Can be grown in a pot

Abelia x grandiflora Lucky Lots

Abelia

Common Name: Abelia Lucky LotsLatin Name: Abelia x grandiflora ‘Lucky Lots’ Soil: fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun Flowering period/colour: summer/ white Hardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 1m/ 1.5mSpecial features: Scented white flowers in summer This Abelia will make a welcome addition to any bed or border. It features variegated leaves that are dark green in colour with creamy margins in spring and summer; these later take on an autumnal orange hue and, with this being a semi-evergreen, they hold their leaves in milder winters. The summer flowers also make an eye-catching feature and they are soft white in colour, funnel-shaped and carry a sweet scent. This attractive shrub is perfect in a sunny spot and works well as part of a sensory planting scheme or a cottage style garden.

Abutilon megapotamicum

Trailing Abutilon

Common Name: Trailing AbutilonLatin Name: Abutilon megapotamicumSoil: Any fertile, well drained soil, preferably loam or sandPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to September/ Bright yellow and red flowers.Hardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Long slender branches and pendant, bell shaped, yellow and red flowers.Abutilon megapotamicum is a tender, semi evergreen shrub originally found in Brazil. It is often described as an arching shrub though in reality it is more lax in its growth habit. Bright yellow and red pendant flowers that resemble hanging lanterns appear in spring right the way through to autumn. This trailing Abutilon is great for conservatories or green houses, though it can be grown outside in containers or as a border plant in a sunny sheltered position.

Abutilon megapotamicum Wisley Red

Trailing Abutilon

Common Name: Trailing Abutilon Wisley Red Latin Name: Abutilon megapotamicum 'Wisley Red' Soil: Any fertile, well-drained soil, preferably loam or sand Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: June to September/ orange and red Hardiness: Half hardy Eventual height/spread: 2m/2m Special features: Bell-shaped flowers with beautiful orange-red flowers The ‘Wisley Red’ certainly is the perfect choice for adding a bold splash of colour to your garden for many months. In late June, an abundance of bell-shaped flowers cover the tree and these last until the first frosts. The petals are orange-red and these are surrounded by vivid red calyces. The leaves are deep green in colour and lance-shaped. This semi-evergreen shrub thrives in a fairly sheltered spot and it looks beautiful against a sunny wall or in a large pot.

Abutilon Orange Hot Lava

Trailing Abutilon

Common Name: Abutilon Orange Hot Lava Latin Name: Abutilon 'Orange Hot Lava'  Soil: Any fertile, well-drained soil, preferably loam or sand Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: June to September/ orange and red Hardiness: Half hardy Eventual height/spread: 1.2m/1m Special features: Eye-catching bell-shaped orange and red flowers The 'Hot Orange Lava' really is an unusual variety: this stunning plant offers the most beautiful flowers from June until September. The petals are deep orange in colour, veined with deep red, and they have eye-catching calyces which are dark burgundy-red. The stunningly ornamental flowers dangle in abundance and the deep green foliage makes the perfect foil for them. This plant enjoys the shelter of a sunny wall and it is suitable for planting in a large pot.

Buddleja Adonis Blue Adokeep

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush  Latin Name: Buddleja davidii ‘Adonis Blue Adokeep’ Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: July- October Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 1.5m / 1.5m Special features: Fragrant purple-blue flowers in summer This butterfly busy is great for adding a long-lasting burst of colour and fragrance to your garden over summer and autumn. The flowers are purple-blue in colour and are densely packed onto flower spikes that cover the bush. The leaves are lance-shaped and grey-green in colour and these make the perfect foil for the flowers. This semi-evergreen shrub has arching branches and it looks great when planted in a bed or border.

Buddleja Ivory

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly BushLatin Name: Buddleja buzz 'Ivory'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: June - SeptemberHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 1m x 0.75mSpecial features: A compact buddlija that can be grown in a pot. Creamy white flowers from June - September. With this variety being in the 'Buzz' series, you can get all of the benefits of having a beautiful buddleja in your garden without having to compromise planting space. The 'Buzz' buddleja can be planted in a pot on a sunny patio and this 'Ivory' buddleja features creamy-white flowers with glowing orange centres. The flowers are extremely popular with butterflies and bees, and they have the same honey-like sweet scent as the standard buddlijas. The finely pointed leaves are silvery green and these make the perfect foil for the flowers.

