Gardening Nursery Ornamental Trees & Shrubs
Some of the most garden worthy trees and shrubs in cultivation can be found in this article and have been carefully selected for their valuable contribution to gardens, whether for their architectural shapes, beauty of flowers, prolific scent, ornamental bark or outstanding autumn colours. Many of these plants are frequently seen in gardens and have been included owing to their popularity, others are very scarce seldom seen in garden centres or nursery catalogues making them rather more unique.
Birch
Birches are easily grown deciduous trees which are very hardy and will accommodate all conditions from moist to shallow dry chalky sites. They make fine ornamental trees and can be planted to good effect either singly or in groups. Medium sized deciduous tree selected for its stunning white peeling bark that is especially showy in winter. Very effective when planted in small groups where space allows.
Crabapple
These hardy native trees produce stunning fragrant blossoms and equally attractive fruits which are much loved by birds. Ideal as specimens and will tolerate most soils making them easy to grow. White flowers from pink buds followed by vivid yellow crabapples.
Eucalyptus
Large evergreen trees that can be hard pruned in Spring to make excellent shrubs yielding foliage for flower arrangers. Not suited to thin chalky soil or exposed sites, otherwise easily grown. The Cider Gum (Ot Eucalyptus Gunnii) is the best known species and the hardiest. Sickle shaped glaucous leaves that are silver blue on younger trees, sage green on older trees.
Golden
An outstanding small/medium sized deciduous tree, feathery rich golden-yellow foliage from spring until autumn. Fragrant white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. Associates very well with purple leaved shrubs, especially Smoke Bush (Cotinus) and Purple Hazel (Corylus).
Italian
This familiar narrow columnar evergreen tree, widely seen in Mediterranean regions can reach a height of 50ft over a period of 20 years or more. Prefers well drained soil and a sheltered site in full sun. Unsuited to cold exposed sites. A very useful architectural tree.
Juniper
Medium sized pencil shaped evergreen conifer with glaucous grey green leaves, a popular architectural conifer. Suitable for any well drained soil including chalk.
Liquidambar
A stately large deciduous tree with deeply lobed shiny green leaves that turn an excellent crimson colour in autumn. Upright but open habit, the corky bark of the older branches is a feature in winter. Suitable for all except thin chalky soils.
Magnolia
Popular group of deciduous trees and shrubs grown for their showy display of flowers in spring. Best grown in well drained sheltered spot in sun of part shade with plenty of organic matter added to the soil. Strong multi stemmed plants supplied. Small rounded tree with an abundance of lilac pink star shaped flowers in mid spring.
Maple
Small slow growing deciduous trees grown for their outstanding foliage and architectural form. All require protection from cold winds and early morning sun. Mound forming variety with gorgeous deeply cut purple foliage that turns brilliant red in autumn. These showy small to medium sized trees are grown primarily for their stunning foliage. Make excellent specimen trees or can be hard pruned and grown as a bush in most gardens. Fully hardy, this beautiful slow growing tree can reach 12ft. The unusual leaves start as pink turning creamy green speckled with white all summer. Very eye catching.
Pear
Ornamentals pears are deep rooted trees grown for attractive silvery green leaf colour and autumn foliage. Easy to grow in smaller gardens. The pear is a narrow tree which suits small gardens. With attractive flowers and autumn foliage this tress is best planted in full sun but is tolerant of pollution and drought.
Sumach
This tree is often referred to as Stags Horn owing to the velvety reddish brown hairs on the stems. This deciduous shrub or tree produces leaves that are a vibrant orange, red and yellow in autumn followed by vivid spikes of crimson hairy fruits. Will thrive in any fertile soil and are easy to grow.
About the Author
Hopes Grove gardening nursery stock a wide range of
ornamental trees and shrubs available online.
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