Upright/Pillar

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.

Acer Green Column

Field Maple

Common Name: Field Maple TreeLatin Name: Acer campestre 'Green Column'Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drainedPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: May/ Small yellow panicles of flowersHardiness: Very hardyEventual height/spread: 8m x 4mThe Green Column is a wonderful variety of field maple, and it features three-to-five lobed deep green leaves that have lighter green undersides. New leaves shoot through with a pretty pink flush to them, which contrasts beautifully with the more mature leaves. The leaves produce one final display before falling in autumn when they turn to lively shades or orange and red, which really brings your garden to life. Aside from the foliage, the tree itself has an outstanding stature; it is columnar when young, turning more conical as it matures, and it has a dense and bushy head of branches. The tree does produce small yellow flowers in May, which adds further interest, but this tree is prized for its foliage rather than its flowers. The Green Column is a great choice for adding architectural structure to your garden.

Amelanchier Obelisk

Alder leaved Serviceberry Tree

Common Name: Alder-leaved Serviceberry Tree Latin Name: Amelanchier alnifolia 'Obelisk' Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/ colour: Creamy white in spring Hardiness: Fully hardy Height and spread in 20 years: 4m/ 2m Special features: Creamy white flowers which turn into purple-black fruits.   The 'Obelisk' is a delightful small tree or large shrub which is perfect for the smaller garden; it features a healthy display of dark-green leaves in spring which are complimented by pretty white flowers. Come autumn, the rounded leaves fade to orange and as they begin to fall clusters of purple-black fruits appear. This narrow Amelanchier is the perfect choice for adding colour to a restricted space. Trustpilot

Amelanchier Rainbow Pillar

Snowy Mespilus Tree

The Amelanchier canadensis 'Rainbow Pillar', known as the Columnar Snowy Mespilus Tree, is a new serviceberry from Ohio USA, with an upright habit ideal for planting in small gardens.This tree flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade.In spring, the tree bursts into life with an abundance of profuse, scented white blossoms, which create quite the stir! As the year moves forwards, it grows edible purplish-red fruits in late summer, which are popular with local wildlife. 

Its mildew and rust resistant summer foliage turns a brilliant red, orange and yellow in autumn.With a towering height of 4 metres and a slender spread of 2.5 metres over a 20 year period, the Amelanchier canadensis 'Rainbow Pillar' offers vertical interest and visual appeal to any landscape. 

Enjoy its colourful seasonal displays and make it a focal point in your outdoor sanctuary today! Common Name: Columnar Snowy Mespilus Tree Latin Name: Amelanchier canadensis 'Rainbow Pillar' Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil. (will tolerate chalky soils.) Position: Full sun or partial shade Flowering period/colour: April / White Hardiness: Fully hardy Height and spread in 20 years: 4m/2.5m Special features: A compact tree with brilliant red, orange and yellow autumn colours.(Deciduous)

Amelanchier Robin Hill

June Berry Tree

Amelanchier 'Robin Hill' features masses of white flowers in spring, copper-coloured young foliage, a strong show of autumn colour and small berries in June. The 'Robin Hill' is a highly desirable tree that offers an array of interest throughout the seasons. In spring, just as the foliage is starting to shoot out, an abundance of star-shaped flowers emerge. The flowers emerge pink and soon turn pure white, with vivid yellow stamens at their heart. The spring foliage is coppery red and it makes the perfect backdrop for the floral display. By summer, the finely serrated, ovate leaves have matured to a luscious green and, in late June, the berries appear. The glossy summer berries are small, purple and hang in clusters all over the tree; they make a fantastic natural bird feeder, but they are also fit for human consumption, too.  A final show of colour comes in autumn, when the leaves turn to firey shades of orange and red before falling. This tree is well-suited to a range of positions, including as a lawn specimen or as a border tree. The dense and upright habit of the 'Robin Hill' makes it perfect for smaller spaces. It can tolerate a range of conditions, including urban sites, and thrives in most soils. In terms of a planting partner, the wonderfully colourful Amelanchier 'Rainbow Pillar' works well. Equally, Prunus 'Snow Goose' is a great match as both trees have an upright structure and strong autumn colour. Common Name: June Berry TreeLatin Name: Amelanchier grandiflora 'Robin Hill'Soil: Acidic to neutral, moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March to April / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m/3mSpecial features: Small purple fruits (Deciduous) Trustpilot

