Ornamental Trees

Quercus cerris

Turkey Oak Tree

Common Name: Turkey OakLatin Name: Quercus cerrisSoil: Any fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread after 20 years: 15m/12mThe 'Cerris' is a fast- grower and will soon become a strong and majestic tree which will have a real presence. The Turkey Oak got its common name as it is a native of Turkey; it was introduced to the UK in 1735. This tree features large narrow deeply lobed leaves that are deep green in colour and cover the tree. As the tree grows and matures, it develops a real sense of character with its deeply ridged grey bark; the fissured bark is highly ornamental. This tree is a great choice for parkland planting and works well as part of a woodland planting theme. Ensure you give this tree enough space and sunlight to grow and thrive. Trustpilot

Betula albo

sinensis Kansu

Common Name: Chinese Red Birch Latin Name: Betula albo-sinensis 'Kansu'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/ Yellow- brown catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 13m/ 11mSpecial features: Coppery pink and brown peeling bark This is an outstanding tree for winter interest; the attractive bark peels to reveal multiple layers of bark which show different colours simultaneously. On the same tree you will get coppery pink, burnt orange and russet brown. In spring yellow-brown catkins appear at the same time as the ovate, tapered, dark-green leaves. The leaves are lustrous and add a healthy splash of colour throughout spring and summer, before turning golden yellow in autumn and falling. This Chinese native makes a fantastic addition to a medium-large sized garden and it will become a good-sized tree; it makes a wonderful specimen but also works well when planted with other birch trees, particularly next to ones with accent colours like the Betula utilis 'Snow Queen'.

Tilia euchlora

Caucasian Lime Tree

Common Name: Caucasian Lime TreeLatin Name: Tilia x euchloraSoil: Any moist but well drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering period: Late summerFlowering colour: Creamy greenEventual height/spread after 20 years: 15m/15mThe Tilia x euchlora is a majestic, deciduous tree which grows to have a rounded, spreading shape. The heart- shaped leaves are broadly tootled and glossy green in colour. In late summer, clusters of scented flowers appear; these are later followed by green fruit. This tree grows to be quite large so do not plant it in a small – medium sized garden. The ‘Caucasian Lime’ makes an ideal avenue tree or a strong specimen tree for a larger garden.

Liquidambar Lane Roberts

Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts'Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Dislikes shallow chalky soils.Position: Full sunFlowering period/colour: May to June/Inconspicuous light green flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 20m/10mSpecial features: One of the best trees for autumn colourLiquidambar 'Lane Roberts' is the most reliable selection for producing a dazzling display of almost black crimson red autumn colours. Maple like leaves with toothed lobes. Comparatively smooth greyish brown bark compared to other liquidambar varieties. The flowers are insignificant light green and are sometimes followed by clusters of burr-like fruit.

Liquidambar styraciflua Thea

Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Thea'Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Dislikes shallow chalky soils.Position: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 15m/10mSpecial features: Distinctive purple foliage colour in the autumn.The Liquidambar 'Thea' is a fantastic new variety of Liquidambar that has been introduced from the Netherlands. This tree is the perfect choice for larger gardens and is best loved for its outstanding autumn leaf colour: the star-shaped leaves are a healthy mid-green colour in spring and summer, but come autumn they dazzle with a highly distinctive deep purple colour. This deciduous broad-leaved tree will grow to have a pyramidal habit when mature and it can become a real focal point in a large garden.

Robinia pseudoacacia

Black Locust Tree

Common Name: Black Locust Tree or False acaciaLatin Name: Robinia pseudoacaciaSoil: Fertile moist, well drained soilsPosition: Full sun, tolerant of drought and pollutionFlowering period/colour: May and June/Pea-like, fragrant white flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 9m/5mSpecial features: Large, majestic tree with fragrant flowers.Robinia pseudoacacia, a native only to North America, is an adaptable and tough tree which is tolerant of both drought and atmospheric pollution. Spiny shoots are covered by lush, pale green foliage which turns to a good yellow colour in autumn. Once mature, the bark becomes very rugged and deeply fissured. Fragrant, white pea-like flowers are produced in late spring. This tree is the perfect choice for large gardens.

