#small tree

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 12 November 2025

A hybrid between Ilex aquifolium and Ilex latifolia the evergreen Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf' (holly) is a female plant and this specimen was covered in berries so there was a male holly plant in the vicinity. The plant can create a large shrub or small tree up to 12m tall and can be trained into a pleached specimen.

Plant of the Day

Thursday 23 October 2025

The fragrant white flowers of Clerodendrum trichotomum (harlequin glorybower, glorytree, peanut butter tree) are followed by berries that turn bright blue, and then black, which contrast with the red calyx. This large deciduous shrub or small tree has a distinct scent to the foliage and it tends to produce new stems from the roots becoming a thicket.

Plant of the Day

Saturday 26 July 2025

The foliage of Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) is highly variable with deeply 5 to 7-lobed leaves that frequently colour well in autumn. This fine plant was in a private garden but the owner was uncertain of the cultivar.

Plant of the Day

Saturday 24 May 2025

As part of a woodland garden walk the highlight was this vibrant Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' (purple Japanese maple) catching the sunshine. This small tree has bronze-crimson leaves divided into about 7 lobes, and it becomes a vibrant red in the autumn. This tree needs a sheltered location from strong winds.

KODAK Digital Still Camera Small tree in the forest – Starting life anew; How tall will you grow – In a decade or two; Will you grow straight up – As you strive for sunlight; Or will you grow twisted – With a trunk not quite right; Oh tree! What great joys – And trials shall you pass; As life pulls you along –  In it’s river, so fast; Wil you survive cruel wars – In some far, distant…

Plant of the Day

Friday 4 April 2025

These Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) are probably over a 100 years old and have beautiful shaped branches. These are a small deciduous tree with deeply 5 to 7-lobed leaves which usually have dramatic autumn colour. They grow best in a moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.