Berberis Helmond Pillar

Barberry

Common Name: BarberryLatin Name: Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar'Soil: well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ pale yellow flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 1.5m x 0.6mSpecial features: A narrow upright barberry with rich purple foliage.This deciduous barberry is grown for its dark red-purple leaves and its narrow upright habit. It has small, red-tinted, pale-yellow flowers in mid-spring and in autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant shade of red. It is low maintenance, and useful for giving vertical interest in shrub borders. Trustpilot

Betula albosinensis Fascination

Chinese Red

Common Name: Chinese red-barked birchLatin Name: Betula albosinensis FascinationSoil: Any free-draining garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellow-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height and spread: 13m/8mSpecial features: Orange-red peeling bark The 'Fascination' is a stunning ornamental tree which offers year-round interest. Its most notable feature is its orange-red peeling bark which has a shimmering copper tone to it: the iridescent-looking bark really stands out in a winter garden. Once the tree reaches maturity the bark mellows to a pink-white colour, but it still retains its glossy appearance. Spring brings fresh foliage and the cordate leaves are dark-green in colour and serrated at their edges. In March exceptionally lengthy yellow-brown catkins emerge and these dangle from the branches, which adds further interest. The winter leaves turn buttery-yellow before falling in autumn. This tree has densely ascending branches and it will grow to have a pyramidal habit, making this a great choice for a screening tree. Plant it alongside something just as sturdy and colourful, like the Koelreuteria paniculata, or something with contrasting bark, like the Betula Snow Queen.

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.

Betula Fastigiata

Upright Silver Birch Tree

Common Name: Upright Silver BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Fastigiata'Soil: Will grow in most soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years : 7m x 2mSpecial features: A useful upright form of the of the native Silver Birch (Deciduous).Betula pendula 'Fastigiata' is an attractive columnar form of the native Silver Birch. This is an interesting tree with a silvery-white trunk and twisted, stiffly ascending branches. The leaves are dark green turning yellow in late autumn. This upright birch is ideal as a specimen tree or in areas where space is limited. 

Betula Moonbeam

Himalayan Birch Tree

Common Name: Moonbeam Himalayan Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula utiis var. jacquemontii ‘Moonbeam’Soil: Will tolerate most soil typesPosition: Full sun to part shade. Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m/3mSpecial features: more compact than some birch trees, making it suitable for smaller spaces.With its striking, peeling, white bark and its relatively compact size, the 'Moonbeam' is a highly desirable Himalayan birch tree. Its bark is its most notable feature and this offers winter interest as the pearly white bark sparkles in the winter sun. Spring sees the arrival of the mid-dark, ovate, serrated green leaves and the yellow-brown catkins; the leaves hang from their stems and have a subtle shine to them. Come autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow before falling. This birch is fairly upright in habit and grows slower than some birch trees, making it a fantastic choice for smaller gardens or areas with limited space. As with most birch trees, it is tolerant of most conditions, but it does prefer moist soil. If you do have more room and want a planting partner for the 'Moonbeam' then the Betula  'Hakkoda Orange' is a fantastic choice as the two trees are relatively compact and both offer differing bark colours.

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 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.