Acer Leopoldii

Sycamore Tree

Common Name: Sycamore TreeLatin Name: Acer pseudoplatanus 'Leopoldii'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Yellow-green.Hardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 14 x 10mSpecial features: Leaves yellowish-pink at first, later green, speckled and splashed yellow and pink.The Acer 'Leopoldii' is a vigorous sycamore with interesting foliage; the large confident maple leaves are a pretty yellowish pink in spring. In summer they turn greenish gold with irregularly blotched and spotted yellow. This tree is deciduous. ACLE12, BRACLEM

Betula nigra Black Star

River Birch Tree

Common Name: River Birch Latin Name: Betula nigra 'Black Star'Soil: Will grow in most soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/ Yellow catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 8m/ 4mSpecial features: Highly distinctive peeling bark.This river birch is a real showstopper! The rugged bark peels vigorously and you get papery strips of pink, cream and brown bark which looks particularly special in winter. In terms of the foliage this birch offers glossy green leaves throughout spring and summer and these later turn yellow before falling. This Betula works really well as a specimen, particularly due to the ornamental bark, but it also works well when planted in a trio. Although this birch is tolerant of most soil conditions, it grows particularly well in wet sites.

Tilia henryana

Henry's Lime Tree

Common Name: Henry's Lime TreeLatin Name: Tilia henryanaSoil: Moist but well drainedPosition: Full sun/Partial shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering Period: Late summerFlowering Colour: Creamy whiteEventual Height/Spread after 20 years: 15m/12mTilia henryana is a very unique tree; it boasts distinctive glossy green leaves which have finely serrated margins - very similar in shape to the leaves of a Venus flytrap. Young leaves are a pretty pink colour, whereas older autumn leaves are a golden yellow colour. This deciduous tree holds late-blooming clusters of creamy- white fragrant flowers which appear in late summer to early autumn. This tree responds well to pruning and eventually grows to be a medium sized tree. Its growing habit is spreading and it has a rounded crown.

Robinia Bessoniana

Black Locust Bessoniana

Common Name: Black locust Bessoniana TreeLatin Name: Robinia pseudoacacia 'Bessoniana'Soil: Fertile moist, well drained soilsPosition: Full sun, tolerant of drought and pollutionFlowering period/colour: Summer/WhiteHardiness: Hardy but needs some shelter from strong winds when youngHeight/spread in 20 years: 15m/12mSpecial features: A tall tree that grows to have a rounded crown and vibrant green leaves This Robinia is a wonderful tree which features vibrant green pinnate leaves that turn to yellow in autumn. The leaves are soft to the touch and mature leaves turn to a darker green over summer, which makes a beautiful contrast between the fresh and the mature foliage. White flowers appear in early summer and they have a sweet scent to them. This robinia also has the added advantage of being thornless and it is perfect for planting as a specimen tree. It does grow to have a rounded crown and to be fairly tall and large so you should plant it in a position that will allow for this. 

Salix alba Chermesina

Scarlet Willow Tree

Common Name: Scarlet WillowLatin Name: Salix alba 'Chermesina'Soil: Moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Spring/ Yellow catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 17m/10mSpecial features: Scarlet stems that give great winter interest.The 'Chermerina', also known as the 'Britzensis', is a scarlet variety of the popular white willow. This tree features bright red young shoots that hold narrow lanceolate leaves that are mid-green in colour. Further interest is added in spring when the pretty yellow catkins appear. This tree is most valued for its winter appeal as the stems glow with shades of golden orange and red. Plant the Scarlet willow in a medium-large sized garden so that it has the space that it needs to grow and thrive.