Buddleja Magenta

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush  Latin Name: Buddleja buzz ‘Magenta’ Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: July- October Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 0.6m / 0.6m Special features: A delightfully compact buddleja that can be kept in a pot. The ‘Magenta’ is one of the highly-prized ‘buzz’ varieties of buddleja and it therefore remains compact so that it can be kept in a pot on a sunny patio. This shrub features delightful magenta-purple flowers with tiny red eyes in the centres; the flowers are scented and are popular with bees and butterflies. The leaves are dark green with finely serrated edges and they set off the flowers beautifully. Not only is this butterfly bush great for containers, it is also great for raised beds and borders and will bring fragrance and colour to your garden.

Caryopteris incana Sunshine Blue

Bluebeard

Common Name: Bluebeard Sunshine BlueLatin Name: Caryopteris incana 'Sunshine Blue'Soil: Well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August/ BlueHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 0.5m/0.4mSpecial features: Glowing golden yellow-green foliage.The 'Sunshine Blue' is a delightful deciduous shrub which has a lovely display of golden green-yellow foliage. The flowers appear in August and are bright blue in colour with a sweet scent; the flowers are perfect for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden and they add a welcome burst of colour well into the autumn. This is the perfect choice for planting in a bed alongside other varieties of caryopteris and it enjoys a full sun position.

Caryopteris x cland. Dark Knight

Bluebeard

Common Name: BluebeardLatin Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'Soil: Well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August/ Bright blueHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 1m/0.7mSpecial features: Bright blue flowers that are attractive to butterflies and bees.The 'Dark Knight' is a delightful garden shrub which is known for its late summer flowers, which last until early autumn. The flowers are a bright blue colour and they are extremely popular with the butterflies and bees. The foliage of the bluebeard is also of great interest as the leaves are slender, deep green and finely serrated. This shrub looks great when planted alongside the variegated form of caryopteris – the 'Hint of Gold'.

Caryopteris x cland. Hint of Gold

Lisaura

Common Name: LisauraLatin Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Hint of Gold' Soil: Well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August/ Cobalt blueHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 90cm/90cmSpecial features: Softly serrated edges and green leaves with golden yellow margins.The 'Hint of Gold' is a densely packed shrub that has a bushy, rounded habit and is well-suited to being planted in a mixed bed. The leaves of this shrub are its best feature as these have softly serrated edges and creamy green centres with golden yellow margins. In late summer, the leaves are complimented by purple flowers and these last well into autumn, giving a well-needed floral boost at this time of year. Plant this shrub in a bed or a border alongside other varieties of Caryopteris for variant leaf colours.

Caryopteris x cland. White Surprise

Bluebeard White Surprise

Common Name: Bluebeard White SurpriseLatin Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis 'White Surprise'Soil: Well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August/ Lilac Hardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 90cm/90cmSpecial features: Pretty lilac flowers and variegated cream and green leavesThe leaves of this delightful shrub are soft green in colour with creamy white margins and lightly variegated edges. In late summer, a delightful display of lilac-purple flowers appears and these perfectly compliment the foliage. This shrub is well-suited to a sunny position and looks great when planted in a red alongside other variegated shrubs.

Cercis Ruby Falls

Weeping Redbud

Common Name: Weeping redbudLatin Name: Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'Soil: Moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/Rose PinkHardiness: Very hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 2.5m/1.5mSpecial features: A delicately weeping frame that is covered in ruby red heart-shaped leaves A cousin of the outstanding Cercis Merlot, the Ruby Falls is seen as a weeping equivalent to the exciting Merlot hybrid. The leaves are of the classic Cercis heart shape and they are a rich ruby red colour. The thick and glossy leaves hang on pendulous branches that weep gracefully downwards, which produces a shower of deep red hearts. The flowers are also highly attractive and they appear in spring, they cover the tree in pink and have a light and sweet fragrance. This tree is the perfect choice for the smaller garden and will add an instant splash of colour and structure to your outdoor space.