Betula Silver Shadow

Himalayan Birch Tree

Common Name: Silver Shadow Himalayan Birch TreeLatin Name: Betula utiis var. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow'Soil: Will tolerate most soil typesPosition: Full sun to part shade. Flowering period/colour: April-May/brownHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 8m/4mSpecial features: Sparkling white bark The 'Silver Shadow' is a fantastic variety of birch with so much to offer, but its bark has to be its most notable feature. The bark is a glistening creamy white colour and it looks particularly beautiful in winter; it gently peels each year to reveal another fresh layer underneath, thus retaining its sheen. Spring sees the arrival of both the foliage and the catkins: the leaves are ovate in shape, serrated at their margins and dark green in colour; the catkins are up to 15cm long and are brown. The leaves turn to crisp shades of yellow in autumn before falling. This tree grows to have a conical crown and it makes a great focal point in a garden due to its attractive bark. Birch trees look especially beautiful when planted in groups and choosing one with a contrasting bark colour always looks effective: we would recommend the ‘Betula albo-sinensis’ as the brown/red tones of the 'albo-sinensis' contrast beautifully with the sparkling white bark of the 'Silver Shadow'.

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.

Betula Trinity College

Himalayan Birch Tree

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

Betula Tristis

European White Birch Tree

Common Name: European white BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Tristis'Soil: Any good garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years: 6m x 2.5mSpecial features: Diamond-shaped, bright green leaves hang from graceful, pendant branchesBetula pendula 'Tristis' is a particularly beautiful tree which has uplifted branches, pendulous at their ends. The shape of the crown is narrow and symmetrical and there is a single leading shoot. The main bark is silver and the purple-brown twigs shine in the light. 

Buddleja davidii Moonshine

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush Latin Name: Buddleja davidii ‘Moonshine’ Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: June - September/ Purple Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 1.5m/0.9m Special features: Bright green foliage and long-lasting flowers. This Buddleja is different to most of its kind as it boasts bright lime green-yellow foliage, which really catches your eye, and is the perfect accent colour for planting next to other Buddlejas that have darker leaves. From June to September the leaves are accompanied by a profuse floral display of deep purple flowers that are held in conical clusters. The flowers carry a sweet scent, which makes them very attractive to bees and butterflies; this also makes the ‘Moonshine’ a great choice for a sensory garden. This shrub grows to have a fairly upright habit and it works well in a sunny bed or border. We love alternating it with the darker Buddleja davidii ‘Adonis Blue Adokeep’ as the accenting colours of the two plants work really well together. 

Buddleja Gulliver

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush  Latin Name: Buddleja davidii ‘Gulliver’ Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: July- October Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 2.5m / 1.7m Special features: Masses of attractive lilac coloured scented flowers. This variety of buddleja features masses of colourful lilac flowers that are densely packed onto the protruding flower spikes. The flowers are scented and are very popular with wildlife like bees and butterflies. The narrow leaves are mid-green in colour and make the perfect foil for the flowers. This shrub is well-suited to being planted in a sunny spot at the back of a border or near a seating area so that the fragranced flowers can be enjoyed.

Buddleja Miss Ruby

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush  Latin Name: Buddleja davidii 'Miss Ruby' Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: July - October Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 2m/ 2m Special features: Bold and vivid deep purple-pink flowers. If you want to add a long-lasting burst of colour and fragrance to your garden then this is the perfect plant for you: the 'Miss Ruby' features brightly-coloured purple-pink flowers that are held on densely packed panicles and carry a delightfully sweet scent. This variety of buddleja in particular is highly-regarded as it remains fairly near and compact. The slender leaves are mid-green and make the perfect foil for the foliage. This variety came out as the winner of the RHS trials in Wisley and beat over 100 varieties to the top spot, so it is clearly an outstanding buddleja.