Acer Red Sunset

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Red rubrum 'Franksred'Latin Name: Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'Soil: Medium to wet, well-drained soil. Slight preference for acid soil.Position: Full sun/partial shade.Flowering period/colour: March-April/ red Hardiness: Very hardy (even in severe winters)Eventual height/spread: 15m/ 10mSpecial features: A dramatic show of autumn leaf colour The 'Franksred', an American native, is one of the most desirable acer trees around and it truly deserves its name of 'red sunset' as it offers a plethora of red shades: its red stems, red flowers, red fruits, red-tinged new foliage and, of course, its stunning autumnal red leaves make for a sensational scarlet show. The 3 or 5 lobed leaves, which, once mature, are mid-green in colour, are finely serrated at their edges. New foliage has a red blush and in spring the leaves are accompanied by red flowers, which later become red fruits. The autumn colour is spectacular, with the leaves turning to blistering shades of red: the leaf colour is more prominent in more acidic soils.Eventually the 'Franksred' will grow to have a rounded-oval crown with densely-packed branches, making it a fantastic garden feature. This makes a wonderful specimen tree, but it also works well when planted alongside another strong specimen, like the Acer pseudoplatanus 'Leopoldii', as the habit of the two trees is similar, but the leaf colour is different and the two would contrast perfectly. 

Acer Brandywine

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Red Maple 'Brandywine'Latin Name: Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' Soil: Any good, moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April-May/ redHardiness: HardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 15m x 10m The Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' is known for its reliably intense autumn colours of red and purple. The bright and distinctive colours of the leaves start to turn early and stay for a long time, making this an ideal lawn specimen. Although this tree is fairly large, it is suitable for medium sized gardens due to its upright oval-headed shape.

Robinia Tortuosa

Tortuosa Black Locust

Common Name: Tortuosa Black LocustLatin Name: Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Tortuosa’Soil: Fertile moist, well drained soilsPosition: Full sun, tolerant of drought and pollutionHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m / 7mSpecial features: Highly unique twisted branches and fragrant white flowers in pendant racemes.The ‘Tortuosa’ is a great tree for adding structural interest to your garden: it features contorted, twisted branches that make an unusual focal point. The leaves are divided into leaflets and they are dark green in colour and hang on corkscrew-like shoots. The flowers only appear on established trees and these are pink-white and sweetly scented. In winter, the twisted framework looks delightful when topped with snow – making this a great tree for year round interest.

Acer cappadocicim Aureum

Golden Caucasian Maple

Common Name: Golden Caucasian MapleLatin Name: Acer cappadocicim ‘Aureum’ Soil: Any moist but well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Insignificant yellow flowers in spring Hardiness: HardyHeight/spread after 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: Attractive palmate leaves that turn from golden yellow to green.The ‘Aureum’ is a strong and bold Acer which grows to have a broad crown full of its distinctive 5-lobed leaves. The leaves appear yellow in spring, and then turn to a vivid green colour by summer, before a final burst of yellow in autumn. This acer has been given an RHS award of garden merit for its beautiful leaf colour and its delightful form. This tree is particularly well-suited to being planted next to the Acer cappadocicum ‘Rubrum’ as the yellow-green leaves of the ‘Aureum’ are really brought to life when set against the contrasting red leaves.

Tilia Rancho

Small Leaved Lime Tree

Common Name: Small Leaved Lime TreeLatin Name: Tilia cordata 'Rancho'Soil: Moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: June/ Creamy yellowHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 14m/5mSpecial features: Golden yellow flowers in summer which are perfect for attracting bees to your garden The Rancho is a very unusual tree which features stern branches that spread outwards and upwards to form a neat pyramidal shaped tree. The leaves are heart-shaped with finely serrated edges and they have a rich green colour on the top, with a pale silvery-green colour underneath. The leaves turn to a very bright yellow in autumn before falling, which really brightens up your garden on a dreary autumn day. Although the branches are rather sparse when young, the tree does have a dense habit when mature, and the foliage is strong and waxy which makes it an ideal windbreak or screening tree. 

