Ornamental Trees

Our premium trees start life on a farm in the South Downs National Park, where one family of growers has been raising them in natural conditions for over a century. They’re grown outdoors at their own pace to establish quickly for a long and happy life in your garden. We’re proud to bring you the best collection of garden trees in the UK, curated for us by the experts and professionally pruned before being sent to you.

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Cherry blossom trees (41)Crabapple trees (29)Birch trees (10)Willow trees (13)Acer trees (32)Hawthorn trees (11)Beech trees (6)

South Downs National Park

Meet Danielle

110 years' expertise free with every tree

Danielle's nursery has been growing trees in the South Downs National Park for over a century, and it shows. Dug up and sent straight to your garden at between 18-36 months old, their quality rootstocks, expert pruning and natural pest control mean that these traditionally field-grown trees are the hardiest you can get.

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Looking for a flowering tree?

Looking for a flowering tree?

Flowering trees are not just ornamental (although they definitely tick that box). They’re vital for wildlife, too, providing pollen and nectar for the insects that help your garden grow. Most put on their floral display in spring, including the ethereal cherry blossom and bold magnolia, followed in summer by Tulip Tree, golden Laburnum and Catalpa. Some trees even flower through the autumn and winter months, like Pink Winter Flowering Cherry and Golden Mimosa. To add a wow factor to your garden at any time of year, check out some of our best and brightest flowering trees.

Only have room for a small tree?

Only have room for a small tree?

Even if your outdoor space is a bit on the small side, there are lots of outstanding trees you can grow. With more and more dwarf or naturally compact varieties becoming available, there’s a tree to suit even the tightest of spaces, and many that grow happily in containers, including flowering crabapples, graceful dwarf willows, tall, slender flagpole cherry blossoms and colourful, compact acers. We think these are seven of the best.

Want to welcome more wildlife?

Want to welcome more wildlife?

Native tree species have evolved alongside our wildlife for centuries (did you know an English Oak supports 284 different insect species?) and have adapted perfectly to our interesting climate. For those of us who want to give a helping hand to visiting birds, mammals and insects, planting a native tree is a strong statement. Of course it helps that they’re some of the hardiest and most beautiful trees you can get, and easy to care for too. We’re talking compact crabapples, berry-covered rowans, elegant birch trees and blossoming hawthorns.

Caring for your tree

Caring for your tree

Most trees prefer to be planted in a sunny or partially shaded spot out of the way of any cold or drying winds, and in well draining soil. You’ll need to water them regularly until their root systems are established (this takes about a year) but after that, they’ll get most of their needs met by the rain. To keep your tree healthy, tidy and at a manageable size, you’ll probably need to do some pruning once or twice a year - and of course trees love a bit of mulch! Check our individual tree pages to find out how to care for yours, or find out more with our growers’ guides.

Ornamental Trees FAQs

How do you plant a tree?

It's important to understand how bare root and potted trees differ in the steps necessary to planting them successfully. Potted trees are grown in containers with compost around the roots whereas bare root trees are dug up from the field during their dormant season and sent to you without a pot or soil.

What is an ornamental tree?

Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects, giving any space a face-leaft.

What trees are good for small gardens?

Don’t let having a small garden deter you from pursuing the garden of your dreams! There are plenty of trees that thrive in small, simple spaces. Here are our top 5 picks of trees for small gardens:

What small trees grow well in pots?

Growing trees in pots is a great idea for many reasons, a couple being that you’re able to move your tree with you wherever you go and if you change your mind about the placement, you don’t need to do a whole lot. We would recommend the following trees if you’re considering growing in a pot:

Which trees are evergreen?

Evergreen plants retain their green leaves throughout the year and the size, shape and growth of evergreen trees vary so it's important to think carefully when choosing the right tree for you and your garden. Here are our top 5:

What is a specimen size tree?

A specimen size tree is a large shrub or tree planted specifically to stand out and guaran-treed to make an impactful focal point in the garden.

Can you plant mature trees?

Mature trees can be transplanted either in autumn or in late winter/early spring; however, mature trees must be transplanted after the leaves fall in autumn or before bud break in spring to keep them happy.

What plants grow well under trees?

There are a surprising number of flowering plants, climbing plants and even container plants that thrive in the shadows. To name a few of our favourites would be Heucheras, Campanula, Foxgloves and many, many more.

What are the fastest growing trees for privacy?

We recommend our Leyland Cypress Tree for the perfect fast-growing screen. These beauties grow up to 1m a year and are not a sore sight either!

What kind of tree has white flowers in the spring?

Whether you prefer pink or white blossom, there’s a cherry blossom for every garden - some can even be grown in pots!

What tree grows best in shade?

Are you looking to fill a shady area with a tree? Here are our top 5 favourite trees to choice from:

Happy plants make happy customers

Trustpilot
Ornamental Colour Collection Pond Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Plants arrived in great condition and very promptly. Well established - much better than the ones I got at my local garden centre.

Monica Spence

| 24 May
Star Jasmine | Trachelospermum jasminoides Climbing Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Yet again this company delivered good healthy plants, exactly as shown in photos, well packaged and within delivery time quoted. Recommend!

Jacqueline Burgess

| 2 Jun
five star rating on Trustpilot

I continue to be so impressed with Roots. Their customer care, knowledge of their subject: from planting hedges to pruning roses and more, has been a great support.

Judy Lane

| 23 Oct
E 'Black Hamburgh' Indoor Grape Vine Soft Fruit
five star rating on Trustpilot

The plant arrived looking vigorously healthy, which brings a smile to your face, extremely well protected in its packaging.

Martyn Hill

| 5 Jul
E 'Braeburn Hillwell' Apple Tree Fruit Trees
five star rating on Trustpilot

As a non-gardener, I found my whole experience brilliant. Great information & advice available on the website, great range of products & prices are brilliant.

John-Paul

| 22 May
five star rating on Trustpilot

Wonderful plants and great customer service... really surprised to find that the plants are better than those you would get at your local garden centre.

Gavin Wilcock

| 8 Nov

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