We have plants of all shapes and sizes, here are our top choices for March.
March is a great time to plant trees because the soil is thawed, workable, and beginning to warm, which helps new roots establish quickly before the stress of summer heat arrives. Mild spring temperatures reduce transplant shock, and the naturally higher rainfall in March keeps the soil moist, giving young trees the hydration they need to settle in without heavy watering. These conditions create an ideal “just right” environment, often called the Goldilocks zone, for healthy root development and long-term growth.
Trees for blossom
Magnolia, Magnolia and more Magolia! From their ancient lineage to their breathtaking blooms, Magnolias hold a special place in gardens and landscapes around the world. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, Magnolias offer something special for everyone. If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your garden, consider planting a Magnolia tree <shop here>
Crataegus prunifolia ‘Splendens’ – This tree has glossy green leaves which appear in the spring accompanied by creamy white flowers in May, but it’s the autumn colour we look forward to with its’ show of bright red and orange foliage. Small and plentiful shiny red fruits appear towards the end of the summer and remain on the tree in autumn and well into winter, until they are eaten by wildlife. Crataegus x prunifolia originates in Eastern America, it is a hybrid between Crataegus crus-galli and macracantha and won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. As with other Hawthorns, it’s a tough contender, performing well on all soil types, including very wet or dry conditions. It is a great choice for year-round interest and should be considered at the very top of the list for exposed or coastal gardens as it is one of the very few ornamental varieties that will tolerate both salt and wind exposure. Mature height of 5 – 7 metres.
Malus ‘Rudolph’ – Our favourite of the red crab apples, Malus ‘Rudolph’ was developed in the 1950’s. This stunning small tree has a beautiful display of deep rose-pink flowers which appear in late spring. After the flowers, the foliage emerges a copper-red colour and turns bronze-green over summer. Autumn brings the small elongated red fruits and the foliage turns clear yellow.
Magnolia ‘Genie’ – This compact, upright deciduous magnolia brings a touch of drama to any garden with its sumptuous, deep wine‑red blooms. The elegantly goblet‑shaped flowers unfurl in early spring, often returning for a second, surprise performance in late summer—prolonging its visual impact across the seasons. Their soft, refined fragrance pairs beautifully with the tree’s glossy green foliage, creating a striking contrast that elevates even the smallest of spaces. With its manageable proportions, vibrant colour, and reliable, extended flowering period, this magnolia is an exceptional choice for intimate gardens, feature borders, or statement containers. Height: 4 m, spread: 2.5 m. Thrives in moist, well‑drained, neutral to acidic soil. Plant in a sheltered, sunny position for the best floral display.
Magnolia stellata – A small, deciduous shrub or tree prized for its early spring blooms. With dark green leaves that turn yellow in the autumn. The highlight of stellata is its profusion of star-like white flowers, each with narrow, delicate petals, creating a stunning display before the leaves emerge. Perfect for small gardens, borders, or as a specimen tree. Height 2.5m Spread 4m.
Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Magnolia ‘Susan’ – A compact deciduous magnolia, prized for its vibrant, purple-pink, tulip-shaped flowers. Blooming in mid to late spring, its large, lightly fragrant flowers create a stunning display. Perfect as a specimen plant or in mixed borders, it adds elegance and seasonal charm. Height and Spread 4m. Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun.
Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ (Flowering 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 incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ (Flowering cherry) – This is a compact, deciduous flowering cherry renowned for its graceful, zigzagging branches and stunning seasonal display. In early spring, delicate, pale pink flowers with darker centers emerge, creating a breathtaking cloud-like effect before the fresh green foliage appears. The small, serrated leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn, adding further interest. Growing to around 2.5 metres tall and wide, it is perfect for small gardens, containers, or as a focal point. Grow in moist but well-drained soil and full sun. Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is a low-maintenance tree that provides an elegant architectural structure.
Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’ (Flowering cherry) – A deciduous tree valued for its rich, deep purple foliage and early spring blossom. In early spring, it produces delicate pale pink flowers before the leaves emerge, creating a dramatic contrast. The purple leaves retain their colour throughout the growing season and turn warm shades of bronze and red in autumn. Ideal as a specimen tree for the garden it thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Height 8-12m.
Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ (Non-fruiting pear) – We love its gorgeous, upright, pyramidal shape and brilliant autumn foliage. One of the first trees to come into leaf in the spring and the last to lose its leaves in autumn, its ability to hold its leaves so long lends it to be an excellent choice for gardens where privacy is an issue.
