RHS Award of Garden Merit

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 Crimson King

Norway Maple Tree

The Acer Crimson King boasts deep red-purple, star-shaped leaves that have a great autumn colour. This is a fast-growing tree that is suitable for most soils, including clay. A fantastic ornamental tree. If you want a tree that will add a real splash of colour to your garden, the deservedly popular Acer Crimson King is for you. The leaves are large in size and crimson-purple in colour: they have five lobes and they curl in slightly at their edges. They are complimented by lemon yellow spring flowers, which look lovely against the bold colour of the leaves. The leaves hold their striking colour through spring and summer, before putting on a final show in autumn when they turn to crisp shades of red, orange and brown. This is the perfect ornamental tree for a medium-large sized garden and, as it’s a fairly fast grower, it will soon become established in your garden. When mature, this will be a broad-headed and rounded garden tree, which looks great as an ornamental specimen. It’s a hardy and tolerant tree and it will do well in a range of sites, including costal and urban. The bold leaf colour and large leaf size makes the ‘Crimson King’ a fantastic screen, too. In terms of a planting partner, we would recommend the Acer 'Princeton Gold': the glowing golden leaves of the ‘Princeton Gold’ contrast beautifully with the rich leaves of the ‘Crimson King’. Common Name: Norway Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/YellowHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 7m x 5mSpecial features: Beetroot-red leaves turning red, brown and orange in autumn

Acer Dissectum

Japanese Maple Tree

Common Name: Japanese MapleLatin Name: Acer palmatum var. dissectumSoil: 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 x 1.5mSpecial features: A slow grower, with a rather elegant, finely textured appearance.Acer palamatum 'Disectum' is a slow-growing shrub which, with age, forms a rounded mushroom shape. It has very finely divided green leaves that turn golden yellow before dropping in the autumn. This Japanese maple makes a beautiful specimen plant in small gardens and can be successfully grown in large containers. This low-maintenance variety does not benefit from regular pruning as it prefers to be left alone.

Acer griseum

Paperbark Maple Tree

Common Name: Paperbark Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer griseumSoil: Moist but well drained soil.Position: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May / YellowHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 5m/5mSpecial features: Orange-brown old bark which peels off to reveal cinnamon coloured new bark. (Deciduous)Acer griseum is a small, broadly columnar tree, with orange-brown old bark which peels off to reveal cinnamon coloured new bark. The smallish lobed leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red in autumn. Yellow flowers appear in spring followed by relatively large- winged seeds in the autumn. This tree makes a good border or lawn specimen.

Acer October Glory

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Red Canadian Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer rubrum 'October Glory'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/RedHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 10 years: 6m x 4m (Eventual height 15m)Special features: A reliable American specimen with spectacular autumn colours. Acer rubrum 'October Glory' is a dense round-headed tree with glossy green summer leaves which turn brilliant red in early autumn and are held for several weeks. This tree is best planted in neutral to acid soil and sheltered from strong winds to ensure the most vibrant autumn colours are produced. The 'October Glory' is a deciduous tree.

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.

Acer rubrum Sun Valley

Red Maple Tree

Common Name: Red mapleLatin Name: Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley'Soil: Medium to wet, well-drained soil. Slight preference for acid soil.Position: Full sun/partial shade. Flowering period/colour: March/redHardiness: Fully hardy in the severest European climates (to below -20°C).Height and spread in 20-50 years: 6m-10m/4.5m-7.5mSpecial features: Bright red autumn colour. Tolerates wet soil. Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' is a fine, medium-sized maple tree that produces a blaze of red colour in autumn. No fruit is produced, which can be an advantage in areas where the usual winged maple fruit would spread around, and have to be cleared up. The species name ‘rubrum’ means red, and this tree does indeed produce a very striking show of red colour to brighten up any garden. The genus name ‘Acer’ indicates that this tree is a maple, and maple trees are well known as fine specimen trees. They have a leaf with a characteristic shape, as seen on the Canadian flag, and a statuestque figure. Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' is a medium-sized variety, which is useful for locations of more restricted size. Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' is a male tree resulting from a cross between Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' and Acer rubrum 'Autum Flame'. It has a particulary symmetrical ovate crown. Average growth in good conditions takes it to 6.4m height in the first ten years, finally maturing to 10m.

