If you’re casting your eyes around for something different for the garden why not plant an ornamental tree? Don’t let the word ‘tree’ put you off here. We’re not talking about a mighty oak but rather a tree which is more manageable and compact. But no less impressive and which will make an amazing feature for your garden without overpowering it.

Ornamental trees are a real statement piece. They bring height and structure to the border and will of course create a wonderful focal point. At Direct Plants we always have lots of ornamental trees in stock and we thought we’d share with you five of the most popular choices with our customers. Including one or two that definitely come under the ‘different’ category for when you're thinking about planting a tree.

Rhus Typhina - stag's horn sumach

We’ll start with a bang. This stag horn sumach is stunning. If you want to plant an ornamental tree and make an impact Rhus Typhina is for you. This tree will put on a show all year round. In summer it produces richly coloured red flowers and in autumn the distinctive green foliage turns luscious red and orange. This tree or shrub is the perfect addition to any planting scheme. If you’ve got a gap in the border fill it with this wonderful specimen.

Weeping Cotoneaster

Always a firm favourite and a very familiar name to many hobbyist gardeners. This small tree is actually part of the rose family and looks amazing. It can grow to around eight feet tall but you can of course prune it to keep smaller if you wish. It can even be grown in a container on the patio. An evergreen tree it has very glossy green leaves but produces lovely white flowers in summer and attractive clusters of red berries in the autumn. The Cotoneaster is a fully hardy tree which is easy to maintain and ideal for even the most novice of gardeners.

Liquidambar Styraciflua

You will get so many comments if you plant this tree in your garden. Also known as American sweetgum - which is just such a fantastic name - this deciduous tree is, unsurprisingly, a native of North America as well as Central America and Mexico. Despite its exotic lineage Liquidambar Styraciflua is equally at home in British gardens and will thrive in almost any soil. This striking ornamental tree has glossy green foliage which turns beautiful shades of red or purple in autumn. Perfect for any garden it can reach 15 feet but you can top it out at any desired height.

Himalayan Birch

Very different from the ornamental trees we’ve discussed above. Betula Jacquemontii, or white stem Himalayan birch, is attractive because of its bark rather than foliage or flowers. Nevertheless, this tree really does look incredible when it's mature. The tree stands very upright and its white bark really draws the eye. These trees are fast growing and can reach heights of 30 feet so you do need to keep them under control. But a very easy to grow tree which really makes a statement.

Cordyline Australis

Last but by no means least this green palm plant will bring a real touch of tropical wonder to any garden. It still surprises many to learn that some palms, like this one, are fully UK hardy. This Cordyline Green will flourish in British gardens and can grow up to 10 feet tall with a thick trunk. Its long, smooth green leaves make a wonderful display and you can choose to grow this tree in the border or a pot on the patio. A lovely, versatile, and unusual tree for the garden.

Direct Plants always have a large selection of ornamental trees in stock. You can see them here or email us at sales@directplants.co.uk if you need any further information, advice or guidance.