To find the trees best suited to the urban environment, Edward Scanlon planted more than 100 different species and cultivars and monitored their success over a 10-year period. Those that were most successful were grown on specifically for urban use; his ‘Tailored Trees’.
Hillier Trees continues the historical work of Scanlon, cultivating trees for specifiers looking to plant in modern urban landscapes.
Acer x freemanii ‘Armstrong’ - a cultivar of Acer x freemanii developed by Edward Scanlon with a more narrow, columnar canopy. The unusually upright tree can reach 15-20 metres in height, but retains a slim 3 metre width, making it ideal for urban locations and roadside planting where space is at a premium.
Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ - Scanlon developed Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ in the 1950s. It is one of the most planted varieties in urban locations across Europe and America. This is a tree that establishes well in all soil types and tolerates harsh urban conditions and pollution. P. ‘Chanticleer’ exhibits a slim, upright canopy.
Tilia cordata ‘Rancho’ - This small cultivar of lime tree, selected by Edward Scanlon in the 1960s, is proven to succeed in urban locations, particular in avenue and boulevard planting. It is tolerant of drought periods and prospers in challenging urban locations.
Meanwhile, Johnsons of Whixley has named its top six introductions for 2020: Senicio ‘Angel Wings’, Agapanthus ‘Polar Ice’, Yucca ‘Gold Sword’, Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’, Astrantia ‘Pink Pride’ and Leaucothoe ‘Burning Love’.
Wyevale Nurseries' top five plants for 2020 are: Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’, the Potentilla Double Punch Collection, Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’, Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ and Raspberry ‘Yummy.