Acer Rufinerve

Snake

Common Name: Grey snake bark maple Latin Name: Acer Rufinerve Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April/ yellowHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/ spread in 20 years: 7m x 5mSpecial features: Distinctive snake bark and bold autumn colour In spring the three-lobed leaves of this handsome tree have a glaucous tint to them and they mature to a healthy, bright green by summer. Summer also sees the arrival of erect racemes of small yellow flowers and these turn to winged seed pods by autumn. In autumn this tree really puts on a show: the leaves turn to glowing shades of deep red and crisp yellow before falling. Even in winter this tree still has interest as the white-striped branches can be admired fully in a sleeping winter garden. This Acer will become a real feature of a medium-large sized garden and we love it as an ornamental specimen.

Acer Sango

Kaku

Common Name: Coral Bark MapleLatin Name: Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'Soil: Moist, well drained, fertile soilPosition: A sheltered spot with partial Shade,Hardiness: Frost hardy down to -15°CEventual height/spread: 6m x 3mSpecial features: Soft green leaves in summer turning yellow in autumn and red shoots sprouting in late winter.The Acer palmatum 'Sango- kaku' is a beautiful Japanese Maple tree that has an all year round interest. In the autumn its foliage turns from a soft green colour then to a golden-yellow colour.  As the common name suggests, in the winter this tree has stunning vibrant coral red bark which really stands out in a winter garden.

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.

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

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'.

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.

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 pendula

Silver Birch Tree

Common Name: Silver Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula pendulaSoil: Will grow in most soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 8m/3mSpecial features: White peeling bark. (Deciduous)Betula pendula is a graceful native tree, upright growing, the smaller branches becoming pendulous with age. The deciduous leaves are a diamond shape and hold a mid-green colour before turning yellow in autumn. Yellowy brown male catkins in appear in spring. White peeling bark which with age becomes ruggedly fissured and dark-grey, almost black, at the base. These trees are most effective when planted as a close group of 3 and they also make a good windbreak.The silver birch is an extremely popular tree which is widely planted for its highly ornamental white peeling bark. The ornamental bark gives this tree interest all year round, and it looks particularly effective in winter when the rest of the garden is dormant. In spring, diamond-shaped mid-green leaves appear on the upright branches, and at the same time yellow-brown male catkins hang from the tree. Autumn sees the leaves fade to yellow before falling, when they again reveal the beautiful bark. As this tree matures, the branches become more pendulous and the bark develops a real character and becomes deeply fissured and dark grey in colour.

Betula Snow Queen

Snow Queen Birch Tree

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

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Katsura Tree

Common Name: Katsura Tree, Toffee Apple Tree, Candyfloss TreeLatin Name: Cercidiphyllum japonicumSoil: Moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 15m/10mSpecial 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. 

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 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 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.

Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair Tree

Common Name: Maidenhair treeLatin Name: Ginkgo bilobaSoil: Any well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyFlowering period: SpringFlowering colour: Yellow catkins when mature Eventual height/spread: 15m/8mThe Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese native which dates back to over 200 million years ago which dates them back to a time before even dinosaurs roamed the plant. This tree is a deciduous conifer, which is an attribute to a very small number of trees. This tree boasts attractive two-lobed, fan-shaped leaves which are known for their exceptionally bright gold autumn colour. Male specimens have yellow catkins in spring, whereas the females have fruit. This majestic tree can be planted in isolation as a garden focal point; the Maidenhair also works as a companion to a Red Maple, as the burning autumn colours contrast beautifully. This tree will eventually become very tall, so ensure you plant it in a large garden away from any buildings. This hardy tree was just 2km away from the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast in 1945 and survived the attack; the affected trees are still growing to this day! Maidenhair trees are extremely long lived with the oldest recorded individuals being 3,500 years old! They have been widely used in Chinese and now in western medicine. The leaves are used in herbal remedies to treat Alzheimer's, Dementia and other diseases and cognitive ailments.

