Multistem trees (two or more stems growing from one root) are the secret weapon of garden design.
Heavily featured, as expected, in the show gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (check out The Tate Britain Garden, The Killik & Co ‘A Seed in Time’ Garden and The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden to name but a few) they provide instant impact and that “lived in” look. Here’s why….
Multistems are perfect for those of us who don’t want to wait. For the same girth as a single stem tree, a multi-stem provides instant architectural structure and shade by having a broader foliage canopy. Essentially, more bang for your buck!
A sculptural, living feature
Standard trees can sometimes disappear into the background until they reach large heights but a multistem tree behaves differently. Because the trunks fan out naturally, it creates an elegant, structural silhouette near eye level. It possesses a powerful presence that commands attention, making it an exceptional focal point for gardens of any size.
Top tip: In smaller urban spaces where you only have room for one major planting choice, a multistem tree delivers the visual impact of an entire small grove without overcrowding your footprint.
Here are some of our favourite multistems
Amelanchier – Commonly known as Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub, multistem or small tree celebrated for its ornamental value. In spring, it showcases profuse clusters of delicate white flowers, followed by small, edible purple-black berries in early summer. The foliage is characterized by elliptical leaves that are bonze tinged when young and then turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. With a compact and upright habit, is favoured for providing visual interest throughout the seasons and attracting wildlife with its blossoms and fruits. Height 5-7m.
Betula pendula (European White Birch) – This is a graceful deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. This medium to large-sized tree belongs to the Betulaceae family and is widely appreciated for its elegant appearance and distinctive white bark. Adaptable and hardy, Betula pendula thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, parks, and gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade. Due to its fast growth and light, airy canopy, the Silver Birch is often used as an ornamental tree, providing dappled shade and a sense of natural elegance to outdoor spaces.
Osmanthus aquifolium (Holly Olive) – An evergreen shrub with attractive foliage and delightful fragrance. The holly-like leaves are serrated and glossy dark green. In late summer to early autumn tiny white flowers appear with a sweet fragrance that entices pollinators, followed by blue/black berries. A low maintenance and dense plant that is an excellent choice to add to the borders or as a feature plant.
Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ (Ornamental Cherry) – Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and the Award of Merit in 1960. This delicate, distinctive rosy-pink cherry is a real delight as it flowers during the winter months and not in spring like most other cherries. Autumn foliage is orange yellow in colour and appears before the flowers arrive. Semi-double soft white flowers appear intermittently from November through to March bringing a joyous lift to the garden in otherwise dull months. Like most cherries it prefers to be planted in well-drained soil and to protect the blossom choose a place away from strong winds. This tree is good for bees and other pollinators. Mature height: 5-8m
Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ (Ornamental Cherry) – This is a graceful, compact flowering cherry that brings a cloud of pure white blossom to the garden in early spring. Masses of single flowers open on bare branches, creating a soft, elegant display that is especially striking against darker backdrops. Fresh green foliage follows, forming a neat, rounded canopy that provides gentle structure through the summer months. Ideal for smaller gardens or as a specimen tree, it thrives in moist but well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prunus ‘The Bride’ is a refined, low-maintenance choice, offering reliable spring interest and year-round garden appeal. Height 4-8m.
Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (Ornamental Cherry) – Prunus ‘Kanzan’ is quite possibly the most popular cherry tree planted in Britain, with its signature pink blossom. Introduced in the 1900s it has won numerous horticultural accolades over a number of years, including the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Its profusion of vivid dark pink double flowers in spring are considered by some, perhaps unfairly, as garish, though it is fair to say this tree is a real show-off! Foliage appears a coppery red colour, the leaves are fairly large and serrated on the edges, turning brilliant orange and coppery red in autumn.
Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry) – Commonly known as the Tibetan Cherry, this captivating deciduous tree is celebrated for its distinctive and ornamental features. It boasts a polished, mahogany-coloured bark that exfoliates in thin, coppery strips, creating a unique and eye-catching visual texture. The leaves are dark green, turning yellow in the autumn. Clusters of small, white flowers bloom in spring, contributing to its seasonal charm. This is a sought-after choice for gardens, providing year-round interest and natural beauty. Height 4-8m.
Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese Pagoda Tree) – This is an elegant, medium to large deciduous tree valued for its graceful form and light, airy canopy. It has pinnate, rich green leaves that emerge late in spring, giving the tree a refined appearance through summer. In late summer, creamy white, pea-like flowers are borne in loose panicles on mature trees. Ideal as a specimen tree, Styphnolobium japonicum thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Height 12m, spread 8m. This is one of our top picks for future proof planting.
And now for something completely different…
Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) – This is an attractive evergreen tree prized for its bold, tropical-style foliage and autumn flowering. The large, leathery, dark green leaves have a textured, ribbed appearance, providing strong year-round structure. In autumn to early winter, it produces clusters of creamy-white, fragrant flowers, followed by yellow-orange, pear-shaped fruits in spring in mild UK areas. Best suited to sheltered, sunny positions, it prefers well-drained soil and benefits from protection from cold winds. Ideal as a specimen tree it adds an exotic feel.
Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Sons Tree) – A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its unique late-season interest and impressive peeling bark which adds visual appeal throughout the year. As the tree matures, its bark exfoliates in strips, revealing a smooth, light brown or greyish layer beneath. This peeling bark, especially on older stems and trunks, creates a distinctive, textured appearance that contrasts beautifully with the tree’s lush green foliage and vibrant autumn colour. The tree blooms in late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fragrant, white, tubular flowers that resemble small jasmine blossoms. After flowering, the plant produces distinctive, showy, red calyces, which persist into autumn, giving it a distinctive appearance. An eye-catching addition to the garden. Height 8m Spread 4m. Grow in well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
You may also be interested in:
- Create a Nordic Style Garden
- Pretty Pastels
- Create a Japanese Style Garden
- Planting a Japanese Style Garden
- Shop our range of ornamental Cherry trees
- Shop our range of spring flowering trees
Feeling inspired?
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