Trees add interest, structure and atmosphere to a garden and are invaluable to wildlife and the environment. There will be a tree suitable to transform even the smallest garden.
Deciduous trees are good for providing more than one season of interest such as striking foliage, blossom, fruit, autumn colour or attractive bark.
Spring: Many trees are admired for their show stopping display of Spring blossom such as:
- Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
- Amelanchier laevis ‘Snowflakes’
- Amelanchier lamarckii
- Crab apple (Malus)
- Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’
- Cornus kousa (late spring/ early summer)
- Cornus × rutgersensis
- Magnolia (varieties)
- Prunus (varieties)
Summer: There are many trees which offer summer interest.
- Acer Platanoides ‘Drummondii’
- Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’
- Cornus kousa
- Cornus × rutgersensis
- Koelreuteria paniculata
- Liriodendron tulipifera
- Paulownia tomentosa
The unusual foliage of these larger specimen trees is in full effect in summer, setting off the flowers and subsequent ‘fruit’ beautifully. The bright variegated foliage of Acer Platanoides ‘Drummondii’ contrasts wonderfully against darker green trees.
Autumn: Many trees turn stunning autumn shades and bear fruits that can last well into winter. In addition to the ever popular Acers and flowering cherry trees, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ is a popular ‘garden designer choice’ for its vibrant red foliage.
- Acer griseum
- Acer palmatum
- Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
- Amelanchier lamarckii
- Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Toffee apple tree)
- Cornus kousa
- Euonymus europaeus
- Ginkgo biloba
- Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
- Liquidambar styraciflua
- Malus ‘Evereste’
- Nyssa sinensis
- Rhus typhina
- Prunus (flowering cherries)
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’
- Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)
- Sorbus commixta
Winter: Several trees are noted for their bark interest in winter.
- Acer griseum
- Betula utilis jacquemontii (Himalayan birch)
- Prunus serrula
Some of the most effective in winter are the birches, especially Betula utilis jacquemontii (Himalayan birch).
For trees that bear winter berries go for:
- Cotoneaster
- Crataegus (Hawthorn)
- Ilex (Holly)
- Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ (technically a large shrub)
- Viburnum opulus (technically a large shrub)
In addition to our huge range of deciduous trees here at the nursery, we specialise in evergreen plants for screening all year round <find out more>
For advice and ideas visit or contact us at The Big Plant Nursery and ask about our ‘At Home’ Consultancy Service if you’re not sure where to start.
Tel: 0118 934 1757
E-mail: info@thebigplantnursery.com