Betula nigra

River Birch Tree

Common Name: River Birch, Red Birch Latin Name: Betula nigra Soil: Medium moisture, well-drained. Acid, alkaline or neutral. Position: Full sun to part shade.  Flowering period/colour: Spring Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 12m/8m Special features: Cinnamon coloured bark that peels and flakes to reveal creamy layers underneath. The ‘River birch’ is an American native: this fantastic tree is fully hardy and offers a changing interest throughout the seasons. In spring, green catkins appear and these mature to yellow and then brown. The fresh spring leaves emerge a rich green and hold their colour until autumn, when they turn yellow before falling. The leaves are of the classic betula ‘diamond shape’.  The bark is by far the most distinctive feature of this tree as it peels and flakes in layers: the outer layers are a reddish-cinnamon colour and the inner layers are creamy golden colour.

Betula albo

sinensis Pink Champagne

Common Name: Chinese Red BirchLatin Name: Betula albo-sinensis 'Pink Champagne'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/ 6cm long yellow-brown catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 11m/ 7mSpecial features: Pale pink peeling barkThis is a majestic birch that will bring interest to your garden all year round. Birch trees are renowned for their ornamental bark and this one is no different: the ‘pink champagne’ coloured bark peels in sheets once the tree is established, which gives wonderful winter interest. The foliage is ovate in shape and dark green on the top, pale green underneath. The leaves turn to buttery yellow before falling in autumn. This is a majestic tree that has a spreading crown when mature, so do give it room to grow. Plant it as a specimen or, if you have room, in a trio with other contrasting birch trees like the Betula utiis var. 'Jacquemontii' and the Betula nigra.

Acer pseudoplatanus

Sycamore Tree

Common Name: Sycamore TreeLatin Name: Acer pseudoplatanusSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Yellow-green.Hardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 14/10mSpecial features: Leaves yellowish-pink at first, later green, speckled and splashed yellow and pink.A picturesque, large tree and one of the best for exposed situations in just about any soil. It has coarse, lobed leaves which are coloured dark green. Fairly insignificant racemes of greenish yellow flowers are produced in late spring. Winged fruits, somewhat boomerang-shaped, follow in autumn and these spread far and wide producing copious seedlings. The bark is pinkish brown and the trunk is often swollen at its base. 

Magnolia grandiflora Goliath

Bullbay Goliath

Common Name: Bullbay Goliath Latin Name: Magnolia grandiflora 'Goliath' Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerates chalkPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: August-September/ Creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m/12mSpecial features: Very large goblet-shaped creamy white flowers in late summer. As the name suggests, the 'Goliath' grows to be a tall, large and mighty tree that will become a real focal point of your garden. The glossy dark green leaves are extremely large and can be up to 25cm long on a mature specimen. With this being an evergreen variety, the leaves hold on the tree all year round which adds interest to your garden during the winter months. The flowers are arguably the finest feature of this tree as these are up to 30cm wide and are goblet-shaped, sweetly scented and creamy white in colour.

Liriodendron Aureomarginatum

Variegated Tulip Tree

Common Name: Variegated Tulip TreeLatin Name: Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum'Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: July/Yellow-green tulip flowers banded with orangeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 8m/5mSpecial features: Foliage turns rich butter-yellow in autumn.Liriodendron 'Aureomarginatum' is a slower growing form of the tulip tree. The large, saddle shaped leaves are bordered with bright yellow turning greenish-yellow as summer passes. Once mature orange-green tulip shaped flowers are produced in July.

Tilia Rubra

Red Twigged Lime Tree

Common Name: Red Twigged LimeLatin Name: Tilia platyphyllos 'Rubra'Soil: Moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Summer/ YellowHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 15m/12mSpecial features: Bright red branches that look very effective in a dormant winter garden The Tilia 'Rubra' is a majestic tree which features highly unusual semi-erect red branches that hold heart-shaped mid-green leaves. The leaves fade to yellow in autumn, and as they fall they reveal the glowing red branches which look magnificent when topped with snow in winter. The tree grows to have a broadly columnar shape and it will eventually become a tall and mighty tree many people plant this tree for its winter interest, and it also makes a brilliant shade tree in spring and summer. Ensure that you plant this wonderful lime tree in a position that gives it enough room to grow and thrive. 

