Medium Sized Trees of Special Interest for the Garden

Transcription

1 Medium Sized Trees of Special Interest for the Garden Acacia dealbata (Mimosa) Mimosa makes a beautiful evergreen shrub for the conservatory or greenhouse. In very sheltered areas, it can be grown outdoors. It has silvery leaves which are complemented by long, fragrant yellow flowerheads in winter and spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Exposure: Full sun Hardiness: Tender Soil type: Well-drained/light Height: 2500cm Spread: 700cm

2 Acer davidii (Snake s Bark Maple) This is a handsome, medium-sized maple from China which has shiny, pointed leaves that are mid-green when young turning orange to yellow in autumn. Pendant racemes of sweetly scented, greenish flowers, appear in early summer followed by very ornamental green keys, suffused red, that hang decoratively all along the branches. The bark is coral-red when young but later turns green- and white-streaked with age. Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline Height: 1500cm Spread: 1500cm

3 Acer griseum (Paper Bark Maple) A slow-growing, spreading tree suitable for gardens of all sizes. The dark green, three-palmate leaves colour splendidly in autumn turning the whole crown deep crimson or red. The old dark red or chestnut bark flakes and peels back to reveal the new, smooth, orange-red bark beneath. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit which is for plants of outstanding excellence Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline Height: 1000cm Spread: 1000cm.

4 Amelanchier lamarckii (Snowy mespilus /June Berry) A very beautiful, small, North American tree that is attractive in all seasons, even in winter when its spreading crown of fine shoots makes a satisfying, dense, shrubby shape. In March the branches erupt with a froth of star-shaped flowers in lax conical heads, just as the coppery pink young leaves unfold - in summer these are yellowish green, but later turn scarlet and crimson. In July the tree is studded with dark red berries which become purple-black as they ripen. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Chalky/alkaline Height: 1000cm Spread: 1200cm Flowering period: March to April

5 Arbutus unedo (The Strawberry Tree) The strawberry tree is a beautiful small evergreen tree or shrub that can occasionally reach 9 metres tall and 8 metres wide, though it is usually rather smaller. A very easily grown and trouble-free plant, it does best in a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. It also grows well in heavy clay soils and in dry soils. This species is fairly lime tolerant. When young, it prefers a fairly sheltered position and dislikes cold drying winds. It is, however, surprisingly tolerant of strong winds if they are not from the cold northerly and easterly quarters and can succeed in fairly exposed positions near the coast. An excellent tree to grow in towns because it tolerates industrial pollution. Exposure: Full sun Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry Height: 800cm Spread: 800cm

6 Catalpa bignonioides Aurea (Indian Bean Tree) Guaranteed to create interest. It is late into leaf and produces fabulous large leaves and exotic, orchid like flowers, followed by long beans.. Any well drained soil. Outstanding as a specimen tree, but best in a sheltered site. Height 8-15m. Exposure: Full sun Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist Height: cm Spread: cm Time to plant: October to March (Container grown)

7 Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree) This is an unusual but easily grown tree that is known for its beautiful, heart-shaped leaves that turn from a lush green to fantastic shades of yellow, purple and red in autumn. As the leaves fall from the tree late in the year, they give off an aroma similar to burnt sugar or candyfloss. It makes a fantastic and colourful specimen tree and is ideal for large gardens or woodland areas. Suitable for a position in full sun and most deep, fertile soils. It is fully hardy and will grow to be a medium sized tree, reaching a height of 4-5 m and a spread of 3-4 m in years. Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic Height: 2000cm Spread: 1500cm

8 Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) The common name 'Judas Tree' is used to describe Cercis siliquastrum. It is said to be the one from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself after betraying Christ, but the name may also derive from 'Judea's tree', after the region encompassing Israel and Palestine where the tree is commonplace. Leaves appear late on this spectacular flowering tree, after the startling clusters of pea-shaped blooms which can smother the tree and burst from the new young shoots, the surface of the bare branches and even the main trunk of the tree. To flower well it needs full sun and a long warm summer the previous year, and it is not so impressive in cooler gardens. From late summer onwards, large bunches of rich purple pods deck the branches and last well into winter, while the pretty foliage turns light yellow and chestnut in autumn. The Royal Hortcultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy Height: 1000cm Spread: 900cm Flowering period: May

