Top 5... unusual winter stems
Choose striking shoots to add distinctive character
1 Acer conspicuum ‘Red Flamingo’
Slow-growing maple, eventually forming a small, compact tree. Bright red, white-striped stems are a striking winter feature. Mottled pink and white foliage. Thrives in any moist but not waterlogged soil in dappled shade. H/S: 3m (10ft). Tip Shelter from cold, drying spring winds.
From www.mailordertrees.co.uk; tel: 0800 066 5972.
2 Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Young shoots of coral-bark maple have a bright coral-red tone. Soft green maple foliage turns yellow in autumn. Eventually forms a small tree of elegant habit. Likes any damp, but not waterlogged soil in light shade. H: 6m (20ft), S: 5m (16½ft).
Tip Prune back stems to keep compact and encourage new growth.
From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111. 3 Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ Slow-growing, deciduous shrub with layered habit. Shoots have curious winged corners that are more visible in winter. Bright red autumn colour, with occasional red fruit capsules. Any moist but well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H/S: 1.5m (5ft). Tip Thin out congested shoots to neaten appearance. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
4 Rosa sericea omeiensis pteracantha
The winged thorn rose is a suckering, vase-shaped, upright shrub with large, plate-like thorns and small, ferny leaves. Small, single and white wild rose flowers in June, followed by small, bright red hips. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in sun. H: 2.4m (8ft), S: 1.8m (6ft).
Tip Cut back stems to ground in spring to encourage fresh new shoots.
From www.classicroses.co.uk; tel: 01953 454707. 5 Salix fargesii Deciduous, slow-growing willow with stout mahogany shoots with red buds. Silvery new leaves open to glossy green, ribbed leaves. Finger-like catkins in spring. Thrives in any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H/S: 1.8m (6ft), but can be pruned to keep more compact.
Tip Site in a sheltered position to avoid foliage damage by late frost.
From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.