Ginkgo biloba Menhir

Maidenhair Tree

Common Name: Maidenhair TreeLatin Name: Ginkgo biloba 'Menhir'Soil: Any well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 5m/1.5mThe 'Menhir' is a more compact and slender version of the ever-popular Ginkgo biloba and it grows to have a columnar shape when mature. The fan-like leaves of the 'Menhir' are of the classic Ginkgo shape, but with a more grey-green colour in summer and a buttery yellow colour in autumn. This new variety is proving to be popular due to its narrow form and it is perfect for planting as a structural tree in your garden.

Hamamelis Jelena

Witch Hazel

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

Hamamelis mollis

Chinese Witch Hazel

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

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.

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 Worplesdon

Sweet Gum Tree

Common Name: Sweet Gum TreeLatin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon'Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.Position: Full sunFlowering period/colour: May to June/Inconspicuous yellow flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height and spread: 25m/12mSpecial features: One of the best trees for autumn colour.Deeply lobed, mid-green summer foliage turns brilliant purple then orange-yellow in autumn. The rounded, heavy crown and beautiful leaves make this a fantastic tree for planting as a specimen in grass. Inconspicuous yellow flowers are produced in late spring and these are usually followed by attractive spiky, round fruit cases.

Liriodendron tulipifera

Tulip Tree

Common Name: Tulip TreeLatin Name: Liriodendron tulipiferaSoil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: July/Yellow-green tulip flowers banded with orange. (On mature trees)Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 14m/7mSpecial features: Foliage turns rich butter-yellow in autumn.Large superb saddle-shaped dark green foliage, turning bright yellow in autumn. In summer, when the tree is in full foliage, mature trees produce tulip-shaped, green flowers. A conical-shaped tree which lends itself to specimen planting in grass.

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 floribunda

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus floribundaSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/Pale pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 4m x 5mSpecial features: Red fruits in autumn. Coppery, unusual cut leaf.Malus floribunda has glorious, pale pink flowers in mid- late spring which immerse the tree in a pink cloud. The flowers are replaced by small, pea-like, golden-yellow fruit which persists well into winter. The long-lasting fruit is a good source of food for birds and other wildlife. The leaves are mid-green in summer, but they really shine when they put on a dazzling autumn display of coppery red and bronzed yellow. This Japanese crab apple is an excellent ornamental tree for a sunny, urban site. Dense and spreading in habit with gracefully arching branches.

Malus Golden Hornet

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Golden Hornet'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: long-lasting, spherical, golden-yellow fruitThe Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ is a wonderfully compact crab apple tree. It features pretty, fragrant white flowers which are flushed pink and appear in May/June. Masses of golden-yellow crab apples emerge in early autumn and attract an array of wildlife to your garden. This tree starts out upright and spreads to an oval-headed shape with age. The densely-packed branches hold deep green leaves which fade to yellow in autumn. The crab apple fruits are one of the best features of this tree as they hold well into winter.

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 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 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 Royal Beauty

Weeping Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Weeping Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Royal Beauty'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May/ Deep pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 2.5m x 2.5mSpecial features: Dark red fruits in the autumn. Good for small gardens.The Malus 'Royal Beauty' is the perfect choice for a tree that has an ever-changing, year round interest. The leaves emerge as a bronzed red colour and turn purple-red in summer before a final burst of bronzed yellow in the autumn. A further interest is added in spring with the masses of deep pink flowers that bloom in April/ May. The final anual display comes in autumn with the dark red crab apples; these hold well into winter and are great for attracting birds. This tree has a weeping habit and is ideal for smaller gardens.

Malus transitoria

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Transitoria Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus transitoriaSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April / Small white star shaped flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 4m x 3mSpecial features: Small white star shaped flowers followed by small yellow fruits.Malus transitoria is a slender and elegant tree with small and delicate, narrowly lobed leaves. Small white star shaped flowers appear as a white cloud in April. The abundant fruits are bright yellow and persist well after then yellow-gold tinted foliage has fallen.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Dawn Redwood Tree

Common Name: Dawn RedwoodLatin Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboidesSoil: Deep rich moist soil that is well drained.Position: Sunny sheltered siteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 35m/10mSpecial features: Rich brown and gold autumnal tints. (Deciduous)Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a superb deciduous conifer, one of only a very small number of conifers that shed their leaves annually. They hold a wonderful conical shape and produce little competitive shade for smaller plants as they are tall and slim with sparse branches. The leaves are pretty and rather feathery looking and are composed of innumerable linear leaflets. The leaf colour is bright green until autumn when it fades to rich brown and gold autumnal tints. The trunk is coloured orange-brown which adds an interest in winter when the branches are bare.

