Deciduous trees
- Taxodium distichum – Swamp Cypress, is a vigorous, deciduous conifer known for its striking pyramidal shape with origins in the United States. This bold tree adds structure to any larger landscape. In spring and summer, its soft, green needle-like foliage creates a lush canopy. As autumn arrives, the leaves shift to brilliant shades of golden yellow, warm orange, and rich brown—an eye-catching seasonal transformation. Remarkably tolerant of wet soils, Swamp Cypress thrives near ponds, streams, and other damp areas. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for wetland gardens or low-lying spaces. Typically, it reaches around 9 x 4 metres within ten years. At full maturity, it can grow to an impressive 25+ x 10 metres, offering long-term impact and shade. Interestingly, the species name distichum means “two-ranked,” referring to the elegant, two-rowed arrangement of its leaves along the branches.
- Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ is a small, deciduous, umbrella shaped weeping tree. Its stiff yellow brown branches hang gracefully and hold small, green serrated leaves that shift to yellow green in autumn. In early spring, large silver grey catkins with bright yellow anthers appear before the foliage. This charming cultivar entered commercial production in 1853, introduced by Thomas Lang of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. Since then, it has remained a popular choice for gardeners. Kilmarnock willow thrives in moist to wet, sunny locations. Because it is hardy and adaptable, it suits small gardens, containers, and areas with poor drainage. The final height depends entirely on the graft point, as all growth weeps downward from that position.
- Salix babylonica, commonly known as Weeping Willow, is a medium to large deciduous tree with a wide-spreading canopy. Its graceful, pendulous branches carry narrow, light green leaves that cascade to the ground. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a soft yellow, adding seasonal charm. In spring, slender catkins emerge alongside fresh leaves, attracting bees and enhancing biodiversity. Because of its fast growth and tolerance for wet soil, this tree thrives near streams, ponds, or in damp areas. It also makes an excellent shade tree for large gardens or on farmland for livestock. Weeping Willow prefers full sun and typically grows to around 12 metres tall and 12 metres wide, offering both beauty and function
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- Description
A stunning deciduous tree renowned for its vibrant yellow foliage, it has an elegant oval shape with strong, upright branches. The new growth emerges in shades of orange, gradually maturing into a rich golden yellow that lasts from spring through to autumn. Long white racemes of flowers produced in early summer. Spectacular tree suitable for small gardens. Grows to apx 8 x 4m Height x Width 7 x 4 Height Range Medium 5-10m Growth Rate Fast Plant Type Tree Shape Conical Deciduous / Evergreen Deciduous Country of Origin North America Similar to Consider Ginkgo, Gleditsia Sunburst, Acer Kellys Gold, Robinia Freesia, - Leaf
Leaf Colour Yellow Deciduous Leaf Colour Yellow - Flower
Flower Colour Cream Fragrant? No - Uses
Specimen Yes Good Shade Tree? Yes Accent Yes Note: Growth, height and grade information are given in good faith but are subject to natural variables beyond our control. - Quince 'Van Deman' is an attractive tree, or multi-stemmed shrub, which features dark green foliage and very showy blossoms in late spring. With its fast growth and elegant form, it quickly becomes a highlight in the garden. The fruit is large, oblong-pear shaped, and bright yellow-orange. Its pale yellow flesh offers a good, spicy flavour. Early ripening and heavy bearing, it proves hardier than many other cultivars, making it a reliable choice for home orchards. Traditionally, quince has been used in marmalades, jellies, and candies. Today, it is also sought after for pastes and other culinary creations. When cooked, the fruit becomes tender and sweet, while its excellent keeping quality ensures long enjoyment. The Van Deman quince was developed in the United States in the 1890s by horticulturist Luther Burbank, who named it after Dr. H.E. Van Deman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This variety thrives in deep, fertile, well-draining soil. Self-fertile and harvested around March, it grows to approximately 4m high and wide, offering a manageable size for smaller gardens.
- Quince ‘Smyrna’ (Cydonia oblonga ‘Smyrna’) is a deciduous tree, or multi-stemmed shrub, with lush dark green foliage. In late spring, it produces very showy blossoms that bring seasonal charm and elegance to the garden. The fruit is exceptionally large, oblong-pear shaped, and golden yellow. Highly aromatic, it becomes tender and sweet when cooked. Traditionally used in marmalades, jellies, and candies, it is now also prized for pastes and other culinary creations. Fruit from this variety stores well, ensuring long enjoyment. Self-fertile and harvested around March, it provides reliable yields without requiring a pollinator, making it a practical choice for home orchards. Quince has been cultivated since ancient times. Interestingly, the ‘Smyrna’ variety is believed to have originated near the historic city of Smyrna, now modern-day Izmir in Turkey, giving it a rich cultural heritage. Growing to approximately 4m high and wide, it is perfectly suited to smaller gardens. With its manageable size and ornamental appeal, it makes an excellent fruit tree for courtyards and compact landscapes.
