Bird Feeding Trees
- a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }Pear ‘Conference’ (Pyrus communis) is a heritage deciduous fruit tree that originated in England. It shows a strong, upright growth habit, often appearing dense and naturally columnar. Because it grows taller than it does wide, it fits well into many garden spaces. The fruit has a classic long neck, green skin with light russeting, and a juicy, sweet flavour. Trees grow best in full sun and benefit from shelter from strong winds. They also prefer deep, fertile, well‑drained soil. The name ‘Conference’ comes from the National British Pear Conference held in London in 1885, where the variety won first prize. It is partially self‑fertile and typically harvests around March to April. Reaching approximately 4 × 3 metres, it makes an ideal addition to home orchards and gardens.
- Pear Red Bartlett’ is a compact, deciduous fruit tree from the USA. In spring, upright branches carry glossy green leaves and an abundance of white blossom. Then, medium‑to‑large purple‑red fruit form through summer, ripening for harvest in March–April. You can enjoy this versatile pear fresh, preserved, baked, or poached.Moreover, ‘Red Bartlett’ thrives in full sun and moist, well‑drained soil, which improves cropping and ripening. Recommended pollinators include Conference, Doyenne du Comice, Packhams, and Winter Nelis. Finally, it grows to around 4 × 3 metres, so it suits smaller gardens beautifully.
- Pear ‘Winter Cole’ (Pyrus communis) is a vigorous yet compact deciduous tree originating from Australia. Its upright, spreading branches carry fresh green leaves through summer, which then shift to warm yellows and oranges in autumn. In spring, the tree bursts into masses of white blossom, creating a striking display.By late autumn, you can harvest its green, lightly russeted fruit. The pears have juicy, sweet, richly flavored white flesh. They also store exceptionally well, making them ideal for winter eating. As a reliable and prolific cropper, ‘Winter Cole’ suits both beginners and experienced growers. Reaching approximately 4 × 3 metres, this heritage variety is perfect for smaller gardens. It thrives in full sun and moist, well‑drained soil, which helps improve cropping and ripening. Its long cultivation history reflects its enduring quality and charm.
- A very good late eating pear with excellent storage. Small green fruit with reddish russet patches and buttery, rich flavoured flesh. Very hardy, but best in a warm site. Harvest apx April May. Pollinators: Beurre Bosc, William Bon Chretien. HERITAGE
- Persimmon ‘Fuyu’ is a deciduous, small, round, spreading tree with large glossy green leaves. In autumn, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking seasonal display. ‘Fuyu’ is the most popular commercial variety grown. Its medium to large, deep orange fruit is non-astringent, sweet, and of excellent quality. Harvest typically occurs from May to July. The fruit can be eaten fresh like an apple, sliced, dried, or made into jam and chutney. Persimmons prefer moist yet well-drained soil and perform best in full sun. Furthermore, ‘Fuyu’ is self-fertile, making it easy to grow. This variety reaches approximately 5m tall by 4m wide, forming a compact and productive tree. The ‘Fuyu’ persimmon is a Japanese cultivar that originated in China before being introduced to Japan, where it was widely cultivated and admired.
- Pinus pinea – Italian Stone Pine is an evergreen tree celebrated for its edible pine nuts. This striking ornamental species displays long, slender needles typical of pines, adding texture and elegance to any landscape. With its distinctive growth habit, the Italian Stone Pine forms a stout, bushy globe. Over time, it develops a thick trunk and numerous branches that create its signature dense, rounded, and flattened crown. Well-suited to sandy soils, this tree tolerates both wind and coastal conditions. Pine nuts ripen in autumn, offering a seasonal culinary delight. Also suitable as a shade tree. Mature trees typically reach around 8 x 5 metres. However, they can be trimmed to maintain shape and height, making them versatile for gardens, avenues, or larger landscapes.
- Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It forms a rounded shape with smooth, dark green, pointed leathery leaves, creating an attractive and compact appearance. This variety is highly useful for hedging and screening. Small purple flowers, lightly scented and most fragrant in the quiet of early morning or evening, produce seed that attracts small feeding birds. Originating from a windy island in the Cook Strait, it is well-suited to exposed coastal gardens. Moreover, it can withstand salt spray and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 4 x 2 metres, Pittosporum ‘Stephen’s Island’ makes an excellent smaller hedge. When kept trimmed, it maintains bushiness and provides year-round structure and greenery.
