Mount Pleasant Farm and Forestry ( Geoffs Trees) stock list of normal sized trees currently up to about 3 metres high .

Although this list has been recently updated please e mail me and I shall send the latest version which may be a little different:( and is easier to read) glmpff@gmail.com. Nov 2024.

The above photo is of my newly discovered tree Platanus orientalis’Rockhampton Autumn Red’ Photographed Oct 2023

Please Note that I do not deliver and cannot arrange delivery of any of our trees. Mount Pleasant Farm and Forestry, Rockhampton, Nr Thornbury, Glos. GL13 9DU. (No visitors without appointment please) Geoffs Tree List. www.gltrees.co.uk

Stock list of normal sized trees currently up to about 3 metres high ( Snowdrops also supplied during the month of February only.)

E mails are much preferred but you can telephone G.Locke 01454 260111 Preferably between 6pm and 8pm. I have been a large scale grower of trees for 40 years. But am now selling a limited select range of trees in semi-retirement. These trees I grow complement the range of trees sold by our son at mountpleasanttrees.com Every tree I sell is grown here. I use no composts which include peat.

List of Rare ,Unusual, and Common Trees available 2024 Season

Please Note. Since the vast majority of the trees and shrubs I sell are freshly dug from the open ground it is therefore only possible to sell them from Nov. until mid- late March ( or exceptionally a few until mid April. Approximate heights are shown in centimetres. When no prices are listed please ask me. Prices and sizes should be taken as a fairly accurate guide, smaller specimens if available are normally cheaper. All the trees in this first list can be lifted by one person and most will fit into cars, anything longer than 320cm will either need to be beheaded, or pollarded ( not at all a bad thing, since newly pollarded or heavily pruned trees usually transplant better than ones that have been transplanted as dug) or you will need a long van, truck or trailer. The big heavy trees cannot be loaded into vans . Almost all the trees will be supplied bare rooted although a few may be popped into pots for ease of handling. All are grown here and freshly dug. I use no peat on the nursery. Some of my trees can be purchased from our son at Mount Pleasant Trees ( see their web site mountpleasanttrees.com) for details of their own extensive stock and opening hours), note that at present his list is only active on his website between October and May. Our son Tom will dig and prepare them on our behalf, many however I need to select and dig myself and for these longer notice of your requirements is usually required. Any of the trees in this list can be purchased directly from me and I may be available when our son is not, however I am quite often not at the farm and if customers want to deal with me directly they would have to time their visit to fit in with my availability. The 2 businesses are run from our farm but are completely separate and orders with Mount Pleasant Trees need to be discussed and placed directly with our son. Note that the Special Deal prices for example “3 for £…” or any other discounted deals will only apply if purchased directly from me. A number of the rarer plants I grow are propagated by layering, this is a generally slower and more expensive process than grafting or budding but is much better for some plants which otherwise have a strong urge to send up rootstock suckers or have weak graft unions. Such layered plants are very rarely grown in the trade because of the much higher cost of production. In many cases only a few of each tree listed are available. Note that I am winding down this business towards full retirement from tree selling in the next year or two. For fuller descriptions of the vast majority of the trees and shrubs I offer see: The Hillier Manual of trees and shrubs Ninth edition 2019. An excellent source of much additional information is the amazing International Dendrology Society (IDS) sponsored on line free to access website. “Trees and Shrubs online.” This is the most up to date information written by experts in each section. ( It is based on the rather out of date standard comprehensive reference books by Bean and will eventually be revised to cover all trees and shrubs) You do not have to be a member of the IDS to access the information. Several sections of this superb resource have been written by Dr Owen Johnson, . See further information about him at the end of this list. See also references to other books at the end of the list I have plenty of experience of successful tree planting on a variety of sites we own. I have personally planted several thousand of trees on our land here in South Glos, in Mid Wales ( near Lampeter) ; North Wales, and smaller numbers in South East France. I manage and maintain all these trees, the biggest of which are now about 100ft high. Over 35 years I have sold over ten million trees and planted about 100,000 for ourselves, trees raised by me are now in many of the most famous British arboreta and collections.

In addition to this list I have a few hundred young trees and also hedging ( Field maple, Hawthorn, Spindle, Hazel, Birch, Oak, Cherry, Viburnums, etc )
Those plants are mainly 2 to 3 ft high. Common hedge and other species are priced at about £22.00 per Ten or £3.00- £5.00 each with possibly discounts for larger quantities. Less common species, larger ones or ones which are more difficult for me to propagate are about £6.00 -£12.00 each depending on size. These are grown at wide spacing so are bushier and with bigger roots than normal hedging or forestry plants which are grown very close together in rows. Mount Pleasant Trees, which is now our sons business, is a separate business to mine, he has a much wider range of hedging species, and in much greater numbers than me.( he is also NOT retiring anytime soon!) See mountpleasanttrees.com. He also has extensive stock of many popular ornamental and other tree species

Trees and shrubs I highlight this year. 2024 favourite Eight. See more details of these in the following list.

Rhododendron luteum,( deciduous azalea) an outstanding vigorous deciduous shrub with wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers ( other coloured forms are available) . Easier to grow than evergreen rhododendrons and less demanding of an acid or neutral soil Paulownia tomentosa. Very fast growing and within a few years pale violet flowers with a strong smell of violets ,also good for cut flowers for indoors. Platanus orientalis ‘Rockhampton Autumn Red’. A brand new introduction to horticulture by me this year. Unique among Planes available in the Northern hemisphere, having bright red leaves in autumn on well established trees. ( see photo on my website gltrees.co.uk) Quercus canariensis- See the description in the following section, our parent tree is an outstanding specimen and much admired Common Hawthorn (as a specimen tree) So characterful and easy to grow, beautiful flowers and fruit and great for wildlife and a very good mistletoe host. Magnolia kobus- Easy tree growing form of magnolia with profuse white blossoms, tolerant of alkaline soils Zelcova carpinifolia- Wonderful easily grown tough tree, 2 types available True Firs- Abies species, Several different species of these most attractive tough drought tolerant species, always grow very symmetrically and have luxuriant needles and large upright cones. I particularly sell the species that thrive on heavy alkaline soils.

