Ornamental Trees

Betula albo

sinensis

Common Name: Chinese Paper BirchLatin Name: Betula albo-sinensisSoil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/6cm long male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m/5mSpecial features: Medium sized tree with finely flaking pinkish-brown bark.Betula albo-sinensis is a pretty and graceful birch that has smooth peeling bark that carries attractive pinkish brown tones. The bark peels to reveal creamy young growth. The leaves are rather conical, with a lightly toothed edge, a bright and glossy yellow green, turning yellow in autumn.  Trustpilot

Magnolia Alba Superba

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Magnolia TreeLatin Name: Magnolia x soulangeana 'Alba Superba'Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 6m/4mSpecial features: Extremely hardy plant with fragrant white flowers borne in early spring.Magnolia x soulangeana 'Alba Superba' is an extremely hardy shrub or small tree with very fragrant, showy white flowers that are born in early-mid spring. The flowers are tulip-shaped and 3-6 inches across, they appear on bare branches which creates a stunning visual effect. The deciduous leaves are a luscious green colour and fall every autumn. This Magnolia is ideal for planting near a seated area in the garden to fully appreciate the fragrant flowers.

Acer Prinz Handjery

Sycamore Tree

Common Name: Sycamore 'Prinz Handjery' Latin Name: Acer pseudoplatanus 'Prinz Handjery' Soil: Any good, moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 4.5m/4.5mSpecial features: Foliage that changes colour as it maturesThe 'Prinz Handjery' is very much like the popular Acer Brilliantissimum, but it is a little more open in habit and the leaf colour lasts slightly longer. New foliage starts as a shrimp pink colour and then it develops to a pink-bronze before turning green in summer. The undersides of the leaves are also of interest as these are purple, adding more colour to this wonderful tree. Adding to this, in summer long yellow flowers appear and these later become winged red fruits by autumn. The tree itself will grow to have a rounded habit and it makes a great ornamental specimen.

Acer Inaba

Shidare

Common Name: Japanese mapleLatin Name: Acer palmatum dissectum var. 'Inaba-Shidare'Soil: Moist, well drained, fertile soilPosition: Partial shadeHardiness: Frost hardy down to -15cEventual height/spread: 2m / 2mSpecial features: Purple-Burgundy leaves turning vibrant red in autumnAcer 'Inaba-Shidare' has deep cut purple-red leaves that turn a stronger vibrant red in autumn. This tree has a strong growth habit and good ability to retain its colour through the season. This Japanese maple is a perfect ornamental addition to any garden, ideal for where space maybe limited or it can be kept in a container. This tree needs to be somewhat sheltered from strong winds and too much direct sunlight, although the beautiful colours are best appreciated in a lighter position.

Betula Dalecarlica

Swedish Birch Tree

Common Name: Swedish BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/6 cm long male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m x 5mSpecial features: Medium sized tree with finely flaking pinkish-brown bark.Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' is a pretty and graceful birch that has smooth peeling bark that carries attractive pinkish brown tones. The bark peels to reveal creamy young growth which, with age, develops dark grooves. The tree has an upright habit and grows to be tall with slightly pendulous branches. The deciduous leaves are rather conical, with a lightly toothed edge, a bright and glossy yellow green, turning yellow in autumn.

Magnolia Sieboldii

Chinese Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Chinese Magnolia, Oyama MagnoliaLatin Name: Magnolia SieboldiiSoil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained soils; preferably acid or neutral.Position: Part shade in warmer climates or full sun elsewhere. Flowering period/colour: Early summer until September.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 4-8m/8mSpecial features: Attractive, fragrant, cup-shaped white pendulous flowers, with rich red stamens. Handsome foliage. Historical species from dinosaur era. Chinese magnolia is a handsome spreading tree with dark green oval leaves and white cup-shaped pendulous flowers with striking floral organs within. The magnolia is a species with a long running history. Floral organs from these plants have been found in the fossil record, so that the plants are known to have been contemporaries of the dinosaurs. This species is native to China, East-Asia, Japan and Korea, but it settles extremely well in the UK and can be grown quite successfully as far north as Finland, where a specimen is grown in the Arboretum Mustila. Most Magnolias flower in the spring, but this species flowers from early summer through to September, providing a long period of interest. The plant is best sited where the flowers can be seen from below as their red stamens are a particularly attractive feature. Chinese magnolia prefers part shade in warm climates but can accommodate full sun elsewhere. It is best pruned late summer or winter to avoid bleeding of sap. Very little pruning is required and the tree’s naturally attractive shape benefits from being left to develop naturally.

Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia

Fern Leaved Beech Tree

Common Name: Fern Leaved Beech Latin Name: Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia' Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 12m/8mSpecial features: Glowing golden yellow - orange leaves in autumn.The 'Asplenifolia' is a highly unusual variety of beech that has extremely ornamental fern like foliage. The leaves are deeply serrated and dark green in colour over summer, later turning to golden yellow and orange over autumn. This tree grows with a pyramidal habit for many years, but can eventually grow to have a more rounded crown when mature. This can make a great statement tree for a medium-large sized garden.

Betula Golden Beauty

Golden Birch Tree

Common Name: Golden BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Golden Beauty'Soil: fertile, well-drainedPosition: Full sunHardiness: HardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 7m x 3mSpecial features: Medium golden birch with attractive glowing green foliage.Betula 'Golden Beauty' is a true wonder for the garden with its attractive golden/green serrated leaves. This new introduction has a magnificent structure, the ascending branches form a cone- like shape when mature. This Birch is best known for its transforming bark which changes colours throughout its life, moving through cream, purple, cinamon and brown.

Acer platanoides

Norway Maple Tree

Common Name: Norway Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer platanoidesSoil: Any good soil, including chalk soil.Hardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 12m x 8mSpecial Features: Large, fast growing native tree with great autumn colour. The Acer platanoides is a fast growing tree with a spreading habit. It features large green glossy oval leaves whose lobes are tipped with fine points. Bright, small green-yellow flowers appear before the leaves in spring. The 'Norway Maple' is native to Europe and this deciduous tree has a height and spread in 20 years of 12m/8m.

Betula papyrifera

Paper Birch Tree

Common Name: Paper Birch, Canoe Birch, White Birch. Latin Name: Betula papyriferaSoil: Medium moisture, well-drained. Acid, alkaline or neutral.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: SpringHardiness: Fully hardy in the severest European climates (to below -20°C).Height and spread in 20-50 years: 12m/8mSpecial features: Attractive white bark and delicate green leaves. Catkins in spring. Leaves turn golden yellow autumn colour. Salt/Coastal Tolerant.This handsome birch is a fine specimen tree when sited in a large lawn. It grows to 12m or more in 20-50 years and has a large rounded or oval crown of mid-green delicate papery leaves. The leaves take on a golden yellow autumn colour before falling. The bark of this tree peels to reveal a pale orange underbark, and in maturity it develops black markings. The bark of this tree is traditionally used to make canoes and tepee coverings, as it is naturally waterproof and flexible, with a high oil content. This use gives rise to the name canoe birch.Pruning is generally not required, but can be carried out in the dormant winter season. Separate male and female catkins develop on the same tree in spring. The female catkins develop into dropping cone-like fruits. The Paper Birch is one of the only salt tolerant Birches and so can be grown easily in a coastal garden/environment. This species is native to North America, and has a strong preference for cooler northern climates like those found in Canada and Alaska, and so is ideally suited to growth in the UK. It makes a magnificent specimen tree when positioned in a sunny site and in a position to be viewed from a distance. It can also bring a real touch of elegance to deciduous woodland, where it will grow less rapidly and blend in more, due to the reduced access to sunlight. Betula papyrifera is naturally a pioneer species which spreads its seeds quickly and grows rapidly to maturity when sited in good soil and full sun.

