Great autumn colour

Betula Summer Cascade

Weeping River Birch Tree

Common Name: Weeping River Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula nigra 'Summer Cascade'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March-April/Male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m/4mSpecial features: Pink, peeling bark and gracefully weeping branches The 'Summer Cascade' is a delightful variety of birch which offers year round interest. The pendulous branches hold dark green leaves in spring and summer and the leaves turn to a vivid yellow colour come autumn. The pink peeling bark adds interest in winter and the arching branches look wonderful when topped with snow. This is the perfect choice for a feature tree that adds interest all year round.

Betula Trinity College

Himalayan Birch Tree

Common Name: Trinity College Himalayan Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula utiis var. Jacquemontii 'Trinity College'Soil: Medium to wet soil.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: April/MayHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 7m/3mSpecial features: A more compact birch, making it suitable for smaller spaces.The 'Trinity College' is similar to the classic 'Betula Jacquemontii' but this one is more compact, making it more suitable for smaller spaces than its parent. The sparkling white bark is a real feature of this tree: it adds year-round interest and looks particularly effective when you plant a trio of these trees in close proximity. Aside from the bark, the cordate leaves are mid-dark green in colour and are serrated at their edges. Come autumn, the leaves turn to a buttery yellow colour before falling. This Himalayan Birch has an upright habit and its graceful branches ascend to make a light and airy canopy. You could plant this alongside another more compact Birch, like the Betula ermanii, as the two trees will give year-round interest with their contrasting coloured bark. If you have a large space that needs colour and structure, an avenue of birch trees is a superb sight to behold.

Betula utilis Forest Blush

Himalayan Birch Tree

Common Name: Himalayan Birch Latin Name: Betula utilis 'Forest Blush'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: February-March/ Yellow-brown catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 12m/ 6mSpecial features: Peeling white bark with a pink blush.The 'Forest Blush' is a fantastic choice for winter interest; the top layer of bark has a pink-orange blush and the layers underneath are paler, almost white. In spring yellow-brown catkins drape from the branches and these are up to 12cm long. Spring also sees the arrival of the mid-green leaves and these hold their colour until they turn golden yellow in autumn. The ornamental bark can be fully appreciated in winter and it looks particularly wonderful when topped with snow. This birch is upright in habit and maintains its slender and elegant form as it matures. If you have a large space then try planting the Forest Blush in a row alongside a darker birch, like the Betula albo-sinensis, and alternating the two so that the bark colours contrast in winter.

Betula utilis jacquemontii Long Trunk

Silver Birch

Common Name: Silver Birch Latin Name: Betula utilis jacquemontii 'Long Trunk'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: February-March/ Yellow-brown catkins.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 6m/ 4m.Special features: An attractive weeping habit and sparkling bark.This weeping Himalayan birch is a fantastic choice for a small-medium sized garden as it retains a fairly narrow form; the main trunk is long and upright, whereas the branches weep downwards. The bark is of great interest as it is sparkling white in colour and it looks particularly special in winter when the branches are topped with snow. In spring yellow-brown catkins appear and these are soon followed by the diamond-shaped leaves. The foliage is dark green in colour, deeply lobed and turns golden yellow in autumn. This is a weeping form of the ever-popular 'Jacquemontii' and it works really well as a lawn specimen. Alternatively, if you want a planting partner then alternating it with a darker weeping birch, like the Betula pendula 'Youngii'.

Betula utilis Nepalese Orange

Birch Tree

Common Name: Nepalese Orange BirchLatin Name: Betula utilis 'Nepalese Orange'Soil: Any well-drained soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: Spring/ Yellow Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 10m/6mSpecial features: Rich, orange, peeling bark.This is a delightful variety of birch which features mahogany orange bark that has horizontal bands of lenticels going across the stems; the bark also peels which adds further interest. In terms of foliage the leaves are mid-green with serrated edges and create a light and airy canopy. Yellow-brown male catkins appear in spring and the leaves turn yellow in autumn. Plant this in a trio to maximise the impact.

