9 trees and shrubs

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-otake’

This acer is a good choice for small spaces. The canopy, which matures to a rounded shape, consists of lobed leaves divided into long, strappy leaflets. These are a striking scarlet in spring, before turning crimson in autumn. Good for spring foliage colour.

H&S: 8-13ft (2.5m-4m).

Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’

This slow-growing, small tree has an upright habit with reddish-brown bark that turns grey with age. It tolerates clipping, so it can be shaped, which makes it a good choice for cloud pruning. Plant in full sun, in free-draining soil. Good for year-round structure. HxS: 8x13ft (2.5x4m).

Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ AGM

Many ornamental cherries grow too large for the average garden, but this cultivar forms a compact canopy. White, single blossoms with reddish pink stamens erupt from pale-pink buds in mid-spring, and the foliage turns red and orange in autumn. H&S: 13ft (4m).

Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ AGM

This is particularly colourful, with leaves divided into five to seven leaflets that unfurl in spring a vibrant orange, mellowing to golden-yellow with orange leaf edges. In summer the foliage takes on a yellowy-green hue before autumn when the leaves turn bright orange. HxS: 13x20-26ft (4x6-8m).

Enkianthus campanulatus AGM

Prized for its autumn colour in fiery oranges and reds, this deciduous shrub also features in summer clusters of bellshaped, cream flowers with pink veining. It will add height and structure to a border where it will develop the best leaf colour if planted in sun, on acid soil. H&S: 15ft (4.5m).

Iris ensata ‘Rose Queen’ AGM

The Japanese water iris has featured in their art throughout the centuries. It thrives in moist, acid soil or in the margins of a pond or stream. This cultivar has exquisite pink flowers with splashes of gold that unfurl from purple buds. Plant in full or part shade. HxS: 39x20in (1mx50cm).

Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ AGM

The dwarf mountain pine is a slowgrowing, evergreen conifer that will form a bushy plant with a rounded habit. The thick branches are covered with midgreen, slender needles. Use it to punctuate planting like you would with topiary. It thrives in a sunny, well-drained spot. H&S: 30in (75cm).

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmoriniana’ AGM

The Japanese cedar is a compact, evergreen conifer with stiff, mid-green needles that develop attractive russet tones in cold weather. It provides yearround structure and takes up to 50 years to reach its ultimate height. Needs moist but free-draining soil. H&S: 3ft 3in (1m).

Rhododendron ‘Snow Hill AGM

Rhododendrons and azaleas are key to Japanese gardens, and this is a bushy, evergreen that has large, white flowers with a greenish-yellow centre. Plant in dappled shade in moist, acidic soil or raised beds in ericaceous compost. HxS: 30x39in (75cmx1m).