- Pittosporum crassifolium - Karo is a compact, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its bushy form and leathery dark green leaves, felted underneath, give it a lush appearance. In spring, it produces sweetly scented purple flowers, especially fragrant during calm mornings or evenings. After flowering, it forms seed capsules that attract and feed native and other small birds. Karo is easily trimmed into a tidy hedge or left to grow as a hardy screen, either trimmed or natural. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions, coastal exposure, and strong winds—making it ideal for challenging sites. This very hardy tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, making it ideal for gardens needing structure and resilience.
- Pittosporum eugenioides – Lemonwood, also known as Tatara, is a moderately fast-growing evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It naturally forms a bushy, pyramidal shape, making it a striking addition to any landscape. Its large green leaves release a refreshing lemon scent when crushed. In spring, clusters of small white-cream flowers bloom with a fragrant aroma. These are followed by black seed capsules that attract native and seed-loving birds. This tree thrives in full sun and prefers free-draining soil. Once established, it tolerates moderately windy conditions. Ideal for medium sized hedging or larger screening, Lemonwood responds beautifully to trimming. It typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, offering both height and density.
- Pittosporum tenuifolium – Kohuhu is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It is the parent plant of many popular cultivars, which have developed from the natural variation found in seed‑grown plants. Within the tenuifolium family, foliage varies widely. Leaves range from deep green to softly variegated or glaucous tones, with both long and short forms. Because of this diversity, many cutting‑grown cultivars have emerged over time. As a tree, Kohuhu grows quickly and develops a dense, rounded habit. It prefers full sun and moist, well‑drained soil. Furthermore, it trims easily, making it ideal for larger screens or compact hedges. In spring, it produces small purple flowers with a sweet fragrance, especially noticeable on still mornings or evenings. Ultimately, Pittosporum tenuifolium reaches approximately 5 × 3 metres.
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- Description
Compact bushy small tree with an excellent rounded habit. Leaves lettuce green small and fresh-looking. Small purple flowers are fragrant in the stillness or morning or evening. Full sun dry tolerant once established. Trims well so ideal as a hedge planted in rows or individually as a specimen or left to grow on as a trimmed screen. Ideal in a smaller garden. Height x Width 3 x 3 Range Small 1-5m Growth Rate Moderate Plant Type Tree Shape Round Country of Origin New Zealand Similar to Consider Other Pittosporums - Leaf
Leaf Colour Green Lime - Flower
Flower Colour Red Purple Fragrant? No - Uses
Screening Yes Hedging Yes Bird Feeding Yes Small Garden Yes Note: Growth, height and grade information are given in good faith but are subject to natural variables beyond our control. - Planchonella costata – Tawapou is a compact, round-spreading coastal tree native to New Zealand. Its glossy, leathery green leaves—pale underneath—add texture and contrast to any garden. In spring, delicate light green flowers appear, followed by 25mm fruit that ripens from green to purple-black by December. These fruits are a favourite of the New Zealand wood pigeon, enhancing local biodiversity. Tawapou can be trimmed into a shelter hedge, making it both functional and attractive. It also serves as an excellent small shade tree in coastal or urban settings. Typically growing to around 6 x 3 meters, it fits well in compact spaces. Interestingly, the name costata refers to the rib-like veins visible on its leaves.
- The Plum ‘Luisa’ (Prunus domestica – European Plum) is a fast-growing, compact deciduous tree with an open habit and dark green foliage. In spring, it bursts into masses of white blossoms that create a striking display.After flowering, the tree produces large, uniquely heart‑shaped plums. They have yellow‑orange skin with very sweet, juicy, yellow flesh, and they are semi‑freestone. You can expect harvests around January to February. This self‑fertile New Zealand variety grows to approximately 5 x 3 metres making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun, which helps maximise cropping and ripening. ‘Luisa’ was originally discovered in Hamilton, making it a uniquely local favourite.
- Podocarpus totara, commonly known as Totara, is a large evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It’s well-suited to spacious landscapes and admired for its strong form and resilience. In its juvenile stage, Totara grows quickly with slender branches and bronze, needle-like foliage. As it matures, growth slows and the tree develops a denser, more branching habit. Eventually, it forms a broad, rounded crown with short, dark green foliage. The stout trunk features rough, reddish-brown bark, adding texture and character. Totara thrives in well-drained soil and, once established, tolerates dry conditions. It’s ideal as a stand-alone specimen, for screening, or clipped into a formal hedge. Under ideal conditions, Totara can reach 20–25 metres at full maturity. In about 10 years, expect growth of approximately 10 x 4 metres.