Acer Summer Red

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: 'Summer Red'Latin Name: Acer rubrum 'Summer Red' ' The Acer rubrum 'Summer Red' differs from the majority of Acer rubrum trees as its beautiful crimson foliage appears in summer and not autumn. The bright red leaves turn yellow and crimson in autumn, making this an attractive tree for both the summer and autumn seasons.  This Acer tree is supplied in a 10 litre container suitable for planting all year round. The total height of this feathered tree is approximately 1.8-2.2m (6-7ft).

Betula albo

sinensis septentrionalis

Common Name: Chinese Red Birch Latin Name: Betula albosinensis septentrionalisSoil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/ Brown catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 11m/ 7mSpecial features: Peeling bark that varies in colour.This birch is a fantastic choice for winter interest as the bark is eye-catching and distinctive; the top layer of bark is a rich, deep red-brown but as it peels in sheets a lighter coppery-pink shade is revealed. Aside from the ornamental bark, brown catkins appear in spring and these are closely followed by mid-green leaves. The leaves are much larger than most in the species as they can grow to 10cm in length and provide further interest in autumn when they turn golden yellow before falling. This birch will eventually have a pyramidal habit and it makes a fantastic specimen tree; if you've got the room then plant this alternately with a lighter birch, like the Betula utilis 'Snow Queen', so that you get contrasting bark in the winter months.

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'.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum magnificum

Magnificum Katsura

Common Name: Katsura TreeLatin Name: Cercidiphyllum japonicum magnificumSoil: Moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 15m/15mSpecial features: Fallen leaves release a candyfloss smell when crushed in autumn This bold and beautiful tree features broadly heart-shaped leaves that have a purpley bronze tint when young, and mature to a steady green colour by summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn to blistering shades of orange and red before falling. The tree itself grows to be tall and sturdy with a rounded-conical crown. One of the best features of this tree comes on a windy day in autumn when the leaves are stirred up by the wind; the falling leaves release a burnt sugar smell that resembles candy floss, and this smell is amplified when the leaves are crushed - a truly wonderful sensory experience. 

Liquidambar Aurea

Sweetgum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height and spread: 14m/7mSpecial features: Deeply incised leaves that emerge a rosy-yellow colour.The Liquidambar 'Aurea' is a fantastic variety of sweet gum and it is one of the best varieties for changing leaf colour. The leaves emerge as a rosy-yellow colour and, come summer, they turn to green with creamy speckles on them; come autumn, the leaves produce a final burst of red before falling. This tree is a slow-grower and it grows to have a broad, pyramidal habit. This tree develops a great sense of character with age, as its bark becomes marked with deep grooves.

Fagus Rohanii

Fern

Common Name: Fern-leaved BeechLatin Name: Fagus sylvatica 'Rohanii'Soil: Fertile, well-drainedPosition: Full sunHardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 30/25mSpecial features: Large purple beech tree with interesting deeply cut foliage.Fagus 'Rohanii' is one of the most unique of the purple beech varieties with its interesting deeply cut purple foliage. It features rich displays of purple leaves and broad green flowers over the summer period. This tree has reasonable resistance to various soil conditions and disease. A slow growing variety with an excellent mature stature.

Tilia Pallida

Kaiser Linden Lime Tree

Common Name: Kaiser Linden Lime TreeLatin Name: Tilia 'Pallida'Soil: Any moist but well drainedPosition: Full sun or light shadeHardiness: HardyFlowering Period: SummerFlowering Colour: YellowEventual Height/Spread after 20 years: 15m/ 15mThe Tilia 'Pallida' is a wonderful variety of lime, it is also known as the 'Kaiser Linden' tree which actually means King's Lime. This tree has an upright growth habit and it forms a broadly pyramidal shape, which can become more rounded with age. The ascending branches hold heart-shaped green leaves that have yellow undersides; they are accompanied in summer by umbels of pale yellow fragrant flowers which are later replaced by small, spherical, furry fruits.  A further interest is added in winter, after leaf fall, when you can see the reddish brown fresh shoots. This tree is a very popular avenue tree worldwide, particularly in Berlin where they planted an avenue of these trees which is famously called this 'Unter den Linden' or 'Under the Linden Trees'. Other uses for this tree include screening and parkland planting.