Acer campestre-Wonderful gold autumn colours and one of the easiest trees to grow in almost any soil. very nice sturdy strongly rooted specimens 150-180 £15.00 ; 200-240 £24.00 ;260-350 £38.00 Acer campestre ‘Rockhampton Gold’. An excellent form which was discovered here many years ago and which has bright gold young foliage which darkens somewhat over time. It does not burn in full sun. Grows with the same habit and at a similar rate to the normal species. Possibly for sale next season. Acer cappadocium ‘Aureum’ A stunning large growing maple 300cm £58.00 and one smaller Acer opalus- Italian maple, available in autumn 2025 Acer platanoides 3.0m, one with leaves which are tinged purple in summer. £37.00 Aesculus pink flowering form 3.5 metres £50.00 Aesculus indica 60cm £14.00 Aesculus neglecta Autumn Fire Aesculus parviflora 1.2m £22.00 Aesculus turbinata Japanese horse chestnut,very rare. 60cm £16.00 Alnus incana Aurea- Golden leaved grey alder. A wonderful form of alder with yellow leaves and pink/red catkins in spring. Less vigorous than other forms of grey alder so suitable for small spaces 1.5m £32.00 ,also bigger £35.00 Alnus incana ‘Laciniata’, The very attractive form of the cut leaved grey alder, this is the toughest and most easily grown of all alders. It will grow very well even in dry soils. The feathery cut leaves and shape of the tree are rather like a silver birch. Faster and more easily grown than the cut leaved common alder. 2-2.5 metres £29.00 Alnus incana ‘Pendula’ Weeping grey alder, Very rare, most attractive healthy growing tree which will grow well in wet or dry soils. grown from layers. Only one or two 2.0metres £38.00 and one bigger. Betula pendula and Betula pubescens, Silver birch Various sizes from 3 to 4.0m. from £24.00 to £55.00 ( very bendy so will fit into most larger cars Carpinus betulus -240 cm £28.00 a few larger but still manageable in a car. Carpinus betulus ‘Rockhampton Red’ (Grown on own roots by layering) Perfect for normal bonsai specimens or giant outdoor bonsai planted in the ground 180- 240cm and considerably taller. From £65.00 Carpinus caroliniana , A species that has good orange and red autumn colours ( unfoprtunately only for a few days) but this species never grows as big or as vigorously as Carpinus betulus 8ft £49.00 Catalpa bignonoides Indian bean tree , stunning large leaves and fragrant white flowers 3metres+ £36.00 Chaenomeles Texas Red, One of the best red/orange varieties, of flowering age 60-80 bushy £ 11.00 Clerodendrum bungei, This is the more showy of the common species but never grows very tall, 2m or so maximum, it has showy pink fragrant flowers in early autumn. 60-80 suckers dug to order Clerodendrum trichotomum This grows into a small tree with pink fragrant flowers in early autumn suckers dug to order 150 -180 Cormus domestica- True Service -see Sorbus domestica Cornus alba ‘Aurea’ I think this is the most lovely form of Cornus alba, it is a strong and healthy grower. 90-120 just one or two £15.00 Cornus kousa ‘Rockhampton’ - A very special form which is completely evergreen in normal winters, like the normal form it has large showy creamy white flowers and abundant large red tasty fruits. Grows very well and healthily in our limy soil. None this year Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’. Multistem shrub with Wonderful yellow/orange/red stems and attractive leaves, not too vigorous 45-60 , £9.00, 3 for £20.00 also larger specimens Corylus avellana Very sturdy specimen shrubs 120-150 £12.00; 180-£26-£39 also larger specimens too big for car transport l Corylus avellana Contorta, grown from layering, one huge 35 year old specimen much too big and heavy to lift by hand 2 metres + and bushy £350.00. weight approx. 200kg Sold Corylus colurna Turkish hazel, a wonderful proper single stem tree, growing in a very symmetrical pyramidal shape up to about 50ft. Grown from seed collected from the beautiful trees planted in the square adjacent to Cardiff millennium stadium 180-220 cm £28.00 also one or two larger. Corylus x colurna The hybrid Turkish hazel, often has larger edible nuts 240cm £35.00 also one much larger needing large vehicle Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’, Purple leaved filbert grown from layers.90- 120cm £16.00 or slightly smaller ones at 3 for £30.00 ( at this price they could be affordable to plant in a native type hedge to add interest) also considerably larger ones @ £25.00 and also much bigger ones too big for car transport Corylus x Te Terra Red, Like a tree or very large shrub growing form of the above, one of the parents of this hybrid is Turkish hazel 2-3 metres £35 only a couple left Corylus x vilmorinii, A selection of Corylus chinensis with wonderful extremely long catkins Propagation in course for 2025/2026 Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ a couple of specimens about 1.5 metre high £18.00 each Cotoneaster horizontalis -90+ spread, very well established plants. Excellent for stabilising and covering banks or against walls. Very good source of nectar and pollen for bees £16.00 also some smaller plants. Big discounts on 5+ plants also a few huge plants Cotoneaster microphyllus A vigorous evergreen ground cover shrub, very drought resistant like cotoneaster horizontalis 30-40 cm £7.00, discounts on quantity, also a few huge plants Crataegus monogyna. Common hawthorn -200cm + sturdy specimens £29.00. and a few smaller ones 150-cm at £16.00 , (one of the best small trees for hosting mistletoe) and also a very good range of larger specimens, too big for cars all sizes up to 40 years old. Cydonia oblonga. True Quince- small plants

