Fruit Trees
- Olea europaea ‘El Greco’ – Greek Olive is a compact evergreen olive known for its small green leaves and dense, tidy habit. Often used as a hedging olive, it may produce some fruit if left untrimmed, although this is not typical. This variety prefers moist, well‑drained soil but tolerates dry periods once established. Since it originates from the Mediterranean, it thrives in full sun and copes well with wind and coastal conditions. Because of its naturally dense, bushy form, ‘El Greco’ easily trims into neat low or tall hedges, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It grows to approximately 3 × 2 metres.
- Olea europaea ‘Ascolano’ is a rounded, moderately fast-growing evergreen with a bushy habit. It features silvery-green, leathery leaves and strong, rigid branches. This variety is well known for producing large, mild table olives, making it both ornamental and productive. Ascolano is suitable for hedging or screening and can also be left to grow as a specimen tree. When mature, it reaches approximately 6 x 3 metres, offering structure and beauty in the landscape. Originating from the Marche and Tuscany regions of Italy, Ascolano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates wind, coastal conditions, and dry spells, making it a hardy and versatile choice for gardens.
- Olea europaea, commonly known as the European olive, is a versatile and iconic tree traditionally found throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Although native to this region, it is now widely cultivated across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and South Africa. Just a few of the many varieties include, Kalamata, Koroneiki, Ascolano, El Greco J5 Typically grown as a small tree, the olive is prized for its fruit, which is harvested for oil, eating, or both. Its adaptability and resilience make it a popular choice for a variety of climates and landscapes. Because it originates from the Mediterranean, Olea europaea thrives in full sun, tolerates coastal winds and extended dry periods once established. It performs well in warmer, sunny environments and is remarkably drought tolerant. In addition, it makes a beautiful lightly dappled shade tree. With a mature size of approximately 7 x 3 metres, it’s ideal for gardens, courtyards, or orchard-style plantings, bringing both ornamental charm and practical value.
- The most commonly grown Avocado variety in the world. Forms a handsome round tree with large green tropical looking leaves. Flowers are small, cream. "A" type blossom. Produces medium sized fruit with pebbly thick skin, which darkens when ripe. Smooth texture with high oil content and very nutty rich taste. Self-fertile but will produce better if cross pollinated with a "B" type such as Fuerte or Bacon Harvest November to March. Grows to apx 6 x 4m
- Fig ‘Mrs Williams’ (Ficus carica) This deciduous, compact shrub or small tree features gnarled, twisted branches and bold, tropical-style leaves. Ideally, it should be planted in a sunny, sheltered, location. In addition, it thrives when provided with abundant moisture. Notably, ‘Mrs Williams’ is a well-known hardy selection that produces generous crops of high-quality, large figs. Unlike many other varieties, it ripens earlier in the season, making it a popular choice among gardeners. The fruit is dark in colour—sometimes even purple—with flesh ranging from light amber to rich red. As a result, the figs are sweet, juicy, and perfect for fresh eating or preserving. Typically, the harvest period runs from February to April, but be quick to harvest the fruit before the birds do. Because of its compact size, this fig is ideal for small gardens. Moreover, it tolerates coastal conditions with ease, adding to its versatility. Although it can grow up to 5 x 5 metres, it’s easy to trim to your preferred size and shape. Therefore, it’s a versatile choice for many garden styles
- Apple ‘Granny Smith’ is one of the most iconic apples in New Zealand. Originating in Australia in 1868, this deciduous fruit tree produces apples with a distinctive green skin. Known worldwide, it remains a heritage variety that continues to delight growers and consumers alike. In spring, the tree bursts into life with white flowers tinged with pink. As summer advances, the fruit steadily matures until it reaches harvest time around May each year. This variety is highly prized for its crisp, juicy flesh and refreshing tart flavour. Consequently, it has become a favourite among apple lovers for generations, enjoyed both raw and in cooking. Its unique taste ensures it stands out from other apple varieties. Apple trees thrive best in well-drained, fertile soils. Moreover, they prefer sunny, sheltered positions to maximize fruit production. With the right growing conditions, Granny Smith trees reach a height of 4–5 meters, making them suitable for home orchards and larger gardens. To promote healthy growth, provide seasonal feeding and deep watering during dry spells. Additionally, apply mulch to retain soil moisture and prune annually. These steps encourage abundant fruiting and help maintain the tree’s attractive shape.
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Apple ‘Royal Gala’ Espalier with 3 horizontal levels
Espaliers are a great way to save space, making them ideal for small gardens while still producing abundant fruit. The basic principles of apple espalier involve training branches horizontally along a support and pruning regularly to maintain shape, encourage fruiting spurs, and improve airflow. Pruning is best done in late summer to control growth and in winter to establish structure.- Winter annual Pruning guidelines (Structural Training):
- Focus on shaping the tree.