Betula utilis Wakehurst Place Chocolate

Birch Tree

Common Name: Wakehurst Place Chocolate Birch Latin Name: Betula utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: February-March/ Yellow-brown catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 10m/ 6mSpecial features: Rich chocolate-coloured peeling bark.This birch has highly distinctive bark that resembles melted dark chocolate in its early years; as the tree matures the lustrous dark-brown bark peels away to reveal a spectrum of brown shades. In spring, yellow-brown catkins appear and these are soon followed by the ovate, tapered, dark-green leaves. Further interest is added in autumn when the leaves turn to a buttery yellow colour before falling. This is, of course, a fantastic choice for winter interest as the ornamental bark takes centre stage in a winter garden.In terms of its habit this birch is fairly upright and it will grow to be a real feature of your garden. We love this when planted alongside a sparkling white birch, like the Betula utiis var. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow'.

Betula Youngii

Young's Weeping Birch Tree

Common Name: Young's Weeping BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Youngii'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 3m (Can be kept smaller if required)Special features: Graceful weeping branches. (Deciduous)Betula pendula 'Youngii' is a graceful weeping form, with branches reaching the ground, eventually making a dome shape. The leaves are a wonderful diamond shape and are a dazzling green colour, they then turn yellow in autumn before falling.Yellowy-brown catkins appear in early spring. White, peeling bark also gives this tree good winter interest.

Carpinus Albert Beeckman

Hornbeam Tree

Common Name: Hornbeam TreeLatin Name: Carpinus betulus 'Albert Beeckman'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/Green catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 10m/ 6mSpecial features: A low-maintenance, handsome deciduous tree.The 'Albert Beeckman' will grow to be a real feature of any garden: its leathery leaves are a strong, deep green colour and boast a striking feature with their doubly-serrated edges. Spring catkins are green and are nestled between the verdant foliage. The ovate leaves later turn to crisp golden shades before falling in autumn, which adds further interest. Although this sturdy tree is more columnar when young, once mature it will grow to have a pyramidal habit. Plant this next to a tree with contrasting leaf colour, like the Parrotia persica Bella, as the two have similar habits and both have coriaceous leaves, but differing leaf colour. 

Carpinus betulus Fastigiata

Upright Hornbeam Tree

Common Name: Upright Hornbeam Tree Latin Name: Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April/Pendulous catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 7m/4mSpecial features: Neater and denser than the simple species, it grows quite fast while young, producing a neat formal shape, almost triangular in silhouette.Carpinus 'Fastigiata' is a distinctive, erect form of the native hornbeam that forms a flame-shaped tree. The dark green foliage turns yellow and orange in the autumn. This tree is excellent planted as a specimen tree or where space is limited.

Carpinus Frans Fontaine

Frans Fontaine Hornbeam Tree

Common Name: Frans Fontaine HornbeamLatin Name: Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'Soil: Well drained, fertile soil. Tolerant of chalk and clay soil.Position: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: GreenEventual height/spread after 20 years: 14m/2mThe 'Frans Fontaine' variety of Hornbeam is a narrow pyramidal shaped tree when young, which gradually broadens with age. The foliage is a vivid green colour in spring/summer before turning dark yellow in autumn. This tree is an ideal specimen for a smaller garden due to its narrow, upright habit. The 'Frans Fontaine is a native of Holland and this deciduous tree is low-maintenance as it does not benefit from regular pruning. This tree is also frequently used as an avenue tree.

Carpinus Lucas

Lucas Hornbeam Tree

Common Name: Lucas Hornbeam TreeLatin Name: Carpinus betulus 'Lucas'Soil: Any moist but well drainedPosition: Full sun or light shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: Green catkinsEventual height/spread: 7m/3.5m The 'Lucas' is a delightful variety of hornbeam which has an upright growing habit and takes a columnar form, which broadens with age. A hornbeam tree offers you the benefit of having the colour changes of a deciduous tree and the leaf-retention of a non-deciduous tree as the autumn leaves turn to a crisp yellow colour and they hold on the tree throughout winter. Due to Lucas's upright habit, it makes the perfect specimen tree for the smaller garden and it also works really well when planted as a raised hedge.

Cornus alba Gauchaultii

Red Stem Dogwood

Common Name: Red Stem Dogwood Latin Name: Cornus alba 'Gauchaultii' Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils) Position: Full sun to part shade Flowering period/colour: May and June/ White Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 4m/4m Special features:  Vibrant red stems that light up a winter garden. The 'Gauchaultii' is a shrub with so much to offer, but its most notable feature has to be its striking winter stems. Once the leaves fall the most vibrant red stems are revealed and these really stand out in a winter garden; they look particularly special when surrounded by snow.  Unlike some dogwoods, this one also has great interest in summer: the wavy leaves are mid-green in colour, but with a golden-yellow variegated edge; some leaves have a pink tinge to them, which adds further interest. Small sprays of creamy flowers appear in summer and these later become small, dark berries. This plant can tolerate waterlogged sites and we love it alongside other cornus plants, in a winter bed or border. Try alternating this with the darker Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' for winter contrast. 