9 Cercis Canadensis (Forest Pansy) Those species of Cercis originating from the new world in areas such as North America are often referred to as Red buds, for example Cerics canadensis. The sun shining through the glorious rich-purple, heart-shaped foliage of this plant is one of the wonders of the garden. Some leaves reflect the light whilst others appear translucent, the overall effect being a tapestry of different shades of purple. It has rose-pink flowers that appear on the bare stems in late April and the gorgeous foliage colour lasts from mid May until November. It is a spectacular shrub that deserves a good position in nearly any garden. Suitable for a position in full sun and will grow well in most well drained soils. It is hardy, but is seen at its best when sheltered from strong winds. It is a medium to large shrub and a plant in our arboretum has reached a height of 2 m and a spread of 2 m after 8-10 years

10 Cornus controversa Variegata (The Wedding Cake Tree) Originated in Northern France, Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is one of the is one of the most stunning trees in the garden. It forms rounded tree with strikingly layered. The foliage is bright green with bold, creamy-white margins, which turn yellow in autumn. In early summer, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by blue-black fruit. It is fully hardy, it in ideal conditions can hve a height and spread of about 15m (50ft). Generally trouble-free, no pruning is required. It needs sun or partial shade and fertile, welldrained soil. The Royal Horticultural Society has judged it to be a plant of outstanding excellence, giving it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline Height: 1500cm Spread: 1500cm

11 Ficus carica (Fig Tree) Although originating from the Middle East, Figs have been grown in Britain since Roman times. It is important to select the few varieties that are hardy enough for outdoor cultivation on warm walls. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). When grown outdoors in Britain only one crop is usually obtained, though in exceptionally hot years two crops are sometimes produced. Varieties 'Brown Turkey' is the most popular variety for indoor or outdoor cropping in Britain. It is a regular cropper with lots of fruit.the skin is purple-red with sweet red flesh. 'Brunswick' ripens earlier than 'Brown Turkey' with good flavour but the crop is light. 'White Marseilles' is pear-shaped with white flesh and a good flavour. 'Black Ischia' produces small round fruit with purple skin and deep red, well-flavoured flesh. 'White Ischia' is a dwarf cultivar (though it can still be 5 metres tall and wide) and is ideal for pot culture]. It produces an abundance of green-white thin-skinned fruits]. Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Chalky/alkaline, Sandy Height: 300cm Spread: 450cm

12 Gleditsia triacanthus Sunburst (Honey Locust) Honey locusts are striking trees with fabulous foliage. Mainly from North America, often planted for contrast against darker green backgrounds, which highlight the golden foliage in autumn. The species is an open airy tree, particularly attractive in late summer when decked out with its flat, slightly twisted seedpods, but it is a tree to approach with respect because of the long spines which arm its branches. 'Sunburst' is a thornless fast-growing variety, with fern-like bright yellowish-green leaves which stand out clearly against the darker older foliage. Also known as 'Aurea'. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Exposure: Full sun Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy Height: 1800cm Spread: 900cm

13 Morus alba (White Mulberry) A beautiful round full bodied medium tree of great dignity. Small white fruits can turn pink or dark red by August and they are both sweet and edible (Black mulberry, featured below, is sweeter and more succulent). The leaves of the White Mulberry are the main food source of the silkworm and the tree thrives on most soils but prefers a southerly aspect. They always seem to look old before their time which gives great character to and garden. Tree Attributes Best Month / Season: August Colours: Green foliage, White fruits which can turn pink or red are sweet and edible. Mature Height: 5-10m Suitable For: Parks and gardens Soil Type: Acidic, alkaline, clay, light Tolerant of: Dry soils, sheltered conditions

14 Morus nigra ( Black Mulberry) A medium attaractive tree very similar in appearance to the white mulberry described above. However the fruit is far superior to the white variety. The dark red, almost black, fruit are similar to blackberries in appearance but are very juicy with an exquisit intense sweet sharp flavour which surpasses that of any other berry. Mature shape and size, as white mulberry featured above A medium tree of great dignity and beauty, it has a gnarled, rugged trunk and most attractive, heart shaped leaves. The deep purple fruits, which look like large loganberries are tasty and have a variety of culinary uses. Morus nigra produces the best fruit. It has a domed, rounded habit, giving it a most architectural appeal. Very long-lived, but not as slow growing as is often supposed. Mature height: 10-15m

