Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Betula pendula Alba, also known as Betula pendula, is a very popular medium-sized deciduous tree with a white trunk, pendulous branching and triangular-shaped green foliage. The foliage turns golden in autumn before falling to the ground. Adding to the interest, unique small winged-cone-shaped fruit are also shed in autumn. Birches are often mass planted, which gives a great effect of a natural plantation but are also effective as a single feature tree.

Soil: Deep, well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Cold temperate, warm temperate
Size: Height 12m x width 6m

Acer palmatum Sango Kaku is a well-known Japanese maple cultivar with the most unusual coral-pink young stems. This colour display teamed with the bright green spring foliage and the superb yellow to apricot autumn foliage ensures an elegant tree for the garden or park. Take care to plant the bud union above the soil level. Fertilize when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune when planting to encourage new growth.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil
Conditions: Full sun to part shade, protect from hot winds. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 6m x width 5m

Wisteria Rosea is a hardy Japanese Wisteria that will create a beautiful focal point with lightly scented, pendulous racemes of long flowers that can grow anywhere between 50cm and 1m. The Rosea is also sometimes known as the Wisteria Honbeni. Rosea bears a riotous mass of soft pink flowers tinged with lavender in early spring and produces spectacular autumn foliage colour. This hardy wisteria is a fast grower so it’s ideal for covering pergolas or arbours and providing much-needed shade over the summer months. 

Soil: Moist and well-drained soil. This species will also tolerate clay and sandy soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Frost hardy and wind-tolerant.
Size: Height 6-7m x width 6-7m

The Pixzee is a delightful miniature peach tree that only grows 1.5m x 1.5m whilst producing delicious and juicy full-sized fruits. Dense clusters of rosy-pink flowers are produced in spring and eventually fall to give way to the sweet fruit. This tree is self-pollinating and produces a delicious and super juicy yellow-fleshed fruit with moderate firmness and red skin. The fruits from these trees can be eaten fresh off the tree or used for stewing, preserving jams or cooking. This small size makes them perfect for small home garden or large pots/containers, and easy to harvest all the fruit or cover with a fruit net to protect form wildlife. Peach trees will benefit from annual pruning in winter once the foliage has finished dropping.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils
Conditions: Full sun. Thrives in cool temperate climates and handles frost well.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1.5m

Malus Japanese Crab Apple is an outstanding ornamental tree that provides outstanding floral display in spring. Mildly fragrant, single flowers are borne in abundant clusters from mid-spring. The reddish-pink outer of the petals fades to pink and the inside of the petals fades to white. The yellow stamens are prominent and add to the multi-coloured effect. An attractive focal point for gardens and parks where there is space for the tree to attain its natural form.

Soil: Prefers well-drained organic-rich soils
Conditions: Part shade position. Suitable for colder climate gardens and should cope with frosts and light snow.
Size: Height 5m x width 5m

Diospyros Ichi-ki-Kei-Jiro is a hardy, deciduous Japanese persimmon prized for its abundant crops of large, flattened, four-lobed fruit. This non-astringent variety produces sweet, orange-fleshed fruit that can be enjoyed while still firm like an apple or left to soften for a rich, honeyed flavour. Harvest typically begins from late summer through autumn, with the fruit ready to pick when the calyx starts to curl. In autumn, the glossy green foliage transforms into brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red before falling, adding outstanding seasonal colour to the garden. Self-fertile and easy to grow, 'Ichi-ki-Kei-Jiro' is an excellent choice for home orchards, rewarding gardeners with delicious fruit perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, baking, preserves, cheese platters or drying.

Soil: Rich, fertile soil.
Conditions: Sheltered sunny position. Cold, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Taxodium distichum, or The Swamp Cypress, is a tall ornamental tree of pyramidal habit that is very useful for boggy, water-logged spots in the garden. It is a deciduous conifer with soft, fine-textured, needle-like bright green foliage changing to a rusty orange in late autumn and brown before falling. Its bark is deeply fissured and red-brown and rounded purple cones add to the texture and colour. A spectacular tree for stream edges and pond surrounds.

Soil: Any deep soil - especially very wet.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade.
Size: Height 15m x width 5m

Heavily curled green leaves bring remarkable texture and architectural form to Acer palmatum Shishigashira, commonly known as the Lion’s Head Maple. Its small, densely crinkled foliage emerges a rich deep green in spring and summer, creating a lush, compact canopy. As the seasons cool, the leaves transform into a striking blend of gold, rose and crimson, delivering a brilliant autumn display. Naturally upright in habit, this variety develops unusual short, stubby branches that contribute to its sculptural, almost cloud-like appearance. Slow growing and densely structured, it becomes increasingly characterful with age. Highly prized for bonsai, it is equally impressive in decorative pots, courtyards and small gardens where its strong form can be appreciated year-round. An elegant feature tree that offers structure, texture and seasonal colour in even the most compact spaces.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil. Cultivate well before planting with compost/cow manure and mulch well after planting.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Protect from hot winds. Frost hardy when established..
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1.5-2m