Cornus alba Kesselringii

Black Stem Dogwood

Common Name: Black Stem Dogwood Latin Name: Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils) Position: Full sun to part shade Flowering period/colour: May and June/ White Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 2.5m x 2.5m Special features: Dark red, then black, stems that create a striking winter focal point. This Dogwood boasts distinctive stems that really stand out in a winter garden; once the leaves fall the dark red shoots are visible and over winter these darken and become purple-black in colour. Aside from the shoots, the leaves are of interest throughout the growing season and these are highly ornamental themselves: the leaves are ovate in shape and dark green in colour, but some leaves have a deep purple blush to them. Furthermore, small sprays of creamy white flowers appear in summer and these later become tiny people berries. This hardy shrub works really well in a winter border, either on its own, in groups, or with other shrubs. In order to really make the colour of these stems stand out, we would recommend planting it alongside an accenting Cornus, like the 'Midwinter Fire', for a dramatic winter focal point. 

Cornus amomum 'Blue Cloud'

Dogwood

Common Name: Dogwood ‘Blue Cloud’ Latin Name: Cornus amomum ‘Blue Cloud’ Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: spring- summer/ white Hardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 2.5m/ 2.5m Special features: Clouds of blue berries in autumn This colourful shrub has so much to offer. In spring, just before the leaves, arched sprays of tiny white flowers appear and these carry a light scent. The spring foliage is a healthy, rich green and the leaves then turn orange and purple in autumn. Autumn also sees the arrival of clusters of tiny, metallic blue berries. One final show of colour comes in autumn when the vivid purple-red stems put on a show. This really is a shrub that offers year-round interest. In terms of its position, although it is a little shade tolerant, you will get the best stem colour in full sun; it makes an excellent border shrub and will be a welcome addition to any garden.

Cornus Aurea

Red Barked Dogwood

Common Name: Red-Barked DogwoodLatin Name: Cornus alba 'Aurea'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m x 2.5mSpecial features: Great winter interest and white summer flowers followed by white-blue fruits  The ‘Aurea’ is the perfect choice for adding colour to your garden all year round. In spring, the golden-green leaves appear and these are soon complimented by small sprays of creamy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Come autumn, the leaves turn red and small clusters of white berries appear. After leaf fall, you can appreciate the attractive red stems of the ‘Aurea’, and these look particularly effective when planted alongside the glowing green shoots of the ‘Flavirmea’ dogwood. 

Cornus China Girl

Dogwood

Common Name: Cornus China GirlLatin Name: Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'China Girl'Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained, acid, alkaline or neutral.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: June/White.Hardiness: Fully hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C.Height and spread in 20-50 years: 4m-8m/4m-8mSpecial features:  Large, freely produced flowers, with showy white bracts facing upwards from horizontally layered branches. Flowers are followed by brightly coloured fruits resembling strawberries. Intense autumn colour. Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'China Girl' is a real statement species, with architectural, horizontally layered branches. It is an early flowering form of Cornus kousa var chinensis. Cornus China Girl is at its most striking in June, when the branches are topped by profuse, upward-facing white flowers that resemble a thick covering of snow. The variety is deciduous, with intense autumn colour as the leaves turn red and orange before dropping. Dogwoods are best left unpruned as their natural shape is very striking. They are an ideal species for a low maintenance garden, as they respond best to no pruning at all. From a garden design point of view, they are best positioned where the structure can be admired from a distance in the summer months, for example as a specimen shrub in the middle of a lawn or at the back of a deep herbaceous border. The quality of flowering in any given year is somewhat dependent on the previous summer’s weather. Long hot summers lead to very profuse flowering the following year. Cornus China Girl is fairly easy to grow, tolerating a range of soil and situation. It will tolerate dry soil only once established, but requires watering before this. It does not tolerate shallow chalk well. It particularly thrives in fertile, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Final size in 20 to 50 years is 4m to 8m tall and 4m to 8m wide. The species is hardy in almost all parts of the UK, down to -15°C and prefers full sun or partial shade.  