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'.

Quercus bicolor

Swamp White Oak Tree

Common Name: Swamp White Oak Tree Latin Name: Quercus bicolor Soil: Any deep, well-drained, lime-free soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: May to June/Insignificant male and female flowers in separate trees Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 12m/10m Special features: Dark green leaves with silvery-white undersides The ‘Quercus bicolor’ has wonderful foliage that is dark and glossy green on the top and silvey-white on the undersides. The leaves cover this majestic tree throughout spring and summer, before turning to shades of yellow and orange before falling. On mature trees, you will also get acorns in autumn. This tree will grow to be a real garden feature and it makes a great shade tree when mature, too.  

Liquidambar Golden Sun

Sweetgum Tree

Common Name: Golden Sun Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Golden Sun'Soil: moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.Position: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m/3mSpecial features: Golden yellow new branches, adding winter interest The 'Golden Sun' is aptly named as it adds a real burst of sunshine to a winter garden: its new branches are golden yellow in colour, so they glow in a sleeping winter garden. This Sweet Gum also boasts a colourful show of foliage: new leaves emerge pale yellow, then mature to a steady green for summer and finally they turn to deep ruby red tones in autumn. The leaves are palmate, with 5 or 7 lobes, and tend to be some of the last leaves to fall before winter. This beautiful tree is more compact than some forms of Liquidambar and is therefore perfect for the smaller garden. It is fairly upright in habit and grows to have a dense, pyramidal shape. This is a delightful lawn specimen and looks great on its own, but if you want a planting partner then then something with a bold floral display, like the Syringa Vulgaris Katherine Havemeyer, looks great next to the ever-changing foliage of the 'Golden Sun'.

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.

Acer Jules

Norway Maple Tree

The Acer Jules has been propagated by our team here at Mail Order Trees and Simpson’s Nurseries, and it is certainly a tree that we think will have great prospects. We have been monitoring its progress over the last few years and we have been extremely satisfied with its development. We are looking to be selling the ‘Jules’ on our website shortly, once we have a sizable number of specimens ready for sale. The leaves of this Acer are very special and they have a rich green base with the most beautiful splashes of creamy white variegation on the leaves. The cream colour is extremely prominent on fresh foliage and as the leaves mature the green shows through more which leaves a highly attractive mottled cream and green leaf. The foliage is of the classic lobed acer shape with definitive points at the end of each lobe.

Acer cappadocicum Rubrum

Red Cappadocian Maple

Common Name: Red Cappadocian MapleLatin Name: Acer cappadocicim ‘Rubrum’Soil: Any moist but well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Dark red leaves, which turn green in summerHardiness: HardyHeight/spread after 20 years: 5m/4mSpecial features: Attractive palmate leaves that emerge red and fade to green. The Red Cappadocian Maple is a beautiful variety, particularly in spring when new glossy foliage shoots out a vivid red colour. As spring turns to summer, the red leaves fade to green and the new shoots continue to push out which creates a delightful progression of colour as you follow the shoot from base to tip. This tree eventually forms a rounded crown and it look fantastic when planted alongside the ‘Golden Caucasion Maple’ as the contrasting leaf colours really work well together.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Snow Bird'

Tulip Tree

Common Name: Tulip tree Latin Name: Liriodendron tulipifera 'Snow Bird'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: summer/ green-yellow Hardiness: HardyHeight/ spread in 20 years: 10m/ 6mSpecial features: Tulip-like flowers on mature trees The ‘Snow Bird’ will grow to be a tall and majestic tree that will become a real garden feature, eventually becoming a large tree with a dense, pyramidal crown. The leaves of this Liriodendron are of interest as they are lobed and variegated: they have a green centre with creamy margins in summer and these later become a golden yellow colour in autumn. On mature trees, usually after around 10 years, tulip-shaped flowers appear and these are green-yellow in colour with orange markings at the base of the petals.