Cordyline 'Can Can'

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australis 'Can Can’ Soil: fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: summer/ tiny white flowers in hot summersHardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 1m/ 1m Special features: Leaves that change from pink to green. The ‘Can Can’ is a colourful plant that is perfect for adding a bold, dramatic splash of colour. The slender, arching leaves emerge red and pink; as they mature they turn to shades of cream and green, giving you an array of colours at the same time. The fountain of strappy leaves makes this a great choice for adding structure and we love it in a container display on a sunny patio. In hot summers you may get an added show of small, scented white flowers and these are popular with the bees. This is a low-maintenance plant, but it does require some frost protection in particularly cold areas. Trustpilot

Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy'

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy’Soil: fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: summer/ tiny white flowers in hot summersHardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m/ 1.5m Special features: Bright pink and deep purple leaves The ‘Charlie Boy’ is a boldly colourful shrub that makes a real statement. It is renowned for its vivid foliage which is wine red and bright pink in colour, adding a real touch of drama to any garden. In particularly warm summers you may get a show of tiny, white flowers; these are popular with bees and insects. This Cordyline stands out from the others as it is hardier (down to around -9) and is also brighter than most. If you want to add some structure to a border then this is an excellent architectural plant; we also think it looks great in a pot on a sunny patio. Trustpilot

Cordyline australis

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australisSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Summer/ dramatic white flower spikes (once mature)Hardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 8m x 1.5mSpecial features: An evergreen exotic, structural plant with wide green leaves. Grows into a small palm-like tree in time.This popular cordlyine has a palm-like appearance, with arching, lance shaped, light green leaves, retained throughout the year. Mature trees produce dramatic white flower spikes that smell exquisite. It makes an ideal specimen for a sunny, protected border, patio or for the exotic garden.

Cordyline Red Star

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australis 'Red Star'Soil: fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: July to August/flowering spike is long and slender with small fragrant flowersHardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 6m x 2mSpecial features: Elegant spiky plant with reddish purple, vertical leaves which curve out slightly.This popular, palm-like tree has arching, sword-like, deep red leaves, retained throughout the year. Mature trees produce dramatic white flower spikes that smell exquisite. It's an ideal focal point plant for a sunny, protected border, patio or for the exotic garden. In frost-prone areas it's best grown inside a warm greenhouse or conservatory during the winter.

Cordyline Sundance

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australis 'Sundance'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Summer/White to tan flowers appear high above the foliage in long drooping panicles (once mature)Hardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m x 1mSpecial features: An evergreen exotic, structural plant with wide green leaves and a deep red flush to the base of each leaf. Grows into a small palm-like tree in timeThis cordyline has an upright, palm like appearance. It has very green sword-like strap leaves with a thin stripe of pink-red down the midrib and along the leaf base. 'Sundance' flourishes in full sun to light shade and prefers good drainage. Fragrant white flowers bloom on clusters on mature plants in the summer. It is drought tolerant, which makes it perfect in patio planters and tubs.

Escallonia Apple Blossom

Common Name: Escallonia Apple BlossomLatin Name: Escallonia 'Apple Blossom'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: June to September/ apple-blossom pinkHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Masses of apple-blossom pink, tubular flowers (Evergreen)Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' is a glossy leaved evergreen shrub with pretty, apple blossom pink blooms. The flowers are chalice-shaped, since the petals open outwards at their ends and then curve round the open mouth of the flower. Like most Escallonia, this makes a good hedging plant, especially in coastal areas, and can be close clipped to maintain a dense habit of growth.

Escallonia Donard Seedling

Common Name: Escallonia Donard SeedlingLatin Name: Escallonia 'Donard Seedling'Soil: fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: June to September/ pink tinted whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m x 2.8mSpecial features: Masses of saucer-shaped pink tinted white flowers.(Evergreen)A sturdy shrub with small, rounded, rather leathery leaves which are smaller than most Escallonias. The clusters of flowers are low key but pretty; pink when in bud, and opening pinkish white. They are sweetly scented and come from mid to late summer. Escallonias are very tolerant of sea winds and coastal sites. They are also excellent for hedges which can be close cut to ensure that they are compact and dense.