Acer Butterfly

Japanese Maple Tree

Common Name: Japanese mapleLatin Name: Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'Soil: Moist, fertile, well drainedPosition: A sheltered spot with partial shadeHardiness: Frost hardy down to -15cEventual height/spread: 3m(11ft) / 1.5m(5ft)Special features: Green-grey leaves with cream fringes, turning a vibrant red in autumn.Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a large shrub or small-medium sized tree with a maximum height of 11ft. It has small deep-cut grey/green leaves with cream fringes which are slightly tainted with pink when at younger age, before turning red in Autumn. This Japanese maple is ideal for a garden with limited space and it can also be kept in a large container.

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'.

Malus White Star

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'White Star'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ White, star like flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 6m x 5mSpecial features: Large golden fruitA vigorous and disease-resistant, small tree bearing profuse, star shaped flowers followed by large, golden crab apples that persist until December. The arching branches hold copper-red young foliage which later turns to green, then purple. A good disease resistant tree suitable for any size of garden.

Malus Butterball

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Butterball'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ White, pink flushed.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 4m x 3mSpecial features: Masses of flowers followed by bright yellow fruit. Malus 'Butterball' is a small crab apple tree with a wonderful spreading habit and almost becomes rounded when the tree is mature. The branches are a little pendulous, especially when weighted with fruits. In late spring, an abundance of pink-blushed white flowers open from pink buds- these are then replaced by the glowing autumn fruits. The 'Butterball' name can be explained when seeing the masses of rich golden-yellow fruits which appear in autumn. The fruits may have a pretty red flushing on the sunny side and they are great for attracting wildlife to your garden.

Quercus Regal Prince

Regal Prince Oak

Common Name: Regal Prince Oak TreeLatin Name: Quercus robur x bicolour ‘Regal Prince’ Soil: Any deep, well-drained, lime-free soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/Green-yellow catkins Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 9m/3.5mSpecial features: A tall and slender Oak with beautiful green foliage that turns orange in autumn  A splendid hybrid of the upright English Oak (Quercus robur fastigiata) and the ‘American Swamp White Oak’ (Quercus bicolour), the Regal Prince is a more compact variety which has a highly attractive columnar habit.  The leaves are deep green in colour and have the classic lobed oak shape; they turn orange in autumn before falling. This tree is really effective when planted in rows for screening, and you should plant the trees about 2.5m apart so that they can still get proper air-circulation between the branches.

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.

Phyllostachys bissetii

Green Stem Bamboo

The 'green bamboo' has tall, slightly arching canes which have a 'spring green' colour with a slight purple flush when young. The canes mature to a yellow green colour and hold deep green leaves. This bamboo is the perfect choice for screening as it is fast-growing and rather dense.

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.

Phyllostachys Aureocaulis

Golden Groove Bamboo

A colourful variety of bamboo which features slender, golden yellow canes which mature to a rich yellow with age. The glowing yellow canes reach upwards and hold green leaves which persist all year round. This variety makes a fantastic screening tree and looks particularly effective when planted alongside the 'Phyllostachys nigra' (black bamboo).

Crataegus Gireoudii

Variegated Hawthorn Tree

Common Name: Variegated Midland Hawthorn TreeLatin Name: Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii'Soil: Any soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Late Spring/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 5m/4.5mSpecial features: Young leaves are prettily mottled pink and white. (Deciduous)Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii' is a very interesting Hawthorn with young leaves that are curiously mottled with pink and white. White flowers appear at the end of spring later followed by red fruits. A good prune every spring helps to encourage the pretty foliage effect.

Malus Indian Magic

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Indian Magic Crab Apple Tree Latin Name: Malus 'Indian Magic’ Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: April/Pink Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height and spread: 6m/3m Special features: Bright fuchsia pink flowers and bronzed leaves The ‘Indian Magic’ is a delightful tree which offers varying interest throughout the seasons. In spring, bronze-green leaves appear and these are soon accompanied by fuchsia pink flowers. The flowers are sweetly scented and are popular with wildlife. Over summer, the bronzed leaves hold their colour, before falling in autumn. From October onwards, red-orange fruits appear and these last for several months: a great natural bird feeder over winter.