Davidia involucrata. Dove Treee,Handkerchief tree . This wonderful, connoisseur’s tree grows quite fast into a dome shaped medium sized tree with luxuriant foliage and then the superb white bracts after a few years. To grow well it needs a soil which does not become too dry in average summers. -4 metres £135.00 very sturdy about 9 years old so beyond the stage where they can be severely cut back by late frosts. Most are too big and rigid to go into most cars. Also bigger sturdier specimens from £175.00. Enkianthus c. Euonymous europeaus. Spindleberry This native thrives in the almost all soils and has reliable wonderful red autumn colours with pink fruits. If untrimmed makes a very large shrub or small tree 90cm £5.00, 3 for £12.00 and a few very big ones some of which are too big for cars Fagus sylvatica 2 or 3 nice specimens about 3 metres high Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ Fig In my experience the best fruiting fig for the U.K. We get very many large delicious figs ( much better than almost all shop bought ones) most years from our trees. Most of the larger specimens we offer have borne fruit already 120-150 most are bushy specimens £30.00; and-60 cm £16.00, or 3 for £30.00 Also some extra large specimens of fruiting varieties some of which are of French origin about 2m + and bushy from £50.00 Ficus carica Deeply cut leaved form -90-120cm £24.00, 2 for £30.00 Goji berry- vigorous easily grown from £5.00 Heptacodium micionoides, easily grown large Chinese shrub with attractive leaves and profuse white fragrant flowers in autumn 150-180 cm + £33.00 a few smaller ones, 60cm £16.00 Hydrangea aspera Sargentiana- A very vigorous and large growing form with large hairy glaucous leaves and very large pale blue flower heads ( blue flowers and grows well on our heavy limey soil) I bought my parent plant from my friend and very knowledgable plantsman\ collector Nick Macer at Pan Global Plants, just up the Severn about 25 mins from here. Hydrangea petiolaris. ( more correctly Hydrangea anomola Petiolaris) A most attractive and adaptable climbing shrub which can be grown on north facing or shady walls. Can also be grown as a most characterful and attractive free standing shrub ( with a stake for initial support) or as ground cover. Fragrant white flowers in summer. Strong plants 40-60cm spread, £ 16.00, 2 for £20.00, also a few larger ones £20.00.

Ilex aquifolium, Common Holly. Large very sturdy specimens about 90-120 cm high £14.00-£29.00 each ( also about 10 off 6ft specimens available.) Jasmine, Golden variegated form of common jasmine, still with good vigour and flowers well. Well established bushy plants 1.5 m high £16.00 . Juglans nigra, Black walnut, even easier to grow than common walnut( and slightly faster), timber very good quality. Profuse (hard to crack) nuts after a few years 100-120 £12.00 also a few larger ones. We manage to get a large proportion of the nuts before the squirrels carry them off.. Squirrels do not take the nuts nearly as readily as common walnut, perhaps because the green outer husk smells of citrus Our 30 year old tree has more than a thousand nuts almost every year. Juglans regia Common walnut just a few up to about 200cm £29.00. Like black walnut this species tolerates droughts very well Juglans regia x nigra -Hybrid seedlings perhaps available next season Laburnum anagyroides very sturdy, specimens of flowering age 240-300+ £29.00- £45.00 Laurus nobilis Common bay. Almost the only shrub I have found to be unattractive to deer, the fallow and muntjac never touch it here, also extremely drought resistant. 60-100 cm prices from £9.50-£18.00. If grown in the ground it will survive temperatures of -15C but the smaller branches may be killed but the plants will recover.