Cornus controversa Variegata

Wedding Cake Tree

Common Name: Wedding Cake Tree Latin Name: Cornus controversa 'Variegata'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil. Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: Summer/CreamHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 8m/8mSpecial features: Highly unusual tiers of branches that resemble a wedding cake.This variety of cornus is known as the 'Wedding Cake Tree' due to its horizontally tiered branches and creamy colouring, which makes it resemble a layered wedding cake. The leaves are narrowly ovate and deep green in colour with wide creamy margins. In June, creamy flowers appear in flat clusters and these later become black autumn berries. Further interest is added in autumn when the leaves turn golden yellow before falling. This is a great tree for planting as a focal point in a medium sized garden.

Cornus Kelseyi

Compact Dogwood

Common Name: Compact Dogwood Latin Name: Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 0.75m/1.5mSpecial features: Fantastic winter interest with glowing red-yellow shoots. This Cornus is the perfect choice for year round interest and, unlike other cornus varieties, it maintains a compact form. In spring, new foliage emerges dark green and it is soon accompanied by pretty white flowers in late spring. The leaves later turn red-orange in autumn before falling, which reveals the attractive shoots. The glowing stems are red-yellow and add a brilliantly bold splash of colour to your winter garden.

Cornus Midwinter Fire

Dogwood

Common Name: Dogwood Latin Name: Cornus sanguine 'Midwinter Fire' Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils) Position: Full sun to part shade Flowering period/colour: May and June/ White Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 2.5m x 2.5m Special features: Striking firey stems offer outstanding winter interest. Cornus are widely planted for their superb winter interest and the ‘Midwinter Fire’ is one of the best around. In winter, once the leaves have fallen, the yellow-orange stems are visible: over winter the tips turn to deep shades of red, giving you the effect of a fire in a sleeping winter garden. Aside from the shoots, the wavy leaves offer interest throughout the growing season and these are bright green, flushed with red. In summer delicate, creamy white flowers sit amongst the foliage. The prominent stems give this plant a definitive structure, particularly after leaf fall, so this is a great choice for structural planting. It works really well in a border with other cornus plants and alternating this with the golden stems of the Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ looks particularly effective. 

Crataegus arnoldiana

Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Hawthorn Latin Name: Crataegus arnoldiana Soil: Any soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: May / white Hardiness: Fully hardy Height and spread in 20 years: 6m/5m Special features: Large and edible red fruits in autumn The ‘Arnoldiana’ makes the most wonderful specimen tree and it is also great for attracting wildlife to the garden. The tree grows to be of medium size, with a rounded habit, and it starts off in spring with shallowly lobed leaves that are dark green and cover the branches. The leaves are closely followed by the late spring flowers and these are white with attractive and colourful stamens. The spring flowers later mature to large and glossy red fruits: these are edible and can be picked, or they can be left for the birds to enjoy. A fantastic tree with a lot to offer.

Crataegus Big Golden Star

Chinese Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Chinese Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus pinnatifida var. Major ‘Big Golden Star’Soil: Well drained, fertile soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Full hardyFlowering period: MayFlowering colour: WhiteHeight/spread after 20 years: 4m/3mThe ‘Big Golden Star’ is an almost thornless variety of Crataegus which features deep-green leaves, which turn red in autumn. In late spring, white flowers emerge, which are followed by dazzling scarlet fruits. As well as attracting wildlife to your garden, the edible red fruits can be made into preserves or syrup. This hardy tree can survive in costal sites as well as in milder conditions. This deciduous thorn will benefit from occasional pruning.

Crataegus Crimson Cloud

Midland Hawthorn Tree

Crataegus Crimson Cloud is a stunning Midland Hawthorn Tree, which makes a perfect addition to any garden. This specimen is a dense, spreading tree with glossy, dark green foliage.

 Crataegus Laevigata flourishes in well-drained soil and is adaptable to full sun or partial shade. It showcases a magnificent display in spring. Profuse single crimson flowers with creamy centres appear during May and immerse the tree in a wonderful blanket of colour. 

The lightly scented blossom is complimented by the green foliage and the two colours really bring your garden to life.Later in the year, it produces tiny red berries that further enhance its visual appeal and attract birds.Reaching a height of 5 metres and spreading 4 metres over a 20 year growth period, this Midland Hawthorn Tree will work well in many spaces. 

 Add a touch of purple colour to your space today! Common Name: Midland Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus Laevigata 'Crimson Cloud'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/ colour: May/Red with creamy centreHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: Showy single red flowers with a creamy centre.

