knowhow

5 Specimen Plants to Choose

knowhow

5 Specimen Plants to Choose

by Arundel Arboretum on Sep 02, 2022
Evergreen trees and shrubs are often the first choice of many of our clients today. However, there are many specimen plants that are deciduous worthy of consideration for your garden. One could argue that all plants are specimen plants as all trees and shrubs hold their own beauty – whether it’s their structure, leaf colour or texture, flowers, berries etc. Large specimen plants are often grown by themselves in order to create a greater impact and can often be found in a lawn, bed or border for a dramatic ornamental effect, unlike smaller trees and shrubs that can be planted to complement an existing planting scheme. The chosen specimen plant is often the focal point of a garden design. Which Specimen Plant to Choose? The type of tree or shrub to choose for your focal point is very much down to personal choice, and some points to consider would include:-  do you have a favourite colour? You may like to consider something that has dramatic autumn colour – for example a variety of Liquidambar.  is there a particular structure you like? An upright, Hornbeam would be a contender – either as a full tree or a standard tree is space an issue? Choosing a smaller specimen plant would be crucial, ensuring that is has enough space to spread and grow. A weeping variety of tree could be considered providing it does not get too big. At Arundel Arboretum, we have an extensive range of trees that could be planted as a specimen plant, and to help get you started, here are five trees to consider:- Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ (Sweet Gum) Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar, as it is more suitable for the average garden. It is a medium sized tree with an eventual height of 12m and spread of 8m (after about 20 years). Its maple shaped leaves are green throughout the spring and summer. It has rich autumn colours of mostly orange and red. An added feature during the winter months is the cork that develops on the trunk of the tree. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Upright Hornbeam) Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is a medium sized deciduous tree. When the tree is young, the crown is narrow, but as it matures, it becomes more compact. Its green, finely serrated foliage emerges in spring and summer, before turning yellow in the autumn. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ can be grown in full sun and partial shade, and has an eventual height of 12m after approximately 20 years. Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ (Young’s Weeping Birch) Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ is a small, deciduous tree with peeling white bark and pendulous branches, which often reach the ground to form a dome shaped tree. Yellow-brown catkins are produced in the spring. Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ can be grown in either a sheltered or exposed position, and has an eventual height and spread of 4-8m. Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ (Willow) Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ is a beautifully structured, weeping variety of willow tree. Its dramatic pendulous branches have bright yellow furry catkins during the spring, and these are very popular with the bees! Their mid-green leaves are soft grey underneath. During the winter months, the weeping branches provide a structural focal point. Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ has an eventual height and spread of approximately 2.5m, so this is an ideal choice if you have a small garden and space is of a premium. It will grow happily in full sun, in most soil types but needs a moist well-drained site. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ (Dawyck Purple) Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ is an upright variety of beech. This variety is a medium-sized deciduous tree, and its young red foliage turns a striking purple during the summer. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ is a very neatly shaped, slender tree with an overall height and spread of 10m x 3m. It therefore makes an ideal choice for many gardens, especially if space is limited. They look good planted as a focal point or as an avenue of trees. In order to gain the best colour, they can be planted in full sun. It can tolerate most soil conditions, but it is best to avoid wet positions.
How to choose a specimen tree

knowhow

How to choose a specimen tree

by Arundel Arboretum on Mar 03, 2021
Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a comprehensive range of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. They range in height from 1’ – 20’ depending upon variety. These include an extensive range of specimen trees. Specimen trees are usually those that create an impact or focal point in a garden design. It might not be the size of the tree that makes it stand out. It could be its gnarled bark, stunning flowers, graceful arching branches or a standard tree planted for screening that really makes a statement. Specimen trees are generally planted as a standalone tree. However, trees can be planted in a group to create a feature. An example of this is Betula utilis var. Jacquemontii. With their stunning white bark, they will look amazing. Once you have decided to plant a specimen tree in your garden, our experienced staff will be able to help you choose the right one for you. Some things to consider include: What type of tree would you like? Deciduous or evergreen? If your specimen tree is for screening, then it is probably worth considering an evergreen so that you have year-round privacy Height and spread – this is a major factor to consider. Your garden must be able to cope with the plant’s eventual height and spread! Also, consider access to your chosen site – can your tree fit through a gate for example Consider what you want from your tree. Would you like spring blossom, fiery autumn colours, interesting bark, berries for wildlife Also, consider your soil. We will be able to help you choose a specimen tree that will thrive in your conditions Here are a few ideas of specimen trees to consider: Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a very popular deciduous tree. This is due to its architectural shape and brilliant white bark on its trunk and larger branches. The multi-stem variety is very effective. They are often planted in groups of three for a stunning effect. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has ovate shaped leaves, which turn yellow in the autumn. In early spring, the male yellow-brown catkins appear and these can be up to 12cm long. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has an eventual height of 12m+ and width of 4-8m. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar as it is more suitable for the average garden. It has rich autumn colours of mostly orange and red. An added feature in the winter is the cork that develops on the wood of the tree. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in well-drained, moist soil. This deciduous tree has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Quercus ilex Quercus ilex is a large, evergreen majestic tree. Its leathery leaves are dark glossy green above, and grayish downy beneath. Quercus ilex can take pruning and will grow in full sun or partial shade. This tree is used a lot for screening in either a bush or standard form. It is also a salt tolerant tree, so is ideal in coastal conditions. The finely cracked bark is black. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum where our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to assist with your purchase of a specimen tree. The photographs are only an indication of the stock we currently have.