Shrubs
Cercis Chinensis ‘Avondale’ (Chinese redbud) – A compact and rounded deciduous tree that features a profusion of rosy-pink, pea-like flowers that blanket its branches in early spring, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle. The heart-shaped, glossy green leaves follow, adding a lush canopy. An ideal choice for a small garden.
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican orange blossom) – Commonly known as Mexican Blossom this highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and spread 0.5-1 metre. Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Choisya ternata Sundance (‘Lich’) (Mexican orange blossom) – Highly fragrant and evergreen this shrub will add a splash of brightness to any garden. Similar in leaf shape and fragrant flowers to Choisya ternata the only difference is it’s bright yellow leaves. Height and spread 1.5-2.5 metre. Grow in a sunny aspect on well drained soil.
Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ – A shrub renowned for its long flowering season and powerful fragrance. From late winter through spring, it produces masses of soft pink, star-shaped flowers held above glossy, dark green foliage, filling the garden with sweet scent. Compact and upright in habit, it typically grows 1–1.5m tall, making it suitable for borders and feature planting. ‘Perfume Princess’ prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position, in full sun or partial shade.
Daphne x transatlantica Eternal Fragrance – A compact, semi-evergreen shrub appreciated for its exceptionally long flowering period and strong scent. From spring through autumn, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with a rich, sweet fragrance, often reblooming continuously in mild conditions. Slender, glossy green leaves form a neat, rounded habit that suits borders. Growing 1m tall and wide, it prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.
Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ (Pearlbush) – This is a popular deciduous spreading shrub covered with showy white flowers in spring. Because of its arching, pendulous branches, it looks best when given a bit of space to breathe. Don’t cram it into a tight corner; let those branches weep. It also looks stunning when planted at the top of a low wall so the flowers can spill over the edge.
Camellia japonica ‘Bonomiana’ – An enchanting evergreen shrub admired for its elegant beauty. Originating from Japan, this variety features large, formal double flowers with a distinctive combination of white and pale pink with irregular dark pink streaks. The blooms, appearing in late winter or early spring, and are complemented by the glossy, deep green foliage. Height 2.5-4m Spread 1.5-2.5m. Camellias require acidic soil and a sheltered spot from cold winds, in full shade or partial shade. Keep well-watered through the summer when the plant produces next year’s buds.
Camellia japonica ‘Rosa’ – Originating from Japan, this variety features large, formal double flowers with a delicate blend of soft pink and blush tones, creating an elegant and enchanting display. The blooms appearing in late winter to early spring are complemented by glossy, dark green foliage. Height 2.5-4m.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ – An evergreen shrub known for its striking red flower buds that appear in late winter, creating a colourful display before blooming into fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring. As a male variety, it can be used to pollinate a female Skimmia to produce berries. Its dense, compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or containers. Height and Spread 1.5m. Grow in moist but well drained acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full or partial shade.
Climbers
Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’ – A vigorous grower with pale pink, vanilla scented flowers which contrast against dark green foliage. It will quickly cover walls or pergolas.
Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Okayama’ – A Japanese wisteria with scented flowers growing in sprays 10-15cm long. The April – June floral display is highly impressive as scented flowers open from rich violet buds to pale lilac.
Herbaceous perennials
Hellebores – Providing valuable winter interest and early nectar for pollinators, hellebores are a graceful and dependable choice for year-round garden structure.
Root-ball Hedging
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ – The foliage of this laurel is seemly much like the common Cherry Laurel however Novitas’ leaves are more slender and elongated. Flowers in spring turn to large deep dark purple berries in autumn, which is most attractive to wildlife. With these large dark green leaves and evergreen nature, it works very well as hedging, a screening plant or equally at home as a shaped specimen plant. This drought resistant plant will grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Mature Height: 4–8m
Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ – Commonly known as Portuguese Laurel this evergreen shrub can be planted either as a shrub or tree. Ideal for evergreen screening this hardy plant can be identified by its dark shiny leaves and red stems. In spring it produces spurts of little white flowers, followed by dark purple berries in Summer which birds and wildlife love. Due to its low maintenance, hardy nature and versatility it is a very popular plant here at the nursery, supplied as a tree or shrub. Tolerant of all soil types it prefers moist and well-draining, partial shade to full sun. Good for birds and pollinators. Mature Height: Can grow in excess of 12 metres.
