Winter

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. 

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.

Malus Laura

Laura Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Laura Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Laura'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April/Pink and WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 3m x 1.5mSpecial features: Ideal for small gardens due to its naturally dwarf habit.Malus 'Laura' is a naturally dwarf tree with a good upright habit suitable for even the smallest garden. This charming variety of Crab Apple Tree is the perfect combination of seasonal colour and fruit.

 With its profuse spring blossom, decorative fruit, and compact growth habit, it can light up any outdoor space.Thriving in well-drained soil and adaptable to varying light conditions, the Malus ‘Laura’ is a resilient specimen. 

In spring, it showers your garden with an abundance of pale pink to white flowers, which are also fragrant.As the seasons move forwards, the Malus ‘Laura’ continues to deliver. In summer, its foliage provides a lovely backdrop, while in autumn, the leaves change to shades of gold and bronze, which really dial up the autumnal energy.One of the best features of this tree is its fruit. In late summer and early autumn, it offers clusters of large, maroon fruit, which are adored by local wildlife. The fruits are also perfect for making crab apple jelly due to very high pectin content (the natural gelling agent found in ripe fruits).With a projected height of 3 metres and a spread of 1 metre over a 20 year period, the Malus ‘Laura’ is a compact and manageable tree, making it suitable for gardens large or small.

 The Malus ‘Laura’ can work as standalone tree to show off its spring blossom. Alternatively, you can also plant it in mixed planting projects to give contrast and depth to your space.Pick up a Malus ‘Laura’ today and enjoy its colours, flowers and fruits for years on end.

Malus Prairie Fire

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Prairie Fire'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April/ Red-purple flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 3m x 2mSpecial features: Small purple fruits in the autumn. Good disease resistance.Malus 'Prairie Fire' is an excellent new variety of crab apple and is ideal for small gardens. It has an upright growth habit with narrow, dark purple to green leaves. An intense dispaly of single red/purple flowers appear in April are followed in autumn by small, spheroid, purple fruits. Good disease resistance.

Malus Rudolph

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Rudolph Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Rudolph'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April / Large pink single flowersHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 10 years: 4m x 3mSpecial features: Small dark purple fruits.Malus 'Rudolph' was named after the famous Reindeer due to its spectacular red rose flowers which are one of the largest single pink flowers on any Malus variety. It also has attractive dark green/purple leaves during the season making it a good summer tree. The crab apples are small, dark purple and persistent. This small upright tree has a good disease resistance giving a healthy appearance throughout the summer.

Malus Van Eseltine

Crab Apple Tree

Common Name: Crab Apple TreeLatin Name: Malus 'Van Eseltine'Soil: Fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Late April and May /Shell pink, clouded white on the inner petalsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/ spread: 6m x 2mSpecial features: Yellow fruitsMalus 'Van Eseltine' is a small tree of distinctive upright habit. It features a beautiful display of semi-double flowers that are rose-pink in bud, opening to shell pink in late April. The idyllic pink flowers are followed by small yellow fruits in the autumn- a great source of food for the birds. The leaves are glossy, ovate and are a constant mid-green colour until they fall in autumn. This tree is an excellent choice for small gardens or where space is limited.

Salix Tortuosa

Corkscrew

Common Name: Corkscrew WillowLatin Name: Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'Soil: Moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: Spring/CatkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 6m/3mSpecial features: Contorted branching, most easily observed in winterSalix 'Tortuosa' also known as dragon's claw willow, has a short trunk and slender, upright stems that soon begin to curl into gentle arcs. The twigs are more noticeably twisted, some of them weeping, and the bright green leaves are slightly curled as well. A weird and wonderful sight in winter when its bare branches form a contorted skeleton.

Taxus baccata Fastigiata Robusta

Yew

Common Name: YewLatin Name: Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Robusta'Soil: Sand, Dry, Moist (will tolerate most soil types)Position: Full sun with partial shadeHardiness: HardyHeight in 10 years: 1.5mSpecial features: A slow growing conifer with green foliage that turns almost black in winter.Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Robusta' is and upright growing Yew which grows to form a dense green column that turns almost black in the winter months. This hardy variety will produce red fruits in the winter with age.