Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford has developed an ‘Original Select’ range to help landscapers, amenity specifiers and gardeners establish resilient native trees that can better withstand climate change and urban pressures.
Carefully curated by the commercial grower’s team following extensive trials, the collection offers enhanced establishment, consistency and long-term performance while retaining the ecological benefits that native species have.
John Lawrence, Amenity Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, says: “As environmental challenges continue to increase, it’s vital that we provide landscapers, local authorities and developers, and even gardeners via our garden centre stockists, with trees that offer dependable performance without losing the valuable characteristics of our native species.
“Our Original Select range has been carefully developed to deliver improved establishment, uniformity and resilience. These trees have undergone extensive trials and have demonstrated significant advantages over standard seedling stock, particularly in challenging urban environments.”
With more than 95 years of horticultural expertise and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, Wyevale Nurseries has developed the range in response to the increasing challenges facing native trees, including climate change and difficult planting environments.
The selected cultivars have been chosen specifically by the leading commercial nursery’s tree production team for their ability to establish successfully in challenging conditions, including drought, compacted soils, fluctuating moisture levels and elevated urban temperatures.
The range has also been developed to maximise ecosystem benefits, including carbon sequestration, urban cooling, stormwater interception, air quality improvement and wildlife habitat provision.
All the Original Select cultivars are also propagated and grown in the UK, supporting plant health security while reducing reliance on imported planting stock.
The collection includes:
Betula pendula ‘Select’ – an upright Silver Birch with distinctive white bark and a narrow canopy suited to urban settings.
Crataegus monogyna ‘Select’ – a vigorous, uniform Hawthorn producing abundant flowers for pollinators and fruits for birds.
Prunus padus ‘Select’ – an upright Bird Cherry selected for stronger foliage colour and resilience in challenging conditions.
Quercus robur ‘Select’ – a specially cultivated English Oak that retains exceptional ecological value while offering a more predictable urban form.
Tilia cordata ‘Select’ – a native Lime selected for urban suitability and improved foliage characteristics.
John explains: “The objective was to identify and propagate the very best examples of native species that can meet the demands of modern landscapes.
“Whether they are being planted in streetscapes, public realm projects, housing developments or landscape schemes, these selections provide greater confidence in long-term success while continuing to support biodiversity and ecological health.
“As a UK grower, we’re proud that all our Original Select cultivars are propagated and produced here in Britain, helping ensure quality, biosecurity and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.”
Wyevale Nurseries continues to invest in sustainable growing methods, including peat-free composts, water-efficient irrigation systems and integrated pest management, ensuring its trees and plants contribute positively to the landscapes and ecosystems they inhabit.
The family-run company has a product selection and a highly knowledgeable and experienced team that’s admired across the industry.
It supplies landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters, landowners and garden centres with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.