Crataegus laevigata Plena

Midland Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Midland Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus laevigata 'Plena'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May/Double whiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: A dense, spreading tree with glossy, dark-green foliage and small double white flowers. (Deciduous)Crataegus laevigata 'Plena' is a dense, spreading tree with glossy, dark-green foliage. Profuse small double white flowers appear during May. This tree will make an excellent lawn specimen and will also tolerate very exposed cold and windy gardens.

Crataegus lavallei

Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Lavallei HawthornTreeLatin Name: Crataegus x lavalleiSoil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Early Summer/ WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 5m/4.5mSpecial features: A densely branched thorn tree with long glossy dark green leaves which turn an attractive orange-red in the autumn. (Deciduous)Crataegus x lavallei is a small densely branched thorn tree with long glossy dark green leaves which turn an attractive orange-red in the autumn. Clusters of white flowers in early summer are followed by red fruits which persist throughout the winter.

Crataegus monogyna

Common Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Common HawthornLatin Name: Crataegus monogynaSoil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained; acid, alkaline or neutral.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: May to JuneHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 4m-8mSpecial features: Useful, accommodating, shrub or small tree, often used in mixed hedging. White flowers and red berries. Long sharp thorns. Easily pruned to shape. Crataegus monogyna is better known as the common hawthorn. Its main use is in mixed hedging where it makes a strong thorny barrier with attractive white flowers in early summer. The flowers are followed by red berries. The leaves have an attractive shape that is redolent of the British summer and farming countryside, where the species extensively used in hedging. Left unpruned this species will grow to the shape of a small tree between 4m and 8m tall and wide. Common hawthorn is an extremely forgiving species and will do well in most soils and situations. It is fully hardy (down to below -20°C) and can be pruned to shape and pruned hard back without problems. The fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

Crataegus Paul's Scarlet

Midland Hawthorn Tree

Crataegus Paul's Scarlet, also known as the Midland Hawthorn Tree, is a fairly compact tree that offers beautiful deep pink flowers and luscious green foliage. Paul's Scarlet is a deservedly popular variety of hawthorn and, with its maximum height of around 6m, it's perfect for the smaller garden. In spring, masses of deep-pink double flowers stud the branches and add a real burst of colour to the tree. The flowers are beautifully complimented by an abundance of slightly glossy, dark-green, leaves that are deeply lobed: their dark green sheen makes the perfect foil for the vibrant flowers. Come autumn, the leaves turn to crisp sunset shades of yellow and orange before falling. This is a great tree for a colourful statement. This is a relatively small garden tree, with a maximum height of around 6m, often less, making it well-suited to fairly restricted sites. It has an elegant and upright habit, with light branches, slightly pendulous at their tips. This is a hardy tree that will tolerate a range of soil types, positions and conditions: it will even thrive in coastal gardens and with city pollution. This tough tree also requires very little maintenance; our only recommendation is that you remove any broken or crossing branches in late autumn. We would recommend planting this alongside the delightful Crataegus laevigata 'Plena' as the creamy white flowers of the ‘Plena’ contrast beautifully with the fluffy pink flowers of the Paul's Scarlet. Common Name: Midland Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March to May/PinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: Red fruits in autumn

Crataegus Prunifolia

Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March to May/ whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 6m/5mSpecial features: Broad dark green oval leaves with lovely clusters of crimson fruits in the autumn.Crataegus 'Prunifolia' is a handsome, small tree with rich brown bark. It has good broad dark green oval leaves with small white flowers and lovely clusters of crimson fruits. The shrub has good orange and yellow autumn colour. It has long, strong thorns which are quite dramatic. The 'Prunifolia' part of its name means foliage like a Prunus.

Crataegus Rosea Flore Pleno

Midland Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Midland Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Late Spring/Double pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: A dense round-headed tree with thorny branches and shiny, deeply lobed leaves. (Deciduous)Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a rather exotic variety of the hawthorn family. It makes a small tree with a broad deep crown, though the branches themselves are quite slender. It has small, dark green, lobed leaves. In spring the double, densely petalled little flowers appear which are rose pink, with creamy centres.

Crataegus Toba

Toba Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Toba Hawthorn Tree Latin Name: Crataegus x mordenensis 'Toba' Soil: Any soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: May / white-pink Hardiness: Fully hardy Height and spread in 20 years: 6m/5m Special features: Masses of pink flowers in spring The ‘Toba’ is fantastic choice for any small-medium sized garden. In spring, pale pink-white double flowers grow in umbels and cover the tree. The large, dark-green leaves are deeply incised and these make the perfect foil for the spring flowers. Come autumn, glossy red fruits appear and these are great for wildlife. The tree itself has a fairly rounded habit and it maintains a manageable size, so it is suitable for a garden that has fairly limited space.