Buddleja Petite Dark Pink

Butterfly Bush

Common Name: Butterfly Bush Latin Name: Buddleja 'Petite Dark Pink' Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Position: Full sun Flowering period/colour: June - September/ Dark pink Hardiness: Fully hardy Eventual height/spread: 0.6m/0.7m Special features: Long-lasting, colourful, sweetly scented blossoms. The 'Petite Dark Pink' is a wonderfully compact Buddleja which will add a splash of colour to a sunny spot in the garden. Dark pink-purple flowers open from magenta buds in summer and last into autumn, giving long-lasting floral interest: the flowers are held in conical clusters on long stems which reach out above the foliage. Slender, pointed, dark-green leaves that are slightly serrated at the edge make the perfect foil for the flowers.  The flowers are lightly scented, making this a great choice for sensory planting, and due to its dwarf form you can plant this buddleja in a large pot if you wish. We love planting it alongside another scented plant, like the Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Lacey Blue', but it will also work well when planted alongside another compact Buddleja. 

Carpinus betulus Fastigiata

Upright Hornbeam Tree

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

Ceanothus Autumnal Blue

Californian Lilac

Common Name: Californian LilacLatin Name: Ceanothus 'Autumnal Blue'Soil: well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: August to September/ sky-blue flowersHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2.8m x 2.8mSpecial features: This Ceanothus is one of the hardiest out of all the evergreen varieties.This handsome, evergreen shrub has fluffy clusters of rich sky-blue flowers in late summer and small, glossy, bright green leaves. It has a strong, upright habit and is ideal for training on a sunny wall, or for the back of a south or west-facing shrub border or sunny wall. It is a good idea to protect this one from cold winds. Annual trimming keeps plants bushy and leafy.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Columnaris

Lawson cypress

Common Name: Lawson CypressLatin Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or shade (Avoid very exposed positions)Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight in 10 years: 2.4m x 2.8mSpecial features: Dense pillar, medium growing, suitable for screening or shrubbery. (Evergreen)A small, narrow, conical tree with densely packed, ascending branches and flattened sprays that are bloomy beneath and at the tips. It is one of the best narrow conifers for the small garden.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Moonsprite

Lawson Cypress

Common Name: Lawson CypressLatin Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Moonsprite'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or shade(Avoid very exposed positions)Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight in 10 years: 0.8m - 1.2mSpecial features: Attractive yellow oval shaped conifer. (Evergreen)Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Moonsprite' is an upright growing, dome-shaped plant with bright yellow foliage, which is especially bright in the spring. This conifer will grow to around 1m in 10 years making it perfect for planting in a small garden or rockery.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Wisselii

Lawson Cypress

Common Name: Lawson CypressLatin Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Wisselii'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or shade (Avoid very exposed positions)Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight in 10 years: 1.8m - 2.2mSpecial features: Medium, upward twisting branches, rich green. Suitable for shrubbery or screen. (Evergreen)A most distinct and attractive, fast growing tree of medium to large size. It is slenderly conical with widely spaced, ascending branches and the stout, upright branchlets bear short, crowded, fern like sprays of bluish-green foliage. The rather numerous, red male cones are most attractive in spring.

Cordyline Sundance

Cabbage Tree

Common Name: Cabbage TreeLatin Name: Cordyline australis 'Sundance'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Summer/White to tan flowers appear high above the foliage in long drooping panicles (once mature)Hardiness: Half hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m x 1mSpecial features: An evergreen exotic, structural plant with wide green leaves and a deep red flush to the base of each leaf. Grows into a small palm-like tree in timeThis cordyline has an upright, palm like appearance. It has very green sword-like strap leaves with a thin stripe of pink-red down the midrib and along the leaf base. 'Sundance' flourishes in full sun to light shade and prefers good drainage. Fragrant white flowers bloom on clusters on mature plants in the summer. It is drought tolerant, which makes it perfect in patio planters and tubs.

