Moist Well Drained
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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 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 suber, commonly known as Cork Oak, is a striking evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It grows large with a short stem and wide-spreading canopy, making it a bold feature in any landscape. Notably, its thick, rugged bark is deeply fissured and harvested for cork production. This unique trait makes it both functional and visually captivating. The tree displays a gnarled, spreading habit with dark green, leathery leaves that reveal a grayish underside. As a result, it adds texture and contrast throughout the year. Thriving in warm, dry climates, Cork Oak prefers well-drained soils and shows excellent drought tolerance once established. It can reach over 15 metres at full maturity. Moreover, its dramatic form and historical use make it an excellent conversation piece. Interestingly, the Latin word suber translates to “cork bark.”
- 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.
- 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.
- Radermachera Everlasting Beauty is a stunning shrub that has glossy, deep green emerald foliage and produces clusters of trumpet shaped, pale pink flowers with yellow throats that are sweetly scented. Flowering occurs during warmer months and flowering can occur multiple times in a season. It has a strong upright growth habit ideal for hedging and border plantings. A hardy shrub that is drought tolerant once established.
- Radermachera sinica, also known as Canton Lace or China Doll, is a sub tropical, fast growing evergreen tree native to Southern China. It has an open, spreading form and features emerald green bipinnate leaves that reach up to 50 cm. In summer, the tree produces long, white, trumpet shaped flowers that create a striking display. It prefers moist, well drained soil in full sun, and should be kept evenly moist during dry periods for best growth. Because young plants are sensitive to cold, they should be protected from frost. Easily pruned to maintain height or shape, making it ideal for hedging or privacy screens. Additionally, it grows well indoors as a houseplant. A mature Radermachera sinica typically reaches around 8 × 5 metres.
- Rhopalostylis baueri var. cheesemanii – Kermadec Island Nikau Kermadec Island Nikau is a native New Zealand palm from the northern Kermadec Island group. Originating from a warmer climate, it grows noticeably faster than other Nikau varieties. This palm features a more open, umbrella-like form with broader fronds. Each leaflet is slightly spaced, giving the foliage a light, airy appearance that adds a tropical feel to any setting. Over time, it develops a trunk marked with rings from fallen leaves. While young, it prefers a shady position but will tolerate full sun as it matures. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a cool root run and benefits from a sheltered location. This makes it ideal for subtropical gardens or protected outdoor spaces. Whether planted as a garden specimen or grown in a large container, it offers year-round appeal. With moderate, slow growth, it can eventually reach up to 10 metres over many years. Cheesemanii is in reference to plants named after the New Zealand botanist Thomas Cheeseman
- Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as NZ Nikau, is a native New Zealand palm with elegant tropical appeal. In its juvenile stage, it produces long, graceful fronds reaching up to 3 metres. Over time, a slender trunk develops, marked with rings from fallen leaves. This trunk is crowned with rich green, fan-like fronds that add lush texture to shaded garden spaces. Nikau palms thrive in partial to full shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They flourish in warm, sheltered environments with protection from strong winds and heavy frosts. For best results, plant in a shady spot with sunlight on the crown and cool, shaded roots. This mimics their natural forest habitat and enhances their appearance. Nikau is an excellent choice for garden specimens or large pots. Though very slow-growing, it can reach 10 metres and more over many years.
- Rhopalostylis sapida ‘Chathamica’ – Chatham or Pitt Island Nikau is a native New Zealand palm originating from the southern Chatham and Pitt Islands. It offers a unique twist on the mainland Nikau. This variety features longer fronds, wider leaflets, and a subtle silvery hue to its stems. Its red fruit are noticeably larger, adding seasonal interest and contrast. Adapted to cooler climates, it tolerates full sun, wind, cold, and coastal conditions better than other Nikau types. It’s also known for its tidier growth habit. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, this palm is ideal for sheltered gardens or coastal landscapes. Its slow growth makes it easy to manage over time. Although very slow-growing, it can eventually form a trunk and reach up to 10 metres over many years, making it a long-term feature in any garden.
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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. - Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the Californian Redwood, is a majestic, fast growing conifer native to the Pacific Coast of North America. Its stately pyramidal form features horizontal branches that slightly droop, while the trunk remains exceptionally straight with thick, rugged bark. These trees thrive in deep, moist, well drained, nutrient rich soils. Because they dislike drying out, its advisable to water them during dry periods, especially when young. Plant in full sun for best results. Californian Redwoods tolerate coastal conditions; however, they do not cope well with harsh winds. They typically grow to around 40 x 12metres yet can exceed 60 metres in ideal environments. Once established, they often grow more than a metre per year, making them an impressive choice for large properties, estates, parks, and reserves
- Native to New Zealand, Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kowhai) is a semi-deciduous tree known for its spreading form and vibrant spring display. It features small, pinnate green leaflets that create a soft, open canopy. Unlike other Kowhai species, Coastal Kowhai does not have a divaricating (Zig-Zag) juvenile stage. Instead, it grows with a naturally elegant structure from an early age, making it easy to identify. In spring, the tree bursts into golden-yellow, tubular flowers arranged in pendulous racemes. These 45mm blooms appear en masse and attract Tui and other nectar-loving birds, adding life and movement to any garden. Coastal Kowhai thrives in moist, well-drained soil and thrives in coastal forest environments. It’s often found on banks overlooking estuarine rivers or sheltered inlets, where it enjoys mild conditions and good drainage. Previously classified as Sophora microphylla, this species is now recognized for its distinct traits. It makes a stunning feature tree in small gardens and typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
- Sophora chathamica ‘Milligold’, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is an evergreen native tree from New Zealand. It features deep green foliage and a compact, graceful weeping form. Branches do not have the divaricating (Zig Zag) form and foliage is larger than the smaller microphylla. In spring, it produces masses of bright yellow flowers which makes a spectacular display and also attracts nectar‑seeking birds such as the Tui. ‘Milligold’ prefers well‑drained, moist soil and should not sit in waterlogged areas to avoid root rot. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. Typically reaching 2–4 meters in height and width, it suits courtyards, smaller gardens, and works beautifully as a container specimen.