Acer Scanlon

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Red maple 'Scanlon'Latin Name: Acer rubrum 'Scanlon' Soil: Moist but well drained.Position: Full sun/ partial shade    Hardiness: Fully hardyFlowering Period: SpringFlowering Colour: RedEventual Height/Spread after 20 years: 13m/7mThe Acer rubrum 'Scanlon' is a deciduous tree with pretty red flowers which appear before the leaves in spring. The leaves are glossy green with faded blue undersides in the summer; the foliage later turns crimson in the autumn. This Acer rubrum is an ideal avenue tree or park tree; it is also suitable for medium- larger sized gardens. 

Acer negundo

Ash Leaved Maple Tree

Common Name: Ash Leafed Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer negundoSoil: Moist but well drained soil.Position: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/Greenish-yellowHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 13m x 9mSpecial features: Medium-sized tree with good resistance to pollution and drought. Acer negundo is a fast-growing, bushy-headed tree with bright green young shoots. The leaves look somewhat like those of an ash: pinnate, slightly pendulous and turn a clear-yellow in autumn. The fruits of this tree, popularly called spinning jennies because of their acrobatics whilst falling, are long-lasting and retained after the leaves have fallen. This is a useful tree with its tolerance of poor soils and both wet and dry habitats.

Prunus padus

Bird Cherry Tree

Common Name: Bird Cherry Tree Latin Name: Prunus Padus Soil: Tolerates most soil types Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: April to May/Creamy white flowers Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 12m x 6m Special features: Almond-scented white flowers This delightful garden tree is the perfect choice for planting as a specimen in a sensory garden. The creamy white flowers are held on long, slender racemes and they have the most wonderful almond scent. The ovate green leaves are slightly tooted and these turn to a crisp yellow in autumn. Small, black and bitter fruits appear in autumn and these usually last until the birds eat them: an interesting fact is that the berries were formally used to colour wine.

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.

Tilia Brabant

Small Lime Brabant

Common Name: Small Lime Brabant Latin Name: Tilia tormentosa 'Brabant'Soil: Moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: July/Ivory flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 25m/15mSpecial features: Highly fragrant flowers that are only pollenated by Honey Bees as the nectar is actually toxic to other bees The Brabant is a tall and mighty tree which features heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in colour and serrated at their edges. The leaves are veined with light green and have hairy white undersides to them. The leaves are at their best in autumn when they turn to golden yellow before falling.Aside from the foliage, the flowers are also highly desirable; they are creamy white in colour and appear in mid-summer. The flowers carry a potently sweet scent which is attractive to honey bees, but interestingly the nectar of the flowers is toxic to other types of bees. This tree grows to have a broadly conical shape and it should be planted in a suitable position for it to have the room it needs to grow strong and thrive.

Liquidambar Palo Alto

Sweetgum Tree

Common Name: Palo Alto SweetgumLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto'Soil: Moist, fertile soil. Acidic soil produces the best autumn leaf colour.Position: Full sun    Hardiness: Half-hardy. Protect from frosts.Flowering period: Late springFlowering colour: Insignificant green/yellowEventual height/spread after 20 years: 12m/10mThe Liquidambar 'Palo Alto' has glossy maple-like leaves which are green in summer before turning deep red in autumn. This deciduous tree also features 'corky' bark which develops as the tree matures. The 'Palo Alto' Sweetgum has a pyramidal growth habit and benefits from occasional light pruning. Plant this tree in a full sun position for the best autumn colour.