Betula ermanii

Swedish Birch Tree

Common Name: Swedish Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula ermaniiSoil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m/2.5mSpecial features: A graceful tree with bright green heart-shaped leaves and beautiful peeling bark.Betula ermanii is a graceful and vigorous birch which often grows as a multi-stemmed tree. The bark is a particularly pretty creamy pink on the trunk with deeper colour on the branches, sometimes attaining brownish red tones. The plump bright green leaves turn to golden brown in autumn.

Acer Garnet

Japanese Maple

Common Name: Japanese maple 'Garnet'Latin Name: Acer palmatum 'Garnet'Soil: Moist, well drained, fertile soilPosition: Full sun or partial shade, Needs a position sheltered from cold winds and late frostsHardiness: Frost hardy down to -15°CEventual Height/Spread: 1.5m/2mSpecial features: Garnet-coloured leaves that are deeply dissected If you want a bold splash of colour in a sunny bed or border, then the 'Garnet' is a fantastic choice. The leaves of this deciduous shrub are the same colour of a garnet stone and they hold their deep red-purple colour throughout spring and summer. The foliage really fires up come autumn when the leaves turn to striking shades of scarlet before falling. The leaves are deeply dissected and look feathery, which adds a wonderfully soft appearance to this compact shrub. Once mature, this Japanese maple will have a rounded habit and is looks beautiful when planted alongside another acer, like the classic Acer palmatum var. dissectum, as the contrasting shades of foliage work as the perfect foil for each other.

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.

Phyllostachy spectabilis

Golden Groove Bamboo

This bamboo features thick golden canes which have patterned green stripes in groves on alternate sides between the nodes. The canes take on a deeper yellow colour as the plant matures and hold dark green, lance-shaped evergreen leaves. A great choice for screening which looks particularly effective alongside the Phyllostachys nigra (black bamboo).

Cercis Ruby Falls

Weeping Redbud

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

Sorbus Ravensbill

Ravensbill Rowan Tree

Common Name: Ravensbill Rowan Tree Latin Name: Sorbus commixta 'Ravensbill' Soil: Most soils Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: April to May/ White Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 6m/5m Special features: Blue-black winter buds that resemble a raven’s bill This distinctive tree gets its name from its winter interest: the winter buds are dark blue-black, with a slight curve, and resemble a raven’s bill. Come spring, pinnate dark green leaves appear and these are soon accompanied by the delicate white flowers. The flowers mature to clusters of small red berries by autumn and the leaves turn to blistering shades of yellow, orange and red before falling. This is a great choice for year-round interest and it is prefect for attracting wildlife to your garden.  

Malus Sun Rival

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Sun Rival'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Pink opening white.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 3m x 3mSpecial features: Bright red fruits in autumn. Disease resistant.This is an unusual semi-weeping (umbrella) crab apple tree which is ideal for the smaller garden. The 'Sun Rival'  features delicately arching branches that are studded with white flowers that open from pink buds. Bright red fruits appear in Summer and hang from the branches in a 'cherry-like' manner. Completely disease free.

Acer Trompenburg

Japanese Maple

Common Name: Japanese mapleLatin Name: Acer plamatum 'Trompenburg'Soil: Moist, well drained, fertile soilPosition: Full sun or partial Shade,Hardiness: Frost hardy down to -15°CEventual height/spread: 4m x 4mSpecial features: 7-9 lobed hand like leaves with brilliant autumn colours.The Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a a deciduous tree with rounded, deep-cut leaves which are said to resemble a hand. The foliage emerges with a beautiful wine- red colour, which then develops to a mid-green come summer, before a final autumnal burst of orange and red. This Japanese maple is an ideal ornamental tree for a garden that has plenty of space so the tree can be left to thrive and spread.

Acer Fairview Flame

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Acer Fairview FlameLatin Name: Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame'Soil: Moist yet well-drained soilPosition: Full sun Flowering period/colour: Spring/ RedHardiness: HardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 10m/ 7mSpecial features: A stunning display of scarlet leaves in autumn. The 'Fairview Flame' is an outstanding tree for autumn colour; the five-lobed leaves turn from dark green to a blistering shade of scarlet red. The structure of this deciduous tree is also notable, as it holds a flame-like ovate shape which looks beautiful when in leaf. Further interest is added in spring, when small red flowers appear on the bare branches, and the new branches also emerge as a vivid red colour. This maple is highly recommended for adding unique colour and structure to your garden and it will make an ideal lawn specimen.

