Flowering Trees
- Camellia japonica ‘Roger Hall’ is an evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage. In early summer, bright red, small to medium, formal double flowers create a striking display that brightens the garden. Moreover, Japonica camellias are versatile. They make excellent hedges, yet they also shine as stand-alone small trees. Plant them in full sun or shaded areas, ensuring well-drained acidic soil for best results. After flowering, prune to encourage bushy growth. Alternatively, allow the plant to develop into a larger screen. In addition, this camellia can be planted in larger pots and also suits topiary work, offering flexibility for different garden designs.
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ is among the most popular flowering camellias. This moderately fast-growing upright shrub showcases white blooms from autumn through winter. Each flower features a ruffled edge, a bright cluster of golden stamens at the centre, and a delightful fragrance that enhances the garden. In addition to its flowers, the shrub offers dense, glossy green foliage. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a striking standalone specimen or shaped as a topiary. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Setsugeka’ are now bred worldwide. As a result, they are admired for their ornamental appeal and adaptability, making them suitable for diverse garden styles and climates. For best results, position this plant in full sun or dappled shade. To ensure healthy growth, place it in well-draining, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Moreover, pruning after flowering promotes bushier and more compact growth. Typically, this variety grows to around 2.5m tall and 2.0m wide; however, it can be allowed to expand further, creating an effective screen in the garden
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Early Pearly’ is a moderately fast-growing upright shrub that adds seasonal colour to the garden. Beginning in autumn and continuing through winter, it showcases small, formal double blooms with a soft blush of pink and a subtle fragrance. In addition to its flowers, the plant features dense, glossy green foliage—making it an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a striking standalone specimen. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Early Pearly’ are now bred globally for their ornamental appeal and adaptability. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. After flowering, pruning will encourage bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches approximately 2.0m tall by 1.5m wide; however, it can be allowed to grow larger to form an effective screen
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Paradise Helen’ is a moderately fast-growing upright shrub. In autumn and continuing into winter, it showcases masses of pink buds that open into dazzling double white flowers with bright yellow stamens, creating a striking seasonal display. In addition to its blooms, the shrub features dense, glossy green foliage. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a bold standalone specimen. ‘Paradise Helen’ is an Australian-bred cultivar of the Camellia sasanqua species, which is native to China and Japan. It was developed by Paradise Plants, highlighting its strong ornamental appeal and adaptability. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Furthermore, pruning after flowering encourages bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches about 2.5m tall by 2.0m wide, yet it can grow larger to form an effective screen
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Silver Dollar’ is a compact evergreen shrub that grows smaller in size yet makes a big impact. From autumn into winter, it produces pure white, ruffled double flowers of medium size, adding elegance to the garden. In addition to its blooms, the shrub displays dense, glossy green foliage. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be shaped into topiaries or grown as a striking specimen. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Silver Dollar’ are now bred worldwide. As a result, they are valued for their ornamental appeal and adaptability across different climates and garden styles. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Furthermore, pruning after flowering encourages bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches around 2.0m tall by 1.5m wide, yet it can grow larger to form an effective screen.
- Carpodetus serratus – Putaputaweta is a small, rounded evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its upright branches carry dark green serrated leaves, giving the tree a distinctive texture and form. In early summer, masses of tiny white flowers appear, creating a delicate display. This tree prefers a sheltered site and tolerates damp conditions, making it versatile in challenging environments. Moreover, Putaputaweta occurs across diverse habitats, from coastal areas to mountain regions, along streams and forest edges. Growing to approximately 5m high and 3m wide, it makes an excellent small shade tree. Interestingly, the epithet serratus comes from Latin, meaning “saw-toothed” or “serrated” and refers to the leaves.
- Ceratopetalum gummiferum, known as the New South Wales Christmas Bush, is a small evergreen tree native to Australia. Its narrow leaves emerge pinkish-bronze before maturing to dark green, creating year-round interest in the garden. In summer, clusters of small white flowers in creamy bracts transform into vivid red-pink, completely covering the tree. This spectacular display occurs around Christmas, making it a highly popular choice. This is where the common name comes from...New South Wales Christmas Bush It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil, yet tolerates drier conditions once established. Growing to approximately 5 × 3 metres, it can be trimmed easily and works beautifully as a large screen or feature plant.
- Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is a small, deciduous tree with an open, spreading habit that gradually matures into a broad, rounded crown. In early spring, masses of small magenta, pea-like flowers burst into bloom on bare branches, creating a striking display before the foliage emerges. Soon after flowering, rich purple-red, heart-shaped leaves appear, adding depth and colour to the garden. As autumn approaches, these leaves transition into warm tones of orange and bronze, offering a final flourish before winter. Because of its compact size reaching approximately 3.5 x 3.0 metres, ‘Forest Pansy’ is an excellent feature tree for smaller gardens or courtyards. It responds well to pruning, making it easy to maintain a tidy shape. Additionally, it tolerates clay soils, although wet or poorly drained conditions should be avoided. For best results, plant in a more sheltered position to protect its delicate foliage. Interestingly, this tree originates from North America, and its Latin name canadensis fittingly means “of Canada” or “from Canada.” Whether you're designing a colourful garden or seeking a low-maintenance ornamental tree, ‘Forest Pansy’ delivers beauty across all seasons.