Hamamelis Diane

Witch Hazel

Common Name: Witch HazelLatin Name: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'Soil: Moist, well drained, Neutral to acid (Lime free)Position: Full sun/partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: Late winterFlowering colour: Dark red petalsEventual height/spread: 4m/4mSpecial features: Clusters of fragrant striking flowers throughout winter.Hamamelis 'Diane' is an elegant shrub that is grown for its clusters of fragrant dark red flowers. The sweetly scented flowers have slender petals that resemble ribbon, the unusual flowers appear late in winter on bare branches. The leaves are rounded and bright green until autumn when they turn red and yellow. A unique shrub which makes a fantastic specimen plant.

Hamamelis Jelena

Witch Hazel

Common Name: Witch HazelLatin Name: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'Soil: Moist, well drained, neutral to acid (Lime free)Position: Full sun/partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: January/FebruaryFlowering colour: Green/red petalsEventual height/spread: 4m/4mSpecial features: Clusters of fragrant striking flowers through winter.Hamamelis 'Jelena' is an elegant, highly fragranced deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading habit. Dense clusters of sweetly scented fiery orange/red flowers appear on its bare branches in late winter. In autumn its softly hairy green leaves turn a contrasting yellow before they fall

Hamamelis mollis

Chinese Witch Hazel

Common Name: Chinese Witch HazelLatin Name: Hamamelis mollisSoil: Moist, well drained; acid or neutralPosition: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: January to FebruaryHardiness: Hardy in most places in the UK (down to -10°C to -15°C)Height and spread in 10-20 years: 2.5-4m/2.5m-4mSpecial features: Attractively shaped, fragrant, bright yellow flowers in winter on leafless branches. Hamamelis mollis is a large shrub with striking, fragrant, yellow flowers in January and February. The flowers are borne on bare stems, as the plant is deciduous. In summer the shrub is a shapely addition to a border and with attractive green foliage. The great attraction of this shrub is the architecture of the yellow flowers which have long thin strap like petals in a cluster, almost like a small fire on each flower bud. They are most interesting when seen at close range and so that shrub would do well sited by a path that is often used in winter. Hamamelis mollis can be pruned to shape, and used as a hedge, giving it a wide range of uses in garden design. This shrub requires little work to keep it in good condition, so would be very suitable for a low maintenance garden. It prefers and acid or neutral soil and is hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -10°C to -15°C. It grows to 2.5m-4m tall and wide in about 10 to 20 years, and tolerates full sun or partial shade.

Hamamelis Pallida

Witch Hazel

Common Name: Witch HazelLatin Name: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'Soil: Moist, well drained, neutral to acid (Lime free)Position: Full sun/partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: December-FebruaryFlowering colour: Sulphur yellowEventual height/spread: 3m/3mSpecial features: Clusters of yellow, sweetly flowers in winter winter.Hamamelis 'Pallida' is an elegant, broadly vase shaped deciduous shrub or small tree. Highly fragranced sulphur yellow flowers are freely produced on bare branches in late winter. In the autumn the bright green leaves turn a yellow before falling. This Witch Hazel is ideal in a winter border.

Laburnum Pendula

Golden Chain Tree

Common Name: Golden ChainLatin Name: Laburnum anagyroides 'Pendula'Soil: Fertile, well-drainedPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 2m/2mSpecial features: Distinct small tree with weeping golden chains.Laburnum 'Pendula' is small tree with an interesting weeping habit. As the tree matures the golden yellow chains that are formed on the branches begin to weep down and create a very well rounded tree. This tree originating from southern Europe requires moderate pruning from time to time and does develop poisonous seed pods after the tree begins to flower in spring.

