Top 10 Ornamental Trees for UK Gardens
- Kerri Cuthbert
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Ornamental trees are the backbone of beautiful British gardens. From spring blossom to fiery autumn colour, the right tree can add structure, movement, and year-round interest. Whether you're designing a small courtyard or a spacious rural garden, this curated list of the top 10 ornamental trees for UK gardens brings together the best of native charm and bold seasonal displays.
Each tree in this list is ideal for UK growing conditions and offers both visual appeal and garden-enhancing features.
Top 10 Trees for Structure, Colour & Seasonal Appeal
1. Juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii)
Height & Spread: 4–6m high x 4–5m spread
Why it’s a top pick: A year-round stunner. Delicate white blossom in spring, edible summer berries, and flaming orange-red foliage in autumn. It’s also excellent for pollinators and works well in both small and medium gardens.
Perfect for: Wildlife gardens, multi-season interest.
2. Dwarf Crab Apple (Malus toringo 'Aros')
Height & Spread: 2.5m high x 1.5m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Compact and architectural with dark purple foliage, pink blossom, and small red fruits in autumn. Its tidy form makes it ideal for patios and tight borders.
Perfect for: Small gardens, contemporary planting schemes.
3. Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata 'Paul’s Scarlet')
Height & Spread: 5–7m high x 4–6m spread
Why it’s a top pick: A traditional favourite with double deep-pink flowers in spring and glossy green leaves. Excellent for wildlife and very tolerant of tough UK conditions.
Perfect for: Native-style gardens, hedgerow planting.
4. Purple-leaved Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardi Nigra')
Height & Spread: 5–7m high x 4–5m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Rich purple foliage all season long with soft pink flowers in early spring. It brings bold contrast and structure to mixed borders.
Perfect for: Adding colour and drama to larger beds or lawns.
5. Dwarf Lilac (Syringa meyeri 'Palibin')
Height & Spread: 1.5–2m high x 1.5m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Compact and delightfully fragrant. Produces lilac-pink blooms in early summer that attract bees and butterflies.
Perfect for: Small gardens, pots, sensory planting.
6. Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis 'Avondale')
Height & Spread: Up to 4m high × 2.5m spread
Why it’s a top pick: A compact tree renowned for its profusion of deep magenta-pink flowers on bare stems in early spring, followed by glossy, heart-shaped leaves that turn buttery yellow in autumn.
Perfect for: Feature trees in large borders, architectural planting.
7. Winged Spindle (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus')
Height & Spread: 1.5–2m high x 2m spread
Why it’s a top pick: One of the best shrubs for autumn colour. Compact form with scarlet-red foliage and corky bark for winter interest.
Perfect for: Autumn focal points, mixed borders.
8. Silver Birch (Betula alba pendula)
Height & Spread: 10–12m high x 5–7m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Elegant, airy and wildlife-friendly. Striking white bark and a light canopy make it a superb structural tree that won’t block too much light.
Perfect for: Larger gardens, naturalistic designs.
9. Scarlet Willow (Salix alba vitellina 'Britzensis')
Height & Spread: 8–10m high x 4–6m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Bold orange-red winter stems bring drama to dormant gardens. Grows quickly and offers excellent contrast with bare surroundings.
Perfect for: Winter interest, damp or riverside planting.
10. Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan')
Height & Spread: 6–8m high x 6m spread
Why it’s a top pick: Masses of vibrant pink double flowers in spring. An ornamental classic that makes a big statement in April and May.
Perfect for: Spring spectacle in large gardens.
Choosing the Right Ornamental Trees in the UK
Struggling to decide which ornamental tree suits your garden best? A few key considerations can help narrow things down:
Size at maturity: Think long-term—check how tall and wide the tree will grow.
Sunlight needs: Most ornamental trees prefer a sunny spot, though some tolerate partial shade.
Soil type: Match the tree to your soil—whether it's chalky, sandy, clay or loam. Use this RHS soil type guide to assess your garden conditions.
Seasonal appeal: Select a mix of trees that offer visual interest across different times of year.
All of the trees featured in this list are currently available at Bowhayes Trees and are well-suited to British gardens of all sizes.
These 10 ornamental trees offer a wide variety of sizes, colours, and seasonal features to suit gardens across the UK. Whether you're after spring blossom, architectural form, or autumn colour, there's something here for every garden style.
Dive Deeper into Ornamental Tree Gardening
Explore our full guide to ornamental trees for British gardens, featuring seasonal planting advice, privacy ideas, and care tips for every garden size.
FAQs
Which ornamental trees are best for small gardens?
Look for ornamental tree species that naturally stay compact or respond well to pruning. Suitable groups include Malus (crab apples), Syringa (dwarf lilacs), and Amelanchier species. These offer seasonal blossom, autumn colour, and neat growth habits perfect for smaller spaces.
What ornamental trees are best for autumn colour?
When is the best time to plant ornamental trees?
Are ornamental trees good for wildlife?
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