Small Garden Trees
- Acer negundo ‘Kellys Gold’ brings a burst of seasonal brilliance to any garden. This standout deciduous tree is admired for its vibrant foliage and fast growth, making it a striking feature in smaller landscapes. New leaves emerge in a bold butter-yellow, gradually softening to fresh lime-green through summer. As autumn arrives, the foliage shifts back to glowing yellows, ensuring year-round interest and colour. Originating in New Zealand, Kellys Gold is a smart alternative to Ulmus species, which are restricted in Auckland due to Dutch Elm Disease. It reaches around 6m tall by 4m wide but responds well to pruning, allowing easy shaping and maintenance. This versatility makes it ideal for small gardens and urban spaces seeking canopy cover. It creates cool, inviting outdoor areas while thriving in clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained conditions, so avoid overly wet or poorly drained sites.
- Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple, is a deciduous ornamental tree admired for its form and vibrant seasonal colour. Summer sees fresh green foliage transform into a display of oranges, reds, and yellows in autumn. Originating from Japan, Acer Palmatum is best planted in a sheltered spot away from strong winds to protect its delicate leaves. Its compact size and elegant structure make it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden styles—from traditional to contemporary. Ideal as a shade tree for smaller gardens, the Japanese Maple typically reaches around 5 metres tall and 4 metres wide, offering year-round visual interest and appeal.
- Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a small, upright tree that spreads gracefully as it matures. Initially, its robust structure makes it a reliable choice for compact spaces. Moreover, its tidy form suits both formal and informal garden styles. In early spring, large lobed leaves emerge with a pinky-bronze tint. As summer unfolds, they transition to a rich green. Then, in autumn, they explode into what many consider the brightest crimson-scarlet tones of any maple. To ensure healthy growth, plant it in a sunny position with moist, well-drained soil. Additionally, while it tolerates moderate wind, some shelter helps protect its vibrant foliage from damage. Ultimately, with a mature size of approximately 3 x 2 metres, 'Osakazuki' fits beautifully into smaller gardens, courtyards, or large containers. As a result, it offers stunning seasonal colour without overwhelming your space.
- Acer palmatum ‘Scolopendrifolium’ is an elegant deciduous tree originating from Japan. With a strong upright, bushy habit, it creates a graceful presence in the garden. Its long, narrow leaves are bright green, often tipped with soft salmon tones, adding subtle seasonal interest. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into striking shades of apricot, orange, and yellow. These vibrant colours provide a stunning display, ensuring the tree becomes a focal point in smaller gardens and courtyards. This maple thrives in moist, well-drained soil and grows happily in sun or semi-shade. However, it benefits from shelter from wind, which helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps the foliage looking fresh throughout the seasons. Reaching approximately 5m high and 3m wide, it makes an ideal light shade tree. With its compact size, it suits modern landscapes and provides a delicate canopy for outdoor spaces. Interestingly, the epithet Scolopendrifolium was chosen by botanists to describe its deeply cut, finger-like leaves. Resembling small insect legs, these unique shapes give the tree its distinctive character and enduring charm.
- Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a deciduous dwarf maple with a rounded crown and dense, compact growth. Its neat form makes it a striking feature in any garden, while its foliage provides seasonal interest throughout the year. During summer, the leaves display a rich maroon shade. As autumn arrives, they transform into fiery red tones, creating a dramatic display of colour that enhances smaller landscapes and adds warmth to courtyards and patios. ‘Shaina’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position, away from harsh sun and wind. This ensures healthy growth and protects its delicate foliage from scorch, keeping the tree vibrant and attractive. Originating in the United States, ‘Shaina’ is a mutation of the popular ‘Bloodgood’ cultivar. Its compact size and ease of care make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or large decorative pots. Growing to approximately 2m high and wide, it is easily trained to shape. With minimal effort, you can maintain its form, making it a versatile and rewarding ornamental tree for modern outdoor spaces.
- Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’ is a compact, round-headed deciduous tree that adds seasonal colour and structure to any garden. In spring, its rich purple-red, palm-shaped leaves emerge, gradually turning purplish green through summer. By autumn, the foliage transforms into a brilliant crimson, creating a striking display. This cultivar was originally developed at the Trompenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a sheltered spot away from harsh wind and direct sun. Thanks to its modest size, it’s perfect for courtyards or smaller garden spaces. Typically reaching around 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide, this shade-loving tree offers year-round interest and elegance.
- With its origins in North America, Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a compact, upright, deciduous tree that matures into a more rounded form. Its striking blackish-red stems support the deepest purple-red foliage, which remains vibrant throughout the summer months. As autumn arrives, the leaves blaze into fiery red tones, accompanied by decorative seed capsules that add seasonal interest. Acer Bloodgood thrives in moist, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position. Approximate size at maturity being only 5 x 3m, it makes it perfect as a standout feature tree in a smaller garden or courtyard.
- Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ is a compact, deciduous tree with a rounded shape. Native to Japan, it brings seasonal interest throughout the year. In early spring, its soft orange-yellow leaves emerge, gradually turning fresh green by summer. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a brilliant mix of yellows and oranges, creating a striking focal point in any garden. Moreover, Acer Katsura thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is remarkably low-maintenance. While it prefers partial shade, it can also tolerate full sun in cooler regions. Reaching around 4 metres in height and 3 metres in width, ‘Katsura’ is perfect for small gardens, courtyards, or large decorative pots. Its versatility and vibrant colour make it a popular choice for landscape design.
- 4 x 3m
- Small 1-5m
- Moderate
- Tree
- Round
- Deciduous
- Japan
- Acer Palmatum, Acer p. Limelight
- Green
- Yellows, Oranges Reds
- Moist well drained
- Prefers sheltered
- Feature, Small Garden
- Acer palmatum ‘Limelight’ is a small, deciduous Japanese maple with a rounded crown and striking seasonal colour. Its bright green, palmate leaves are divided into five lance-shaped, toothed lobes, flushed with red in spring and turning brilliant yellow orange in autumn. In spring, it produces subtle green flowers followed by winged seed pods tinged with red. This ornamental tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position away from harsh sunlight and strong winds. Reaching approximately 3 metres tall and 2 metres wide, Limelight is an ideal centrepiece for smaller gardens, courtyards, or large decorative pots—offering year-round interest in a compact form.
- Acer palmatum ‘Red Emperor’ is a vigorous deciduous tree with an upright growth habit. Its five large, lobed leaves display a rich purple-red colour, adding dramatic contrast to the garden. As it matures, Red Emperor develops a broad, rounded crown that provides structure and elegance. Originating in the USA, this maple thrives in moist, well-drained soil. For the best colour, plant it in full sunlight. This small specimen tree produces dappled summer shade, making it ideal for gardens and courtyards. It typically grows to around 4 x 4 metres but can reach 8 x 5 metres. With regular pruning, you can easily maintain its shape and height.
- Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ also known as the Coral Bark Maple or Acer palmatum Sango Kaku, is a distinctive deciduous tree with a rounded form and year-round appeal. Its standout feature is the vivid coral-red stems that glow through winter that adds warmth and colour to the garden during the colder months. (Senkaki is Japanese for Coral Tower) In summer, the tree displays lush green palmate leaves that turn brilliant gold in autumn, creating a stunning seasonal transition. This compact maple prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered position away from harsh winds. Growing to approximately 4 metres tall and 3 metres wide, Senkaki is an ideal shade tree for smaller gardens, or as a striking specimen in a courtyard—offering beauty in every season. (Also known as Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’)
- Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a deciduous, compact Japanese maple known for its narrow, upright growth habit and vibrant seasonal colour. In early spring, its new foliage emerges as a brilliant red. As summer arrives, the leaves deepen into a deep salmon-red, and by autumn, they transform into a vivid scarlet, creating a stunning visual display. Interestingly, the name ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ originates from a natural mutation of the well-known ‘Acer Bloodgood’ variety. This unique cultivar was discovered by Mr. Skeeter Rodd at a nursery in Pennsylvania, USA—hence the name. Because of its modest size—reaching approximately 3 meters tall and 1 meter wide—this tree is ideal for smaller gardens, cozy courtyards, or decorative large pots. Moreover, it thrives best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect its delicate foliage. Whether you're designing a compact landscape or adding a splash of colour to a patio, ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ offers year-round interest with minimal space requirements.
- Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen' is a stunning deciduous maple that brings a touch of elegance to any garden. With its compact, weeping form and finely dissected foliage, this Japanese maple showcases deep red-purple leaves on striking scarlet-red stems. Notably, it retains its rich colour throughout summer, before transitioning into a fiery scarlet display in autumn. Because of its shape and modest size—reaching approximately 2.0 x 1.5 metres—it’s ideal for smaller gardens, patios, or as a dramatic focal point in a decorative container. Moreover, it thrives best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position out of direct sunlight. This helps prevent sun scorch on its delicate, lacy leaves. Interestingly, the term “dissectum” refers to the deeply cut nature of the leaves, where the lobes are finely divided, often giving them a feathery or lace-like appearance. As a result, 'Crimson Queen' adds a soft gentle feel to any landscape design. Whether you're creating a tranquil courtyard or enhancing a shaded corner, this maple offers year-round beauty with minimal maintenance
- Acer palmatum dissectum 'Lionheart' is a compact, deciduous tree that begins with an upright habit. As it matures, it gracefully spreads outward, forming a beautifully layered silhouette that adds depth and elegance to any garden. In spring, its finely dissected leaves emerge in a vibrant pink-red. As summer arrives, they deepen to maroon, before turning a brilliant scarlet in autumn. This seasonal colour shift creates year-round visual interest. To thrive, 'Lionheart' prefers a sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct sunlight, as its delicate foliage is prone to sun scorch. With the right care, it remains healthy and vibrant. Reaching approximately 3 x 2 metres, this tree is ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, or even large pots. Its compact size and stunning foliage make it a standout choice for limited spaces.
- Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’ is a graceful Japanese maple admired for its elegant, weeping branches that cascade to the ground, forming a soft, rounded mound. The name dissectum highlights the finely cut, feathery foliage, which brings a delicate texture to any garden. As seasons change, so does its colour palette. In spring, vibrant green-red leaves create a fiery display. By summer, the foliage shifts to a rich green, offering a refreshing contrast. With autumn’s arrival, ‘Orangeola’ returns to its brilliance, once again glowing with warm orange-red tones. This seasonal transformation ensures year-round interest and beauty in smaller landscapes. Compact in size, reaching about 2.5m high by 2.0m wide, it is ideal for courtyards, container planting, or intimate garden spaces. Moreover, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a sheltered position away from harsh sun, strong winds, or prolonged drought.
- Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is a deciduous Japanese maple celebrated for its elegant, mushroom-shaped weeping habit and finely cut crimson-red spring foliage. As the seasons progress, its vibrant leaves maintain their rich colour throughout summer, before turning a brilliant scarlet in autumn, offering year-round visual interest. Because of its compact size, growing to approximately 3 metres tall and 2 metres wide on a low graft, ‘Tamukeyama’ is an excellent accent tree for smaller gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes, or stylish courtyards where space is limited. It is also grafted on a clear stem to form a classic weeping tree shape. Additionally, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered location out of direct sunlight. This helps protect its delicate, lacy leaves from sun scorch. Moreover, the term “dissectum” refers to the deeply divided nature of the foliage, where each lobe is intricately cut to create a feathery, lace-like appearance. This unique texture adds depth and movement to any garden design.
- Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Silk Tree, is a fast-growing, deciduous, compact tree with a wide, spreading canopy. Its delicate, fern-like leaves add a lush texture to any garden. During summer, it bursts into bloom with soft, pink, fluffy flowers that sit gracefully above the foliage. These rounded blossoms resemble silky brushes, creating a striking visual contrast. Although it thrives in hot, dry conditions once established, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. Therefore, regular watering during its early growth phase is beneficial. Interestingly, the name “julibrissin” originates from the Persian phrase gul-i abrisham, meaning “silk flower” or “soft silken threads.” This poetic name reflects the tree’s elegant appearance. Thanks to its umbrella-shaped canopy, the Silk Tree makes an excellent shade tree. It’s ideal for smaller gardens, growing to approximately 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide..
- A striking summer-flowering tree, Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ is a selected form of the Silk Tree, known for its masses of bright rosy pink, tufted blooms that blanket the canopy in warm months. Its soft, fern-like foliage adds a delicate texture and tropical charm. Native to Asia and China, this deciduous tree thrives in warm, sunny positions in moist well drained soils and is easy to grow. It’s hardy and well-suited to a variety of garden styles. With its graceful, umbrella-shaped crown, it provides excellent shade making it a beautiful specimen tree, even in smaller gardens. It typically grows to approximately 5 metres tall and 4 metres wide. The name julibrissin comes from the Persian gul-i abrisham, meaning “silk flower” or “soft silken threads,” a poetic nod to its airy, elegant blooms.
- Alectryon excelsum - Titoki or the New Zealand Oak is one of Aotearoa’s most beloved native trees, prized for its easy care and striking appearance. Its lush, glossy green pinnate leaves with finely serrated edges create a vibrant, tropical feel in any garden. In early summer, Titoki produces unusual sprays of rusty, woolly, petal-less flowers that have a distinctive reddish-brown colour. These are followed by clusters of small, bright red fruit that are attractive to native birds, adding life to your outdoor space. Best suited to sheltered spots with full sun, Titoki thrives in rich, free-draining soil. With its elegant form and attractive foliage, it makes an excellent specimen tree. Mature size: approximately 7 metres tall by 3 metres wide
- Alectryon excelsus 'Grandis', also known as the Three Kings Island Titoki, is a compact, spreading native tree from New Zealand. It’s ideal for smaller gardens thanks to its modest size. Compared to the standard Titoki, 'Grandis' features larger, glossier leaves and a more compact growth habit. This makes it a standout choice for coastal or urban landscapes. In autumn, it produces fruit with seeds that attract and nourish native birdlife. This seasonal interest adds ecological value to your garden. It prefers full sun and thrives in moist, free-draining soil. However, its tolerance for coastal conditions makes it a versatile option for exposed sites. Growing to approximately 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide, it’s an excellent specimen for compact spaces or mixed native plantings.
