With most of us trying to be a little “greener”, an ideal present this Christmas would be a tree or shrub. At Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in Sussex, we have an extensive range to choose from.
If you are stuck for the ideal gift this Christmas, then why not consider a tree or shrub? Trees and shrubs can make a dramatic impact on any garden – whether large or small – and the recipient will have many years of pleasure from it.
At this time of year, there is more choice available on the type of plant to purchase as this is the season for bare-root trees and hedging plants, together with rootball trees and evergreen shrubs. Containerised trees and shrubs are available throughout the year. The winter is an ideal time to plant, as your tree or shrub can establish itself with minimum maintenance over the winter months – ideal if time is of a premium.
There are a number of factors that should be considered when purchasing a tree or shrub, and visiting a specialist nursery or garden centre to help you make the right purchase is highly recommended. Our nursery team are always happy to help and assist with any purchase you make, and they can offer a wealth of knowledge too.
If you would like to consider a plant as an ideal Christmas gift, here are a few ideas to get you started as they are at their best just now:-
Garrya elliptica
Garrya elliptica – also known as the Silk tassel bush – for obvious reasons – is an upright evergreen shrub, with glossy green leaves. It produces attractive grey-green catkins in mid-winter. Although less common, the female shrub produces clusters of purple-brown fruits in summer.
Pittosporum tobira
Pittosporum tobira – otherwise known as Japanese Mock Orange is a large, bushy slow-growing evergreen shrub. During the spring, clusters of sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers appear. These are following during the winter months by yellow fruits. This Pittosporum is not hardy, so consideration needs to be given on where it will be planted.
Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’
A definite consideration if you are purchasing for a Christmas present! This variety of Holly is looking stunning now! Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ is a small, bushy evergreen tree or shrub, with slightly spiny leaves that are edged in bright yellow. Small, white flowers appear in spring, but their best feature is their bright red fruits that are in abundance now.
Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrant Cloud’
Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrant Cloud’ is a small, bushy evergreen shrub. It has dark green leaves, which can be up to 10cm in length. They are currently massed with clusters of small, fragrant white, male flowers, which will burst open in the spring.
We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in Sussex, where our knowledgeable staff will be very happy to help you with your purchase. Feel free to drop by or contact us here to ask any questions. Our wintery Arboretum is full of trees and shrubs with winter interest – to make the ideal Christmas gift.
Come and get the perfect green Christmas gifts before it’s too late. We are open normal hours up until Monday 23rd December 2019, which we will close at 4.00 p.m. until Thursday 2nd January 2020.
Friday 13th December 2019
