Willow

Magnolias are among the most spectacular flowering trees, producing large, sculptural blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple, often before the leaves appear in spring. The effect of a magnolia in full bloom is breathtaking — it's one of the great sights in the British garden. However, the early flowers are vulnerable to late frost, so choose a sheltered, north or west-facing position where the buds won't be damaged by early morning sun on frosty mornings (rapid thawing causes more damage than the frost itself). M. stellata is the best choice for smaller gardens — compact, slow-growing, and reliably flowering. M. × soulangeana is the classic large garden magnolia with goblet-shaped pink-and-white flowers. They prefer neutral to acid soil and dislike chalk. Magnolias resent pruning and have fleshy roots that dislike disturbance, so plant in their permanent position as young as possible. They're slow to establish but worth every year of patience.

Eucalyptus gunnii (cider gum) is the hardiest eucalyptus species commonly grown in the UK, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C once established. Its round, silver-blue juvenile leaves are hugely popular in flower arranging, and the aromatic foliage releases a clean, medicinal scent when crushed. Left unpruned, it grows rapidly into a tall tree (10–15 metres or more), but it responds brilliantly to coppicing — cut to near ground level each spring, it regrows with a constant supply of the prized juvenile foliage on manageable stems. This also prevents the less attractive elongated adult leaves from forming. Young trees need staking, as the combination of a shallow root system and top-heavy canopy makes them vulnerable to wind rock. They prefer well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil and a sheltered position, especially in their first few winters. The peeling bark on mature trunks is attractive in its own right. Be aware that eucalyptus leaves contain oils that can suppress the growth of nearby plants — avoid planting too close to vegetable beds.

Ornamental cherry trees produce the most spectacular spring displays in the British landscape — their branches smothered in clouds of pink or white blossom that last for 2–3 magical weeks. 'Kanzan' is the classic avenue cherry with double pink flowers; 'Yoshino' (Prunus × yedoensis) is the ethereal pale pink variety of Japanese hanami festivals; 'Tai-Haku' (Great White Cherry) has the largest flowers of any cherry. For smaller gardens, 'Amanogawa' is a narrow, columnar variety that fits into the tightest spaces. Most ornamental cherries are relatively small trees (6–10 metres) and grow well in any reasonable soil. Plant bare-root trees between November and March. They need minimal pruning — in fact, avoid pruning if possible, as cherries are susceptible to silver leaf disease and bacterial canker entering through wounds. If pruning is essential, do it in midsummer when the risk of infection is lowest. Some varieties also offer good autumn colour and attractive bark.

Japanese maples are among the most elegant small trees for UK gardens, prized for their delicate, deeply-lobed foliage that provides a constantly changing display from spring to autumn. The spring leaves unfurl in shades of fresh green, red, or bronze; summer brings a canopy of gracefully layered branches; and in autumn the foliage ignites in spectacular crimsons, scarlets, oranges, and golds. There are hundreds of varieties — 'Atropurpureum' has deep purple foliage throughout summer; 'Osakazuki' is widely considered to have the best autumn colour of any tree; 'Dissectum' varieties have finely cut, lace-like leaves and a graceful, cascading habit. They're surprisingly easy to grow: provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts (which can scorch young leaves), partial shade in the hottest part of the day, and moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. They're superb in containers, where their form can be appreciated up close. Minimal pruning needed — remove dead wood and crossing branches in winter.