Grown for Scottish Weather: Inside McLaren's Nurseries, Uplawmoor
How a family nursery on the edge of Glasgow grows hardy plants for Scottish gardens, and why plants raised in a tougher climate make a good bet anywhere in the UK.
Most plants sold in UK garden centres start life somewhere else, often under glass on the Continent. McLaren's Nurseries does it the other way round. Since 1973, the family-run nursery at Uplawmoor, on the south-western edge of Glasgow, has grown its plants outdoors in Scottish conditions. By range of plants, it is the largest nursery in Scotland.
What they grow
The range is broad: more than 3,200 varieties across herbaceous perennials, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, ornamental grasses, trees, rhododendrons and azaleas, fruit trees and larger specimen plants.
Three the nursery is proud of right now:
- Photinia x fraseri 'Louise': a variegated cousin of the familiar 'Red Robin', with cream-edged leaves and bright red new growth. It makes a striking evergreen hedge or standalone shrub.
- Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki': one of the most reliable Japanese maples for autumn colour, turning a fiery scarlet each October.
- Amelanchier lamarckii: the snowy mespilus. White blossom in spring, berries for the birds in summer and rich autumn colour, and as tough as they come.
Why "grown in Scotland" matters
A plant raised in a mild, sheltered polytunnel can struggle when it meets a cold, wet British winter. McLaren's grows for the conditions its plants will actually face, and mixes its own compost on site to a recipe developed over many years. The idea is simple: a plant that has already coped with a Renfrewshire winter has a head start in most UK gardens.
Who they supply
McLaren's supplies garden centres, landscapers, golf courses, charities, architects and home gardeners, whether you need one plant or several thousand. Home gardeners can order for delivery anywhere in the UK, or collect from the nursery seven days a week.
You can browse McLaren's plants on ComparePlants and see their prices alongside other UK nurseries.
Visiting
McLaren's Nurseries, Lochlibo Road, Uplawmoor. The nursery holds a three-star VisitScotland award. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm.