trees

Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ / Copper Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ is a noble majestic tree which stands out in a woodland planting and as a specimen tree. This large deciduous tree can grow up to 30m tall, with a spread of 15-20m. The dark red-purple foliage appears in spring, which then turns a darker bronze-green during the summer, before finally turning golden brown in autumn. Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade. This tree can dominate the landscape and is therefore ideal for a parkland setting. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ / Dawyck Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ is an upright, narrow, deciduous tree, which becomes broadly columnar with age.  This tree has wavy margined green leaves in the spring, which turn yellow\orange\brown in the autumn. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ can be planted in either full sun or partial shade. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and an eventual spread of between 4-8m. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Fagus sylvatica / Common Beech Fagus sylvatica is a large, handsome, vigorous deciduous tree, often seen as a specimen and in woodland plantations. It has a broad spreading crown. Fagus sylvatica leaves are a fresh green in the spring, turning rich russet-brown in the autumn. When used for hedging, Fagus sylvatica will keeps its leaves which can look very attractive in the autumn\winter sunshine. It has an ultimate height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Fagus sylvatica prefers a moist well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun or partial shade positions. Fagus sylvatica is often used for logs.

Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ is a deciduous tree with a robust pyramidal compact habit. It has glossy dark green leaves turning shades of red and purple in the autumn. Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ produces masses of snowy-white flowers in the spring. Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ will grow in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual  height of 12m and a spread of 4-8m (after 20-50 years).

Nyssa sylvatica is a slow-medium growing deciduous tree. It has an elegant conical\columnar growth habit. Its glossy, ovate green leaves turn vivid shades of orange, red and yellow in the autumn. Therefore, if you are looking for a tree with stunning autumn colours, this would make an idea choice.

Amelanchier lamarckii is a large deciduous shrub that can also be grown as a small tree. It has an upright, open growth habit. Its bronze young leaves turn a lovely red and orange in the autumn. The racemes of delicate white flowers appear in April and May, and they are followed by purple-black fruits. Amelanchier lamarckii is an ideal tree for wildlife as the birds love the berries. This tree can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of between 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. It is best grown in a moist, well-drained soil.

Eucalyptus gunnii / Cider Gum Eucalpytus gunnii has silver-blue and rounded young foliage elongating to a sickle shape and sage green when older. A relatively fast grower. Used a lot for screening. Eucalyptus niphophila/Alpine Snow Gum Eucalyptus niphophila is a broad spreading tree with large leathery grey-green foliage.  It has a beautiful patterned bark. Often used for screening.  

Laurus nobilis – also known as the bay tree is a popular evergreen shrub.  We have a good selection at our evergreen tree nursery. Laurus nobilis is suitable for containers or growing in the ground. Kept neatly clipped, the dark-green foliage can create stunning formal shapes, which can include pyramids, lollipops, and balls. They can create a formal look to your garden design either at an entrance or on a patio. The bay leaves can be used fresh or dried and are used in cooking to give a fragrant flavour to soups, stews, and other dishes. The leaves on Laurus nobilis are narrowly ovate and have a leathery feel to them. Their strong aroma makes them ideal for planting near a doorway so that you can benefit from their lovely smell. During the spring, small pale green-yellow flowers appear in dense clusters.  Following this in the autumn, its fruits appear which are glossy black when they are ripe. Laurus nobilis are relatively easy to grow and can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in either a sheltered or exposed position. They will grow facing north, south, east, or west.  They have an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 8m+, but this is after 20-50 years. We have a good selection of Laurus nobilis in stock now as shrubs, half standard lollipops, and topiaries.  We have two varieties in stock – the traditional Laurus nobilis and the Laurus nobilis ‘Junior’. The ‘Junior’ has a smaller leaf than Laurus nobilis and denser foliage, which makes it ideal to use for topiaries. If you would like more information on Laurus nobilis or any other trees and shrubs, then feel free to contact us, where we will be happy to help. Due to supply shortages at the moment, please do not hesitate to contact us with your requirements so that we can advise what is currently available.