- Podocarpus totara 'Black Bridge', also known as Upright Totara, is a bushier and more upright form of the native NZ Totara. Unlike the standard Totara, it skips the thin juvenile stage and instead develops a dense, strong structure from an early age. As a result, it offers a robust and tidy appearance right from the start. With a moderate growth rate, this versatile tree is ideal as a stand-alone specimen in areas where space is limited. Alternatively, it can be easily trimmed into a compact hedge or allowed to grow on and shaped into a screen or shelter belt. Furthermore, once established, it tolerates drier conditions well—although it still prefers moist, well-drained soil for optimal health. Thanks to its hardiness and adaptability, 'Totora Black Bridge' is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden styles. Ultimately, it reaches approximately 8 x 5 meters, making it a striking yet manageable feature in any landscape.
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- Podocarpus totara ‘Matapouri Blue’ – Blue Totara is a distinctive New Zealand native Totara with a more upright, open pyramidal form. Its striking blue-grey, needle-like foliage adds unique colour and texture to any landscape. This slow-growing evergreen prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for a range of garden styles and conditions. Ideal as a specimen tree, it can also be trimmed into a hedge or left to grow as a natural screen. Its elegant structure offers year-round interest. In optimal conditions, Blue Totara can reach approximately 7 x 5 metres at maturity.
- Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with dark, glossy green oval leaves. Native to Western Europe, including regions of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, it brings both structure and elegance to garden landscapes. In late spring to summer, it produces white flowers with a subtle hawthorn-like scent, arranged in long, slender racemes. These are soon followed by small fruits, adding further seasonal interest. Moreover, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils, though it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it’s best planted in a sunny, sheltered position to ensure healthy growth. Thanks to its dense foliage and upright habit, Portuguese Laurel is excellent for trimming into formal hedges or shaping into a clipped screen. Additionally, it can be trained as a pleached hedge or sculpted into topiary forms, offering flexibility for both traditional and contemporary garden designs. Typically growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it makes a bold yet refined statement in any outdoor space. The name lusitanica refers to Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for Portugal, highlighting its rich heritage.
- Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’ is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This unusual cultivar stands out with glossy tropical leaves shaped like a duck’s foot, adding a distinct touch to any garden. Moreover, its compact, bushy habit makes it highly popular. Gardeners often use it as a neatly trimmed hedge or clip it into a larger screen, creating structure and style with ease. In addition, Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’ prefers fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, while tolerating coastal conditions and moderate frost once established. It was first discovered by Cyril Watson in 1965 on the slopes of Mt. Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. The plant was named in honour of Watson, who was a renowned botanist and naturalist. Growing to approximately 3 x 2 metres, it offers both resilience and beauty
- Pseudopanax laetus – Large Leaf Five Finger. Native to New Zealand, Pseudopanax laetus is a striking evergreen shrub. It features a rounded, spreading form with deep green, glossy leaves made up of 5–7 broad oval leaflets. Notably, its foliage is the largest among the pseudopanax family. As it matures, this plant quickly becomes a bushy, multi-branched specimen. In spring, clusters of tiny white flowers appear, later developing into purple seeds that attract native birds. Although tolerant of most soil types, it thrives best with consistent moisture. Thanks to its fast growth, it’s ideal as a background or screening plant and can also be trimmed to a desired height. Alternatively, let it grow into a small shade tree. Expect it to reach approximately 5 metres high and 3 metres wide, making it a bold addition to any garden.
- Pseudopanax lessonii – Houpara is an evergreen New Zealand native that grows as a multi-branched shrub or small tree. Fast-growing, it features fleshy, palmate-shaped dark green leaves with three to five leaflets, creating a lush and tropical look. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding life and movement to the garden throughout the year. Houpara can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a hedge or can be clipped to form a larger screen, offering versatility in garden design. This hardy species is ideal for coastal gardens as it withstands salt-laden winds. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and tolerates clay soils, though not waterlogged conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, Houpara makes an excellent choice for structured planting and year-round greenery.