Nyssa sylvatica

Black Gum Tree

Common Name: Black Gum Tree or Black TopeloLatin Name: Nyssa sylvaticaSoil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunHardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 20m/10mSpecial features: Magnificent autumn display of red oranges and yellowsNyssa sylvatica was first introduced from America in 1750 and is regarded by many as the most attractive of all native trees from the States. The narrowly oval, dark glossy green leaves turn to give a magnificent display of red oranges and yellows in the autumn. This tree won the award of garden merit in 2002.

Parrotia persica

Persian Ironwood Tree

Common Name: Persian IronwoodLatin Name: Parrotia persicaSoil: Any fertile, moist but well drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardyFlowering period: Spring & WinterFlowering colour: RedEventual height/spread after 20 years: 8m/10mOne of the best features of the Parrotia persica is the unique grey flaking bark, which sheds more with age. It often has multiple stems which hold long, ovate green leaves. The leaves of this deciduous tree transform in stages throughout the autumn months; first vivid yellow, then burning orange, and finally to an intense red. In late winter, insignificant red flowers bring life to the stark branches, the flowers are followed in spring by the newly emerging leaves. The Persian ironwood tree has a wide spreading habit and is therefore suitable for a larger garden, particularly as a border tree. For the best autumn leaf colour, grow this tree in acid soil.

Prunus Accolade

Flowering Cherry Tree

Common Name: Flowering Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus 'Accolade'Soil: Fertile, moist well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April to May /Semi double pale pinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/ spread in 20 years: 5m x 4mSpecial features: A very graceful tree with rose-pink flowers.Charming semi-double, rose-pink flowers crowd the branches in mid-spring, dark green leaves turn a vibrant orange in autumn. This is one of the most reliable and prettiest cherries for the smaller garden, which often gives the best flower show when planted in full sun.

Prunus Amanogawa

Japanese Flowering Cherry Tree

Prunus Amanogawa is a narrow and columnar Japanese cherry tree which is perfect for a garden with restricted space. It features dense clusters of fragrant pink flowers and eye-catching foliage. This is also a great choice for vivid autumn colour. The Amanogawa is a compact tree with a very upright habit and densely-packed branches, making it the perfect choice for the smaller garden. In spring, an abundance of deep pink semi-double flowers appear in clusters: the flowers are sweetly scented and smell of almonds, which makes this tree a delightful addition to a sensory garden. The spring flowers are accompanied by green-bronze leaves, and the leaves mature to a brighter green come summer. The leaves are ovate in shape and are serrated at the edge. A final burst of life comes in autumn when the foliage takes on a stunning array of autumnal colours: the leaves turn to shades of burnt orange, deep red and crisp yellow before falling. The upright shape of the Amanogawa makes it ideal for planting as a structural tree and it works well when planted alongside another upright tree like Sorbus Autumn Spire. The name 'Amanogawa' means 'River of the sky' in Japanese, and this Japanese native was originally found planted along the Arakawa River in Japan. This delightful tree was brought to the UK in the early 20th century, and it is now one of our most popular trees here at Mail Order Trees. Common Name: Japanese Flowering CherryLatin Name: Prunus 'Amanogawa'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April /PinkHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 6m x 2mSpecial features: Compact habit. Perfect for the small garden.

Prunus Autumnalis

Autumn Cherry Tree

Prunus Autumnalis, or the 'Autumn Cherry Tree', offers year-round interest with its winter flowers, fresh green foliage and strong autumn colour. A fantastic tree for the smaller garden. This flowering cherry tree is valued for its bell-shaped, semi-double white flowers which appear in bursts from late autumn through to early spring: the flowers appear on bare stems and look truly stunning in a winter garden. The flowers open from pink buds and some of the petals have a pink tint to them. The simple flowers are delicate and truly charming: they add a much-needed dose of floral beauty over the colder months. In spring, the leaves appear and are at first a bronzed green, later maturing to a rich, deeper green. By summer, the winter flowers have become small fruits, which are often enjoyed by the birds. This tree also boasts a good autumn leaf colour, with the ovate and sharply-toothed leaves turning to blistering shades of orange and russet red before falling. This is a hardy tree that is suitable for planting in a range of situations: it has an attractive, spreading habit and it works really well as an ornamental specimen. With a fairly small eventual height and spread, the 'Autumnalis' can be planted in a smaller garden. One obvious choice for a planting partner is the simply stunning 'Prunus Autumnalis Rosea', but if you want something a little different then we would recommend the 'Prunus Royal Burgundy' as the wine-red foliage of the Royal Burgundy makes the perfect foil for the deep green leaves. Common Name: Autumn Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: From late autumn, through winter until spring /Bell-shaped, semi-double pale pink flowers.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 4m x 4mSpecial features: White flowers from late autumn, through winter until spring. (Deciduous)