Are you looking for specimen trees in Sussex? Arundel Arboretum has an excellent selection of specimen trees in stock now. One specimen tree that is worthy of consideration is Cordyline australis.  It is also known as the Cabbage Palm or Torbay Palm and originates from New Zealand.  Whilst it is classified as a palm, it actually isn’t at all! Cordyline australis is one of the easiest exotic plants to grow.  They are evergreen and usually tall and have a single trunk, but branching can occur after it has flowered to create a multi-stem plant.  Generally, Cordylines are trouble-free, but they can occasionally rot out at the base of their stems if they are overwatered or if they are planted in an area that remains too wet. Cordyline australis has long, sword-shaped olive-green leaves.  Large panicles of small cream flowers appear in the summer and they are beautifully fragrant.  Small, spherical berries follow in the autumn. These trees are very easy to grow and can grow in full sun or partial shade.  They are a good choice if you are close to the sea, as they can withstand the salt and windy conditions.  This is evident with the Cordylines planted along Worthing seafront.  They are also drought resistant, and will thrive in well-drained soil.  They do not like being waterlogged! Cordyline australis is a fantastic architectural plant and will provide an instant impact to your garden.  They are also ideal to grow in pots.  Pots have a tendency to dry out very quickly, so Cordylines are a good choice, but as with all plants whether in the ground or in pots, maintenance is key, and if left for long periods will suffer. As Cordylines grow, their lower leaves will start to droop down.  These will eventually turn yellow and then brown.  At this stage, they can either be left on the plant or cut off to create a longer, clearer trunk with the leaves at the top. They have an eventual height of between 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m after 20-50 years depending upon their ground conditions.

Parrotia persica is a small to medium wide spreading tree with deep green leaves which turn to crimson and gold in late autumn. Crimson tiny flower clusters in late winter. A piebald textured trunk.  A member of the Witch Hazel family.  

Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ /Golden Indian Bean Tree Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ is a medium sized spreading tree with very large oval bright yellow leaves. It has white flowers with purple markings which come out in mid-summer. Catalpa x erubescens ‘Purpurea’ Catalpa x erubescens ‘Purpurea’ is a medium sized largely spreading tree.  It is more vigorous than most Catalpas. It has interest in the form of dark purple almost black new leaves slowly fading to green.