Cornus alba Gauchaultii

Red Stem Dogwood

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

Cornus alba Kesselringii

Black Stem Dogwood

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

Cornus amomum 'Blue Cloud'

Dogwood

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

Cornus Aurea

Red Barked Dogwood

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

Cornus Baton Rouge

Red

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

Cornus Flaviramea

Golden Twig Dogwood

Common Name: Golden Twig DogwoodLatin Name: Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 1.5m x 2.5mSpecial features: Outstanding winter interest from the glowing golden stems The Golden Twig Dogwood is a valuable asset to any garden as it provides year round interest and colour. In spring, ovate and sharply-pointed mid-green leaves appear all over the shrub and by May these are accompanied by small sprays of creamy-white flowers. In autumn, the leaves turn orange-red and as they fall they reveal the glowing golden stems. The stems look fantastic in a stark winter garden and this dogwood works particularly well when planted alongside a different coloured dogwood like the Cornus ‘Alba’ (Red-Barked Dogwood).

Cornus Kelseyi

Compact Dogwood

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

Cornus Midwinter Fire

Dogwood

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

Cornus Sibirica

Red

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

Cornus Sibirica Variegata

Red

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

Cornus Spaethii

Red

Common Name: Red-barked DogwoodLatin Name: Cornus alba 'Spaethii'Soil: Any moderately fertile soil (Will tolerate wet soils)Position: Full sun to part shadeFlowering period/colour: May and June / small creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: Oval leaves with golden yellow margins and deep red stems in winter. (Deciduous)The most exotic foliage plant of the cultivars of Cornus alba. It has elegant leaves, slightly elliptical with long pointed tips. The leaves bear green and yellow variegation. The shrub presents a picture of lively health all season and then takes on plum pink and gold autumn tints before the red winter stems take over. The red is less vibrant than with some of its relatives but this is balanced out by the leaf colour. It makes the most beautiful shrub in its own right and looks good as a backdrop to yellow-themed planting.

Cupressus sempervirens

Italian Cypress Tree

This elegant evergreen conifer grows to be tall with a slender form, making it an excellent choice for architectural planting. The dark-green, scale-like leaves are densely-packed on the upright branches and a neat, columnar shape is achieved when mature. Synonymous with the Tuscan landscape, the Cupressus sempervirens is a much-admired Mediterranean native, but its dignified silhouette makes it a feature of formal gardens all around the world. With that being said, it is fully hardy down to -20 and can tolerate both costal sites and urban pollution, so it is well-suited to most U.K. gardens.  You can plant this as a specimen, but it looks particularly striking when lining a driveway or a path. With this being an evergreen it also makes an effective, yet attractive, screen when multiple trees are planted alongside each other. Common Name: Mediterranean CypressLatin Name: Cupressus sempervirens Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight/ spread in 20 years: 12m/ 3mSpecial features: A tall and slender conifer that is a superb architectural plant (evergreen)

Cupressus sempervirens Totem

Italian Cypress

Common Name: Italian Cypress Totem PoleLatin Name: Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 10 years: 4m x 0.5mSpecial features: A tall and slender conifer with densely packed deep green foliage (Evergreen) Totem is a slender and tall conifer which is native to the Mediterranean and shapes the landscape of many Mediterranean countries like Italy. In the UK, this evergreen conifer can be planted in groups as a very attractive screen and it is also extremely effecting for lining a driveway or for courtyard planting. The mid-dark green foliage is densely packed on the tree to form a neat and columnar shape and the foliage has a wonderfully fresh fragrance to it. This is a great choice for adding colour to your garden all year round, and it works particularly well as a structural conifer in a Mediterranean style garden.

Euonymus japonicus Jean Hughes

Japanese Spindle Tree

Common Name: Japanese Spindle TreeLatin Name: Euonymus japonicus Jean HughesSoil: Any well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Hardy10 year height/spread: 2m x 2mSpecial features: A tough attractive all-round plant This spindle tree is a dense and bushy evergreen shrub which will bring year-round colour to your garden and can easily be kept 1m or less for a low border, and it is a great alternative for box hedging as it is more disease resistant. It has fragrant flowers which are on show from June to July. Euonymus japonicus Jean Hugues is a quite a slow-growing Euonymus which usually tends to only put on 10-20cm of growth per year. 