Lavandula Alba

Lavender

Description coming soon  

Lavandula Fathead

Fathead Lavender

Common Name: Lavender FatheadLatin Name: Lavandula stoechas 'Fathead'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Summer, dark purple Hardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 0.5m/0.5mSpecial features: Highly scented flowers which attract bees The 'Fathead' variety of lavender is a vigorous evergreen shrub which has slender green leaves and an upright habit. The most notable feature of this plant is the lavender flowers, which emerge a deep purple colour in summer and slowly fade to pink. The flowers are highly scented and are great for attracting bees; they also dry out well and make great potpourri.

Lavandula Hidcote

Lavender

Common Name: LavenderLatin Name: Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: July to September/Deep violetHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 0.75m x 0.75mSpecial features: Aromatic flowers and leaves.Dense spikes of fragrant, deep violet summer flowers and aromatic, silvery-grey leaves. Possibly the best lavender for edging path and borders, when brushed against the aromatic foliage perfumes the air. Perfect for a sunny, well-drained site, after flowering cut back the flower-stalks to maintain the plant's compact, bushy shape.

Lavandula Rosea

Lavender

Common Name: Lavender RoseaLatin Name: Lavandula angustifolia RoseaSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: July to September/Blue-purpleHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 0.75m x 0.75mSpecial features: Aromatic flowers and leaves.Dense spikes of fragrant, rose-pink summer flowers and grey-green foliage. This attractive English lavender makes a fabulous, flowering informal hedge. Perfect for a sunny, well-drained site the flower-spikes attract bees and other nectar-loving insects into the garden.

Lavandula St Passionne

Lavender

Magnolia Butterflies

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Yellow MagnoliaLatin Name: Magnolia 'Butterflies'Soil: Moist soil, clay soil, neutral-acidPosition: Full sun or partial Shade, will also tolerate majority shade.Hardiness: Fully hardy, frost hardy down to -15°CFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: YellowEventual height/spread: 4m/3mSpecial features: The best of two Magnolias combined; this Hybrid has large, yellow fragrant flowers in the spring.Magnolia 'Butterflies' can be either a small multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree with an upright central leader. Tulip-like, yellow fragrant flowers (4-5 inches across) bloom in late winter to early spring and appear before the leaves. This Yellow Magnolia is ideal for a smaller garden situation due to its smaller maximum height in comparison to other magnolias. Place near a seating area in the garden to fully enjoy the fragrance from these beautiful flowers.

Magnolia grandiflora

Evergreen Magnolia Tree

The Magnolia grandiflora boasts the most beautiful, very large white flowers and glossy green foliage which holds all year round. A bold and bright tree that is perfect for adding interest in all seasons. You would be hard-pressed to find a flower as large and beautiful as this one in your average garden. The Magnolia grandiflora, also known as the 'Evergeen Magnolia', features colossal flowers, with some up to 25cm wide, which appear in late August- early September. The cup-shaped flowers have thick, creamy-white petals and really stand out. The flowers have an intense citrusy scent, with hints of lemon, which makes this the perfect choice for sensory planting. Another great feature of this tree is its very large leaves: the evergreen leaves are oblong-elliptic shaped and dark, glossy green in colour. The thick and waxy leaves often have reddish-brown hairs underneath and they offer a healthy dose of colour all year round. This tree grows to have a broad, conical shape and it’s fairly bushy, making a great screen. It looks simply stunning when paired with the Magnolia Exmouth, but if you want contrasting interest then we would recommend planting the 'Grandiflora' alongside the Photinia ‘Red Robin’ as the blushed foliage of this evergreen makes the perfect foil to the ‘Grandiflora’. Magnolia grandiflora can be trained against a wall or grown as freestanding rounded or conical large shrub or tree. Common Name: Evergreen Magnolia, Southern Magnolia, BullbayLatin Name: Magnolia grandifloraSoil: Moist, well-drained, tolerates chalkPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August-September/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 3m/3m (Ultimately up to 15m but can be kept pruned.)Special features: Evergreen tree with intensely scented white flowers from mid summer to

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

Dwarf Evergreen Magnolia

As the common name suggests, the 'Little Gem' is a more compact variety of magnolia - yet the smaller size does not result in a compromise of its features. One of the most notable characteristics of this tree has to be the pure-white, cup-shaped flowers that appear in late summer. The flowers are fragrant and sit amongst the large and glossy dark green leaves. The leaves have rusty bronzed undersides and as this is an evergreen variety they hold on the tree all year round. This is a great choice for planting in a smaller garden and will be sure to attract a whole host of wildlife to your outdoor space too. Common Name: Dwarf MagnoliaLatin Name: Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerates chalkPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August-September/ WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height and spread: 4m/2.5m Special features: An evergreen magnolia that maintains a compact form - making it perfect for the smaller garden.