Flowering Crab Apple trees (Malus) are very worthy of consideration for any garden if you are looking to plant a deciduous tree with lots of year-round interest. Here at Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading Sussex Garden Centres, we have an excellent selection to choose from. With the onset of spring, the leaves emerge and their flower buds open to reveal beautiful fragrant blossom in colours that range from white, pale pink or red. The flowers are eventually replaced with small fruits, which are very popular with wildlife! As the seasons move into autumn, you will be rewarded with some vibrant colours of reds, oranges and yellows before the leaves finally drop. Subject to weather conditions, you may find that the fruits will last well into the winter. Crab Apple trees are relatively low maintenance, so they can make an ideal choice if time is of a premium for you. Apart from regular watering – vital during first two years or so – maintenance is likely to be just occasional pruning and removing any suckers that appear at the base of the tree. There are many varieties of Crab Apple trees to choose from and in order to help make the right choice, you may like to consider the following points:- Size – how much space have you got? Always consider its final height as well as its width. Shape – the shape of a Crab Apple can be upright, round, narrow, spreading or semi-weeping. Consideration of the shape is important so that it complements your existing trees and shrubs. Fruit – if you would like the fruits to last well into the winter you would need to purchase a variety that is likely to hold its fruit for this timescale. Our Crab Apple trees are looking stunning now with an abundance of fruits. If you are considering the purchase of a Crab Apple tree, here are five varieties to consider to help make your decision:- Malus ‘White Star’ Malus ‘White Star’ is a medium sized deciduous tree, with an upright and spreading habit. It also has a fast growth rate. As spring emerges, it produces masses of white, star-shaped flowers. In autumn, medium-sized golden\russet crab apples appear which can stay on the tree until early winter.  The fruits are a good source of food for wildlife. Malus ‘Direktoer Moerland’ Malus ‘Direktoer Moerland’ is a small deciduous crab apple. It produces wine-red flowers in April and May, and these are slightly fragrant. The young foliage appears a shiny coppery-crimson. In the autumn, the dark red fruits will appear. This variety of crab apple is a very good disease resistant tree. Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ is a medium-sized tree.  In the spring, it produces fragrant, single white flowers that are followed in the autumn with clusters of cherry-like deep, glossy red fruits that will last well into the winter. Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It does prefer a well drained soil. Malus ‘Evereste’ Malus ‘Evereste’ is a small deciduous crab apple, which is broadly conical in shape. In springtime, large soft pink to white flowers emerge from its scarlet buds. Its dark green leaves turn yellow in the autumn. The yellow-orange fruits can be used for culinary purposes and can often last on the trees until after Christmas.  Malus ‘Evereste’ is an excellent choice for wildlife – and is a real hit with the bees! Malus ‘Van Eseltine’ Malus ‘Van Eseltine’ is an upright variety of crab apple with glossy green foliage. In spring double pink flowers emerge from its red buds. Small red fruits which are tinged yellow appear in autumn. It will grow happily in full sun or partial shade. Malus floribunda / Japanese Crab Apple Malus floribunda is a small deciduous tree with a rounded head. It has narrow leaves and arching branches. Its white or pale pink flowers emerge from crimson buds in late spring. These are followed by small yellow\red fruits. Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ / Crab apple Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ is a deciduous Crab Apple with an upright growth habit. In late spring, a mass of pink flushed white flowers appear. These are followed in the autumn by a profusion of bright yellow crab apples which can remain for many weeks. Its dark green leaves turn a rich yellow before they fall. Malus x moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ / Crab Apple Malus x moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ is a small-medium size deciduous, spreading Crab apple with coppery young foliage, which turns bronze-green in the autumn.  Malus x moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ has dark purple-pink flowers in late spring.  These are followed by reddish-purple fruits in autumn.  It tolerates pollution well, and is therefore suitable for rural and urban gardens.

Salix alba ‘Britzensis’ / Scarlet Willow’ Salix alba ‘Britzensis’ is a beautiful medium, wide-spreading weeping tree. Lime green leaves. Red bark that stands out during the winter months. Salix ‘Erythroflexuosa’ / Twisted Willow Salis ‘Erythroflexuosa’ is a small tree with vigorous orange-yellow shoots that twist and contort making a interesting shaped skeleton during the winter. Green foliage turning yellow in autumn. Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’ / Weeping Willow Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’ is a small tree with blue green narrow leaves and purple pendulous branches. Autumn leaves turn yellow. Takes pruning well, ideal for a wet area. Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma / Golden Weeping Willow Salis x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma.  This is the golden weeping willow.  It is a beautiful, spreading deciduous tree.  It has slender pendant, yellow-green stems and bright green leaves.  The bark is golden yellow.  Slender yellow catkins appear in the spring with the leaves.  It will grow happily in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position.  It has an eventual  height of approximately 12m.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a large tree.  It is noted mainly for its unusual shaped leaves and the orange tulip-like flowers that arrive on the tree in early summer. The Tulip tree also has outstanding bright gold autumn colour.

Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ is a large deciduous, weeping tree with narrow grey felted leaves.  It has clusters of creamy white flowers in the spring, which are followed by green fruit.

