Flowering Trees
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 cornifolium – Tawhiri Karo is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This rare Pittosporum variety features leathery, dark green leaves up to 6cm long, arranged in whorls that resemble a vireya rhododendron. In late winter, it produces sweetly scented yellow flowers that add charm and fragrance to sheltered garden spaces. Its unique foliage and blooms make it a standout feature. This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in a sheltered position. It’s ideal for smaller gardens or can be grown successfully in pots. Typically growing to around 2 metres tall and wide, Tawhiri Karo offers structure and interest without overwhelming limited spaces.
- 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 crassifolium ‘Green Lustre’ is a hardy, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Closely related to the standard Karo, it differs in that it features glossy green leaves on top with a soft, felted underside. This compact tree adds texture and depth to any garden. In spring, it blooms with sweetly scented purple flowers. These are especially fragrant during still mornings or calm evenings, adding charm to outdoor spaces. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions and handles windy sites and coastal exposure. Whether trimmed into a neat hedge or left to grow naturally, it forms a dense screen. Typically, it reaches around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prunus campanulata ‘Pink Cloud’ is a fast-growing, deciduous Taiwan Cherry variety that brings vibrant colour and graceful form to the garden. As a hybrid campanulata cultivar, it develops into a small, neat, round-headed specimen with spreading branches—perfect for compact spaces. During summer, its green foliage provides a lush canopy, which gradually shifts to tones of yellow and orange in autumn. Notably, ‘Pink Cloud’ is among the earliest flowering cherry trees, producing masses of soft-pink single blooms from late winter into early spring. These bell-shaped flowers (reflected in the Latin name campanulata, meaning “bell-like”) are a favourite of native Tui, adding life to the garden. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this cherry prefers a sunny, sheltered position for optimal growth and flowering. Because of its manageable size, reaching approximately 5 x 4 metres, it’s an ideal shade tree for smaller urban gardens, courtyards, or lining avenues. Additionally, it can be trimmed to maintain a desired height and shape. Whether you're looking to attract wildlife or add early-season colour, ‘Pink Cloud’ offers charm, structure, and seasonal delight.
- Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ – Purple-Leaf Flowering Plum adds bold colour and seasonal charm to your garden with the Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’, a compact ornamental deciduous tree known for its purple-black foliage and delicate pink spring blossoms. Originally from California, this purple-leaf plum tree features an upright, rounded form, making it an ideal statement tree for smaller gardens. In early spring, its bare stems burst into bloom with single pink flowers, just before the rich foliage emerges—creating a stunning contrast. Throughout summer and into autumn, the vibrant leaves maintain their deep hue, offering year-round interest. Because it prefers moist, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position, it’s a low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Typically growing to approximately 6 x 4 metres, ‘Thundercloud’ is perfect for those seeking a compact ornamental tree that delivers seasonal colour, structure, and visual impact.
- 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.
- Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae' – Mt Fuji is a Japanese cherry tree that forms a smaller, wide-spreading deciduous canopy. With its tiered horizontal branches, it creates a beautiful silhouette that enhances any landscape. As the seasons change, its vibrant green foliage transforms into a brilliant display of oranges and yellows in autumn. Then, in early spring, the tree becomes a breathtaking spectacle as large, profuse white semi-double flowers blanket the branches, evoking the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Interestingly, the name Shirotae translates from Japanese as “white cloth” or simply “white,” perfectly reflecting the tree’s delicate springtime bloom. For best results, plant in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny position. With a mature size of approximately 6 x 5 metres, it makes a beautiful shade tree and an ideal choice for gardens, courtyards, or feature planting. Whether you're seeking seasonal interest or timeless elegance, 'Shirotae' offers both in abundance.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ – Upright Flowering Cherry is a narrow growing deciduous tree with a pillar-like form. Its upright habit makes it ideal for compact spaces or formal planting schemes. In spring, the tree is adorned with large, semi-double pink flowers that carry a light almond fragrance. These blooms stand upright along the branches, creating a vertical display of colour. As the seasons shift, green leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange in autumn. This adds multi-seasonal interest to gardens and courtyards alike. Best grown in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, it also benefits from a sheltered position. Its slow, manageable growth makes it easy to maintain. Originating from Japan, ‘Amanogawa’ translates to “Milky Way” or poetically, “heavenly river.” At maturity, it typically reaches around 6 x 2 metres, making it a graceful yet space-saving choice.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Pink Perfection’ is a graceful, deciduous Japanese flowering cherry tree with an elegant upright, vase-like form. Originally selected in the United Kingdom, this ornamental tree offers year-round appeal. Throughout the seasons, its lush green foliage transforms into a breathtaking autumn display of golden yellow, fiery orange, and rich crimson red. Then, as spring arrives, deep pink buds burst into double blossoms of rosy pink which gradually fade to a delicate soft pink, creating a stunning floral show. Ideally, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny position. Because of its compact size, growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it’s a superb choice for lining avenues, framing pathways, or adding charm to more intimate garden spaces. Whether you're designing a formal landscape or a tranquil retreat, ‘Pink Perfection’ brings elegance, seasonal interest, and timeless beauty to any outdoor setting.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Shimidsu Sakura’ – Moonlight Cherry, is a stunning Japanese flowering cherry tree. This small deciduous tree features a spreading habit with graceful, arching branches Over summer, the foliage is a vibrant green, gradually shifting to yellow and orange hues in autumn, adding seasonal colour and interest. In late spring, buds emerge in soft pink tones, opening into double flowers that begin as pale pink and fade to pure snow white—a breath taking display that enhances any garden. Shimidsu sakura thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered, sunny position. Because of its elegant form and manageable size, it serves beautifully as a feature specimen in smaller landscapes. Typically growing to approximately 4 x 4 metres, Moonlight Cherry is both ornamental and easy to maintain. The name Shimidsu-sakura refers to the specific cultivar, where sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, and Shimidsu is the cultivar name itself.
- Prunus subhirtella 'Falling Snow', commonly known as a White Weeping Cherry, is a smaller-growing ornamental tree typically grafted onto a clear standard. Its elegant, pendulous branches create a soft, cascading effect that adds charm to any landscape. Throughout summer, the tree is adorned with lush green foliage, which gradually transforms into warm shades of orange and yellow in autumn. As spring arrives, the bare branches become covered in a delicate display of blush-pink to snowy-white single blooms—offering a breath taking seasonal highlight. Because of its compact size, ‘Falling Snow’ is an ideal feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, or decorative planting schemes. It thrives best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny, sheltered position to protect its fine foliage and blossoms. Whether planted as a focal point or to soften a garden corner, this weeping cherry brings elegance and seasonal beauty to any outdoor space.
- Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Rosea’ is a deciduous weeping cherry that brings elegance and seasonal beauty to any landscape. Typically grafted onto a clear stem, its slender, arching branches cascade downward, gradually forming a stunning fountain-like silhouette. During summer, the tree is cloaked in lush green foliage, which transitions into warm shades of yellow and orange as autumn arrives. By mid-spring, deep pink buds burst open into delicate single pink flowers, creating a soft display against the bare branches. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this cherry prefers a sunny, sheltered position to protect its fine blossoms and foliage. Because of its compact size and graceful form, ‘Pendula Rosea’ makes an excellent feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, or decorative planting schemes. Whether you're designing a tranquil retreat or adding seasonal interest to a limited space, this weeping cherry offers charm, colour, and structure all year round.
- 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.