15 Olea europaea Olive Tree Attractive, slow-growing evergreen tree of Mediterranean origin. It forms an rounded head of small, silver-grey leaves and is tolerant of hot, dry conditions. The tiny creamy-white flowers, which are produced in summer are small and insignificant. These are followed by small, round green fruit that ripen to black. In the mediterranean they are cultivated widely for their fruits. In the UK they thrive best in a warm, sheltered spot. Essential to provide well. Alternatively grow in a large pot and move into the shelter of a cool greenhouse over the winter months or cover with a fleece in extreme conditions. In a pot it is important to avoid drying out in the summer months Exposure: Full sun down to -10oC Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry, Sandy Height: 1000cm (Best pruned regularly) Spread: 1000cm (for full range of olives please request Olive brochure )

16 Prunus serrula and Prunus maakii Round-headed deciduous tree with truly magnificent bark and stems which are shining copperbrown with peeling circles. The pendulous mid-green leaves contrast well against the coppery stems. With such outstanding stem and bark colourisation, this tree is spectacular all year. In spring, the tree bears bowl-shaped white flowers 2cm across. Height : (6m X 6m) in 20 years, ultimate height (9m) Prunus serula Prunus maakii Prefers a fertile, well drained soil. Fully hardy, but prefers sheltered position. Needs full sun for best development. Develops girdling roots very easily. Care must be taken during production and transplanting to ensure that roots are not curled in early development. Often has weak crotches so may require cabling if not properly pruned and trained while a young tree Prunus maakii has the better head, and although a lighter bark it is just as striking.

17 East of Eden Conifers of Special Interest Abies koreana (Korean Pine) The Korean fir is a slow-growing conifer, however, it will eventually reach 6 meters. It has dense with glossy green needles, silver-coloured on the underside. Even very young trees are adorned with pretty, violet-blue cones. Extremely elegant, pyramidal growing habit. especially the variety 'Silberlocke.' The cylindrical, tapering blue or purple upright cones are a wellknown feature, together (in this variety) Best grown as a specimen tree, or in a bed surrounded while small with ornamental grasses and ground-hugging callunas or alpine plants. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Merit Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained/light; Chalky/alkaline; Boggy Height: 600cm Spread: 1000cm Time to plant seeds: February to April Time to take cuttings: May to July

18 Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese conifer) Var Elegans aurea Beautiful light green soft needled form with drooping branch tips. Retains the same colour all year. Look stunning covered in the morning dew Conical shape. 10 year height & spread: 2 x 1½m. Var 'Sekkan Sugi' A most elegant upright, slow growing form with sulphur yellow to almost white foliage, with branches which are pendulous at the tips. Shape can be modified by light pruning.

19 Cupressus sempervirens pyrimidalis One of the definitive trees that symbolize the Mediterranean landscape the Cypress tree is one of the most elegant conifers that grows well in the UK Pinus pinea (The Stone Pine)

20 Another fabulous conifer to evoke memories of he Mediterranean. This is one of the most attractive conifers with cloud like canopy, becoming domed with age. The blue-green juvenile leaves are retained for several years and shiny cones ripen in their third year. Like most pines, it will thrive in any well-drained soil in full sun. Holder of the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM Exposure: Full sun Soil type: Well-drained/light Height: 2000cm Spread: 1200cm

21 Pinus nigra ( maritima and Austriaca ) Another pine to evoke memories of the mediterranean costline. This conifer is one of the hardiest of conifers. Both Austrian and Maritime varieties are content in almost any soil type They are one of the few conifers to succeed in coastal environments. They grow at a moderate rate and smell of fresh pine oils through Spring and Summer. They have the potential to grow 30m Note that although this has to be one of the most highly recommended pines for a coastal site Exposure: Full sun and tolerates salt winds Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic, Sandy Height: cm Spread: cm.

22 Wollemia nobilis (Wolemi pine) As botanical innovators we recognise and congratulate the success of the people who have saved this remarkable species, the Wollemi Pine, Wollemia nobilis Araucariaceae, from extinction. The Wollemi Pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest plants dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. With less than 100 adult trees known to exist in the wild, the Wollemi Pine is now the focus of extensive research to safeguard its survival. Juvenile tree The Wollemi pine is very hardy Sun or partial shade Mature foliage Fast growing in light, favours acid soils, and temperatures from C You can now assist in the conservation effort by growing your own Wollemi Pine and becoming part of one of the most dramatic comebacks in natural history.