Like magic, the new leaves of this compact deciduous shrub emerge a rich crimson, gradually maturing through to yellow and soft lime! New shoots continue to emerge throughout the growing season for a continuous show of colour and are complimented by clusters of bright pink fluffy flowers in mid to late summer. Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is easy to grow and excellent for mixed borders, coastal gardens and cottage gardens where the flowers attract pollinating insects. This exciting new Japanese Spiraea has been awarded a prestigious RHS AGM for its outstanding qualities. Height and spread: 60cm (24).
The Beauty Berry is a wonderful deciduous shrub for providing year-round interest, the culmination of which is a grand display of violet-purple berries and rosy pink foliage in autumn. The purple-tinted leaves that appear in spring are followed by small pink flowers by midsummer, attracting bees and other pollinating insects. Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion' has a prestigious RHS AGM and is both exotic and hardy, an eye-catching choice for both borders and low maintenance gardens. Its berried stems make a lovely addition to autumn flower arrangements. Height: 3m (10?). Spread: 2.5 (8?).
With red liquorice like stems and copper red leaves, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diable D'Or' is a fantastic shrub if you are looking for a contrast to light green or yellow foliage shrubs. In summer the plant has clusters of delicate white flowers, with a pink tinge. These are then followed by glossy red seed heads in autumn. This Ninebark plant is deciduous and prefers a full sun, or partial shade position. Height and Spread: 1.5m (4.9').
Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' is a small, deciduous shrub perfect for providing brilliant autumn colour in small gardens. It produces clusters of pretty white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by rich black berries ready to harvest in the autumn. The fruits of this Aronia, known as the Black Chokeberry, are tart when raw but are delicious cooked into cakes, pies, jams and compotes. Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' is easy to grow, even in boggy conditions, and is perfect as part of a mixed border, where the fiery reds and oranges of its beautiful autumn foliage add seasonal interest. Height: 2m (6'). Spread: 3m (10').
An attractive, deciduous Ninebark plant, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' has striking red foliage that turns bronze as autumn approaches and corymbs of small creamy pink flowers in early summer, that are followed by red berries. Ideal for borders in suburban gardens. Very easy to maintain, it is best planted in an area that gets full sun or partial shade. Height and spread: 1.5m (4.9').
Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Mother of Pearl' has nectar rich, white flowers in summer, and powder pink berries in autumn making it an ideal shrub for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Annys Gold', more commonly known as Ninebark, is a hardy, deciduous shrub that is popular for its lush, light-green foliage. The leaves are pale green, with golden yellow edges, and tiny white flowers bloom in spring.
Clematis 'Caroline' flowers early in the summer and frequently bears a second flush of colour in September, doubling the interest in your garden. The elegant rose pink flowers are star shaped and will look superb amongst other subtle pastel shades. This adaptable compact variety will climb if planted near to a wall or fence but looks equally impressive in trellis containers, particularly next to a pink or white climbing rose. This clematis is the perfect gift for anyone but especially those named Caroline! Height: 2m (6'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 2.
A clematis for a sunny spot in the garden, Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' is going to turn heads with it's rich, almost velvet textured red petalled flowers with brown anthers from July to September. This late, large flowered cultivar is often considered to be one of the best red clematis varieties and is an excellent choice for trellises, fences, borders and containers. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
Erica carnea f. alba 'Snow Queen' flowers profusely from late winter to spring, adding much needed interest to your garden. The large white urn-shaped flowers contrast spectacularly with the dark evergreen foliage. This Heather variety is an excellent source of nectar for pollinating insects and its low spreading habit makes it an ideal ground cover plant. Erica 'Snow Queen' is a low maintenance shrub that is perfectly suited to containers, rockeries, borders and beds. Height: 15cm (6). Spread: 45cm (18).
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Kew Blue' is a compact shrub with a neat habit. From late summer until autumn, Bluebeard stems are full of clusters of brilliant blue flowers, that look great set against the silvery foliage, which is subtly aromatic. It thrives in hot, sunny borders, and is very easy to maintain. An attractive plant for coastal and city gardens. Height: 1m (36). Spread: 1.5m (59).
An eye-catching perennial grass with arching, gold and pale-green variegated leaves. Carex hachijoensis 'Maxigold' forms a rounded, cascading mound of slender foliage that brightens up even those shaded, north facing positions.