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Tree-mendous new seeds to try

Seeds harvested from five of the RHS’ more unusual trees are being offered to members five

This year’s RHS Seed Scheme opens to members on 21 November  and includes Catalpa bignonioides AGM (Indian bean tree), Liriodendron tulipifera AGM (tulip tree), Paulownia tomentosa AGM (foxglove tree), Trachycarpus fortunei AGM (Chusan palm)  and Trochodendron aralioides (wheel tree). The annual scheme, which has run for more than a century, gives members the chance to buy 10 packets of seed harvested from 180 plant species across RHS Gardens for £10. As well  as trees, the list contains annuals, herbaceous

perennials and shrubs – all offered on a first come, first served basis.

Tony Kirkham, expert on trees and Chair  of the RHS Woody Plant Committee, encourages members to try growing trees from seed. “I’ve been growing trees for 50 years, but it’s still  so exciting to see them germinate and grow  big enough to plant outside,” he says.

There’s nothing better or more rewarding, especially for children.


“I’ve grown all the trees on this list – all are pretty reliable and grow easily in the UK climate. They can be sown at any time so you don’t have to wait until spring. They won’t need a heated greenhouse  to germinate, but they’re better started under  a

cloche or in a cold frame, so that snow and water doesn’t rot them.”

Planting trees, especially these trees, will also benefit the planet, he says. “By 2050 the predicted climate in southern Britain will be the same as it is in Barcelona today. We need  to be looking at planting more non-native  trees that are already growing in other countries with our predicted climate. The seeds on this list are all strong examples that I’d recommend growing for the future.”



Order your seed scheme seeds  


Catalpa bignonioides AGM (Indian bean tree)


A medium-size deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and masses of pretty white bell-shaped blooms in conical panicles in summer.

  • H10m
Discover more about this tree

Liriodendron tulipifera AGM (tulip tree)


Large deciduous tree with unusual four-lobed leaves that turn yellow  in autumn. Bears tulip-shaped yellow-green flowers in summer.
 

  • H20m
Discover more on this tree

Paulownia tomentosa AGM (Foxglove tree)


A handsome medium-sized deciduous tree with scented foxglove-like lilac-purple flowers in large panicles in spring. 

  • H10m
Discover more about this tree

Trachycarpus fortunei AGM (Chusan palm)


One of the hardiest of all palms, it has deeply divided fan-shaped leaves. Large arching sprays of golden flowers in late spring.

  • H8m
Discover more on this tree

Trochodendron aralioidesAGM (wheel tree)


A tree in its native Japan, in the UK this is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with candles of lime-green flowers held above whorls of leaves.

  • H4m
Discover more about this tree

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.