For the first five years or so this tree grows slowly, it then speeds up to become one of the fastest of conifers both for height and timber volume. This exceptionally handsome, easily grown and disease-resistant tree produces extremely ornamental, violet-purple cones even on small trees. It also has highly aromatic foliage, which, when crushed, has a strong fruity orange smell. Few good fertile seeds collected. ... Learn More

This striking, fast-growing, deciduous shrub bears countless single, fragrant, white (edible!) flowers which are borne in profusion from April to July. It bears downy, greyish, vine-shaped leaves, and does best in a sheltered spot making it an absolute gem in any garden. ... Learn More

Trusses of large, saucer-shaped flowers, which vary in colour from almost white to light blue-mauve, are borne profusely from April until September, offset by large greyish-green, rather felted leaves. These completely frost hardy abutilons do well in almost any well drained soil growing well either against a wall or free-standing in a sheltered spot. ... Learn More

This frost hardy plant is surely the most desirable of all mallow relatives. Clusters of large, bowl-shaped, pale to deep purple flowers open from late spring to summer over a foil of felted grey-green leaves. Long-lived and a stunning specimen with a thick trunk in a sheltered spot! ... Learn More

Intriguing greenish flowers mature into copper-red burrs during the summer months. A good choice for between paving stones or as an edging, it is also ideal in the rock garden, but plants can grow beyond where they are wanted, so keep a firm upper hand. Acaena caesiiglauca is found in mountainous areas and subalpine tussock grasslands, east of the Southern Alps, on South Island, New Zealand. ... Learn More

This previously unreleased plant has romped around our "Chilean garden" here since we collected it from Chiloe Island, Chile, in 1994.(RB94002) Plum-sized, spiky, brown 'toffee apples' stand erect above a carpet of attractive, divided, green and silver leaves. ... Learn More

Probably the most lovely of all of the "New Zealand Burrs", this species forms a low mat of beautiful, steel-blue, ferny leaves. Greenish-blue flowers are produced on short stems in summer, followed by attractive mahogany-red burr-like fruits. This very eye-catching, slow-spreading, and attractive plant is excellent either in the rock garden, or even in mixed containers, and is incredibly adaptable to almost any soil condition, flourishing in the poorest of areas. ... Learn More

This very hardy, statuesque and handsome plant has large ornamental glossy leaves and strong spikes of very lovely 'hooded' pink and cream flowers, which over the years make impressive clumps. A superb and long-lived plant that makes a perpetual statement every spring and right into autumn. ... Learn More

A familiar sight, both in gardens and in British hedgerows, this attractive deciduous native tree is clad in deep green maple foliage, which changes to dazzling bright gold and yellows in late summer and autumn. But it is grown as much for its incredible seeds as for its foliage. The first gales of autumn loosen the bunches of amazing propeller-like seeds, which fly in all directions like miniature helicopters. Children (and even some adults!) delight in throwing them up into the air to see how far they can fly! ... Learn More

An outstandingly lovely ornamental tree with orange-cinnamon coloured bark which peels back revealing the smooth shiny new bark beneath. In autumn the entire tree seems to be ablaze as the leaves turn deep crimson-red and it is utterly hardy and long-lived. ... Learn More

This exquisite dwarf form has a pronounced drooping habit producing a domed effect, covered with delicate, papery, lace-like leaves that turn all shades of yellow, bronze and red in the autumn. Very slow indeed to grow, these few valuable seeds were collected from 20 year old trees that have reached one meter in height, making them perfect for the smaller garden or pond-side or even life in a pot. Indeed, with patience, they make perfect bonzai specimens. ... Learn More

Acer rubrum, commonly known as Red Maple, is a versatile and vibrant deciduous tree renowned for its stunning red foliage and adaptability to various climates. This popular ornamental tree stands out for its brilliant red hues in both spring and autumn, making it a favourite among landscape enthusiasts. Size: Medium to large-sized tree, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet. Growth Rate: Fast-growing, providing quick landscape impact. Hardy Zones: Adaptable to a wide range of climates, suitable for zones 3-9. Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soil but can tolerate ... Learn More

This attractive, bushy, round-crowned deciduous tree bears creamy white flowers and red fruit, and glossy bright green leaves, with toothed margins, that turn a flaming red or yellow in autumn. The thin pale bark is smooth at first but becomes fissured later. It is native to central and south eastern Europe and south western Asia, from Austria east to south western Russia and the Caucasus, and south to Turkey. ... Learn More

The flat-topped clusters of flower heads come in a superb mix of colours which together with the aromatic foliage will attract bees and insects. Prefers full sun in a border with shelter from the wind. Will flower for many months at a stretch and will slowly spread over the years. ... Learn More

This rarely-grown New Zealand relative of our UK "Cow Parsley" is a large plant with handsome tussocks composed of dense clusters of sharply-pointed, sword-like, yellowish-green leaves, and bearing huge, impressive, broad heads of golden flowers. In a well-drained spot this incredible specimen will intrigue everyone (well, most people) for years. ... Learn More