Euonymus Michrophyllus Albovariegatus

Japanese Spindle Tree

Common Name: Japanese Spindle TreeLatin Name: Euonymus japonicus 'Michrophyllus Albovariegatus'Soil: Any well drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Hardy10 year height/spread: 1.3m x 1.3mSpecial features: A tough attractive all-round plant This Japanese spindle tree is a dense and bushy evergreen shrub which will bring year round colour to your garden. The dark green leaves are variegated with a creamy yellow edge and in summer, small, pale green flowers appear but these are far outshone by the glossy leaves. A great choice for adding structure to a mixed border and it also makes the perfect subject for pot planting and containers.

Euonymus Michrophyllus Aureovariegatus

Japanese Spindle Tree

Common Name: Japanese Spindle TreeLatin Name: Euonymus Japonicus 'Michrophyllus Aureovariegatus'Soil: AnyPosition: Full sun/partial shadeHardiness: HardyEventual height/spread: 1m x 1mSpecial features: A tough, bushy little evergreen ideal for containers. The 'Michrophyllus Aureovariegatus' is a wonderful evergreen plant which forms a dense and bushy shrub. The intricate branches are adorned with small ovate leaves that are a healthy dark green colour. The deep green leaves have a beautiful creamy yellow variegated edge to them, a lovely feature that can be fully appreciated when planted against darker shrubs.

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.

Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu

Hydrangea

Common Name: HydrangeaLatin Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Kyushu’Soil: well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: August to September/ creamy whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 2.5m x 1.5mSpecial features: Large heads of creamy white flowers and finely serrated green foliage The ‘Kyushu’ is a delightful shrub which features conical flowerheads of tiny single white flowers that appear from midsummer to autumn. The rich green leaves are finely serrated and have attractive pointed tips. The flowers are a popular choice for using in a cut flower arrangement, and if you cut them in autumn they will have a pretty pink blush to them. This hydrangea is great for planting in a border and it works particularly well when it goes alongside a more colourful shrub like a ceanothus or a buddlija.

Juniperus chinensis Blue Alps

Chinese juniper

Common Name: Chinese JuniperLatin Name: Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or shadeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/Spread in 10 years: 2.5m x 2.5mSpecial features: Upright branching habit with weeping tips. Ice blue in colour. (Evergreen)Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps' is a vigorous shrub with blue-grey foliage and light chestnut brown ascendant branches. Handsome and characterful, it is one of those plants with an obvious zest for life. If grown as a multi-branched form, it makes a superb fan shape. Use on border or shrubbery.

Juniperus scopulorum Blue Arrow

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Common Name: Rocky Mountain JuniperLatin Name: Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'Soil: Moist but well-drained (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight in 10 years: 1.5-2mSpecial features: Narrow columnar habit, grey green foliage. (Evergreen)Rocky Mountain Juniper, also known as Juniperus Scopulorum 'Blue Arrow', makes an attractive, slow-growing and very narrow column of evergreen blue-green foliage that can achieve a height of 4 metres with a width of only 50cm. 

 With its narrow, columnar shape, Blue Arrow Juniper adds vertical interest to your landscape. Its compact size makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or tight spaces. Plus, its low maintenance requirements make it a hassle-free choice for busy gardeners.You can also use Rocky Mountain Juniper as a tall hedge to give your space some privacy. Alternatively, they also look great planted in rows. Gardeners often feel that Blue Arrow gives their space a formal or regal look. 

 The needles are pressed close against the branches, giving vertically held looking sprays that, on close inspection, can appear rather coarse looking.

 Juniperus Scopulorum is the narrowest, most 'pencil like' of all columnar conifers, making it very useful for landscapers.
 Resilient and hardy, Rocky Mountain Juniper will tolerate most soil types, but it’s best planted it in a sheltered, shady site to encourage its leanness.Add Rocky Mountain Juniper to your space today and watch the vertical growth transform your 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.