Specimen Trees | Ornamental Trees

How to choose specimen trees

Narrow your search by browsing blossom trees, trees for small spaces or award-winning varieties to find the right match faster. The FAQs below cover the best ornamental trees for UK gardens, choosing between deciduous and evergreen specimens, which varieties suit small spaces and how quickly ornamental trees grow.

What are the best ornamental trees for a UK garden?

The best ornamental trees for UK gardens include Japanese Maple, Amelanchier, Magnolia, ornamental cherry and Silver Birch. Japanese Maple suits most soil types and delivers strong autumn colour; Amelanchier provides spring blossom and autumn foliage in a compact, multi-season tree; Silver Birch offers year-round interest through white bark, light canopy and autumn colour.

What is the difference between specimen trees and an ornamental trees?

The difference between specimen trees and ornamental trees is merely that specimen and ornamental trees are terms often used interchangeably. A specimen tree is one planted as a focal point, chosen for distinctive form, bark, flower or foliage. Ornamental trees are selected primarily for visual appeal rather than fruit production. Most ornamental trees can serve as specimens when positioned well in the garden.

What ornamental trees are best for small gardens?

The best ornamental trees for small gardens are compact or upright-growing varieties. Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai', Acer palmatum and tall, slender cherries such as Prunus 'Amanogawa' suit restricted spaces. Weeping standards like Prunus 'Snow Fountains' create impact without excessive spread. Many can also be grown in large containers on patios.

How quickly do ornamental trees grow?

Ornamental trees vary considerably in growth rate. Ornamental cherries and Silver Birch can add 30 to 60cm per year once established. Japanese Maples are slow-growing, typically adding 15 to 25cm annually, making them well-suited to smaller plots where gradual development is an advantage.