- 3.5 x 3.0m
- Small 1-5m
- Moderate - Fast
- Tree
- Round-Spreading
- Deciduous
- North America
- Prunus Thundercloud, Fagus Riversii, Fagus Sylv Purp, Acer Tamukeyama, Fraxinus Raywoodii, Acer Bloodgood.
- Purple-Red
- Oranges and Bronze
- Magenta
- No
- Moist well drained, Tolerates Clay
- Prefers Sheltered
- Small gardens, Courtyards
- Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' is a small, deciduous tree with an open, spreading habit that gradually matures into a broad, rounded crown. In early spring, masses of small magenta, pea-like flowers burst into bloom on bare branches, creating a striking display before the foliage emerges. Soon after flowering, golden yellow, heart-shaped leaves appear, adding light and colour to the garden. As autumn approaches, these leaves transition into warm tones of orange and bronze, offering a final flourish before winter. Because of its compact size reaching approximately 3.5 x 3.0 metres, ‘Hearts of Gold’ is an excellent feature tree for smaller gardens or courtyards. It responds well to pruning, making it easy to maintain a tidy shape. Additionally, it tolerates clay soils, although wet or poorly drained conditions should be avoided. For best results, plant in a more sheltered position to protect its delicate foliage. Interestingly, The 'Hearts of Gold' redbud was discovered in 2002 by Jon Roethling in a private garden in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. It was then propagated and introduced to the market by Hidden Hollow Nursery in Tennessee.
- 3.5 x 3.0m
- Small 1-5m
- Moderate - Fast
- Tree
- Round-Spreading
- Deciduous
- North America
- Yellow
- Oranges and Bronze
- Magenta
- No
- Moist well drained, Tolerates Clay
- Prefers Sheltered
- Small gardens, Courtyards
- Cercis canadensis ‘Texas White’ is a small, deciduous tree with a rounded, vase‑like shape. Delicate branches reach upward and feature large, handsome, heart‑shaped leaves that shine green through summer and turn bright yellow in autumn. In early spring, masses of pure white, pea‑shaped flowers appear on the bare branches, creating a striking display. Moreover, this variety performs best in a sheltered position with moist, well‑drained soil and full sun. It grows to approximately 4 × 2.5 m, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens. It also trims easily to maintain shape and height.
- Cordyline australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree or Ti Kouka, is a striking native tree found throughout New Zealand. With its upright trunk and clusters of long, drooping leaves—often reaching up to 1 metre—it resembles a palm and adds architectural flair to any landscape. In late spring, this hardy tree bursts into large heads of creamy white, scented flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators. As summer progresses, the tree produces fruit that draws native birds from January to April, enhancing biodiversity in your garden or property. Cordyline australis thrives in a wide range of environments—from swampy wetlands to dry, windy hill slopes. It’s commonly seen across farmland, open spaces, and scrubland in both the North and South Islands. While it tolerates clay soils, it performs best in free-draining ground and is resistant to coastal winds and harsh conditions. The name “Cabbage Tree” arose from early European settlers who, like Maori, used the tender heart-shoots as a vegetable. Its Latin name, australis, fittingly means “southern” or “of the south,” reflecting its deep roots in New Zealand’s southern landscapes. This iconic tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 2 metres wide, making it a bold and resilient choice for coastal gardens, rural properties, and native restoration projects.
- 6 x 2m
- Medium 5-10m
- Slow - Moderate
- Palm
- Upright
- New Zealand/div>
- Nikau Palms
- Green
- White
- Fragrant
- Dry once established, Damp-Wet, Clay
- Coastal, Windy, Hardy
- Bird Feeding, Small Gardens
- Cornus ‘Eddies White Wonder’ is a compact deciduous tree with tiered, cascading branches and broad lime-green leaves. Its graceful form makes it a standout choice for smaller gardens. In spring, creamy-white flowers cover the branches, creating a stunning display. These blooms are followed by clusters of bright red berries, which attract birds and add seasonal interest. By autumn, the foliage transforms into spectacular shades of red and orange. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil, full sun, and sheltered spots. Reaching around 4 x 3 metres, it can be easily trimmed to maintain height and shape. As a result, it is the perfect specimen tree for limited spaces, offering beauty across all seasons.
