Christmas Gift Ideas

Betula Snow Queen

Snow Queen Birch Tree

Common Name: Snow Queen Birch Tree, Himalayan BirchLatin Name: Betula utilis 'Snow Queen' (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii 'Doorenbos')Soil: Moist but well drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 8m/3mSpecial features: Brilliant white bark which develops earlier than other white stem varieties. Very reliable, hardy and attractive specimen Betula utilis 'Snow Queen' is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree with dazzling, white, peeling bark which appears pale orange when freshly exposed. As with all Birch trees, this tree will be a year round asset to your garden. In spring, vibrant yellow catkins appear amongst the fresh green foliage: the leaves are serrated at the edges and they make the perfect foil for the golden catkins. Come autumn, the leaves turn to deep shades of yellow and buttery bronze before falling. In winter, the true beauty of the bark can be appreciated, and the graceful skeleton of the tree can be fully admired.This tree will become a real feature of your garden and it works well as a garden specimen. Equally, the 'Snow Queen' looks effective when planted in a close group of three. If you want to have contrasting colours in your garden, we would recommend planting the ‘Snow Queen’ alongside ‘Betula Purpurea’, as the rich purple foliage would contrast beautifully with the greens and golds of the 'Snow Queen'.As this tree grows, it will form a narrowly pyramidal shape. The branches maintain their upright habit, meaning that this tree is suitable for the smaller garden. Another key benefit of this birch is the fact that the stunning bark develops on trees that are only three years old, so you don’t have to wait to enjoy the highly ornamental bark. Whilst this tree is somewhat delicate in its appearance, it is a highly robust and hardy tree that is well-suited to a range of locations and conditions.

Photinia Red Robin

Red Robin Tree

Photinia fraseri 'Red Robin' offers year round interest with its vivid red leaves. In spring it has further interest with clusters of white flowers. A fantastic screening tree, hedge or ornamental specimen. If you want unusual foliage, the 'Red Robin' is the perfect choice. The elliptic leaves are finely serrated at their margins and fresh foliage shoots through as a brilliant red colour. The leaves mature to a dark green, but as new foliage continues to emerge red you get a real contrast of colours over the spring period. Mid-spring also sees the arrival of clusters of pretty white flowers, which add further interest. Come autumn, the leaves mature to a bronzed green, which adds great interest over the winter months.   This is a deservedly popular variety and it is largely planted for its versatility. You can plant the 'Red Robin' at the back of a border or you can use it as a screening tree. It can cope with hard pruning, so, when several are planted in a row, you get an informal hedge. You can also clip the 'Red Robin' into a particular shape. In order to get the best leaf colour and the most flowers, ensure you plant this tree in a full sun position with some shelter. Common Name: Red Robin TreeLatin Name: Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'Soil: Fertile well-drained soilPosition: Full sun, Sheltered positionHardiness: Hardy, frost hardy down to -8°CFlowering Period: Mid springFlowering Colour: White flowersEventual Height/Spread: 4m x 4mSpecial features: Evergreen tree with glossy bright red young growth and white flowers in spring.

Prunus Snow Goose

Flowering Cherry Tree

Prunus 'Snow Goose’ is a great feature in any garden due to its small, narrow size and upright growth habit.

 During the flowering season, this Flowering Cherry Tree floods your garden with its profuse white blossoms. The large, soft single white flowers appear in early April, giving your space that alluring spring-time tint. The bright green summer leaves slowly transition to autumnal hues as the seasons progress. Think fiery reds and bold bronze colours. 

 This Flowering Cherry Tree has a height of around 4 metres and a spread of about 2.5 metres over a 10 year period. Its compact size makes it suitable for various garden sizes, while its deciduous nature allows for seasonal changes and interest. 

 With Prunus Snow Goose, you get lots of the vibrant benefits of other Prunus trees, without the need for a large area. Small space, big impact! 

Versatile and adaptable, it will tolerate most soil types. However, it will perform best when positioned in full sun. Enjoy the Prunus Snow Goose season after season. Common Name: Flowering Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus 'Snow Goose'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Early April/Large single white flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 10 years: 4m x 2.5mSpecial features: A narrow, upright tree with large white flowers.

Cornus Sibirica

Red

Common Name: Cornus alba 'Sibirica'Latin Name: Red-barked DogwoodSoil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / small creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Bright, coral-red stems that are revealed when the leaves fall. The 'Sibirica' is the ultimate choice for outstanding winter colour. The luscious leaves are ovate in shape and dark green in colour; they turn to a rich burgundy red in autumn which provides a lovely display. After the leaves fall the 'Sibirica' really comes into its own; its stems glow with a breathtaking coral colour that brings a burst of life to a stark winter garden. In spring, new foliage emerges and the fresh leaves are accompanied by cream flowers, which appear in corymbs. A great choice for adding year-round interest to your garden.

Cornus Baton Rouge

Red

Common Name: Red-barked DogwoodLatin Name: Cornus alba 'Baton rouge'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / Small creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Bright, coral-red stems that are revealed when the leaves fall.

Cornus Sibirica Variegata

Red

Common Name: Red-barked DogwoodLatin Name: Cornus alba 'Sibirica Variegata'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / small creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Bright, coral-red stems that are revealed when the leaves fall. The 'Sibirica variegata' is the ultimate choice for outstanding winter colour. The luscious leaves are ovate in shape and dark green in colour with a lovely variegation, a slight twist on the very popular 'Cornus Sibirca' They turn to a rich burgundy red in autumn which provides a lovely display. After the leaves fall the 'Sibirica variegata' really comes into its own; its stems glow with a breathtaking coral colour that brings a burst of life to a stark winter garden. In spring, new foliage emerges and the fresh leaves are accompanied by cream flowers, which appear in corymbs. A great choice for adding year-round interest to your garden.