Koelreuteria paniculata

Golden Rain Tree

Common Name: Golden Rain Tree or Pride of IndiaLatin Name: Koelreuteria paniculataSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 10m/10mSpecial features: Elegant bright yellow flowers followed by bladder-like seed pods.Koelreuteria paniculata is a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree with an upright, rounded habit. Its large pinnate leaves emerge in spring flushed with red, fade to mid green in summer, later turning red and yellow in the autumn. The elegant bright yellow flowers are borne in mid to late summer and are followed in late autumn by bladder-like seed pods. This tree if often known as 'Pride of India ' which is a little strange as it is actually originates from China.

Koelreuteria Rosseels

Golden Rain Tree

Common Name: Golden Rain Tree Latin Name: Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Rosseels’Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 6m/4mSpecial features: Golden yellow summer flowers followed by lantern-like seed pods  The buttery yellow flowers of this Golden Rain Tree are delightful and they appear in July and August all over the tree. After the flowers come the highly unusual seed pods and these are lantern-shaped and have a bronzed red and green colouring to them – they actually look like small chillies hanging from the top of the tree. The leaves are mid-green in colour and they make the perfect foil for the pretty flowers and the seed pods. This is a highly unusual and desirable tree which will make a great garden specimen.

Liquidambar acalycina

Chinese Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Chinese Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar acalycinaSoil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Dislikes shallow chalky soils.Position: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m/8mSpecial features: Attractive bronze-purple, star-shaped leaves emerge in spring.Liquidambar acalycina is a broadly conical, deciduous tree native to Eastern Asia. Attractive bronze-purple, star-shaped leaves emerge in spring and darken to green as they age in summer. The foliage then turns to yellow in autumn and is usually retained until well into winter. Plant in full sun to produce best autumn colours.

Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styracifluaSoil: moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.Position: Full sunFlowering period/colour: May/ Inconspicuous yellow flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 10m/6mSpecial features: One of the best trees for autumn colour Glossy star-like, mid-green summer foliage turns the most stunning range of reds, scarlets, purples and yellows in autumn. The rounded, heavy crown and beautiful leaves make this a fantastic tree for planting as a specimen in grass. Trees grown in a rich, damp soil in full sun will colour the best.

Liriodendron Fastigiata

Upright Tulip Tree

Common Name: Upright Tulip Tree Latin Name: Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’ Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: June /Yellow-green tulip like flowers. (On mature trees) Hardiness: Fully hardy Height and spread in 20 years: 10m/4m Special features: A neat columnar form and beautiful summer flowers when mature   This tree is an upright form of the highly popular Liriodendron Tulipifera and it maintains a near and slender habit as it matures. The large green leaves have a glossy shine to them and they produce a fantastic yellow colour in autumn before falling. The leaves are highly distinguishable from any other leaf shape, as the apex is absent on the tip of the leaves, so instead of pointing outwards at the tip of the leaf is actually points inwards. The flowers are also very special; they appear when the tree is mature, which can take about 20 years, but when they do arrive they are very special indeed. The flowers are tulip-shaped and yellow-green in colour, with bands of orange and red on the external petals. This is a highly ornamental garden tree which looks great when planted as a lawn specimen, so that its unique foliage and flowers can be appreciated.

Malus Cardinal

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Princeton Cardinal Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Cardinal'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April / Intense pink flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 5m x 3mSpecial features: Small deep red fruits in the autumn.Malus 'Cardinal' or 'Princeton Cardinal' is a superb crab apple from the US which becomes laden with intense pink flowers in mid April. The dark almost black leaves change to glossy red in the summer followed by small, deep red fruits in the autumn. This tree is great for attracting wildlife in both the spring and autumn and has a very good disease resistance.

Malus Direktor Moerland

Improved Profusion Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Improved Profusion Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Direktor Moerland'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May to June/ Dark purple-pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Coppery-crimson, shiny foliage. Very good disease resistance.Malus 'Direktor Moerland' is an improved form of the very popular Malus 'Profusion' with an exceptional resistance to scab. This small tree becomes covered in late April and May with wine-red, slightly fragrant flowers which are followed in autumn by small dark red fruits. The young foliage is a coppery-crimson and continues to look healthy throughout the summer.