- Select strong shoots to form horizontal tiers.
- Remove unwanted vertical growth and shorten side shoots to encourage spur formation.
- Summer annual Pruning (Growth Control):
- Best done around December
- Cut back vigorous upright shoots that drain energy but don’t produce fruit.
- Leave short, stubby shoots (spurs), as these are the ones that will bear apples.
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Apple ‘Fuji’ Espalier with 3 horizontal levels
Espaliers are a great way to save space, making them ideal for small gardens while still producing abundant fruit. The basic principles of apple espalier involve training branches horizontally along a support and pruning regularly to maintain shape, encourage fruiting spurs, and improve airflow. Pruning is best done in late summer to control growth and in winter to establish structure.- Winter annual Pruning guidelines (Structural Training):
- Focus on shaping the tree.
- Select strong shoots to form horizontal tiers.
- Remove unwanted vertical growth and shorten side shoots to encourage spur formation.
- Summer annual Pruning (Growth Control):
- Best done around December
- Cut back vigorous upright shoots that drain energy but don’t produce fruit.
- Leave short, stubby shoots (spurs), as these are the ones that will bear apples.
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Apple ‘Granny Smith’ Espalier with 3 horizontal levels.
Espaliers are a great way to save space, making them ideal for small gardens while still producing abundant fruit. The basic principles of apple espalier involve training branches horizontally along a support and pruning regularly to maintain shape, encourage fruiting spurs, and improve airflow. Pruning is best done in late summer to control growth and in winter to establish structure.- Winter annual Pruning guidelines (Structural Training):
- Focus on shaping the tree.
- Select strong shoots to form horizontal tiers.
- Remove unwanted vertical growth and shorten side shoots to encourage spur formation.
- Summer annual Pruning (Growth Control):
- Best done around December
- Cut back vigorous upright shoots that drain energy but don’t produce fruit.
- Leave short, stubby shoots (spurs), as these are the ones that will bear apples.
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Apple 'Braeburn' Espalier with 3 horizontal levels.
Espaliers are a great way to save space, making them ideal for small gardens while still producing abundant fruit. The basic principles of apple espalier involve training branches horizontally along a support and pruning regularly to maintain shape, encourage fruiting spurs, and improve airflow. Pruning is best done in late summer to control growth and in winter to establish structure.- Winter annual Pruning guidelines (Structural Training):
- Focus on shaping the tree.
- Select strong shoots to form horizontal tiers.
- Remove unwanted vertical growth and shorten side shoots to encourage spur formation.
- Summer annual Pruning (Growth Control):
- Best done around December
- Cut back vigorous upright shoots that drain energy but don’t produce fruit.
- Leave short, stubby shoots (spurs), as these are the ones that will bear apples.
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Apple 'Cox’s Orange' Espalier with 3 horizontal levels.
Espaliers are a great way to save space, making them ideal for small gardens while still producing abundant fruit. The basic principles of apple espalier involve training branches horizontally along a support and pruning regularly to maintain shape, encourage fruiting spurs, and improve airflow. Pruning is best done in late summer to control growth and in winter to establish structure.- Winter annual Pruning guidelines (Structural Training):
- Focus on shaping the tree.
- Select strong shoots to form horizontal tiers.
- Remove unwanted vertical growth and shorten side shoots to encourage spur formation.
- Summer annual Pruning (Growth Control):
- Best done around December
- Cut back vigorous upright shoots that drain energy but don’t produce fruit.
- Leave short, stubby shoots (spurs), as these are the ones that will bear apples.
- Apple ‘Cox’s Orange’ is a deciduous fruit tree that produces greenish-yellow apples with striking orange-red striping. Widely regarded as one of the finest apples ever grown, it combines beauty with exceptional flavour. In spring, the tree bursts into life with white flowers blushed pink. As summer progresses, the fruit matures until it is ready for harvest between January and February. This heritage variety is prized for its rich, aromatic flesh with a subtle nutty flavour. Its unique taste has made it a favourite among apple enthusiasts for generations. Apple trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soils and prefer a sunny, sheltered position to maximize fruit production. With the right conditions, they grow to a height of 4–5 meters. To ensure healthy growth, provide seasonal feeding and deep watering during dry spells. Additionally, apply mulch to retain moisture and prune annually to shape the tree and encourage abundant fruiting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Pear ‘ Williams Bon Chretien’ (Pyrus communis) is a large long necked, green- yellow fruit, that is ideal for eating and bottling. Harvest is apx Feb March. Branches are more horizontal making it an excellent choice for espaliering. Also known as the Bartlett pear. HERITAGE Pollinators: Beurre Bosc Winter Nelis, Conference, Doyenne du Comice.