Leycesteria formosa. Pheasant berry. Very vigorous and easily grown medium sized shrub which has red “flowers” from June to Oct , followed by red berries. 60cm-80 £13.00; 3 for £30.00 Lonicera nitida fast growing substitute for box, I offer the best cultivar. prices from £13.00 for good big sturdy specimens ( smaller ones cheaper) and also a very few of the golden form ‘Bagessens Gold’ Lonicera pileata. Excellent evergreen ground cover , a few big very well established specimens and a few smaller, also sometimes used as a substitute for box. From £2.50 Magnolia campbellii 3 metres + £75.00 Magnolia Heaven Scent 180-240 Magnolia Leonard Messel 150+ Magnolia kobus Fast growing Large shrub or small tree. Grows very well in the limy soil here and very good profuse white flowers after a few years. This is the magnolia from which the smaller much slower growing cultivar Stellata was selected. One of the easiest and toughest magnolias to grow . Also one of the most beautiful. Grows in a tidy strong upright manner quickly forming a beautiful small tree 200-220cm £34.00 and larger specimens at £45.00 Malus- Crab apple also MM106 about 2 metres at £15.00 each Malus ‘Morgan Sweet’ a highly regarded very early excellent Cooking apple, although much better known as a cider or desert apple. 2 metres £19.00 Malus Florentina, available next season Mistletoe- Growing on Poplars, some are rooted plants and others are giant unrooted cuttings ( about 2 metres or more) with mistletoe established on them. Can also supply unrooted sets of Poplar Beaupre which is a very fast growing hybrid poplar and is one of the most attractive hosts for mistletoe and is quickest to become populated. Also some huge mature apple trees with mistletoe from £250 each. Note mistletoe often spreads within a tree by sub bark “roots” so can spread within a tree by this means. Mistletoe growing on Common Hawthorn young trees about 1.8 metres high with small tufts of mistletoe growing on them £45.00-£65.00 Mistletoe growing on Apple Ashmeads Kernel, A delicious prolific crisp desert apple with small tufts of mistletoe thereon. From £25.00 30+ year old Crataegus prunifolia with Mistletoe growing on it. Also on a Crataegus orientalis Morus alba.- White mulberry. Much faster and more easily grown than black mulberry 240cm £27.00 and larger Morus nigra- Black Mulberry. Wonderful tree but difficult to establish ,especially if the soil is heavy and stays very wet in winter ( easy and fairly quick growing once established especially in good free draining soils). Our trees are grown from the most common British clone which is typical of the old famous trees in the U.K.. This clone is sometimes given somewhat misleading names such as King James etc, I believe most of the old famous trees are all of this same clone, which is the one I sell. Difficult for nurserymen to grow and therefore relatively expensive. I have a few most years. Quite a lot of the Morus nigra sold in garden centres and some nurseries are of Dutch origin and these have proved even more difficult to grow and in my opinion should be avoided. Most of them are of a different clone to our ancient heritage trees. Morus nigra, Black Mulberry, About 4-5ft, propagated by me from a heritage London Tree. £45.00 Myrtus apiculata (Luma apiculata) A few large specimens 1metre plus from £35.00 and some young ones potted this autumn, 30-40 cm £15.00.also larger potted ones £20.00. This is a very hardy species of myrtle and one of the most attractive growing, if not trimmed will grow into a small tree with super flaking creamy white bark. Ours is 20ft high and has been undamaged by frosts of below -10C, profuse white flowers followed by (just) edible black berries. Myrtus ugni (Ugni molinae). Rare small and slow growing myrtle with fragrant flowers and very tasty pink/ red fruits. A real delight 15-20 cm potted this autumn £15.00 not very hardy Nothofagus obliqua, Southern beech A few plants about 180cm £22.00 Paulownia tomentosa. Foxglove tree. Very fast growing tree with enormous leaves when young. Beautiful blue/lilac flowers in May. The flowers which smell of violets are borne when the tree is only a few years old. Although initially looking like a branchless pole the young trees soon develop a broad spreading canopy. Ideally plant so that the flowers can be best appreciated against a green background, not against the sky. The fragrant flowers are very good for cutting for the house too. 1.5-2m £24.00.; 1 metre £16.00 and a few 2m+ Parthenocissus- Virginia creepers, 3 or 4 species available, Virginia creeper, Boston Ivy and Henryana. Parrotia persica Persian Ironwood. This is one of my favourite trees ( or large shrubs) It is very easy to grow and thrives in limy soils. Very drought tolerant when established. The common species is marvellous having a wonderful shape, with flaking bark and superb autumn colours and some of the cultivars are arguably even better. It can be pruned into almost any shape required. Big sturdy very heavy specimens, some multistem 180-270 £ 55-75 also larger sizes Parrotia persica ‘Bella’. A more upright growing form with red edged young leaves, which like almost all Parrotias turn wonderful pink, orange and red in autumn 2metres £60.00 and larger Parrotia persica ‘Felice’ Parrotia persica ‘Jodrell Bank’ 6ft £70.00 Parrotia persica ‘Pyramidalis’ Parrotia persica ‘Persian Spire’. A recent new variety which is much more compact growing than the usual varieties and has smaller leaves. Grows in a neat upright manner. 180cm + £70.00 Parrotia persica ‘Tortworth’ Court A form which grows in a narrowish tree like manner, yellow leaves in Autumn, no reds or oranges Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ A highly sought after form with multiple upright trunks ( can be pruned to a single) 240cm from £75 Philadelphus Virginal and another cultivar oricinating in France large vigorous shrub with wonderfully fragrant white flowers in Summer 150cm £19.00 Platanus x hispanica- a vigorous and healthy growing clone of London Plane 90cm £15.00 Platanus x hispanica Suttneri A very rare form of London plane which has white splashed leaves the trees also have exceptionally white bark, a good robust grower 200cm £45.00 and a few smaller at £25.00 Platanus orientalis ‘Rockhampton Autumn Red’. Rockhampton Oriental plane. Brand new , released to the market for the first time in 2023, discovered here, unique and only available from me. Offered for sale for the first time after over 20 years of trialling this cultivar discovered here about 30 years ago. The unique feature is that from early October the leaves start to develop bright red and orange colours and it is normally stunning by late Autumn. In other respects it looks and grows just like the common species and my original parent tree grown from seed over 30 years ago is a very fine specimen. ( other younger trees of ten years of age and more that I have vegetatively propagated from the original parent also show the fiery red autumn colours). Today (25 October 2024) the red colours are already very good on the semi mature trees and the colours will spread to more of the leaves and intensify in the next 2 or 3 weeks. They were indeed really spectacular from late October until mid November 2023 and many photographs were taken of them by tree enthusiasts from near and far. There is an illustration of the autumn colour of the leaves on the home page of our sons website. www.mountpleasanttrees.com. (Photo with blue sky background) The young trees offered for sale are propagated vegetatively, mainly from layers. Like the normal Oriental plane it is fast growing and will grow into a large tree. Oriental plane is in my opinion more attractive than the more common hybrid London Plane and this new cultivar is really outstanding. So far the bark on the parent tree is rough and somewhat burry with no flaking which is the normal case with most clones of London Plane. Very young trees of this cultivar can , like all Oriental planes be damaged by early autumn and late spring frosts but as they grow older and taller ( more than about 2 metres high) such damage is normally insignificant. Severe frosts in mid winter cause no damage. 150-180cm £37.00 a very few smaller ones available. One semi mature at £350.00 It should be noted that some years ago a probably similar cultivar was discovered and marketed in the southern hemisphere and has been planted in Australia and probably New Zealand. Because of import restrictions it may never make it to the U.K. and in any case it is probably little different to this home grown variant.

Platanus orientalis ‘Digitata’. An especially attractive and more deeply cut leaved and sought after form of the above 200-240 £35.00
Platanus x orientalis ‘Mirkovec’, A very rare and attractive cultivar which only grows into a large shrub, it has deep red leaves from late summer. In mature specimens the leaves are a lot smaller than common Planes. Slow growing, possibly ideally suited to bonsai or for growing in place of Japanese maple where soil is too dry or the position unsuitable for Japanese maples. It develops peeling bark 90cm £29.00 also a few smaller

POPLARS- I have a fairly wide range of poplars which can be supplied as unrooted cuttings or sets. Note that Aspen and Grey Poplar cannot be grown from hardwood cuttings and a few others only with great difficulty. See the entry under Salix ,Willows which details prices of unrooted cuttings and sets of some of the hybrid poplars I sell. Populus alba, various clones available and also the very vigorous hybrid, P. alba x grandidentata Populus canadensis Aurea- medium sized tree with golden leaves, does not sucker 120 cm £12.00., a few larger specimens. Populus canescens- A hybrid poplar which looks like a giant white poplar, it is extremely fast growing, drought resistant and grows huge. It has a natural looking outline and fits in well with the British landscape. Young trees dug from suckers £20.00 for 3 (cannot be grown from hardwood cuttings) Populus maximowiczii. A very rare medium sized poplar but definitely one of the most beautiful, very healthy growing, normally no suckers. The leaves emerge very early ( but surprisingly escape spring frost damage) a beautiful light green. The tree has a broad spreading habit. The clone we offer is a female( I don’t think the male is in cultivation) 240cm £38.00, one of my favourite trees. Also available as unrooted cuttings.