Malus Evereste

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Evereste'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Soft pink once opened.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: Yellow/orange-red fruits in autumn.The Malus 'Evereste', a stunning variety of Crab Apple Tree, is a delightful addition to any garden or landscape. With its abundant spring blossom, ornamental fruit, and vibrant autumn foliage, it adds beauty and colour to outdoor spaces throughout the year.Thriving in well-drained soil and adaptable to varying light conditions, the Malus 'Evereste' offers versatility and resilience. In spring, it displays a profusion of pink buds that open to reveal delicate white flowers, creating a breathtaking scene.As the seasons progress, the Malus 'Evereste' keeps things interesting. In summer, its foliage provides a lush backdrop, while in autumn, the leaves transition to shades of gold and bronze, offering a stunning display of seasonal colour.One of the standout features of this tree is its ornamental fruit. In late summer and early autumn, it bears clusters of small, red or orange fruit, which add a pop of colour and attract wildlife to the garden. With a projected height of 5 metres and a spread of 4 metres in 20 years, the Malus 'Evereste' is a compact and manageable tree, making it suitable for gardens of various sizes. 

You can plant it as a standalone specimen to showcase its spring blossom or use it in mixed planting schemes. Add a Malus ‘Evereste' to your space today and enjoy rich colours throughout the seasons.

Malus Gorgeous

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Gorgeous'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Soft pink once opened.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Large, glossy red fruitMalus 'Gorgeous' is a small tree with arching branches that hold quite large, dark green, shiny leaves. The foliage develops to a yellow/bronze colour which contrasts beautifully with the attractive fruits.There are large flowers, around 3cm across, which are soft pink when they open and whiten with age. The tree fruits profusely, producing bright red coloured crab apples which make a fantastic crab apple jelly. It is certainly is a very appropriately named tree.

Malus Guardsman

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus trilobata 'Guardsman'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: June/ White scented flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 4m x 2mSpecial features: A rare and distinctive tree ideal for tree for confined spaces.Malus trilobata 'Guardsman' is a rare and very distinctive variety. Stiffly erect in habit with deeply lobed maple like leaves which turn scarlet crimson in autumn. The white flowers are large and appear late in June. A wonderful tree for confined space or landscape planting. Disease free.

Malus Harry Baker

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple Harry BakerLatin Name: Malus 'Harry Baker'Soil: Chalky, sandy, clay, loamyPosition: Full sun or partial shade    Hardiness: HardyFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: PinkEventual height/spread after 20 years: 5m/5mThe Malus 'Harry Baker' is a lively, colourful addition to any garden due to its eye-catching large fuchsia-pink flowers which appear in spring. This deciduous crab apple tree holds rich green leaves, which are accompanied by red fruits in autumn. The glossy red fruits bring vivid colour to a winter garden; pick the fruits when ripe to make a tasty crab apple jelly.

Malus hupehensis

Chinese Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Chinese Crab Apple, Hupeh Crab or Tea Crab Apple Latin Name: Malus hupehensis or Malus theifera or Pyrus malus theifera.Soil: Moist or well drained; acid, alkali or neutral soil. Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: Spring/White Hardiness: Fully hardy (to below -20°C).Height and spread in 10-20 years: 4-8m/4-8mSpecial features: Pink buds in spring, followed by white fragrant flowers. Red crab apple fruits 1cm width in autumn. RHS Award of Garden Merit. The Queen Elizabeth Maple is an attractive medium sized crab apple tree. It is a deciduous tree, dropping its leaves in autumn. In spring, pink buds appear and they open to fragrant white flowers, about 3cm across. The flowers give rise to crab apple fruits, about 1cm across, providing a pleasing display in the autumn months. This tree carries an RHS Award of Garden Merit, indicating that it is a reliable performer in the garden. This species is best suited to a medium sized garden, being a little too large for a compact space. However, it makes a striking statement in a space that will accommodate its form. For smaller gardens it is worth considering Malus x robusta 'Red Sentinel', Malus tschonoskii, and Malus x zumi 'Golden Hornet'.

Malus Jelly King

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Jelly King Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Jelly King'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features:  Large, orange-pink fruits ideal for making jelly. Malus 'Jelly King' is a vigorous but compact tree recently introduced to the UK from New Zealand. Large pink buds open in spring to cover the tree with masses of white blossoms. The clusters of large, orange-pink fruits that follow remain on the tree until late winter- unless the birds get to them first. There are many culinary uses for the fruit and it will make an excellent pink jelly.

