Size shown is height x spread. Click on images for larger versions.

Trees:
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree)
This has got to be one of my favourite trees. In Autumn, delicious candy floss aromas drift tantalisingly through the air from the drying fallen leaves. It's a fast growing deciduous tree, growing between 7 -15m high x spread (books will not agree!) with light airy branches. The delicate heart shaped leaves are bluish-green in colour with red stalks. New emerging leaves are bronze (spring flowers are barely noticeable). Turns yellow, pink, and red in autumn, colouring more dramatically in acid soils. Likes sun/partial shade. Prefers moist humus- rich soils and this will probably dictate its height (in Westonbirt arboretum the trees are 20m high).

Climbers:
Clematis tangutica 'Bill Mackenzie' (Clematis)
Late flowering clematis with finely divided leaves. Flowers are yellow and bell-shaped appearing from July-October, fading to leave attractive silvery silky bearded seedheads.This clematis looks good scrambling into a tree. Likes moist to well drained soil. Sun/partial shade. Height: 4 - 6m.

Parthenocissus henryana
Related to the Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) - this is a less vigorous variety. The decorative 5- fingered leaves are variegated, providing year long interest. The leaves are mainly green/ reddish purple, but with a subtle silver veining - particularly prominent in shadier areas. The new leaves are a bronzey green turning a rich red in autumn. This climber is self-clinging, but it may take a couple of years before it climbs strongly. Height: 4-6m. Fertile soil in sun/ partial shade/shade.

Vitis 'Leon Millot' (Grapes)
An early ripening black grape. Deliciously sweet grapes, reminiscent of large blackcurrants in size and flavour. Vigorous. Prune out excessive grape bunches in June to allow the remainder to develop and ripen properly. Also strategically remove vine leaves to allow the sun to reach the ripening grapes, but leaving enough to still provide nutrients to the vine.

Shrubs:
Abelia x grandiflora (Abelia)
This graceful semi-evergreen usefully fills the late summer gap. The fragrant trumpet shaped flowers are white/pink, flowering from July to September. It needs a sheltered sunny aspect and well drained soil. Prune in spring to remove twiggy growth if necessary. Height spread 1.2 x 1.2m.

Caryopteris x clanodensis 'Heavenly Blue' (Blue spiraea)
A small sized upright deciduous shrub with low branches. The small-medium sized foliage is greenish grey and aromatic. The 1cm wide flowers are tubular and are a striking violet blue appearing from Sept-Oct. Height: 1m x 1m spread. Thrives in dry soils (partic.chalk) and hot sun.

Perennials:
Sedum 'Autumn Joy (Icelandic Plant)
Succulent grey-green leaves form attractive solid, rounded shapes which associate well with grasses. The wide green flower heads appear in August, transforming in September from a pale pink colour through to dusky dark pink and eventually brown (seed heads) which last all winter if you leave them. Sedums are wonderful structure plants for the winter garden. Cut the dried stems and flowers off just before the onset of spring to reveal the new green rosettes at the base. Bees and butterflies love the flowers which provide valuable nectar in the late season. Likes sun and will thrive in hot dry conditions. Size: 60cmx 60cm.

Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' (Black eyes Susan)
Golden yellow daisy-like flowers with rich brown centres. Lasts for weeks from July through to October, the yellow petals falling away to leave striking dark buttons. Mid-green toothed leaves can sometimes wilt in hot sun so make sure soil is moist enough. Plant in drifts. Mine seem fairly resistant to slugs and snails here in Bristol but no doubt opinions will differ! Likes sun/partial shade. Height 60cm x 60cm spread.

Miscanthus 'Malepartus' (Maiden Grass)
Dramatic flower plumes fade from pink/reddish brown to silver which then last all winter, giving you extra interest through the dormant months. Grasses are great for introducing movement to garden, and as well as catching the breeze they also catch the low autumn sun beautifully.This diverse genus of grasses are excellent structure plants and a great backdrop for late season flowers. Height 1.8m - 2.2m (with the flowers). Spread: 1m. Dislikes very dry soils. Needs sun

September 2008