- Quercus rubra, commonly known as Northern Red Oak, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It forms a large, impressive specimen with broad, spreading branches. In spring, new leaves emerge a deep, rich red before turning vibrant green through summer.As autumn arrives, the foliage shifts to striking shades of dark red and orange. This tree thrives in full sun and grows best in deep, well‑drained, slightly acidic loam. However, it also adapts well to clay, sandy, and urban soils. Although tolerant of varied conditions, it prefers consistent moisture and dislikes prolonged flooding. Northern Red Oak makes an excellent specimen or shade tree for larger gardens, estates, parks, or reserves. It grows to approximately 10 × 7 metres in ten years and can eventually mature to around 20 metres.
- Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright English Oak is a deciduous, narrow-upright form of the classic English Oak. Its strongly vertical branches hold dark green leaves that turn a warm yellow in autumn. Acorns develop through the season and fall in late autumn. As the tree matures, it gradually shifts from a strict columnar shape to a more pyramidal form. It tolerates clay soils; however, you should avoid planting it in areas that remain overly wet. Because of its tidy structure, it works extremely well for avenue plantings and for compact residential or commercial spaces. It typically reaches around 8 × 3 m in ten years and may grow to 20 × 4 m at full maturity. The name robur in Latin refers to hardwood—especially oak—and also conveys strength, firmness, power, and resilience.
- Quercus robur – English Oak is one of the worlds most recognised trees. It is a deciduous, long‑lived tree native to Europe. It grows into a very large specimen with a broad crown of rugged, open branches. Its dark green leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn, while acorns ripen and fall throughout the season. As it matures, the tree develops short, attractive fissured bark that adds strong visual character. Although it tolerates clay soils, it is best to avoid sites that remain consistently wet. In the Landscape its expansive canopy, it makes an excellent shade tree for parks, reserves, farms, and larger open spaces. The English Oak is also valued for its durable timber. Its heartwood is highly sought after for interior use and quality furniture work. This impressive tree typically reaches around 10 × 6 m in ten years and can surpass 30 m at full maturity. The Latin word robur refers to hardwood, especially oak, and conveys strength, firmness, power, and resilience.
- Quercus palustris – Pin Oak (Swamp Oak) is a deciduous tree native to North America, known for its pyramidal growth habit and distinctive brownish-grey bark. Its deeply cut, glossy green leaves provide lush summer foliage, which eventually transforms into a brilliant scarlet red display in autumn. Notably, the lower branches tend to droop toward the ground, adding architectural interest to its form. The Latin name palustris translates to “of marshland” or “of swamps,” reflecting its natural preference for moist to wet, acidic soil conditions. Pin Oaks tolerate damp to wet environments and thrives best in full sun. In ideal conditions, it can reach approximately 8 x 6 metres within 10 years and may grow to over 20 metres at full maturity—making it an excellent choice for large landscapes or as a commanding shade tree. Whether you're planting in parklands, spacious gardens, or wetland edges, Quercus palustris offers seasonal beauty and structural elegance.
- Quercus coccinea – Scarlet Oak is a majestic deciduous tree that forms a large, stately specimen characterized by an oval crown and upward-reaching branches. Its glossy green, deeply lobed leaves create a lush summer canopy, while in autumn they transform into a brilliant display of scarlet red, which offers exceptional seasonal colour. In addition to its foliage, the bark develops a reddish-brown tinge during winter, adding subtle interest even in the colder months. Native to North America, this oak variety is well-suited to a range of climates. Once established, Scarlet Oak tolerates dry conditions, although it prefers moist, free-draining soil for optimal growth. With its impressive size, reaching approximately 15 x 10 metres in ideal conditions, it makes an outstanding specimen tree or a grand shade tree for larger landscapes. Whether you're designing a parkland setting or enhancing a spacious garden, Quercus coccinea brings structure, beauty, and seasonal interest to any outdoor space.
- Quercus cerris – Turkey Oak is a handsome, wide-spreading deciduous tree native to south-eastern Europe and Western Asia. Its rich green, oblong lobed leaves create a striking display before turning golden yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest to any landscape. This oak thrives in diverse soil types, including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay, though it resents waterlogged conditions. Thanks to its robust root system, it becomes dry tolerant once established. Moreover, it prefers full sun and withstands exposed sites. Growing to approximately 10 x 6m in ten years, Turkey Oak matures to around 25 x 14m. With its impressive size and broad crown, it provides excellent shade, making it a valuable choice for large gardens, parks, or open spaces.
- Quercus canariensis – Algerian or Mirbeck Oak is a large, deciduous tree native to the Western Mediterranean. With a stout trunk and broad crown, it produces striking dark green leaves that create a lush canopy. In warmer climates, it may remain semi-evergreen, offering year-round appeal. This oak thrives in exposed sites, tolerating heat and drier conditions with ease. Moreover, it adapts well to most soils and shows greater tolerance of clay than many other oak species, though it dislikes waterlogged ground. Additionally, Quercus canariensis withstands coastal environments, making it versatile for varied landscapes. It grows approximately 10 x 6m in ten years, and at maturity, it can reach 25 x 25m. With its impressive size and spreading habit, it serves as an excellent shade tree for large gardens or open spaces.
- Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ – Weeping Silver Pear is a compact, oval-rounded ornamental tree. Its graceful, weeping branches are adorned with willow-like, narrow, silver-gray leaves, creating a striking display in any garden. In spring, the Weeping Silver Paer bursts into life with small, white blossoms that cover the tree. Although part of the pear family, its fruit is tiny, sparsely produced, and inedible. This elegant tree traces its origins back to Germany in the 1850s. Over time, it has become a popular choice for gardeners seeking beauty and adaptability. Silver pears thrive in a wide range of soils, including clay. However, they prefer moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Additionally, they tolerate light shade, making them versatile for different garden conditions. Interestingly, salicifolia translates to “leaves like a willow,” inspiring its other common name, the Willow-Leaf Pear. Growing to approximately 2 x 2 meters above the graft point, it is perfect for smaller gardens, as a standout specimen tree, planted into your favourite large pot or trimmed into a standard topiary.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’, commonly known as the Callery Pear, is a deciduous pyramidal shape tree with origins in China. Its dense branching structure supports glossy dark green leaves through summer, which transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and maroon in autumn. In early spring, the tree bursts into a profusion of white blossoms, creating a spectacular floral display. This versatile ornamental tree can be trained into standards and is ideal for small gardens, street plantings, or mass landscaping. It tolerates poor drainage but thrives best in moist, well-drained soils. Reaching approximately 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, Bradford is a beautiful choice for shade, structure, and seasonal interest.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Kea’, or the Callery Pear, is a deciduous, multi‑branched tree with a dense, bushy growth habit. It begins with a pyramidal form but gradually develops a broad, vase‑shaped crown. Its glossy green leaves turn vivid red and burgundy in autumn, while early spring brings a profusion of white flowers that cover the tree.‘Kea’ is a New Zealand‑bred variety developed in Christchurch, which gives it improved tolerance to heavy frost and cold. This adaptable tree trains easily into standards and suits small gardens, street plantings, and mass landscaping projects. Although it prefers well‑drained soil, it also adapts well to heavy, compacted, or intermittently wet conditions and performs best in full sun. Growing to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, ‘Kea’ is an excellent choice for small shade areas or formal avenue planting. It provides year‑round structure and visual interest, making it a reliable feature tree for many landscape styles. Makes an excellent street or avenue tree. Vigorous and hardy.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’, also known as the Callery Pear, is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal shape and origins in China. Its dense, upright branching supports glossy dark green foliage throughout summer, which transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and maroon in autumn. In early spring, the tree produces a stunning display of white blossoms, adding ornamental value to any landscape. This adaptable tree can be trained into standards and is well-suited for small gardens, street plantings, or mass landscaping projects. It tolerates poor drainage but performs best in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, Aristocrat is an excellent choice as a shade tree or for formal avenue planting, offering year-round interest and structure.
- Prunus yedoensis ‘Mountain Haze’ is a compact, deciduous, round-shaped flowering cherry tree with gently arching branches. Although developed in New Zealand, this elegant cultivar traces its origins back to Japan—reflected in its botanical name yedoensis, meaning “of Yedo,” the former name for Tokyo. As the seasons shift, its green summer foliage transforms into a vibrant mix of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In early spring, the tree bursts into bloom with delicate pink flowers featuring deeper centres, creating a soft haze of colour across its bare branches. Because of its modest size—reaching approximately 6 x 5 metres, ‘Mountain Haze’ is an ideal specimen tree for smaller gardens or courtyards. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect its blossoms and foliage from harsh conditions.
- Prunus yedoensis 'Awanui', the Awanui Cherry is a beloved New Zealand-bred flowering cherry, tracing its heritage back to Japan. Renowned for its elegant vase-shaped form and vigorous growth, this ornamental tree features gracefully spreading branches adorned with lush green foliage. In early spring, the tree bursts into a breath taking display of large, single shell-pink blossoms that blanket the branches in soft, pastel clouds. As the seasons shift, its leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of golden yellow and warm orange hues. Prefers moist well drained soil in full sun. Plant in full sun for maximum health. Perfect as a specimen tree, for light shade, or as a standout feature in smaller gardens, the Awanui Cherry typically reaches around 6 metres tall and wide, making it both manageable and magnificent!
- 6 x 6m
- Oranges and Yellows
- A striking and relatively new cultivar, the deciduous tree Prunus yedoensis 'Te Mara' was developed in New Plymouth, New Zealand, with ancestral roots in Japan. This cherry tree has a vigorous, upright growth habit, forming a strong central leader. Rich green leaves provide a lush canopy through the summer, turning brilliant golden-orange in autumn for a dazzling seasonal display. In early spring the tree bursts into masses of delicate, shell-pink single blossoms. These nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for tūī and other nectar-loving birds, making it a beautiful and biodiverse addition to any garden. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives as a Specimen tree, Shade provider, Avenue planting and as stated, a Bird-friendly feature. Moderate to fast-growing, reaching approximately 7 metres tall by 6 metres wide. Noteworthy Alternative: An excellent substitute for Prunus Felix Jury or Prunus Campanulata superba, offering similar charm with its own unique flair.