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.

Acer Worley

Golden Leaved Sycamore Tree

Common Name: Golden Leaved Sycamore TreeLatin Name: Acer pseudoplatanus 'Worley'Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained. Position: Partial shade, full sunHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread in 20 years: 8m x 8m This Acer pseudoplatanus 'Worley' is a particularly robust form of sycamore which features pale yellow leaves in spring that turn green in summer. This low-maintenance tree is an ideal lawn specimen and thrives in either full sun or partial shade.

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.

Hamamelis mollis

Chinese Witch Hazel

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

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.

Prunus Canada Red

Chokecherry Tree

Common Name: Chokecherry Tree Latin Name: Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’ Soil: Tolerates most soil types Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: March to April /White Hardiness: Fully hardy Height/spread in 20 years: 7m/ 6m Special features: Leaves that emerge green and quickly turn purple-red The ‘Canada Red’ is a fantastic garden specimen that offers changing interest in different seasons. New leaves shoot through as a rich green colour, but they quickly turn to a vivid shade of purple-red in early summer. As new leaves shoot through, the purple leaves make a beautiful foil and the contrasting colours really stand out. The flowers are small and white in colour, and the fruits are dark purple. This is a wonderful choice for planting as a feature tree and it also works well as an avenue tree.

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.

Acer capillipes

Snake

Common Name: Snake-bark MapleLatin Name: Acer capillipesSoil: Moist but well drained.Position: Fertile/Partial shade    Hardiness: Fully hardyFlowering period: SummerFlowering colour: YellowEventual height/spread after 20 years: 5m/4mThe Acer capillipes is a handsome tree which is known for its distinctive striated bark, which gave it the common name of ‘Snake bark’. Three-lobed, vivid green leaves appear in spring which later change into a fiery red-orange colour in autumn. Small yellow flowers also appear in spring, which then ripen into yellow and pink fruits in summer. The structure of this majestic tree is also noteworthy; the branches gently arch over as it matures and the tree itself has a lovely spreading habit.

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. 

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.

Malus Neville Copeman

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Neville Copeman'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ Deep pink/purpleHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: Red-orange fruit.'Neville Copeman' is mainly noted for its beautiful green leaves which are shaded with purple throughout the summer. This tree produces delightful, light-purple coloured flowers, followed by attractive conical shaped orange to red coloured fruit. Pollution tolerant, so ideal for planting in a garden where a busy road is close.

Magnolia Spectrum

Magnolia Tree

Common Name: Magnolia SpectrumLatin Name: Magnolia × soulangeana 'Spectrum'Soil: Appreciates consistent moisture throughout the year, avoid very dry or very wet soil.Position: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: April-May/Pinky-purpleHardiness: Fully hardy in the severest European climates (to below -20°C).Height/spread in 10-20 years: 4-8m/4-8m Special features: RHS Award of Garden Merit. Large, goblet-shaped flowers. Pink-purple from base to tip outside and pale pink inside. Deciduous tree with upright form. Magnolia 'Spectrum' is a fine, later flowering example of the Magnolia group, with a upright form and large goblet-shaped flowers in spring. The flowers are pink-purple from base to tips outside and lighter pink on the inside. This variety has an award of garden merit from the RHS indicating that it reliably produces a fine display. It is a sibling hybrid to 'Galaxy', with larger flowers and broader habit. 

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.

Magnolia Water Lily

Star Magnolia Tree

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

Acer Red Shine

Field Maple Tree

Common Name: Red Shine Field Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer campestre 'Red Shine'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 8m x 6mSpecial features: Dark red juvenile foliage and attractive corky bark. Acer campestre 'Red Shine' is a small to medium sized deciduous tree with a narrow pyramidal habit. Its new leaves first appear crimson in spring slowly fading to mauve/green in summer before turning yellow in autumn. The yellow-green flowers in May later develop into pairs of winged seeds. This robust tree will thrive in just about any soil and will withstand drought and air pollution.