Populus nigra betulifolia Native Black Poplar The true original poplar which was once common on low lying ground across much of the UK, wild large specimens are now very rare. Grows into a huge tree with arching branches. Not as fast growing as most of the commercial hybrid poplars but healthier growing and much more drought resistant. A wonderful tree for planting in the Severn Vale. Many Years ago I took the presenters of BBC “Countryfile” to see some of the splendid specimens in the area. “Gardeners World” also visited my nursery to look at the trees we were propagating back in 1998. Extra large sturdy unrooted sets 7-9ft long £9.00 each, £55.00 per ten. Populus purdomii Populus simonii ( Fastigiata)

Populus szechuanica Tibetica Fast growing upright tree. Very large leaves like pop. Lasiocarpa but glossy and with red petioles, it is grown on its own roots so does not sucker like pop. Lasiocarpa usually does when grafted,-300cm+ and as unrooted sets
Populus TxT 32 The best balsam scented poplar, grows very fast and big into a fairly narrow healthy tree generally with none of the troublesome suckering of other balsam poplars. Populus tremula, Aspen. Thrives and develops into thickets by suckering in almost any soil. 140-180cm £15.00, 3 for £29.00 Populus tremula ‘Fastigiata’ Rare bizarrely narrow growing tree, remarkable looking 2 metres £26.00 and larger specimens Populus tremula ‘Pendula’ Weeping aspen, quite rare, grown on its own roots. It will very quickly grow into a striking broad weeping tree, good for moist ground . 180cm, £34.00 Populus yunnanensis Prunus avium Wild cherry, beautiful very fast growing tree. Resistant to squirrel damage, 250cm -300 £28.00, and some smaller from £5.00 Prunus laurocerasus Latifolia ( syn. Macrophylla, Magnoliafolia) The largest leaved laurel, even more bold and vigorous than common form. Also a few of the common form up to about 150cm Prunus lusitanica Portugal laurel. Fast growing with dark green leaves and blends in with the countryside much better than common laurel ( it is only slightly slower growing than common laurel) and makes a better and classier hedge or screen. Very sturdy, bushy specimens 150-180 £ 35.00- £75.00 also less bushy ones ideal for planting for screening 1-2 metres £10.00 to £22.00 ALSO freshly dug plants, some with assymetric growth and somewhat assymetric roots 2-3 metres high £22.00 each or £120.00 per ten., despite the sometimes slightly odd shaped plants these will grow perfectly well and within a few years will be beautiful specimens. Also smaller Portugal laurel dug and potted this Autumn 60-90 cm £7.50 each. Prunus lusitanica ‘Azorica’ This choice form of Portugal laurel is rarely seen, it is just as tough and easy to grow as the normal form but is more showy, with lighter green leaves and red petioles, another good specimen evergreen 150cm £38.00 and a few larger
Prunus padus ‘Colorata’ It is a wonderful small tree if grown on its own roots, rather than grafted ( which is the relatively quick and cheap method used by almost all nurseries. All the ones I sell have been grown by layering. This method of propagation eliminates the problem of the very strong root suckering from the common Prunus padus rootstock which is normally used for grafted plants. The Tree has red foliage in spring fading to greenish, In autumn the foliage often becomes bright red again Profuse delicate chains of pink flowers in early April. This is a really delightful delicate looking form of the native common bird cherry. Very tough and easy to grow, will tolerate much more difficult soil conditions than most flowering cherries. The propagation programme for these was started 15 years ago. Like the common bird cherry very easy to grow, any suckers from the roots will of course be delightful like the parent tree. 180-240 cm £29.00 , a few multistem ones @£33.00 Prunus Blaisdon Red Plum. These are a wonderful healthy growing plum which we have grown here for 45 years. Delicious as desert and superb for cooking and jam. We get heavy crops every year . 150-180 £16.00 Prunus spinosa ‘Purpurea’ A spineless (Wonderful!) form with red leaves which maintain a good colour throughout the season but the best feature is the profuse early spring pink blossom. Will naturally grow into a large shrub but can be trained into a tree. A rare shrub which deserves more planting 180-200 £35.00, also 90cm+ @ £25.00. In previous seasons a lot of our stock was bought by the Royal Horticultural Society, via another nursery. I also have a few smaller specimens cheap enough to be planted in a hedge to increase interest. 3 for £30.00

Pterocarya x rehderiana, one or two about 1.5 metres also one P. stenoptera

Quercus canariensis, Algerian Oak. A perfectly hardy beautiful oak with some specimens which hold all of the bright green leaves all winter.( despite its name it does not come from the Canary isles) The leaves are very much like those of common oak but perhaps a bit darker green. (it is a much less sombre looking tree than Holm oak.. It is also significantly faster growing and much easier to establish than Holm oak ( Quercus ilex)) These are grown from acorns from the wonderful specimen tree we have here which we call Quercus canariensis ‘Rockhampton’. This is a very shapely tree and holds its green leaves until just a week or so before new leaves unfold in spring, so it is effectively evergreen ( this is not the case with many specimens of Q. canariensis.. In the past we have tried grafting from this tree but like many grafted oaks, weakness at the graft union is too common. Since these are seed grown they will be somewhat variable but I am confident many will inherit the effectively evergreen beauty of our specimen 120-150cm £26.00; also some larger 180 cm @ £39.00 and smaller ones 60-90 cm @ £14.00 or 3 for £30.00

