10 resilient trees for the future

European whitebeam

(Sorbus aria ‘Majestica’ RHS Recommended: AGM)

The spring flowers of European whitebeam are a great nectar source for pollinators and its red berries feed birds in winter. The silvery leaves are covered in fine white hairs, which reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, making it exceptionally drought tolerant. Ultimate height: 8–12m

Persian ironwood

(Parrotia persica)

Making an attractive tree all year round, the Persian ironwood is covered in small red flowers in late winter and spring, while in autumn the leaves turn stunning shades of yellow, red and purple. Hailing from Iran and Azerbaijan, this tree tolerates extreme cold. Ultimate height: 4 – 8m

Parrotia persica makes a fine specimen

Autumn colour is a highlight of the Persian ironwood

Chinese seven son flower tree

(Heptacodium miconioides RHS Recommended: AGM)

A top choice for small gardens, the Chinese seven son flower tree is covered in fragrant white blooms from summer to autumn, a magnet for pollinating insects. Its deep root system makes it very tolerant of summer heat and it’s also suitable for exposed coastal settings. Ultimate height: 4 – 6m

Heptacodium miconioides

Turkish hazel

(Corylus colurna)

The large yet slow-growing Turkish hazel tree, from southeast Europe and southwest Asia, has a pyramidal shape and broad leaves. One of the most climate-resilient contenders, it withstands heat, cold, temporary waterlogging and drought. Ultimate height: over 12m

Japanese zelkova

(Zelkova serrata RHS Recommended: AGM)

The sturdy main branches give Japanese zelkova a graceful vase-like form, enhanced by stunning autumn leaf colour and distinctive exfoliating bark. This large shade tree from Japan, China and Taiwan contributes significantly to urban cooling. Ultimate height: over 12m

European crab apple

(Malus ‘Scarlett’ RHS Recommended: AGM)

European crab apples feed wildlife year-round, providing nectar in spring and fruit in autumn. Malus ‘Scarlett’ is perfect for a small space, cheering up any corner with its wonderful purple foliage and fragrant, rich pink flowers. It’s also disease resistant. Ultimate height: 2.5 – 4m

Malus ‘Scarlett’ 

Tulip tree

(Liriodendron tulipifera)

Usually a parkland tree, the northeast American tulip tree also has more compact cultivars that better suit an ordinary back garden. It’s hardy, wind tolerant and highly effective at capturing carbon. Distinctive tulip-shaped blooms appear in summer. Ultimate height: over 12m

Liriodendron tulipifera, at RHS Garden Rosemoor

Pride of India tree

(Koelreuteria paniculata)

Once it’s established, high temperatures and drought are no problem for the pride of India tree from China, Korea and Vietnam. Small yellow flowers appear in conspicuous panicles in summer, followed by unusual lantern-like fruits that persist into winter. Ultimate height: 8 – 12m

Narrow elm

(Ulmus ‘Lobel’)

A narrow elm from the Netherlands with

A branch that grows from the main trunk or trunks.

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants.

bark

Chinese dawn redwood

(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

The Chinese dawn redwood dates back over 65 million years and has learned to cope with just about any conditions. It has beautiful bark and dramatic autumn colour. Be warned that it will eventually grow very tall, so it’s only for the largest gardens.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is an immense and glorious tree