Liquidambar styraciflua / Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua is a medium to large tree which is chosen mainly for its outstanding autumn colour on five-lobed star-shaped shiny green leaves. Ideally planted on acidic soils for the best autumn colours. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar as it is more suitable for the average garden. It has even more 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 ‘Albomarginata Manon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Albomarginata Manon’ is a pyramidal shaped, deciduous tree. It has blue-green foliage with a creamy-white margin, which turns pinkish in the autumn. This tree is ideal for small gardens. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Albomarginata Manon’ is a pyramidal shaped, deciduous tree. It has blue-green foliage with a creamy-white margin, which turns pinkish in the autumn. This tree is ideal for small gardens.  

Olea europaea is the botanical name for the European Olive. This small to medium sized evergreen tree makes for a fantastic screening tree or stand alone specimen. It has grey-green leathery leaves. These help to form a consistently densely headed tree. They are easy to maintain as a shaped tree or just “left to do its own thing”. Olea europaea produces small white flowers in the summer. It should be planted in full sun, facing south in a sheltered position. We stock these tree as small topiaries for keeping in pots, as standard or half standard trees.

Magnolia grandiflora is an  evergreen which makes a magnificent tree and is often used as a shrub. Glossy, leathery green leaves above a reddish-brown underside.  It produces fragrant large creamy white globular flowers. As a tree it is ideal for screening.  

Continuing our theme of trees for autumn colours, our deciduous trees are reaching the end of their spectacular display of stunning autumn colours now. The transformation from vibrant reds, flame oranges and buttery yellows is nearly finished, but one tree that is continuing to give a final splash of colour is Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a fast-growing deciduous tree, and to really appreciate its full splendour as it grows and matures, it should ideally be planted where it has plenty of space.  It will grow happily in full sun in any good well-drained soil. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a magnificent tree with a straight trunk and a broadly conical shaped crown when it reaches maturity.  It has foliage of large, star-shaped, deeply lobed leaves.  These are glossy green when they first emerge in spring before turning their fiery red, orange, purple and yellow in the autumn.  Once their leaves have fallen it reveals an attractive branch pattern and the cork that develops on the wood of the tree. This tree is renowned for its stunning autumn colours and has an eventual height of 6m and a spread of 4m after approximately 20 years. If you are considering planting trees for autumn colours, then Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is certainly a tree worthy of consideration, and is definitely a rival to Japanese Maples! We have a good selection in stock, and our friendly team would be happy to advise you on the right one for you.   

Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’ is a recent variety of Red Bud and is a simply lovely small tree., ideal for small gardens. It has deep, very glossy green leaves, which turn yellow and sometimes orange and purple in the autumn.  Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’ also produces bean-pod like fruits.  The flowers are purple-pink and, as with Judas trees, cover the bare stems in early spring.  It prefers well-drained soil in full sun, with some partial shade.

Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ / Small leaved Lime Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ is a deciduous tree with an upright habit. Small heart-shaped dark glossy green leaves which are pale green below.   Produces clusters of pale yellow flowers in mid summer. Tilia x euchlora / Arching branch Lime Tilia x euchlora is a medium-sized tree.  It has glossy green leaves turning yellow in the autumn. It has creamy-yellow flowers which appear in July.  It has an arching good shaped skeleton during the winter. Tilia platyphyllos / Large leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos is a deciduous, broadly columnar shaped tree with dark green leaves, which are paler underneath.  Produces pendent clusters of pale yellow flowers in mid summer.

Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ is a deciduous, bushy shrub.  The head is comprised of numerous small yellow flowers that are lightly fragrant.  The flowers emerge in late winter\early spring from hairy buds.  The flowers are a stunning yellow and a firm favourite with bees and butterflies. Their narrow, ovate green leaves appear after the flowers.  We have witnessed our bees positively drunk on all of the nectar! Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ can be grown in full sun or partial shade.  It prefers a sheltered location and will grow in moist, well-drained soil.  After 10-20 years, depending upon its growing conditions, it will reach an eventual height and spread of 1 – 1.5m. So, if you are looking for a deciduous shrub that has excellent qualities for wildlife, Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ is a worthy contender.  Why not pop in and have a look?  A member of the team will be very pleased to assist you.