Quercus cerris- Turkey oak, very fast growing, the favoured oak for building the superstructure of galleons ( it does not splinter into shrapnel when hit by cannon balls) one off 2 metres plus, a few smaller. Quercus robur- Common oak from 150cm high up to large specimens too big to be transported by car from £15.00. Specimens 180cm £25.00 Quercus suber- Cork oak from seed from Grimaud, Southern France. I have grown cork oak here for over 30 years and found them hardy enough to grow ok.60- 90cm £26.00 Roses A few of my favourite varieties, ( some of the parent plants were bought from David Austin Roses) all grown from cuttings, which I think is better. All at £10.00. Also perhaps for next season a single white form of Rosa banksii, very vigorous, healthy growing and fragrant with NO THORNS! And other forms of Rosa banksii Ruscus aculeatus Butchers broom, strong plants from large divided clumps of several different clones. A wonderful very long lived plant of the lily family which will grow even in dry conditions and fairly dense shade. Female plants have persistent red berries 40-60 £17.00 ; 3 for £33.00 also some bigger. Also very resistant to damage and browsing by deer. Rhododendron luteum. Deciduous yellow flowered Azalea,The great feature of this easily grown vigorous shrub is its fabulously fragrant and attractive yellow flowers. It will grow up to about 3 m high and bears flowers when very young. Often the foliage turns glorious shades of red before falling. Cannot be grown on very limey soil although it grows OK here on our limey soil where it is enriched with composted woodchip. 40cm £13.00, a few smaller ones and a few larger. It is said to be an invasive plant and it is not recommended to plant it in areas where only native plants are desired and seeding could possibly be prolific and a nuisance. I have grown many specimens of it for many years in woodlands on acid and neutral soils, it thrives there but self seeding is rare and has never becomes a nuisance.

SALIX-WILLOWS I have a wide range of common and rare species and varieties of willows and can supply unrooted cuttings, and in many cases unrooted sets. (see the list of available species on the mountpleasanttrees.com website. Many of these are most attractive and most can easily and quickly be grown from any size of cuttings. Hybrid poplar cuttings and sets are available at the same prices, varieties available: Beaupre; Balsam Spire (TxT32); Robusta 12” long unrooted cuttings are priced at £4.50 per 5 or £6.50 per ten; £21.00 per 50. PER SPECIES 3ft + long cuttings (Sets) £3.50 each £14.50 per ten PER SPECIES Some of the more vigorous willows and poplars can also be supplied as much bigger sets up to about 5 metres long.

Salix alba Caerulea, Cricket Bat Willow, There has been a big revival in planting this very fast growing tree in recent years. If the soil conditions are right the financial returns from growing these trees can be much higher per acre than from any other farm or forestry crop I know of. For commercial production the trees are grown at fairly wide spacing and can be harvested after 15 to 20 years. The Cricket Bast Willow is just like its parent from which it is derived, the very attractive native white willow, with silvery leaves. Bat willow grows more regular in shape and perhaps even faster than the common white willow. It is well worth planting also for biomass wood fuel, for screening and shelter and as a potentially very large most attractive specimen tree. Shoots from coppiced trees are quite suitable for making larger baskets and woven willow structures Available as selected unrooted sets 3 metres long £10.00 each, £45.00 per 10. Also available as smaller sets and also as 12” cuttings. We grow these in commercial quantities and most are sold to forestry contractors and to one of the larger Cricket bat willow specialists based in Oxfordshire. englishwillow.co.uk, see their excellent website for further information. Cricket bat Willow is I think a very good choice for woodfuel and biomass. It is very healthy and fast growing and not afflicted by aphids that can be very troublesome on some willow varieties used for biomass. It is surprisingly tolerant of drought and grows into a beautiful very large tree. Another big advantaqe of planting Willows like this for biomass is that where deer protection is needed then large unrooted sets can be planted and be used as the stake to support the “ continental fine mesh guard” which is the most economical type of deer guard.

Salix alba Aurea -The rare golden leaved form of white willow, does not burn in sun and a bit slower growing than the common White willow. Salix alba Sericea- An even more silvery or white leaved form of the common White willow, a little slower growing than the very fast normal White willow. Salix exigua Rare and beautiful willow with narrow very silvery leaves, Clump forming and will never get taller than about 4 metres. will grow in dry soils 150cm £12.00 Salix fargesii. Rarely seen compact growing Shrub willow with remarkably attractived stems, buds and leaves Salix magnifica. Magnificent Chinese willow with broad leaves and looks more like a magnolia than a willow. Easy to grow and hardy. Grows as a shrub to about 3 metres high 90cm £ 17.00 Sorbus aria Whitebeam very sturdy 200cm from £35.00 and larger at £65.00 Sorbus aucuparia 2 metres+ Sorbus domestica ( new name Cormus domestica) True Service tree, exceedingly rare native tree which grows wild in this area. I expect to have a few plants of this most interesting, attractive and drought resistant species next season, of both the form which have apple shaped fruits and that which has pear shaped.( I believe that the fruit shape characteristic breeds true) The seeds were collected from a wild population of trees in South East France at fairly high altitude,. In that area the pear shaped fruited tree is much more numerous than the apple shaped. Sorbus torminalis ( new name Torminalis glaberrima) Wild service tree. I have been growing this tree for over 40 years, although generally considered a rare native tree we are lucky that it is quite common as a wild specimen in this area.It is one of my favourite trees. It is an exceptionally adaptable tree , growing well in almost any soil conditions, it will withstand drought and warterlogging. The charity Woodland Heritage are carrying out some very thorough provenance trials to select seed sources which are likely to produce the best quality furniture making timber. ( in mainland Europe it is the most valuable timber that can be grown and in Germany in particular relatively modest size tree trunks have sold for £10,000. A few specimens -100cm + £16.00 and a few bigger at £25.00+
Tetrapanax papyrifera Rex Spectacular easily grown shrub with huge lobed leaves., can be damaged in hard winters but not normally killed. 80cm £16.00 Tilia americana ( monticola) A very attractive large leaved form of the American lime ( quite possibly the most attractive) 7ft £37.00 one only Tilia concinna, An exceedingly rare and attractive Chinese lime, only named a few years ago. Luxuriant foliage and very profuse large flowers. 90cm Sold few more available 2025 Tilia cordata Small leaved lime, a beautiful small batch of well grown trees, the blossom of this tree is most fragrant and probably the best for herbal tea. 180-240 £28.00 also some 90-120cm+ @ £12.00. Tilia platyphyllos 200-300 £25.00-£48.00 also a few 90-120 cm @ £12.00 Tilia platyphyllos ‘Tortuosa. Very rare and interesting form with good vigour 180+ £34.00 Tilia tuan Grown from seed collected here from a specimen of this very rare species collected in the wild in China by Dr Donald Pigott . Being seed grown it may have hybridised with the many species of limes growing here although it does look true 60cm £18.00 A few Other rare Tilia species and cultivars available in ones and twos Viburnum lantana, Wayfaring tree, A few 40-120cm £4-£15.00

