A well-chosen tree can transform your garden, adding height, structure, and a stunning focal point. Whether you’re drawn to Mediterranean elegance, soft cascading textures, or crisp architectural forms, the right tree will shape your outdoor space for years to come.
Here, we explore five exceptional choices—Silk Tree, Olive Tree, Tamarisk ‘Pink Cascade’, Magnolia Grandiflora, and Espalier Hornbeam—each offering colour and seasonal beauty to enhance your outdoor space. If you’re searching for the best trees for UK gardens, these selections provide style, impact, and a touch of timeless charm.
Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) – Exotic Elegance with a Soft Touch
For those who love dreamy, ethereal foliage, the Silk Tree is a must-have. Its feathery, mimosa-like leaves create a delicate, layered effect, while its fluffy pink flowers in late summer add a truly exotic charm. A deciduous tree the Silk Tree comes into its own in the spring summer season.
• Impact: Light, airy canopy perfect for dappled shade in seating areas.
• Companion plants: Pair with lavender, salvias, and ornamental grasses for a soft, Mediterranean-inspired look.
• Care: Thrives in well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered spot.
Olive Tree (Olea europaea) – Mediterranean Style, Year-Round Appeal
Nothing says Mediterranean garden quite like an olive tree. With its silvery-green foliage, gnarled trunk, and drought tolerance, it’s the perfect choice for both contemporary and classic gardens.
• Impact: Timeless, sculptural beauty that works well in pots or as a statement tree.
• Companion plants: Complement with rosemary, agapanthus, and bay trees for a cohesive Mediterranean scheme.
• Care: Needs free-draining soil, full sun, and occasional pruning for shape.
Tamarisk ‘Pink Cascade’ (Tamarix ramosissima) – A Soft and Flowing Showstopper
Looking for something more romantic and wild? Tamarisk ‘Pink Cascade’ offers cascading pink flowers on arching branches, bringing movement and softness to gardens. It thrives in coastal and exposed areas, making it ideal for windswept landscapes. A deciduous tree the Tamarisk ‘pink cascade’ comes into its own in the spring summer season.
• Impact: Light, wispy foliage that softens garden edges beautifully.
• Companion plants: Works well alongside sea hollies, sedums, and hardy geraniums.
• Care: Best planted in full sun with well-drained soil; tolerates salty air.
Magnolia Grandiflora – A Tree of Incredible Beauty and Fragrance
For pure elegance and sensory delight, Magnolia Grandiflora is a spectacular choice. This evergreen magnolia boasts huge, creamy-white flowers with a sweet, citrus-like fragrance. The flowers, which appear in late summer, contrast beautifully against its glossy green leaves, which take on bronze hues in winter.
• Impact: A statement tree with dramatic blooms and an extraordinary scent.
• Companion plants: Underplant with ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas to create a layered, lush display.
• Care: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in sun or partial shade.
Espalier Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) – Classic Structure with a Contemporary Twist
For formal gardens and privacy screening, espalier-trained hornbeam is unbeatable. Its neatly tiered branches create a stunning living wall, offering seasonal interest with golden autumn foliage and crisp, architectural lines.
• Impact: Adds structure to garden borders and creates a natural screen.
• Companion plants: Underplant with hostas, ferns, and alliums for contrast and texture.
• Care: Low-maintenance; prune twice a year to maintain its form.
Mediterranean Palette – A Garden That Feels Like a Holiday
By combining silvery greens, soft pinks, and bold sculptural forms, you can create a garden that feels effortlessly Mediterranean—even in the UK! Use gravel pathways, terracotta pots, and natural stone to enhance the theme.
If you’re looking for the best trees for UK gardens, these selections offer timeless beauty, structure, and year-round interest.
Your Dream Garden Starts Here
Whether you love the romantic cascades of Tamarisk, the scented blooms of Magnolia Grandiflora, or the sculptural charm of an Olive Tree, these trees provide style and impact for UK gardens.
What are the best trees for UK gardens?
Browse our collection today and bring Mediterranean beauty to your outdoor space!