Malus John Downie

Crab Apple Tree

Latin Name: Malus 'John Downie'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 3mSpecial features: Orange and red edible fruit and a fantastic display of autumn leaf colourThe Malus 'John Downie', a distinguished variety of Crab Apple Tree, adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. 

Flourishing in fertile, well-drained soil and adaptable to full sun or partial shade, this Crab Apple Tree is resilient and hardy.In spring, the Malus 'John Downie' showers your space with delicate white blossoms, creating a show-stopping floral scene. 

 Shifting gears to later seasons, this tree provides ornamental fruit, attracting all kinds of wonderful wildlife. The attractive crab apples are a glossy scarlet colour and are almost 'pear shaped’. Plus, the apples make the most fantastic crab apple jelly!The leaves are a fresh green colour when young and mature to deep yellow and burnt orange come autumn. 

With a projected height of 5 metres and a spread of 3 metres in 20 years, the Malus 'John Downie' is a moderate-sized tree that fits well in small gardens and large spaces too.

The Malus ‘John Downie’ delights from spring to autumn! Add it to your outdoor sanctuary today.

Malus Liset

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Liset'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Deep rose redHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Small rich dark red fruitsA tree of rounded habit. The leaves are a dark purple-green, the young foliage being especially purple in tone. This makes the perfect foil for the deep rose red flowers, opening from scarlet buds. The tree has a very warm yet rich tone in spring which will bring a very unique burst of colour to your garden. In autumn there are rich dark red fruits; these are quite small and 'cherry like' but they do last well into the winter.

Malus Red Obelisk

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple Red ObeliskLatin Name: Malus 'Red Obelisk'Soil: Any moist, well drained soilPosition: Full sun/ partial shade    Hardiness: Fully hardyFlowering Period: AprilFlowering Colour: PinkEventual Height/Spread after 20 years: 5m/2mThe Malus 'Red Obelisk' is a compact crab apple tree with faded pink scented flowers that appear in April. The foliage emerges as a purple-brown colour and later develops into a darker green colour. Deep red berries appear in late summer; if picked when ripe they can make a tasty crab apple jelly. Due to the upright growth habit of this tree, it can be planted in a smaller garden as a focal point.

Malus Red Sentinel

Crab Apple Tree

Malus Red Sentinel is a broadly upright deciduous tree, which gardeners love for its ever-changing year round interest. The Crab Apple Red Sentinel jumps into gear in early spring. The bright green leaves emerge and remain green throughout summer before turning golden-yellow in autumn. Spring also brings a scatter of pretty pink-white flowers which cover the tree and contrast beautifully with the green leaves. In autumn the flowers are replaced by small, cherry-like fruits that have a glossy coating. The deep red colours give your garden a real autumnal feel and the fruit also attracts local wildlife. Plus, the ruby-red fruits last through much of winter, making the Malus Red Sentinel a true spectacle all year long. 

The Crab Apple Red Sentinel flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil and is adaptable to full sun or partial shade. It will reach a height of around 5 metres with a spread of about 4 metres over 20 years, making it a great addition to gardens large or small.

 What gardeners also love about the Red Sentinel is that it’s pollution tolerant.Grow a Malus Red Sentinel today and enjoy its year-round show of colour. Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus x robusta 'Red Sentinel'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Large clusters of red fruits which persist all winter.

Malus Rosehip

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Rosehip'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May to June/ WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Glossy pink crab apples that look like rosehips This is a highly ornamental variety of crab apple which is perfect for the smaller garden. In spring, ovate green leaves appear and these are soon followed by the white flowers in May. The flowers are highly attractive and open up from delicate pink buds. The best feature comes in late summer when the crab apples start to develop, and by autumn these are a glowing pink colour and resemble rosehips. The crab apples are perfect for crab apple jelly as they are high in pectin and are of a decent size; they can also be left on the tree as a natural bird feeder. This is a great all-rounder and is worthy of a space in any garden.

Malus Royalty

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Royalty'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Crimson-purpleHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 8m/8mSpecial features: Glossy, dark red fruit - black when ripe.Malus 'Royalty' is a well ordered, upright crab apple tree which spreads with age. It features dark purple leaves which have a beautiful shine to them when they are young. The leaves are complimented by clusters of large, deep pink flowers which bloom in spring.