Viburnum opulus – Guelder rose . red autumn foliage and red berries 1.5 metres £19.00 and a few 40cm @ £6.00 Viburnum opulus Aureum – A rarely seen, excellent, golden leaved variety of the above, good vigour and does not burn in the sun, profuse red berries like the common form 40cm £11.00, 3 for £24.00. Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’- A few large specimens, I metre+ of this and similar cultivars from £22.00. larger specimens up to 1.8m £35.00 Superb white tiers of flowers and often very good red autumn colours. Viburnum rhytodiphyllum 180cm Viscum album- see Mistletoe Vitis vinifera- good outdoor yellow, sweet white variety of grape which ripens outdoors- £15.00 Vitis vinifera Purpurea. 80cm £14.00 Vitis vinifera Spetchley A vigorous vine the leaves of which turn brilliant red in autumn. A stunning plant in Autumn. Much easier to grow than Vitis cognettii. 80 cm Wisteria sinensis 150cm £14.00 each Wisteria Amethyst Falls- A fairly new and particularly free flowering and less vigorous form. Large specimens 1.5 metres £20 also a few much larger-£40.00 Normally flowers in first year of planting Zelcova carpinifolia. Also known as Caucasian elm, but not an elm at all,( although it does have some similarities). A fabulous huge but rarely seen tree. The clone ‘ James Gordon’ is particularly fast growing and broadly fastigiate in habit. Thrives on most soils and appears to be very drought resistant. The timber is very dense and strong and said to be durable. Theoretically it can be susceptible to elm bark disease but I have never had any trees suffer from this in 45 years and the wonderful specimen at Tortworth Court, South Glos. ( very near here) has survived through the Elm disease which ravished this area in the early 70s. (the amazing specimen at Tortworth Court Hotel is the clone selected for its fastigiate growth and probably extra vigour, this clone is now called James Gordon ( after the Nurseryman who first distributed it 1760 , typical trees growing in the wild are generally not fastigiate) Tough and easy to grow. Much was written by Susyn Andrews in the 1993 article in the IDS Journal where it was featured as” Tree of the Year” This has been largely superseded by the excellent and detailed description by Dr. Owen Johnson in “Trees and Shrubs online” . Owen chose this tree as Tree of the year in the 2024 annual TROBI yearbook. I offer both the James Gordon clone and the naturally occurring form originally grown here from seed by me and now vegetatively propagated from my own mother trees. Please note, Zelcova carpinifolia is usually a very untidy growing tree when young ( The clone James Gordon is much less so) but with a little formative pruning the wild type form of this tree soon develops from a straggly bushy mess into a fine tree, I have several 25 yr + trees of the typical wild form which I planted here and they are looking very good after 25 years. The wild form could be a good substitute for native English elm although wild type Zelcova has a more spreading habit than the classic English Elm. 180cm. £28.00 larger specimens £42.00 for the typical wild form, also some larger. Zelcova c. ‘James Gordon’ approx 30-40 cm @ £17.00 Loganberry/ Tayberry, Strong plants of a variety with large, prolific and delicious fruits. £8.00 each Abies- The true Firs- Grow luxuriantly and form symmetrical pyramids, some have fragrant foliage and large upright conspicuous cones and most are very drought tolerant. All are grown from seed and some may be hybrids. I do not grow Korean fir because it is one of the least easy Abies to grow, it needs neutral or acidic soil and can make a most attractive small tree for a few years. Abies cephalonica – Grecian fir, very drought tolerant and grows well on limey soils 40cm. £16.00 , 3 for £35.00 and 120cm specimens £32.00. A beautiful rare tree which in my opinion is not planted often enough. There are some good mature specimens I have planted at Mount Pleasant. Abies grandis Grand fir, 45cm £8.00 each or 3 for £20.00 (prefers neutral or acidic soil) Abies nordmanniana 35cm £8.00 and a few much bigger, This species has become the most popular “non needle drop” Christmas tree. It grows and transplants easily in almost any soil and makes a luxuriant large regular shaped tree. Drought resistant Abies alba Abies procera Noble fir, Possibly the most beautiful “Christmas Tree” tough and fast growing but needs neutral or acid soil to grow satisfactorily, bluish soft needles. From £18.00 Abies pinsapo Spanish fir ( and possibly hybrids), 30cm £12.00 each also larger specimens Cryptomeria japonica. Japanese cedar. Not a true cedar and unlike true cedars it is very easy to establish and fast growing. It produces valuable timber much used in Japan. The species is a beautiful distinctive tree quite unlike some of the unattractive slow growing forms of the species planted in suburban gardens in the 1970s. well suited to planting in groups to produce a forest grove (a bit like coast redwood- but it is more cold resistant than coast redwood) 3-4 metres from £45.00 Chamaecyparis lawsoniana- Lawsons cypress. Similar to Leylandii but makes a much more attractive specimen conifer. Slightly slower growing than Leylandii but not nearly as prone to blowing over. Good for large hedges, screening or as a specimen conifer. 120-150cm £13.00 each, 3 for £30.00 also some significantly larger specimens up to 3 metres Juniperus oxycedrus, Columnar growing, very drought tolerant 1.5 metres one only £17.00 Larix- Larch a few but note that the species are susceptible to a phythopthera disease and should not be planted for forestry, but perfectly OK to plant as specimens in open positions where they are very unlikely to succumb to disease. A most beautiful very fast growing deciduous conifer beneath which wild flowers will grow. 100cm £13.00; 3 for £28.00 also some much larger specimens Picea omorica Serbian spruce. Narrow growing most attractive spruce, with weeping branches, conspicuous purple cones and silvery foliage tolerant of dry limey soils 180cm £33.00 Picea sitchensis. Sitka spruce, The most commonly grown commercial forestry conifer in the UK. Grows very fast indeed especially in moist soils and thrives in acidic soils. When young, just like a traditional Christmas tree ( Norway spruce) but with even more attractive blueish needles. The needles are very sharp so this limits Christmas tree use to mainly outdoor trees. Makes a massive majestic specimen tree when given space to develop . Individual specimens, 60-90 cm £6.00 each; 35-45cm £8.50 per ten ; a few larger
Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine, As with Sitka spruce an important and tough very fast growing commercial forestry species. Bright green needles. Various sizes from 30cm to 90 cm priced about £8.00 Pinus sylvestris Scots pine , a few bare root about 5ft. Pseudotsuga menzesii Douglas Fir- A lovely very fast growing tree with soft needles 90cm £10.00, a few much larger up to 2.5 metes

Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood, A few very good specimens available 2-4 metres from £35.00. These trees grow very well and fast here but once they reach about 15m the tops get battered by the wind. On our land in mid Wales which is more sheltered, more fertile and with higher rainfall they grow almost twice as fast with the biggest reaching 25 metres and I metre diameter after 25 years. I have planted hundreds there in a forestry plantation. The timber is potentially of high value. As far as I am aware there has been no selection of individuals which would have better forestry potential than the average specimen ( although dozens of clones have been selected and named with historical interest or with special ornamental features.) It is obvious from my modest plantings that there is great variation in growth habit of my seed grown trees, some being much more suited to quality timber production than others ( all mine were grown from a commercial forestry seed supplier based in USA). I hope to discover whether any specimens have been selected and propagated for forestry use.

Sequoia sempervirens Cantab A very rare and attractive form of the coast redwood which can be grown in a smaller garden. Over the years I have sold quite a few of these and they are now quite popular and I have only a few left and will not be growing any more as it takes a long time to get them to saleable size. The plants we normally sell have a proper leader and will grow into normal shaped trees.( it can be grown as a prostrate form, and in the very early years that is the tendency) Slower than the normal form and will grow into a proper single stem tree about 15 metres +high but not make a gigantic tree. It has attractive and interesting flattened needles. Potted this autumn.40 cm £27.00 : 150 cm, dug with rootball £ 55.00 also a few larger specimens to be dug with rootball. Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant redwood, Wellingtonia- 100-150 . I have planted a lot of this species on our land here in Rockhampton, mainly because it thrives here despite the waterlogged conditions most winters and the droughts most Summers.( very few other conifers will grow as well here). The biggest specimen here is about 25 metres high and needs 3 adults to get their arms round it ( planted in 1979). In the very wet spots I mound plant them. In contrast to the Coast Redwood the Giant Redwood generally grow much better here than on our better land in mid Wales. There was an item on BBC news on 13.3.24 about Giant Redwoods ( as distinct from Coast Redwoods) in the UK, it stated that there were an estimated half million in the UK compared to only 80 thousand remaining in California.( this figure is an estimate of those remaining in their very limited natural range) I suspect the reported figure of half million in the U.K. included at least some of the Coast redwood planted in the UK.,. There were a lot of over simplifications, if not actual errors in the news item. I found this surprising since there are many experts on these trees in the UK they could have asked, for example staff at the National conifer arboretum at Bedgebury in the home counties. It seems the information given was taken straight from Wikipedia.( no implication that there is anything wrong with their information) I have just noticed on the Web an interesting American not for profit organisation called Propagationnation.us, If you google this there is a lot of very well presented information, one of the projects they have underway is the propagation of 12 thousand Sequoia sempervirens for planting out in the next couple of years, their ambition is to plant a million in the US in the next decade or so ( most of these to be planted in parts of the US where it does not grow naturally) They describe Sequoias as “Carbon sequestration Powerhouses”, not a bad description. I have no real idea of the number of Coast Redwoods remaining in their long coastal natural range along the West coast of the USA between approximately San Francisco and Portland, but there are probably up to a few million. The website Redwood World is a British website has lots of information about both Giant and Coast Redwoods, mainly in the U.K..

Taxus baccata , A few specimens which I have grown for my own planting which are now surplus to my requirements. Excellent quality, the bigger ones are dug by machine so with very big natural root masses. Sizes 2ft to 6ft from £8.00 each Thuja plicata- Western red cedar-Beautiful, Potentially huge tree, very characterful when old. Fast growing. A superior conifer for hedging or topiary since it can be cut back hard and will resprout from older wood. Very durable timber modest numbers of small sizes and up to 3 metres high. Tsuga heterophylla Western hemlock, a most beautiful, elegant shade tolerant conifer, very fast growing with drooping branches, prefers moist soil and a reasonably sheltered position, one of my favourite conifers . 30-40 cm potted £9.00, 3 for £27.00. also larger specimens available

Also a few perennial herbaceous plants such as Paeony ( red and also white), Kirensholmia palmata ( yellow flowers in autumn), Schizostylis ( Hesperantha) coccinea Major ( red flowers in late autumn). Cyclamen hederifolium ( mostly white ones) Euphorbia, a very tall growing ( 1 metre) species called. Several different varieties of Snowdrops also available from mid Jan until late Feb and sometimes wild type daffodils which are naturalised at one of our woods. Pink flowering lily of the valley recently potted. Several varieties of snowdrops are offered all are dug in late Jan or Feb and potted for easy of handling, for most varieties about 5 bulbs per pot and prices for most are about £3.50 per pot or 4 pots for £10.00. A few are a little more expensive and rarities may be significantly more expensive.

G. Locke 13. Nov 2024 e