Garden Trees

Garden trees or 'ornamental trees' are an established part of most major gardens and parks.

A quick survey will probably show that some of the most common garden trees include : Alder, Ash, Beech, Birch, Crab apple, Hawthorn, Holly, Horse chestnut, Oak, Poplar, Rowan, Sycamore and the Willow. However are these the best garden trees.

We look at ten trees that can hold their heads high in most gardens.

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)
This rare and slow growing tree with 3 lobed leaves which turn scarlet in autumn has fantastic peeling bark and a mahogany coloured trunk.

Acer palmatum dissectum seiryu
This is the only upright Dissectum (cutleaf) Japanese Maple. It's tough, vigorous yet dainty. Very nice pale green foliage turning brilliant Autumn tones of red and orange.

Acer negundo flamingo
White variegated leaves with new growth bright pink. Hardy and showy tree.

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii
Horse Chestnut with Double white flowers . Does not set seed

Betula albosinensis septentrionalis (Chinese Red Birch)
Birch with beautiful bark orange-brown with pink-grey 'bloom'.

Carpinus betulus 'Pendula'. ( Weeping hornbeam)
The Weeping hornbeam is an outstanding hardy weeping mound forming deciduous tree.

Cercis canadensis - Forest Pansy (Judas Tree or Purple leafed Redbud)
These can be a little 'straggly' but can do well at the back of the border. A small deciduous tree with stunning purple heart-shaped foliage. Showy pink-mauve flowers on bare stems in spring.

Cornus controversa ' Variegata'
This is a great allrounder. A slow growing tree with distinctly layered branches, leaves boldly edged white.

Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree, or Pocket Handkerchief Tree)
A simply outstanding tree with large white, showy bracts surround the tiny flowers in late spring. Deciduous tree with heart shaped leaves growing best in well watered ,sheltered site

Fagus sylvatica 'Aurea Pendula'
This one needs protection from the hot sun, and is not a really strong growing tree. However it is a dramatic weeping tree with bright yellow leaves.

Ginkgo Biloba (Maidenhair-tree)
Fantastic fern like foliage turning buttery yellow in autumn

Luculia gratissima
Frost tender, and needs a really sheltered position. However the fragrant, large, pink flower heads in winter - spring could be worth a try.

Magnolia denudata (Yulan)
Superb tree with ivory white flowers in early spring or late winter , before the leaves. One of the earliest Magnolias to flower.Tends to be quite narrow when young , older trees broadening.

Nothofagus antarctica
Deciduous medium sized "Beech" with small leaves.

Pseudocydonia sinensis
This one needs shelter from cold winds. A small tree with attractive bark which flakes into fawn and grey patches. Pink flowers in spring followed by large yellow quince fruits up to 18 -20 cm long. Semi -evergreen with leaves often colouring in autumn - winter .

Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' (Flowering Pear)
Upright, narrowly pyramidal. Reddish-purple autumn colour. Thornless. Leaves narrower than Bradford.11-13 metres by 5 metres wide.

Sorbus cashmiriana (Rowan)
Small deciduous tree with pinnate foliage. Lovely white marble sized fruits hanging in clusters and are long lasting from autumn to winter. Flowers pale pink.

Tilia x europaea (European Lime)
Large handsome tree often used in parks or as street trees in Europe. Scented flowers used to make a popular herbal tea in its native lands

Ulmus parvifolia. (Chinese Elm)
Tree with elegant canopy of dainty small leaves. Often with flaking bark.