-shaped, creamy white flowers marked with yellow and purple brown, grow in upright clusters throughout spring and summer, and are followed by long, bean-shaped fruit. Hence the name Indian Bean Tree. Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ will tolerate any kind of soil as long as it is well-drained, but prefers fertile, moist soils in full sun. It needs to be sheltered from hard winds and protected from spring frosts when young. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very resilient, easy to grow and low maintenance. Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ is a hybrid between Catalpa bignonioides and C. ovata that originated in France more than 100 years ago. It is an attractive shade tree, great for cottage and informal gardens, parks and streets.

Physocarpus 'Magic Ball' is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden styles, valued for its compact habit, colourful foliage, and easy maintenance. This hardy deciduous shrub forms a neat, rounded shape, making it particularly suitable for smaller gardens, mixed borders, courtyard planting, and contemporary landscapes where space may be limited. Its richly toned foliage provides strong seasonal colour contrast throughout the growing season, while clusters of delicate pink-white flowers in summer attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support garden biodiversity.

The plant performs well in full sun or partial shade and adapts to most well-drained soils, including clay and loam, once established. It is tolerant of urban conditions and demonstrates good resilience to cold weather, making it reliable in many UK gardens. Minimal pruning is required beyond occasional shaping or removal of older stems to encourage fresh growth and vibrant foliage colour.

Physocarpus ‘Magic Ball’ works beautifully as a specimen shrub, in low hedging, or planted alongside ornamental grasses and flowering perennials for long-lasting visual interest.

Elaeagnus ebbingei, or Ebbing's Silverberry, is a cross between Elaeagnus macrophylla × Elaeagnus pungens. It’s a large, bushy, dense, rounded shrub, evergreen in warm winter climates, semi-evergreen in colder. Leathery, oval leaves are green with silver scales. As the plant matures, leaves turn dark green with silvery undersides. The clusters of creamy white, intensely fragrant, flowers bloom in late autumn, and are followed by edible, reddish-brown fruits in winter and early spring.

Elaeagnus ebbingei can grow in wide varieties of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it can withstand drought, wind, and salt spray. Coastal winds may cause chlorosis when planted on shallow chalky soils. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Elaeagnus ebbingei has a beautiful silvery-green foliage that creates nice shimmering effect. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or along highways.

Photinia fraseri 'Carre Rouge' is a popular evergreen shrub that is commonly grown for its vibrant red foliage. This cultivar is a hybrid of Photinia glabra and Photinia serratifolia, and it is known for its compact growth habit and stunning appearance.

The leaves of 'Carre Rouge' are a glossy dark green color when they first emerge, but as they mature, they turn to a bright red shade that is especially striking in the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, the leaves may take on a deeper burgundy color. The foliage of this cultivar is also slightly smaller and more rounded than the leaves of other Photinia varieties.

In addition to its attractive foliage, Photinia fraseri 'Carre Rouge' produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries that add to its ornamental appeal. This shrub is relatively low maintenance and can be grown in a variety of settings, including as a hedge, specimen plant, or in a mixed border.

Overall, Photinia fraseri 'Carre Rouge' is a beautiful and versatile shrub that is sure to add color and interest to any garden or landscape.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, also known as Snowball Bush or Guelder Rose. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its stunning appearance and graceful clusters of snowy white flowers. Let us explore the features, cultivation tips, and overall allure of Viburnum Opulus Roseum.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum is renowned for its breathtaking flower clusters that resemble fluffy snowballs. These showy inflorescences, up to 4-5 inches in diameter, create a captivating visual spectacle. Starting as vibrant lime-green buds, they gradually transform into pure white blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.

In addition to its enchanting flowers, this Viburnum species boasts attractive foliage. The leaves are prominently veined, vibrant green, and deeply lobed, lending a textured and ornamental appeal to the shrub. During fall, the foliage undergoes a vibrant color transformation, turning shades of reddish-purple and burgundy, adding another layer of visual interest to the landscape.

Following the flowering period, Viburnum Opulus Roseum produces abundant clusters of glossy, translucent red berries. These berries are not only visually striking but also serve as a valuable food source for various bird species. If you enjoy attracting wildlife to your garden, this shrub will be a delightful addition.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun exposure. It can adapt to a range of soil types but prefers moist, fertile soil. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is crucial for establishing young plants. Once mature, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is relatively drought-tolerant. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Pruning is generally unnecessary but can be done after flowering to maintain shape.

This species is known for its hardiness, capable of withstanding colder climates, including frost. It is relatively disease-resistant and requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, with its show-stopping flower clusters, lush foliage, and vibrant berries, is a captivating addition to any garden. Its resilience, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a highly sought-after shrub for both ornamental and wildlife-friendly landscapes. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's beauty or attract feathered visitors, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is a delightful choice that will undoubtedly charm you and your visitors alike.

Camellia japonica 'Lady Vansittart' is a unique and captivating variety of the widely appreciated Camellia genus. This particular cultivar stands out due to its remarkable blooms that flaunt a blend of white petals, often beautifully streaked or blotched with shades of rose-pink. These multi-colored blossoms not only give the plant a distinct aesthetic appeal but also make it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts seeking something different from the traditional solid-colored camellia flowers.