Magnolia stellata

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Magnolia TreeLatin Name: Magnolia stellataSoil: Prefers moist, clay soil and either neutral or acidic (Will tolerate lime)Position: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardy and frost hardy down to -18°CFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: White opening from grey-hairy buds.Eventual height/spread: 3mSpecial features: One of the best magnolias for small gardens.Magnolia stellata is a slow-growing, deciduous and dense shrub that will flower in its first season unlike many other Magnolias. It becomes covered in star-shaped, slightly fragranced, white flowers in spring. This Magnolia is ideal for a small garden due to its slow growth habit. It is also suitable if to be kept it in a container perhaps on a patio.

Magnolia stellata Rosea

Star Magnolia

Common Name: Star Magnolia Latin Name: Magnolia stellata 'Rosea' Soil: Prefers moist, clay soil and either neutral or acidic (Will tolerate lime) Position: Full sun Hardiness: Fully hardy and frost hardy down to -18°C Flowering period: Spring Flowering colour: Pale pink-white Eventual height/spread: 3m/3m Special features: Masses of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. The 'Rosea' is a beautifully compact deciduous shrub which has so much to offer. The flowers are, of course, its best feature and these usually appear in abundance in March. The star-shaped flowers appear on the branches before the leaves and make the most beautiful floral display: they open as a rosy pink colour, then fade to pale pink and then to white. The leaves are mid-green with a glossy sheen and some leaves have a bronzed tint in late summer. This magnolia is a slow grower, so it’s perfect for smaller spaces. It will eventually have a bushy, yet compact, habit. Make sure you plant this in a sunny spot, but with some shelter so that it is not too exposed to the elements.

Magnolia stellata Royal Star

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Magnolia Royal StarLatin Name: Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'Soil: Moist soil all year round, avoid very dry or very wet soil.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: March/white (fragrant)Hardiness: Fully hardy in the severest European climates (to below -20°C).Height/spread in 10 years: 2.5m-4m/2.5m-4mSpecial features: RHS Award of Garden Merit. Pale pink buds open in early spring to fragrant white flowers with attractive, narrow strap-like tepals. Deciduous habit. This is an especially fine variety of Magnolia, deservedly carrying an RHS Award of Garden Merit. The compact habit makes it very suitable for smaller gardens. Magnolia 'Royal Star' rarely reaches 5m tall, and can be little wider than it is tall. The flowers are of particular note in this variety as they appear as large white star-burst shapes against the unclothed branches. They would show particularly well, planted against a dark evergreen background. Being a statement tree of the colder months, this variety would be best planted in a location that can be easily viewed from indoors, or in a front garden.The flowers of this tree are really very striking and so it would work particularly well if planted as the highlight or dominant feature of a small garden. This is perhaps the earliest flowering of the Magnolias, and so it location should be chosen with care in areas prone to hard frost. The early flowering, however, means that this tree can provide succession flowering if planted alongside apple and pear trees, as the time of blooming is likely to precede that of the fruit tree blossom.

Magnolia Water Lily

Star Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Star MagnoliaLatin Name: Magnolia 'Water Lily' Soil: Any moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardy Flowering Period: March- AprilFlowering Colour: WhiteEventual Height/Spread: 3m/ 2.5mSpecial features: Sweetly scented pure white flowers which open in spring The 'Water Lily' magnolia produces an outstanding spring display of large, pure white flowers that carry a delightfully sweet scent and open just before the leaves emerge. The narrow leaves are an attractive mid-green colour and these compliment the delicate flowers beautifully. The 'Water Lilly' maintains a fairly compact habit, and it is therefore the perfect choice for adding beauty and fragrance to the smaller garden.