- Corokia virgata ‘Geenty’s Green’ is a compact, bushy shrub native to New Zealand, celebrated for its vibrant green foliage and star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. These are followed by small dark red berries that attract native birds, adding seasonal interest and biodiversity to your garden. Ideal for hedging, this versatile plant trims neatly into a tidy shape, ideal for low hedges or borders in larger or smaller gardens. It can be left to grow naturally into a larger screen as well. Once established, it thrives in exposed coastal, windy or dry conditions, making it a resilient choice for challenging sites. Mature plants reach approximately 2 metres high by 1.2 metres wide. Named in honour of New Zealand plantsman and Corokia enthusiast Mike Geenty, this cultivar has the Latin virgata, meaning “twiggy”—a reference to its fine branching structure.
- Cunonia capensis, commonly known as Butter Knife Bush, is a compact evergreen tree. Its tropical dark green leaves are accented by reddish stems, while new growth emerges in a striking bronze hue. In late summer, it produces long, showy panicles of scented flowers with a bottlebrush-like appearance. These blooms add vibrant seasonal interest and attract pollinators to the garden. The tree’s name comes from its large stipules, which press together around the growth tip like a butter knife. “Capensis” refers to its origin near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This beautiful tree suits smaller gardens perfectly. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, moist soil. Expect it to reach around 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide.
- Didymocheton spectabilis – Kohekohe is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Found naturally in coastal forests across the North Island, it grows quickly and forms a handsome canopy, ideal for coastal gardens. Its large, tropical-looking leaves can reach up to 40cm long. From March to June, elegant, small waxy white flowers bloom directly from the trunk and branches, followed by fruit that enhances its exotic appeal. Kohekohe prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It tolerates coastal conditions but dislikes waterlogged areas. In ten years, it typically reaches around 10 x 4 metres. At full maturity, it can grow up to 15 metres tall. Formerly known as Dysoxylum spectabilis, it remains a standout choice for native planting schemes.
- Dodonaea viscosa also known as Ake Ake, is a small, spreading evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its long, leathery light green leaves bring a fresh, vibrant look to any landscape. In summer, it produces unusual yellow-green papery flower clusters, adding seasonal interest. Once established, Ake Ake is highly tolerant of dry, sandy or rocky soils, salt spray, wind, and drought, but prefers a moist well drained soil. This hardy tree thrives in full sun and is ideal for exposed or coastal sites. It works beautifully as a windbreak or privacy screen in tough conditions. To maintain a dense, bushy form, regular trimming is recommended. Typically, it grows to around 3.5 metres high and 2 metres wide.
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ – Purple Akeake is a tough, upright native New Zealand tree with bold, glossy purple-red foliage that deepens in colour during the cooler months. In summer, it puts on a show with unusual light red to purple papery flower clusters that add a rugged splash of contrast. Over time, Purple Akeake spreads out, making it a good choice for privacy screening or adding colour into compact garden spaces. It handles a wide range of soil types, salt spray, wind, and drought once established—but thrives best in moist, well-drained soil. Trim regularly to maintain a dense, bushy form. The name viscosa refers to the sticky texture of its seeds. Grows to approximately 3.5m high x 2.0m wide.
- Feijoa sellowiana – Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a smaller, fast-growing, evergreen tree with a compact, rounded shape. Its stout, leathery green leaves give it a lush, tropical appearance, ideal for adding texture to garden spaces. Native to South America, Feijoa is among the hardiest subtropical fruit trees. It tolerates light frost and produces abundant fruit from April to June, which drops easily when ripe. Sellowiana is the parent species of many popular grafted and cutting-grown cultivars. It thrives in full sun and prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Typically reaching around 4 x 3 metres tall they are easily trimmed to shape and make an excellent hedge, screen or stand-alone fruit tree. Ideal for a smaller garden.
- Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as Evergreen Ash, is a fast-growing tree with a rounded form. Its dark green pinnate leaflets create lush foliage, while masses of small white fragrant flowers appear in large, loose panicles during spring, almost covering the entire tree. This hardy tree performs best in well-drained soil and becomes drought tolerant once established. However, avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot. Although evergreen, Evergreen Ash can become semi-deciduous in colder climates. It grows to around 6 x 4 metres, forming a beautiful shade tree for gardens and landscapes. The tree is easily clipped to maintain shape and height, making it versatile for design. Very hardy, it also thrives in industrial sites, carparks, and coastal areas, offering resilience and reliability in challenging conditions.
- Gordonia axillaris – Fried Egg Tree is a compact evergreen tree with dark, glossy green foliage. Native to China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, it grows slowly, making it ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited. From April to September, large single white flowers appear, ruffled at the edges with bright yellow stamens in the centre. These blooms resemble fried eggs and are also similar to some camellia flowers, creating a striking seasonal display. This tree prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to part shade. Moreover, it is easy to maintain, allowing you to shape and control its height with minimal effort. Growing to approximately 4 x 3 metres, Gordonia axillaris makes a charming shade tree and a beautiful feature for smaller landscapes.