Betula Hakkoda Orange

Hakkoda Orange Birch Tree

Common Name: Hakkoda Orange Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula ermanii 'Hakkoda Orange'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 6m/3mSpecial features: A graceful tree with smooth amber-orange peeling bark.Betula ermanii 'Hakkoda Orange' is a graceful, vigorous tree originally collected from Mount Hakoda in Japan. The new, heart shaped leaves on this unusual variety first appear orange later fading to lime green. The smooth amber-orange peeling bark looks spectacular in winter.

Fagus sylvatica Swat Magret

Purple Beech Tree

Common Name: Swat Magret Purple Beech Latin Name: Fagus sylvatica 'Swat Magret' Soil: Tolerates most soil types Position: Full sun/ Partial shade Flowering period/colour: Just after leaves appear/ White flowers (insignificant) Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual Height/ spread: 25m/ 10m Special features: Silvery bark and rich purple-red foliage. The 'Swat Magret' is a handsome variety of purple beech: it features ridged leaves with waved edges that emerge as a rich burgundy colour, then mature to dark purple-green and finally to a burgundy shade once again in autumn. Even after the leaves have fallen, the silvery-grey bark adds winter interest. Neither the flowers nor the fruits are particularly significant, but the fruits benefit wildlife in autumn. Once mature, this handsome tree grows to have a broadly rounded crown; it will become a real feature of a medium-large sized garden and it will make a fantastic shade tree on a sunny day. This purple beech is an attractive accent tree and works well when planted alongside the glossy green leaves of its relative, Fagus Sylvatica (common beach tree). 

Quercus myrsinifolia

Bamboo

Common Name: Bamboo-Leaved Oak Latin Name: Quercus myrsinifolia Soil: Any deep, well-drained, lime-free soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 15m+/8m+ Special features: Bamboo-like leaves with a purple blush to new foliage (evergreen). If you want a tree that will add structure to your garden, as well as a healthy dose of year-round colour, then the Quercus myrsinifolia is a fantastic choice. Although it still grows to be a mighty tree, this Chinese native is smaller than the British native, Quercus robur, and it maintains a fairly compact habit. The foliage adds ornamental value as new leaves shoot through with a purple, sometimes red, blush. Once mature, the lanceolate leaves turn to a rich mid-green colour. In autumn, ovoid acorns appear and these make a great source of food for wildlife. This hardy evergreen enjoys a sunny spot in the garden, but it can tolerate some shade. Plant it alongside another bold evergreen, like the Eucalyptus gunnii, as the differing foliage colours will give you a verdant show all year round.   

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow Tree

Common Name: Crack WillowLatin Name: Salix fragilisSoil: Any deep, moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April to May/Male catkins are densely flowered and uniformly yellowHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 15m/10mSpecial features: Leaves are long and narrow with small teeth along their edges.Salix fragilis is a robust tree that grows to between 10 and 15 m with a short, thick trunk and well spread branches which form a broad, rounded crown. The bark is grey and deeply fissured and the twigs mature to become rather lustrous. They are olive-brown and brittle at the point of attachment to the branch. They break off with a crack, hence the name.

Liquidambar Paarl

Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Paarl'Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Dislikes shallow chalky soils.Position: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 15m+/4mSpecial features: Upright, pyramidal habit and deep-green palmate leaves. The 'Paarl' was discovered in South Africa in 1990 and this tree differs from other Liquidambar trees as it has a more upright, pyramidal habit. The 'Paarl' has the same palmate leaves as the other Sweet Gum trees and the leaves are mid-dark green in summer; come autumn, the leaves fade to rich reds and oranges. Further interest is added as the tree matures, as the bark turns grey and develops deep grooves.

Fagus Riversii

Purple Beech Tree

Common Name: Purple BeechLatin Name: Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'Soil: Fertile, well-drainedPosition: Full sunHardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 30m/25mSpecial features: Well formed, dark purple feature specimen.Fagus 'Riversii' is an excellent specimen of a tree, boasting the richest of purple foliage out of the Beech family. It has a strong, upright and broad headed growth habit making it a good choice for larger landscaping needs. The tree has good tolerance to disease and adapts well to most soil conditions making it suitable for most areas where space permits.