Magnolia Yellow Bird

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Magnolia Yellow BirdLatin Name: Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird'Soil: Appreciates consistent moisture throughout the year, avoid very dry or very wet soil.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: April, yellowHardiness: Fully hardy in the severest European climates (to below -20°C).Height and spread in 20-50 years: 6 to 12m/3 to 8mSpecial features: Attractive yellow flower and soft oval leaves. Architectural open tree structure, suitable to be a statement tree for a small garden. This is a fine, yellow-flowering Magnolia tree with large cup-shaped yellow flowers borne in April. This is quite a large tree and would suit a larger space, with room for the tree to fill out over time. The yellow flowers are borne on unclothed stems, and so the tree would best be sited against a background that contrasts with the intense yellow colour. This might perhaps be a blue sky viewed from below, or from a distance.

Malus Cheal's Weeping

Weeping Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Weeping Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Cheal's Weeping'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April-May/ Light pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 3m x 2.5mSpecial features: Small weeping tree with fragrant light pink flowers.Malus 'Cheal's Weeping' is a small, semi-weeping tree with slender, hanging branches. The descending branches are studded with fragrant, light pink flowers in late April which are set off by the copper-red young leaves. The flowers are then replaced by dark orange-red fruits which appear in the autumn and hold into winter. This tree is ideal for smaller gardens.

Philadelphus Aureaus

Mock orange

Common Name: Mock OrangeLatin Name: Philadelphus coronarius AureusSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April-July / pure whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m / 1.5mSpecial features: Vibrant golden green foliage and fragrant summer flowers.The ‘Aureus’ is a fantastic shrub which really brightens up a mixed bed or border. The ovate leaves are bright yellow when young, later maturing to golden green. In summer, clusters of pretty white flowers cover the shrub and these have a strong and sweet fragrance. This is great for accent planting, particularly next to one of the darker ‘Mock Orange’ forms like the ‘Lemoinei’. The ‘Aureus’ will also tolerate urban pollution or salt-laden air.

Prunus Ivensii

Weeping Yoshino Cherry Tree

Common Name: Yoshino Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus x yedoensis 'Ivensii'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: March to April/Pure whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 3m/4mSpecial features: Pure white spring flowers that cover the weeping branches in a cloud of floral snowThe 'Ivensii' is a highly desirable weeping tree which features a pendulous framework that is covered in pure white flowers in early spring. The delicate flowers open from pale pink buds and they carry the most delightfully sweet almond scent. The foliage is vibrant green and the ovate leaves have finely serrated edges; the leaves turn to a crisp yellow-orange colour before falling in autumn. Even after all the leaves have fallen, the delicate weeping framework can still be appreciated in winter - particularly when its hanging branches are topped with snow. This tree is a great asset to the smaller garden. 

Prunus Shidare Yoshino

Weeping Yoshino Cherry Tree

Common Name: Weeping Yoshino Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus x yedoensis 'Shidare Yoshino'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Late March/Single WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread in 20 years: 4m/3mSpecial features: Steeply pendant branches weeping all the way to the ground.The ‘Shidare Yoshino’ is a fantastic choice for the smaller garden, or for planting in a container on a sunny patio. The flowers of this tree smother the descending branches; they are single white flowers which produce a wonderful almond scent. The leaves emerge bronze and move on to dark green, they then produce a final burst of red and yellow before falling. This tree also produces dark red fruits in the autumn which last well into winter- the fruits are very popular with the birds and are therefore great for attracting wildlife to your garden.

Robinia hispida

Rose Acacia Tree

Common Name: Rose Acacia TreeLatin Name: Robinia hispidaSoil: Best in moist, well drained fertile soil, but tolerates poor soils and drought.Position: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May to June/Rosy pink to purplish-redHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m/2.5mSpecial features: Rosy pink to purplish-red blooms in late spring and early summer.Robinia hispida is a truly fabulous small tree with delicate Wisteria-like foliage. Fragrant, drooping clusters of rose-pink, pea-shaped flowers appear in late spring and early summer which are followed by dark red-brown seed pods in the late summer. The stems are covered in tiny soft hairs, and the seed pods are also hairy, which gives the tree unique beauty when its delicate flowers and elegant leaves are contrasted with its more robust features. The original name of this tree was the hairy locust because of the fine purply-brown hairs that cover the tree.