Prunus Autumnalis Rosea

Autumn Cherry Tree

Prunus 'Autumnalis Rosea' is a small deciduous tree that features pale-pink, semi-double flowers that appear in autumn and last over winter. This ornamental specimen also boasts ovate, dark-green leaves and glossy fruits in spring. This tree is a true delight and is worthy of planting in any garden: a tree that gives you year-round interest and that remains relatively small, making is perfect for a range of gardens. Each autumn, usually in November, a profusion of bell-shaped, pink, semi-double flowers appear all over the tree. The pale pink flowers open from dark pink buds and they add a real burst of colour as the dark nights draw in. From November to March, the blooms appear intermittently and they look stunning in a snow-covered garden. The flowers later become small and glossy fruits, which make a great natural bird feeder, but the fruits are soon overshadowed by the spring foliage. The leaves, which are ovate in shape and dark-green in colour, cover the spreading branches and make a great foil for lighter-leaved varieties. One of our favourite trees for planting alongside the ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is the stunning Prunus Okame Harlequin, as the vivid pink flowers and variegated leaves of the Harlequin contrast beautifully with the strong green foliage of the ‘Autumnalis Rosea’. Come autumn, just before the flowers appear, the leaves produce a final show of colour: they turn to shades of rich red, orange and yellow before falling. Plant this tree in a sunny position for it to fully thrive: it makes a great lawn specimen for smaller gardens that need an injection of winter colour.  Common Name: Autumn Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: From late autumn, through winter until spring /Bell-shaped, semi-double pale pink flowers.Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 4m x 4mSpecial features: Flowers from late autumn, through winter until spring. (Deciduous)

Prunus avium

Wild Cherry Tree

Common Name: Wild Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus aviumSoil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April to May/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 15m/12mSpecial features: Beautiful native treeAn attractive and vigorous tree is one of the most attractive native woodland trees in Britain. It features single white flowers which appear in April and May, followed by glossy cherries which are ideal food for the birds.  The tree has grey bark which turns to mahogany shades as the tree ages and begins to peel. The tree is strong growing and healthy with a conical shape in its youth, more spreading and irregular with age. With this being a wild and native tree it looks good in naturalistic mixed planting as one might expect, yet it is versatile enough for avenue planting.

Prunus avium Plena

Wild Cherry Tree

Common Name: Wild Cherry TreeLatin Name: Prunus avium 'Plena'Soil: Tolerates most soil typesPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m x 12mSpecial features: small reddish fruit.Masses of long-lasting, double white blossom appear in mid-spring with the new leaves, followed by small reddish fruit. Dark green leaves turn rich, vibrant red in autumn. Pyramid shape becoming rounded with age makes it an ideal plant for a woodland garden or as an avenue tree.

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.

Prunus Collingwood Ingram

Flowering Cherry Tree

Common Name: Flowering Cherry Tree Latin Name: Prunus 'Collingwood Ingram' Soil: Tolerates most soil types Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: March to April/ Deep pink Hardiness: Fully hardy Height/spread in 20 years: 6m x 3m Special features: Beautiful spring flowers and bronze-green leaves This is a beautiful flowering cherry tree which offers a range of colours in different seasons. In spring, deep pink flowers stud the glossy branches and these are accompanied by a vivid foil of bronze-green leaves. The foliage matures to a rich green come summer and it puts on a spectacular show of colour in autumn when, before falling, the leaves turn to bright orange. This tree maintains a fairly compact and columnar habit, making it the perfect choice for the smaller garden.