If you don't have the acid soil conditions for a Pieris this species is an excellent substitute.  The hardy shrub becomes a mass of rich copper red shoots as the young leaves unfurl, maturing into dark green leaves as the season progresses.  Plant in a sheltered but sunny position.

Attractive bright white bark, which turns yellow in Autumn, with yellow brown catkins in Spring. An elegant tree for all gardens large or small. Can be grown as a specimen or in a group.

These are slightly tender shrubs although they grow well in Southern regions.  They can be pruned into informal hedging if required.  Escallonia prefers a sunny site on a South facing wall.  Bearing clusters of small tubular flowers between late spring and the autumn.  They thrive in any well drained soil.

N. domestica is a small evergreen shrub with an upright 'bamboo-like' form; purplish leaves in spring and winter; and small, white flowers in large panicles followed by red berries.

With its holly-hock like flowers the tree mallow is an old fashioned cottage garden type shrub.  From early summer they produce a succession of pink flowers.  Lavatera is only moderately hardy and short lived but thrives in any well drained soil and flourishes in alkaline soils.  

Spireas are hardy and easily grown and popular for their wealth of star shaped flowers borne in wide heads or sprays from early spring.  They revel in open and sunny positions.  Dead head after flowering.  The best flowers will be grown on the hardest pruned shrubs.  

This deciduous conifer is one of the best known examples of a living fossil, remaining unchanged for millions of years. It is grown for its attractive shape and the curious fan-shaped leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Female trees produce small plum-like fruits with rancid flesh, though the kernels are edible.