Sambucus Black Beauty

Purple Elder

Common Name: Purple ElderLatin Name: Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April/Fragrant pink flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 3m x 3mSpecial features: Black berriesA very dark foliaged elder. The leaves appear near black, especially in spring. It makes a striking contribution to the border. This will reach 3m in 10 years but you may prefer to keep it hard pruned to maximize the foliage effect. (Harmful if eaten)

Sambucus Black Lace

Black Elder

Common Name: Black Lace ElderLatin Name: Sambucus nigra porphyrophylla 'Black Lace'Soil: Will tolerate most soil typesPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyFlowering Period: SummerFlowering Colour: Pale PinkThe Sambucus 'Black Lace' is known for its distinctive foliage which is near black in colour, the foliage later develops to a wine-red colour come autumn. The flowers appear in small pink clusters and are followed in autumn by blackish-red berries. The fruits are good for attracting wildlife to your garden- they also make a fantastic cordial or jelly. The 'Black Lace' can be grown as a small tree or large shrub and benefits from a good pruning in early spring.

Sambucus Black Tower

Upright Purple Elder

Common Name: Black Tower Elder / Eiffel 1Latin Name: Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black TowerSoil: Will tolerate most soil typesPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyEventual height/ spread: 2.5m / 1.2mFlowering period/colour: Summer/ Pink- whiteSpecial feature: Tower-like structure and dark purple-black leaves. The 'Black Tower' is aptly named due to its upright and slender habit and unusual trait of its leaves forming right from the base of the plant. The leaves are large, finely serrated at the edges and dark purple-black in colour when mature. This plant needs a sunny position to ensure that the fresh green leaves can develop their darker colouring. In summer, flattened heads of pink scented flowers appear and these are attractive to wildlife. The flowers later become small black berries which are popular with the birds. This is a great choice for planting at the back of a mixed border and it will be sure to add colour and structure to your garden.

Sambucus nigra Golden Spark

Elder

Common Name: Elder ‘Golden Spark’Latin Name: Sambucus nigra 'Golden Spark'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: May/ white Hardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 3m/ 1m Special features: Creamy white and green variegated leaves The ‘Golden Spark’ is a hardy shrub with so much to offer. It features ovate green leaves that have golden variegation at the tips of the leaves; these later mature to a creamy white shade and the decorative foliage adds interest from spring until autumn. The summer flowers are borne in large umbels and are yellow-white in colour; the flowers are highly fragranced, making this an excellent choice for a sensory space, and they can also be used to make elderflower syrup. If left, the flowers will become small, black fruits.

Sambucus Sutherland Gold

Golden Elder

Common Name: ElderLatin Name: Sambucus racemosa Sutherland GoldSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April/Creamy yellowHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 3m x 3mSpecial features: Spherical, glossy red berriesConical clusters of creamy yellow flowers in mid spring, followed by glossy, red fruits and deeply cut, bronze young leaves, turning golden yellow. This bushy, deciduous shrub with arching shoots makes a stunning specimen plant for a moist, well-drained border. The delicate foliage is less susceptible to sun-scorch than other golden, cut leaved varieties

Syringa Katherine Havemeyer

Lilac Tree

Common Name: Lilac Katherine HavemeyerLatin Name: Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer'Soil: Fertile but well drained. Prefers neutral- alkaline soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyFlowering period: May/JuneFlowering colour: LavenderEventual height/spread after 20 years: 4m/4m The ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ is one of the most popular purple lilac trees. It features clusters of highly-scented lavender coloured flowers which fade to pale lilac in mid-summer. The leaves are a pretty heart shape and are bold green in colour. A very attractive tree which is suitable for smaller gardens as a specimen tree. For larger gardens this tree can be placed at the back of a sunny border where it will compliment other small trees and large shrubs.