The plant itself is characterized by its glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves which provide a striking contrast to its delicate blossoms. They create an all-year-round green backdrop, ensuring the garden remains vibrant even outside the flowering season.

Camellia japonica 'Lady Vansittart' is a slow-growing shrub, which makes it ideal for gardens where space is a premium or where a more controlled growth is desired. While it can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight, it generally prefers partial shade to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of its flowers.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Lady Vansittart' is a testament to the adaptability and diversity within the Camellia genus. It's perfect for ornamental gardens, creating focal points or as part of mixed plantings, and it also does well in pots or containers, providing flexibility in landscaping options.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) is a medium-sized, exotic-looking, evergreen shrub with huge, palmate, deeply-lobed, glossy, bright green leaves. Clusters of bright to cremy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by small, round, shiny, black ornamental berries. Fatsia japonica can grow in any type of soil, but prefers compost-rich, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. It’s a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures, but too strong sun, as well as strong winds, can damage the leaves. It needs annual pruning. Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) brings an exciting tropical look to the landscape, especially when combined with bamboos and grasses. Perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, or urban gardens. Great as a focal point in shaded areas, as a foundation plant, near pools and water gardens, or in outdoor containers. Suitable for growing as a houseplant.

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' is an attractive, bushy, suckering, long-blooming, deciduous shrub with narrow, dark blue-green leaves. In late winter, large, rounded flower-heads composed of tiny, fragrant, bright yellow flowers appear on bare stems from small, hairy buds. The period of blooming is long, from 4 to 6 weeks providing an exquisite display in winter and early spring. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' prefers fertile, hummus-rich, loamy, moist but well-drained soils in light dappled shade or full sun. In hot areas, it appreciates protection from the afternoon sun. Intolerant of hot dry summers. Pest-free and disease-free. Doesn’t require pruning. Its inner bark can be used to make quality paper, hence the name Paperbush. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' is a stunning ornamental plant, attractive all year round. Ggreat addition to any garden – informal, cottage, coastal or urban. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for wall-side borders, shrub borders, or foundation plantings. Suitable for growing in containers.

Prunus laurocerasus, or Cherry Laurel, is a vigorous, fast-growing, spreading, evergreen shrub with upright branches and oblong, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, fragrant, white flowers bloom abundantly in spring, and are followed by cherry-like, red fruits which ripen to black.

Prunus laurocerasus thrives in fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils. May suffer from chlorosis when planted in poor, shallow, chalky soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but is tolerant of full shade as well. Once established, it is resistant to drought, frost, salt, and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning.

Generally, pest-free. Cherry Laurel is a wonderful plant, perfect for long-lasting privacy hedges in informal, cottage, coastal, and woodland gardens, especially in shady areas. It forms dense and attractive windbreaks and screens. It reduces noise and pollution, therefore, suitable for urban areas. Great for banks and slopes.

Vaccinium corymbosum is a medium-sized, dense, rounded, deciduous shrub with small, narrowly ovate, blue-green leaves and yellow, coppery red, and purple in autumn. Sprays of urn-shaped, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by clusters of round, sweet, dark blue to purple blueberries in autumn. Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees. Vaccinium corymbosum, or Bluberry, grows best in fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic, moisture-retentive, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It needs to be sheltered form harsh winds. It is self-fertile, but cross-pollination produces the best fruit crop. It doesn’t have any serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, but it can benefit from some pruning in winter. Blueberries, with its lovely flowers, excellent autumn foliage, and attractive berries, is a great ornamental shrub, but is mostly grown for its fruit production. Perfect for shrub borders or hedges and screens in informal, cottage, and wildlife gardens.

Vitex ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is a compact, deciduous shrub ideal for gardens seeking late-season color, pollinator support, and easy-care beauty. Developed for improved cold hardiness, it thrives in a range of climates. It forms a rounded, bushy habit, typically growing to around 1.5 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or pollinator-friendly plantings.

This hybrid variety features striking, aromatic gray-green foliage and dramatic dark stems that provide contrast throughout the growing season. From mid to late summer, it produces abundant spikes of deep blue-violet flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Unlike many other Vitex varieties, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is sterile, so it doesn’t self-seed or become invasive.

It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or slightly alkaline types. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-water or coastal gardens. Minimal pruning is required, typically in early spring to maintain shape. With its manageable size, vivid blooms, and wildlife appeal, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is an excellent ornamental choice for a wide variety of landscapes.

Physocarpus ‘Darts Gold’ is a medium-sized, compact, mounded deciduous shrub with exfoliating bark on mature branches, and ovate, three-lobed, bright golden-yellow leaves when young, lime-green when mature, yellow-bronze in autumn. Small, pink-tinted, creamy-white flowers in dense, flat, rounded clusters bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by reddish fruit. Physocarpus ‘Darts Gold’ prefers average, dry to medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade, but can tolerate a wide range of soils. Doesn’t like hot and humid climates. If planted in chalky soil, susceptible to chlorosis. Very resilient, can grow in harsh conditions. It is very tolerant of urban pollution, therefore, suitable for growing in cities. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Physocarpus ‘Darts Gold’ is best used for mass planting in shrub borders and wall-side borders, or for hedges and screens. Great for erosion control on banks and slopes.